Showing all posts tagged ‘rowing machine’

Burning Fat and Building Muscle

Oct21

Did you know that despite being a seated aerobic activity, rowing is one of the most effective ways to burn through fat and build up muscle? By being seated any negative pressure upon the ankles, hips and knees is removed whilst the muscles throughout the body are exercised thoroughly as they expand and contract.

Rowing machines are suitable for all ages and abilities and many can be folded away compactly meaning they are perfect for use at home.

One of the key considerations when buying a rowing machine is the various types of resistance. Resistance helps you get the most from your workout routine so you need to make sure you buy a rower with a variety of resistance levels and settings.

rowing machines

There are different types of resistance to be on the lookout for:

Magnetic resistance – magnetic resistance is incredibly quiet and with some top end models it is almost silent. This means you do not have to endure a noisy workout as you pull back and forth.

Air resistance – as you generate pace you increase the resistance level. This means your workout becomes more challenging as you exercise.

Water – water rowers are less common and work in a similar way to air rowers, however, you can have more control over the resistance levels by adding or removing water from the tank.

Health and Fitness Benefits

Rowing delivers many health and fitness benefits including:

Strengthening your core area, including your abdomen and back. Many other pieces of fitness equipment do not target the back, but a strong back means good posture and a strong upper body.

A low impact workout, with little pressure placed on any of your joints, thus avoiding strain or injury.

A varied workout. The faster you row the higher the resistance.

A cardio workout, improving blood flow and your overall wellbeing

A relatively short workout time due to the sheer intensity of the workout.

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Choosing the Right Fitness Equipment

Feb04

Orbus Leisure have a great range of home fitness equipment, but if you are unsure about which piece of aerobic apparatus is right for you read out quick guide:

Elliptical Cross Trainers

These are low impact machines which are suitable for all abilities. They place less stress and strain on your joints and workout the whole body, improving cardio vascular fitness and stamina over time. An elliptical cross trainer allows you to burn muscle and shed weight faster than other pieces of gym equipment. For this reason they are incredibly popular.

Exercise Bikes

Cycling is a great cardio exercise and if you want to tone your lower body then an exercise bike is ideal. There are two main types of exercise bike; upright and recumbent. An upright closely resembles a traditional bicycle whereas a recumbent has the pedals positioned in front of the user.  Like a cross trainer, an exercise bike offers a low impact workout.

Treadmills (Running Machines)

A treadmill has long been one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment, both for home use and in a commercial gym setting. The user can use the treadmill to walk, jog, run and sprint so you can train whatever the weather. If space is tight opt for a folding treadmill.

Rowing Machines

Rowing machines offer a challenging yet rewarding workout. The user will exercise the legs, torso, abs, arms and back and over time will improve suppleness and posture. Because the motion is rhythmical and flowing the exercise is low impact, reducing stress on your joints.

We hope this brief overview helps you to decide which piece of gym equipment is right for you. However, if you are still unsure just give us a call – we are the experts in home fitness and our friendly advisors will be able to help you choose the product that is right for you.

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Want to Try a New Sport for 2011 – Part 4: Rowing

Jan17

All month we are looking at new sports you can try this year. Today we are focusing on rowing; a super activity that is often overlooked.

Rowing is not some elitist activity reserved for the boat clubs of Oxford and Cambridge. You can enjoy this activity at a number of parks throughout the country and even if you only do it for fun a thirty minute rowing session can work wonders for your health and piece of mind.

Of course, the British weather does not always favour a trip out to the local boating lake, so you could consider using a rowing machine. Like any other home fitness equipment, a rowing machine can be used throughout the year and if used regularly it can deliver exceptional results.

A rowing machine is great for anyone looking to lose weight thanks to its huge calorie burning potential. When using a rower you are actually exercising large groups of muscles in both your upper and lower body in a stable and rythmic manner. As you build speed, this cardio workout really can blitz the fat on your thighs, stomach, arms and buttocks.

As a rowing machine offers you an all over body workout you are looking at a shorter exercise routine than an exercise bike. A good session will be between 15-25 minutes and if you are a beginner expect to come of the machine with shaky legs and red cheeks. You cannot really slack off on a rowing machine – the machine demands a lot from you and in turn delivers a great deal.

Rowing machines are affordable and make a great investment for anyone serious about getting in shape and losing some weight. Why not try one today!

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Getting the Most from your Rowing Machine Workout

Dec09

The rowing machine is one of the best ways to achieve a good cardio vascular workout, but it is also one of the most physically demanding pieces of home gym equipment. Despite offering great results, many users find a rowing machine simply too physically demanding so avoid it all together.

To get the most from your rowing machine you need to follow some simple steps. Use it correctly and you will be amazed at the rapid change in your physique.

Pace Yourself

You should start your rowing routine slowly, to allow your muscles to warm up and avoid placing negative stress on your hips, knees, ankles and back. Start with a low resistance and row at a steady, comfortable pace. Even at this preliminary stage you can set yourself goals, so keep an eye on your strokes per minute.

Increase the Intensity

After a warn-up session of around 5-10 minutes you can start to up the pace. To challenge your body as your strength builds you can also try increasing the resistance. Again, set yourself goals and challenge your previous personal best.

Increase the Distance

Over time you will find that you are able to increase the distance you can row. Set targets and increase the distance in around 200 metre increments. Keep checking your strokes per minute and on the next session try and push yourself to increase this.

Warm Down

As important as a warm up, a warm down is crucial. Rowing is so physically intensive that if you simply stop and jump off your muscles will be incredible sore the next day (to the point that you risk injury).  So, reduce the intensity, reduce the pace and row slowly and steadily for at least ten minutes, decreasing the pace until you come to a natural stop.

The Orbus Leisure R-Elite Rowing Machine

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