If you want to start experimenting with different types of cardiovascular workouts, then you may want to think about investing in an indoor rowing machine. The machine simulates the activity of outdoor rowing, which is an intensive workout that uses many of your body's muscle groups. However, many people use rowing machines the wrong way and up with poor results when it comes to weight loss and muscle fatigue issues. If you want to start using your rower the right way, then consider the following common mistakes and the best way to avoid them.
Increasing The Tension Too High
If you are inexperienced when it comes to workout machines and cardiovascular exercises, then you may sit down on a rowing machine at your local gym and give it a try. However, the tension is often set quite high on these machines. Rowers and individuals with experience use the machines at the gym and leave the tension within the mid-range. For most rowers, this means that the tension setting is between three and five.
You will want to make sure that the tension is on level one or two. This is where a beginner should start. If you do try to use the rowing machine on a higher tension right away, you can strain your shoulders, lower back, calf muscles, and biceps. Even if you do not strain a muscle, you will experience muscle fatigue fairly quickly, and you will end up spending very little time on the rowing machine.
If you do not know how to set the tension, look for a small knob on the lower flywheel part of the equipment. Look for numbers on the knob and twist it until it says two. Once you get the hang of the machine, try the number three setting. The tension will make you feel as though you are manning a rowboat on the water, and this can be quite enjoyable.
Moving Arms And Legs Together
You will need to get into a natural rhythm when using the rowing machine. You should know that it is best to move slow and steady, with smooth motions. This will give you the best workout and help to increase core strength as you move.
You also need to understand that you cannot move your arms and legs at the same time. In other words, you do not want to push with your legs while simultaneously pulling on the rope with your arms. While the motion may seem natural, it places a great deal of stress on the body. The motions jerk your body backward and all the excess energy has nowhere to go.
To use the machine correctly, push with your legs an then pull on the handle with your arms. You want to pull the handle to your chest and then gently allow it to pull your arms forward again.
Share31 March 2017
As the mother of three, I have a hard time finding enough hours in the day to get everything done that needs to be done. My doctor told me that I needed to increase the amount of exercise that I was getting each day. I laughed at him and told him that I didn't have more than 10 minutes to shower each day. He continued to explain all of the benefits of finding the time to exercise and I told him I would try. I started looking for information about mothers finding time to exercise and found out that a lot of exercises can be done while doing other things. Find out how to multitask and include exercise in your day without losing any time.