Hey what do people think of rowing machines. I have a treadmill and a stationary bike. I don’t like the bike, I don’t feel like I get a work out. The treadmill is ok. But I use to go to a gym that had a rowing machine and I thought it was great, it seemed to work every muscle and get the cardio going. What do people think of rowing machines?
“When it comes to cardio, your body doesn’t know the difference between a fancy machine and doing jumping jacks in your living room.” Chris Shugart
I may not have gotten that quote exactly right, but you get the idea!
You can even use the row machine for HIIT! Which is what I did for awhile before I began using the jump rope.
Personally I like them. You use a lot of your muscle groups including the two biggest. The more muscle you work the more calories you burn.
I wish we had one at my gym…I would like to use one for the cardio portion of Meltdown. I’ve been alternating between jump rope and the Air-Dyne as a substitute.
Physiologically speaking, there will be no difference between cardio done on a bike or a rower; that is, aside from the obvious emphasis on different muscle groups. So, in that sense it does not matter.
However, while your body does not "know" the difference, your mind certainly does. The rowing ergometer is a great piece of equipment, and if you enjoy using it more than your bike or treadmill, then it is worth the money spent.
Personally, I find the rower to be an asset, as getting motivated to do cardio is a lot easier when it's something I enjoy.
Hope this helps.
rowing machines are the best cardio vascular “total body workout” because it hits upper & lower body equally, where as running (stair climbers included) hits legs disproportionately harder.
trust me i rowed crew 4 years in college.
“Physiologically speaking, there will be no difference between cardio done on a bike or a rower”. I tend to disagree. Although i may be getting over the top here i think there would be a difference. Exercise mediated glut 4 expression would be more pronounce through out more muscle tissue (thus being receptive to more carbs coming in in the next meal). I believe when choosing a form of cardio (besides going for your favourite) would be to go for one that is A) weight bearing and B)uses many muscle groups
I personnally like to use rowing machines. I personally try and finish a workout with at least 20 minutes of steady state areobics in the same muscle areas as I wokred with weights. I find this helps increase the blood flow to the area, remove waste produces, reduce tightness and soreness. So a rowing machine would be a great way to finish off after a back or rear chain routine. Best of Luck.
It came to my attention that I’m not doing the rowing machine properly because it does NOTHING for my legs, while my upperbody’s dying. It seems like my legs are just going through the motion. Is there any place where I can find some info on proper rowing techniques or can any one give me some guideline? Thanks! 
Push with your legs before you pull with your arms; your legs should be nearly extended before you start working your upper body.
Stella, you could also give Concept (www.conceptII.com) a call. They’re the people that make the Ergometer rowing machines. I believe they have a short video (maybe free or very low cost) and pictures as to correct form. 800.245.5676
Thanks, guys! I’ll definitely try both of your suggestions.
Sounds a bit like your legs are just in better shape than your upper-body. This could also be a focusing issue where you are actually trying to muscle it with the back and arms. Try pushing with the heels and extend the legs explosively while really trying to feel the quads work. When returning forward, don’t just let momentum take you in. Instead, focus on actually curling your legs in to pull and try to feel the hamstrings. This may sound vague, or just plain weird, but give it a try. Hope it helps. Let me know either way.
Nothing beats actually getting in a boat and rowing, experimenting to see what works best. That will teach you proper form better than anything else.