The Dos and Don'ts of Working Out on a Rowing Machine

Rowing is an incredible exercise that can build lower body strength and improve your endurance. You don’t need a canoe, chute, or body of water to do this exercise either since you can get a home gym rowing machine at Utah Home Fitness. Before you use one, learn about the dos and don’ts of working out on a rowing machine.

Don’t Use a Lot of Resistance

An easy mistake to make with any piece of exercise equipment is starting off with too much weight. For a rowing machine, that translates to using too much resistance. Instead, start off with a lower setting, somewhere between 3 to 6. This will help you get used to the movements and will allow you to take time to focus on your form.

Do Push With Your Legs

As you use a rowing machine, an important thing to keep in mind is to push with your legs, not use your arms. While you will be pulling the bars with your arms as well, your legs should be doing most of the work on a rowing machine. This will help you maintain proper form as you exercise.

Don’t Forget To Breathe

Breathing plays a major role in exercise and can help your performance in ways you might not realize. On a rowing machine, you should breathe out when you push your legs outward and inhale as you return to the front of the machine.

Do Find a Rhythm

In addition to breathing correctly, you will also need to find a rhythm when you are working out on a rowing machine. Continuing to move in and out in a seamless motion will allow you to increase your speed and your resistance, but you will have to get used to the rhythm first.

Don’t Ignore Your Posture

Another key to having good form on a rowing machine is to maintain good posture. If you have bad posture, you run the risk of potentially injuring your back. For good rowing posture, make sure you sit upright and try not to recline too far back when you push your legs out. The rowing handle should come toward your chest during the movement too.

Do Strap Your Feet In

The last thing you need to be conscious of when you are using a rowing machine is to strap your feet in. You will not be able to generate as much force as you want if you don’t stabilize your feet.

These are the dos and don’ts of working out on a rowing machine that you should pay attention to for the best results possible.