The rowing machine, also known as the rower or erg, is one of the very few total body workouts that work both your upper and lower body. Originally designed for rowers who needed a way to train on land during the off season, the erg is now rocking the fitness community by providing workouts for everyone. Gym-goers and fitness junkies are incorporating rowing into their workout routines to help burn more calories while performing a low-impact workout.

Below we take a look at why you should consider adding rowing to your gym lineup:

• Rowing is one of the most, if not the most, efficient exercises to improve your overall fitness. Because rowing has both anaerobic and aerobic benefits – meaning you are taxing your muscles (anaerobic) as well as respiratory and cardiovascular systems (aerobic) – it allows you to improve your stamina, strength, and flexibility in just a short amount of time.
• Studies have shown that rowing burns 2-3 times the calories compared to both cycling and running the same duration.
• It is a true total body workout. During the course of each stroke you engage an estimated 85% of your muscles. Pretty impressive for a seated exercise.
• Rowing is low impact, making it a great choice for those who are looking to be gentle on their joints.
• Rowing can help improve your posture, by forcing you to sit up tall and pull your shoulders back on every stroke.

Common Misconceptions:

• Those unfamiliar with rowing often think it’s an upper body workout, but rowing is actually about 70% legs! The remaining power comes from the combination of your core, back, and arms.
• It is NOT a weight machine. Although we do incorporate resistance (known as “drag”), a higher resistance doesn’t necessarily equal a more intense workout. In fact, a lower drag is most often a more effective and safer workout no matter your fitness level. You should never row with the max drag for an extended period of time — it’s a recipe for lower back injury.

Interested in giving this workout a try? We’re currently offering it every Tuesday at 7pm, Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 6am and Saturday at 8am and 11am at our MINT 14th St location.

Please sign up ahead of time as these classes tend to fill up quickly.