The Benefits of Using the Rowing Machine: Health Pros, Cons, and More

More information on rowing

Is rowing good for your health? Is it a good sport that’s accessible to everyone? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced exerciser, the list below will tell you all about the benefits and problems of rowing.

What is a rowing machine?

The rowing machine is a piece of fitness equipment with a metal rail and a sliding seat. It reproduces rowing movements with a propulsion phase (pulling) and a recovery phase (return).

Invented in 1976, this very popular piece of gym equipment combines weight training and fitness. It works more than 85% of the body’s muscles, so it has an effect on virtually the whole body. There are two main types of rowing machine: the Scandinavian rower and the centre-pull rower.

• The Scandinavian rower (with double oars) has an oar on each side. It requires greater synchronisation of the limbs and the ability to reproduce rowing movements quite similar to those of rowing. Generally not suitable for tall people, the Scandinavian rower encourages targeted work and faster movements than the centre-pull rower.
• The centre-pull rower is easier to manoeuvre than the Scandinavian rower. It requires symmetrical rowing movements and encourages full-body work.

Benefits and advantages

Rowing is an intensive sport with many benefits. Here are just a few of them:

• Rowing works the cardiovascular system, breathing and endurance
• Rowing exercises virtually the whole body
• Rowing is accessible whatever your physical condition
• The rowing machine burns a maximum number of calories

Minuses, disadvantages and harmful effects

The rowing machine has very few disadvantages. First of all, the purchase of this piece of body-building equipment requires a certain budget (between €200 and €1,500). Secondly, along with the treadmill, the rowing machine is one of the most bulky pieces of equipment. So it’s best to use it indoors if you’re short of space. Finally, although the rowing machine is accessible to everyone, it must be used properly. Neglecting the adjustment instructions and adopting the wrong position can expose you to the risk of injury. Finally, if you suffer from back problems, it is advisable to avoid this machine.