Hi,

I am looking to buy a rowing machine for both cardiovascular and also strengthning my back muscles (on both sides of the spine) and my stomach muscles. And generally an upper body workout.

Does anyone know if a rowing machine is ok for the muscle groups I am tyringto work on ? I used a rowing machine in college a long time ago and I found it to be very complete.

Are there ways I can focus on the upper body as I row ? I cycle about 6hrs every week so I am getting plenty of lower body workout.

Thanks,
Tuka

1) The machine targets the rhomboids, trapezius and lats. Pretty much the major back muscles.

2) The rowing machine, althoguh your legs DO get a workout, it primarily an upper body cardio machine. You can focus on your back, but holding the bar with an overhand grip. You can focus on your biceps by pulling with an underhand grip

Hi Tuka,

Another exercise you can do to strengthen your muscles along the spine is called the romanian deadlift or stiff-legged deadlift (not to be confused with the evil straight-legged deadlift). Here's a link to the free video...

http://befitandstrong.com/stiff-legg...gged-deadlift/

Hope this helps.

Hi all,

Thanks for the swift feedback. All very helpfull.

One more question will rowing machines in some way work abdomen muscles too ? I am primarily interested in back muscles but a bit on abs would be welcome too.

The video site is not working - could it be a typo ?

Thanks

why is the straight leg deadlift evil? because not bending the knees puts an evil amount of "pressure" on the back.

Assuming you keep your back straight, it could help with core stability, but the trunk muscles wouldn't be primary movers in this case.

The erg (rowing machine) is NOT primarily an upper body cardio workout like the person above suggested. I am a college rowing, and erging PROPERLY will get you one of the best full body workouts. I suggest that you google "how to erg properly" or "erging posture." So many people don't use the rowing machien correctly.

Erging is primarily a LEG workout. It works out legs, abs, back, and arms.

CORRECT^^^ i am also a rower and the guy above is totaly right. Main muscle used when rowing is the upper legs (above knee).

I still row (lightweight, competed at the Australian national championships less than a month ago) and the ergo is most definitely not an upper body workout. As anybody who has EVER done a 2k test ergo can attest it is both an evil, evil, evil machine and a monstrous leg workout.

Having said that, nothing tests the mettle of a man like a good, solid ergo session.