Meet My New Friend The Rowing Machine

Let me see a show of hands. How many of you regularly use the rowing machine? Of all of the machines at the gym, for me, I've only used the rowing machine when I was injured. It was my go-to torture device. I would always comment on how it felt like a full body workout. However, once my injury would heal, I would go back to my normal equipment. And the rowing machine would just be a machine that I walked by but never used.

Until.... this past week.

I realized that I use my legs daily (duh), and I like the muscle tone. I thought "too bad I can't walk on my arms to help them get some more muscle tone". And then I had my light bulb moment - well duh - what about the rowing machine? It's one way that I can get cardio and use my arms at the same time.

Not only does the rowing machine work your arms, but it actually works your entire body. And it's not as easy at it looks. I started with 10 minutes last week, and I barely made it 10 minutes. I plan to add 5 minutes to my routine this week and gradually work my way up to half an hour at least once a week.

But don't take my word for it.. check out these articles Why Runners Should Be Rowers and the Benefits of a Rowing Machine.

However, keep in mind that you need to use good form. I have a tendency to hunch my shoulders (a no no). So every few minutes (especially when I was tired) I would do a mirror check to make sure that I was keeping good posture. Engaging your abdominal muscles will also help with good posture. I also found this article 6 Rowing Machine Mistakes that had some good tips on keeping form.

If you aren't already friends with the Rowing Machine - I encourage you to try it out. I'm curious to see my results in a few weeks after regular use. I'll let you know how it goes. I do know after 10 minutes I was sore!

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