Read 47 times since Monday, October 24, 2011
When people are trying to lose weight, get in shape or stay that way, one of the more popular fitness workouts is with a rowing machine. Although it does not resemble a boat in appearance, it does mimic the muscle use and motions involved in rowing. As a result, it gives the home user a workout using more muscles than many other types of fitness machines. This reduces the need for several different pieces of machinery to work several different muscles.
Simulation
Rowing machines use a simulation to a rowboat or college crew racing boat. Rather than holding oars, most rowers feature handlebars with a pulley or alternating pull bars. The system uses resistance in the drive stroke to simulate the pulling motion across the water. Meanwhile, the legs straighten as they push the body backwards. One of the advantages to indoor rowing machines is that they are available 24-hours-a-day regardless of the weather. Unlike a crew boat, there is no concern for water safety which is especially important during a solo workout. Most models offer a display of time, distance, speed and other virtual milestones as a source of motivation. For maximum accuracy, look for an ergometer that was calibrated by the factory.
Exercises
While many people initially think of rowing machines as a single motion piece of equipment, most discover differently after they actually use one. Aside from the traditional rowing motions, there are at least a dozen other exercises that can be performed on rowing machines. For example, the user can draw on the pulley handlebars while standing beside the device for an arms-only workout. Another option is to stay seated and use the leg portion only to move back and forth. A backboard and footplate may be included with the apparatus to offer exercises for other muscles.
Muscle Groups
This machine typically exercises the arms, legs and back. Depending on the exact workout regimen, the user can focus on different muscles equally or focus on one group. The legs, for example, are instrumental in propelling the body back and forth. The main leg muscles that receive attention from rowers include the hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteus maximus, gastrocnemius and soleus. The upper body, arm and shoulder movements primarily work out the biceps, triceps, trapezius, deltoid, extensor, latissimus dorsi and pectoralis muscles. Not only does this strengthen and tone muscles, it increases the range of motion for the user.
Using a simulator is one way to get a total body workout without sacrificing safety, convenience and versatility. When the machine is not in use, many models fold up for easy storage until the next workout session. Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about rowing machines, please visit http://www.kettlerusa.com/.
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