Multi-Muscle Magic: How to Reduce Rowing Machine Mistakes and Maximize Your Workouts

When it comes to exercising at home, there are many different types of equipment that are available and that can give you a great workout. One of the best all-around home exercise equipment pieces you can buy is a rowing machine.

To find a rowing machine model that’s right for you, check out this website for all of the rowing machine latest reviews, and keep reading for our tips on how to correctly use a rowing machine.

Today’s rowing machines range from simple, easy-to-use models to sophisticated machines with all of the bells and whistles to truly take your home workout to the next level. Unfortunately, as straight-forward and simple as a rowing machine may look at first glance, many people often make crucial mistakes while working out that won’t allow them to gain the full potential the machine can provide. If you already own a rowing machine, or are thinking about buying one, here are some common mistakes and ways to avoid them to get the most from your workouts.

Not Understanding How the Machine Works

The first thing you should do before using a rowing machine is to learn about the different parts of the machine and how it works to give you a full-body workout.

While there can be differences from model to model, every rowing machine is built with the same basic design. A rowing machine is built on a long, low platform. At the front end there will be a tank of water or a flywheel that provides resistance when you pull on the handle from a seated position. There is a small platform that you put your feet on to push, and you sit on a seat that is on tracks and moves forward and backward as you row.

Because you use your arms and legs, many different muscles get a good workout, including your calves, quads, abs, glutes, biceps, triceps and deltoids.

Doing Too Much Too Soon

Hopefully, since you bought a rowing machine or will soon be buying one, you want to use it for a long time. The hardest thing about working out is sticking to your routine, especially if it’s been a long time since you had a workout routine.

You may say to yourself that you want to workout five or six times a week. This is a noble goal, but you should start out slower than that for the first few weeks to avoid burning yourself out.

Instead, tell yourself that you are going to row for 20 minutes, three times a week. This is a commitment that allows you to gain the benefits of exercise without the undue pressure of forcing yourself to workout more than you may want to. You can increase the time or the amount of workouts per week as you use the machine more, and before you know it, you may be using it five times or more a week.

Not Using the Right Resistance

Once you know the basics of a rowing machine, you can adjust the resistance accordingly so you can maximize your workout.

Many first-time users may just jump on and start rowing, which can be a big no-no. If the resistance is set too high, you can injure yourself or just not be able to workout long enough to get the good effects. If the resistance is too light, your muscles won’t benefit. Adjust the resistance so that you can row for fifteen or twenty minutes, but not so easily that you are not tired by the end of your workout.

Imagine the resistance being like the gears on your bike: the heavier it is, the more difficult it is to use for extended periods of time. Find the right resistance as you start out, and then you can increase it over the following weeks for a more intense workout.

Rowing Only Your Arms

When you watch someone else row, it may look like they are mostly using their arms, but this is wrong. The truth is, a rowing machine is such a good choice precisely because it works out your entire body when you use it correctly.

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