Proper Rowing Machine Creates a Full Body Workout

The rowing machine, or ergometer, is a fantastic way to get a full body workout with minimal impact.  Buying a machine for at-home use is affordable for most people, and since they don’t take up a ton of room, they’re easy to store when not in use.

The problems that arise, however, are because of incorrect posture when rowing.  It’s easy to get confused when your legs, back, and arms are all trying to move at the same time, there’s a lot to pay attention to as you get your workout.

Take a look at this short video shot at Orangetheory Fitness here in Billings to see the proper rowing technique, and what happens when you don’t position your back just right.

The end of the video goes a little bit quick, so let’s break it down a bit.

You can see that when Stacy rows, her back goes forward to the 2 o’clock position, and then back to the 10 o’clock position.  This 10-2 provides just enough movement without over extending your back.

If you’re trying for big power moves, you may think that leaning forward farther, and pulling with all your might can really dig deep and strengthen your muscles faster.  When we look at the spine, however, going beyond the 10-2 position puts too much pressure on the lower back, causing the discs to strain.

You have probably heard of a slipped disc, or a herniated disc.  When your back is strained, you run the risk of this major medical problem.

The solution is easy: don’t extend too far when you’re doing your rowing so that you can grow stronger from this low impact full body workout.

Come See Dr. Shayne Durbin Chiropractor in Billings, Montana for Back Pain

A chiropractor is all about keeping your joints lined up right so that you can live a life of pain free movement.  If you’re in back pain, you’re not living a life of pain free movement!

Let’s get you on the schedule, so we can work toward recovery by ensuring proper joint alignment.