Muscles Used in a Rowing Machine
One of the most complete form of cardiovascular exercises is the rowing machine, and the number of muscles that are used while using this machine make this a very effective exercise indeed. Along with giving the individual the opportunity to burn a large amount of calories in a short period of time, this exercise also gives the possibility of building up the core strength in a variety of muscle groups in the body.
The action of rowing affects all parts of the upper body (the back, the shoulders, the arms and the abdominal), and some parts of the lower body as well. If it is done correctly, this exercise can really benefit you massively. Almost every gym or fitness center has a cardio rowing machine that imitates the exact action of rowing, thus working a lot of muscle groups together. This machine also helps one increase stamina and endurance by leaps and bounds.
Rowing Machine Exercise Benefits
Back Muscles
The primary movement of this exercise will be generated from your back, so these are the main muscles used. The back contains a fairly large number of muscle groups, and every time you pull, almost all of these muscles get exercised. The rhomboids (which are located between your shoulder blades) will feel the maximum stress from this workout, and this exercise will also benefit the latissimus dorsi, or the lats (which are located in the middle back).
Arm Muscles
Your arms are doing the majority of the work, and one of the best benefits are the muscles that are developed along the arm. The biceps, the triceps and the forearms all undergo strengthening and development thanks to the workout. The flexors located in the biceps are highly benefited, and the forearms also get developed.
Shoulder Muscles
During the process of moving the arms forward, your shoulder muscles or the rotator cuff are also being strengthened secondarily. It is important to carry out the rowing exercise in the right manner in order to get the maximum benefit for the shoulder muscles, because these are very important.
Core Muscles
There are a group of muscles in the upper abdominal, lower abdominal, lower back and obliques that form the core muscles together. These are all muscles used while rowing, and the body develops overall strength as a result. Again, it must be stressed that maintaining the right shape, posture and technique is very important, in order to feel the benefits all over the body.
Quadriceps
Along with the upper body, there are certain parts of the lower body that benefit from rowing exercises as well. The quadriceps are located in the front of the thigh, and these are also helped by this exercise. Also known as the extensor muscles (since they help in extending the knees), they are also developed with the help of a rowing machine. Even your hamstrings will eventually be strengthened thanks to this movement and its muscle building capabilities.
Glutes Muscles
Also known as the gluteus maximus muscles, these are the muscle groups that you sit on while rowing. When you are bending and straightening your knees, these also get activated and developed as a result. These are often overlooked, but they also reap enormous benefits for the lower body of an individual. These are some of the unexpected benefits that you must know about.
As you can see, rowing is one of the cardiovascular exercises that provides a lot of benefits to secondary muscle groups in the body as well. Along with increasing strength, explosive power and stamina, rowing exercises build all these muscle groups and improve the blood circulation in the human body as well.
You should definitely start performing this exercise on a regular basis either at the gym, or by buying the best rowing machine to use at home. Incorporating this in your workout regime will work wonders for you in the long run.
