Are You Right for a Rowing Machine?

We probably don't need to extol all the benefits of exercising to you, but exercising has been medically proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and other diseases, aid in the prevention of certain types of cancer, reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol, maintain weight and healthy muscles and bones, and reduce stress and anxiety - a mouthful, right?

Rowing machines are a great way to reap all the benefits of exercise in one go; they take up relatively little space in the home, work out your upper, core, and lower body, and require just 20 to 40 minutes at a time. However, as with every kind of exercise program, rowing machines aren't right for everyone. It's best to consult with your primary care doctor before embarking on any exercise regime to tailor it to your needs. Here, we'll look at a few medical conditions you should consider before getting on a rowing machine.

• Back problems. If you have a weak back, rowing may not be the right exercise for you, as it requires the back to provide strong stability during rowing motions. However, if you have lower back or disk problems, rowing may actually be beneficial; if done correctly, it puts little strain on the back.


• Circulatory problems. Similarly, if you have circulatory problems, consult your doctor before using a rowing machine, as it can exacerbate that issue. However, rowing can also stimulate the heart and circulatory system, promoting good health.


• Chronic fatigue. Rowing is a strenuous exercise, so if you experience severe fatigue or are easily tired, you may want to reconsider rowing. At the least, be sure to test the activity for a short time at a low resistance level.