ActiveWorkouts5 reasons you should be adding the rowing machine to your workoutsIf you’ve never touched the rower before, now’s the time toWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

ActiveWorkouts5 reasons you should be adding the rowing machine to your workoutsIf you’ve never touched the rower before, now’s the time toWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

If you’ve never touched the rower before, now’s the time to

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Man on rowing machine

(Image credit: Getty Images)

There’s no doubt you’ve probably seen therowing machineat your local gym, but how often do you actually use it? If it’s rarely, or never, then perhaps this is your sign to start. This hybrid piece of kit not only provides plenty of health benefits, but it’ll deliver the best of both worlds too: strength and cardio in one.

Mastering the technique to make sure youavoid common rowing machine mistakesmay take a couple of practices, but the beauty of the rower is that it’s for everyone. You don’t have to be super fit to use it, or ridiculously strong, making it one of the most accessible pieces of fitness equipment. Here’s five reasons why you should add it into your training.

1. It strengthens your entire body

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Man on a rowing machine

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The rowing machine is a total body workout. In fact, according to theAmerican Fitness Professionals Association65-75% of each stroke is leg work, while the other 25-35% utilises your upper body. Plus it uses a whopping 86% of the muscles in your body. It’s therefore an excellent choice for strengthening your entire body and improving muscle endurance.

2. It’s excellent for your cardiovascular fitness

Compound exercises, that recruit multiple muscles in your body, are also brilliant for your cardio fitness  and the rower is no exception. Within just a couple of minutes of rowing you’ll find your breathing gets heavier and your heart rate elevates, so it’s brilliant for boosting overall heart health, your lungs, blood vessels and reducing the likelihood of heart disease.

3. It’s gentle on your joints

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Woman on rowing machine

(Image credit: Getty Images)

4. It can aid weight loss

5. It will chill you out

Once you’ve got into the swing of rowing the smooth pulling motion can actually be extremely therapeutic. Slowing things down on the rower and getting into a rhythm with each stroke can be soothing, not to mention it’s great for boosting endorphins. Of course, it’s not going to beat the benefits of rowing in nature, but if you want to leave the gym in a more of a zen-state, as opposed to buzzing off your head, the rower can be a relaxing finisher.

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