It appears that many myths and misconceptions are revolving around the rowing machine, even among health buffs.
One of the more common ones is that it is not suitable as a warm-up exercise tool and only should be used after stretching and warming up your body muscles.
Though there are some truths to this, it is not entirely true. In fact, a rowing machine is an extremely versatile piece of equipment that works just as well for warming up as it does for intense training.
However, the lack of experience with this machine shrouds it with quite a bit of mystery. In this article, we will bust one of the many myths regarding this excellent workout equipment.
And discuss exactly how useful it is both for a warm-up and intense exercise. So, without further ado, let us jump in.
Is The Rowing Machine A Good Warm-Up?
Right off the bat, let us address the elephant in the room. Can you use a rowing machine for warming up?
Rowing on a rowing machine is regarded as a low-impact exercise. This means that it is actually quite light on your body for all the health benefits it offers.
That is why even a beginner with no previous experience in a gym can handle this equipment without too much trouble.
The main idea behind warming up is getting your body ready for a more intense workout experience later on.
If you start off with a rowing machine and keep the pace low, it activates all the nerves and muscles in your body, serving the same purpose as stretching or jumping. So, there is absolutely no reason you cannot use it for warming up.
Should You Warm Up Before Rowing?
You might be wondering if a rowing machine is good enough for warming up. Why do some people warm up with freehand exercises before rowing? Well, there can be many reasons behind it. For one thing, maybe he wants to kick things off with intense power strokes on the machine.
Some people also just feel comfortable warming up with light stretching before starting off with any equipment like this. If you are a beginner and do not know the warm-up pattern, you should also start off with light stretching and skipping instead of hopping on your rowing machine.
What Is A Rowing Machine Good For? Warming Up Or Working Out!
The truth is a rowing machine is good for both warming up and working out. It is one of the few full-body workouts out there that activates your entire muscles and lets you push them to boost your physical fitness. That is why those who use a rowing machine tend to use it very frequently.
What Are Some Good Rowing Warm-Up Patterns?
Well, now that we have established the credibility of a rowing machine as a good warm-up exercise tool, you might be itching to jump in and try it out yourself.
But before you do that, you should know the warm-up patterns so that you do not overexert yourself.
Even if your main workout does not involve rowing, these three simple warm-up techniques can help prepare you for intense sessions.
Warm-Up Pattern 1:
- Start with a stroke rate of 22 strokes and do with for four minutes.
- Then go with 24 strokes per minute for three minutes.
- After that, go for 26 strokes per minute for two minutes.
- Finally, 28 strokes for one minute.
Warm-Up Pattern 2:
- Start with 20 strokes per minute for four minutes
- Slowly increase the stroke amount while lowering the time.
- For each minute you decrease, the stroke rate goes up two per minute.
Warm-Up Pattern 3:
The last warm-up pattern does not involve any stroke rate but rather a stroke intensity. You want to develop a rowing pattern and practice it for 15 minutes for a complete warm-up.
- Go with one hard stroke and one soft stroke
- Then follow it up with two hard strokes and two soft one.
- After that, three hard strokes and three soft strokes.
- You want to keep raising the hard and soft stroke patterns until you reach ten hard strokes and ten soft ones.
Make sure you finish it within 15 minutes for the best results.
Final Thoughts
A rowing machine offers many benefits to the user, both for the body and the mind. It is a great way to relax and take away the stress of the day. A lot of people take on rowing on the water as a hobby.
