All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Read on for all you better know about this underrated full-body workout machine.
skynesher/Getty Images
What kind of workout is rowing considered?
That begs the question:What does rowing count ascardio or strength?
Turns out, its both.
Your core, upper-back muscles, and biceps are also firing during this time.
Instead, its about performing lots of reps over a longer period of time.
Because of this, even though rowing offers both cardio and strength, it errsmoreon the side of cardio.
What muscles does rowing work?
But the legs, in particular, are the powerhouse, Parolini says.
Thats because they are the main force helping you complete the rowing stroke, she explains.
Your core is active 100% of the time, Parolini says.
Basically, rowing engages so many different muscles that you could confidently consider it a full-body activity.
So whatarethe benefits of rowing?
If youre wondering if rowing is a good workout were here to tell you it most certainly is.
Like we mentioned, rowing is an awesome cardiovascular exercise.
Overall cardiovascular health is probably one of the biggest improvements that youll see with rowing, she says.
Thats the muscular endurance work at play.
With rowing, youre essentially improving the ability of your muscles to work for a sustained period of time.
So the more you have of it, the easier you could perform these everyday tasks.
Experienced rowers can make the activity look effortless, but its actually a pretty complicated movement.
And executing all four of these components with proper form is no easy feat.
But rowing forces your brain to talk to your body, she explains.
And that classic exercise involves flexing and extending through the hipa movement known as the hip hinge.
Thats no small win!
The repetitive, rhythmic nature of rowing can be incredibly calming, Pryor says.
And with all the stress thats swirling around the universe these days, who doesnt want that?
In other words, the harder you push during the drive, the harder the workout becomes.
you might never tap out on a rower, Parolini says.
Okay, so whats the best rowing machine out there to reap all these benefits?
Now thats what we call a worthwhile investment.
Related:
Get more of SELFs great fitness coverage delivered right to your inboxfor free.