The rowing machine is hands down my favorite piece of cardio equipment for a few different reasons, which I will outline in this blog along with my recommendation for the best rowing machine in 2021.
Whenever I’m working with a client and I feel that it is an appropriate time to implement cardio into their routine, I almost always have them do some form of HIIT training.
I give them free reign to select a piece of equipment of their choosing, but whenever they feel like they can’t decide, I point them to the rowing machine.
BENEFIT #1: MUSCLES WORKED
Unlike any other piece of cardio equipment, the rowing machine works nine (some would argue even more) muscle groups of the body. If you hop on a bike or a treadmill, you get to use your legs. If you hop on the elliptical, you get to use your arms a bit more, but nothing compared to the rowing machine.
BENEFIT #2: POSTERIOR CHAIN
A few of the muscles worked when rowing are on the back side of your body. In a world where we are constantly typing, texting, and looking at a screen, we neglect the major movers in the backside of our body like our glutes, hamstrings, erectors, rhomboids, and lats. Incorporating the rowing machine can help you give some time and attention to the important muscles of your body that you likely neglect.
BENEFIT #3: POWER
Rowing properly is no joke. It is a very technical movement, and requires lots of practice to execute properly. Just like any other movement, anyone can begin and perform the movement incorrectly. But to row well it requires serious technique, involving a lot of your lower half. Your lower body needs to be able to apply a lot of force into the footplate. The skill you gain in learning how to apply that force with your lower body can translate into other movements, such as deadlifts.
There are many different rowing machines that will allow you to gain these benefits, but why the Hydrow? We consider it one of the best rowing machines in 2021.
FEATURE #1: DRAG
As one of the best rowing machines in 2021, the Hydrow features a drag mechanism that makes you feel like you’re rowing in the water. Many overlook this feature, but it makes a massive difference. The two popular rowing machines that I have used in my years as a bootcamp instructor are fan rowing machines and water rowing machines. The rowing machines that give the closest feel to the water are best as they are smooth and don’t create slack in the rope as you row.
FEATURE #2: WORKOUTS
First and foremost, it is very important that you learn the fundamentals of exercise and fitness so you can apply those principles in your life. When you know how to plan out your exercise programs, you will be able to reach any goal you have down the road and maintain those results for years to come. As a personal trainer I stand by that. It is extremely important to learn the fundamentals yourself.
Though learning the ins and outs of exercise is important, you won’t know everything at first. While you’re learning, it can be very beneficial to have someone take you through a workout. The Hydrow features a digital community workout experience that challenges you and helps you improve.
The rowing machine in and of itself is a special piece of equipment, but the Hydrow takes it to a whole new level making it one of the best rowing machines in 2021.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adam is a fitness professional, baseball fan, and cookie fanatic based in Fort Collins, Colorado. After hanging up the cleats, he found a strong interest in the human body and how it performs. Since then, Adam has been transforming lives through fitness in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. As an ACE CPT and Fitness Nutrition Specialist, he is constantly moved to help people improve in all walks of life.