When most people think of cardio, what often comes to their mind are the pictures of treadmills, running shoes or high-intensity interval training. However, the indoor rowing machine has been the one that’s slowly been gaining popularity, particularly owing to its full-body benefits and low-impact versatility.
While this machine was just restricted to competitive rowers and gym corners, rowing machines have gained in popularity, owing to their convenience, effectiveness, and ability to burn calories, while also building strength and endurance. Indoor rowing deserves a top spot in your cardio routine, owing to the following reasons.
- Full-Body Workout in One Move
As compared to the rest of the cardio machines which focus mainly on the lower body, rowing engages up to 85% of your muscles. Every stroke works your legs, core, back, and arms. The push from your legs, the hinge of your core, and the pull of your arms combine to provide strength as well as cardio workout simultaneously. - Remarkable Cardiovascular Benefits
Rowing raises your heart rate rapidly, thereby making it a powerful tool for boosting cardiovascular endurance. Whether you’re doing steady-state rows or high-intensity intervals, the machine adapts to your fitness level and keeps your heart working efficiently. By continuously performing this workout, one can observe an improvement in heart health, apart from other benefits such as reduced blood pressure and increased lung capacity. - Great for Joint Health
For those recovering from injuries or managing joint pain, rowing offers a safe alternative to high-impact exercises like running. The fluid, seated motion places minimal stress on your knees, ankles, and hips, making it ideal for users of all ages and fitness levels. - Burning Calories
Rowing does really burn your calories. Depending on the intensity and body weight, a person would be able to burn approx. 300-600 calories in a 30-minute session. This is because it combines strength and cardio, which helps you burn calories even post-workout as your muscles recover a double win for fat loss and metabolic boost. - Improves Posture and Core Strength
Spending hours at a desk can wreak havoc on your posture. Rowing counteracts this by strengthening your back, shoulders, and core muscles. Over time, regular rowing can help correct imbalances, reduce back pain, and improve overall posture and stability. - Efficiency and Time-Saving
With its total-body engagement and quick calorie burn, rowing is a highly efficient workout that can be included as part of our fitness routine. You only need to have a properly structured 20-minute session that can deliver results, which can equal longer workouts on other machines, making it a time-saving choice for busy schedules. - Mental Health Benefits
Rowing releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress. This is because it requires rhythmic focus and breath control. Most of them find it meditative, offering a moment of calm amidst a hectic day.
Whether you are a veteran athlete or have just started your fitness routine, indoor rowing can fit seamlessly into your routine. It is versatile, scalable, and remarkably effective. So, don’t forget to use the indoor rowing machine as part of your daily workout, because your sure to feel the difference.
