The term “cardio” is loosely used to define several activities. It is important to note some cardiovascular activities hold greater weight than others despite being under the same umbrella. Indoor rowing would be one of these activities.
It is one of the more robust activities a person can use to lose weight and get stronger. Let’s take a look at why indoor rowing is more than simple cardio for those creating a meaningful workout program.
What Is Indoor Rowing?
Before looking into dissecting indoor rowing for its benefits, let’s assess what it encompasses.
Indoor rowing is completed with an indoor rowing machine or “indoor rower.” The premise of this machine is to recreate the rowing motion indoors.
An ergometer is attached to the machine to determine how much force is being expended and the artificial distance being covered. This helps shape one’s workout and progress towards established goals. Many gyms and home gyms are now filled with these machines because of how useful they are in losing weight and getting healthier.
Comparable Types Of Cardio
What are some of the comparable types of cardiovascular activities and machines one can use?
1) Bicycle
2) Treadmill
3) Stepper
These are the three key cardio machines a person will get to see when heading to a local gym or when buying equipment for a home gym.
These pieces of equipment are fantastic, but it’s important to understand rowing machines are better. The amount of wasted force with these machines is greater than that which an indoor rowing machine will require. With wasted force comes lost potential.
Studies have shown an indoor rowing machine is far greater in getting a whole body workout.
Benefits Of Indoor Rowing
Let’s begin with the advantages of indoor rowing for those who are looking to come to grips about this activity and why it holds merit in the world of cardio. Many people feel this is the ultimate solution and far better than other activities due to these underlying advantages.
1) Whole Body Workout
The first benefit comes from usage. A general cardiovascular activity will get the blood pumping and heart racing. This is wonderful, but it’s not ideal when it comes to time expended. With an indoor rowing machine, it’s possible to get the whole body working out at the same time.
The movement requires force and this means the body from head to toe has to be utilized.
With indoor rowing, the body will be put under the pump, and this will extract real value from each minute spent on the machine.
2) Maximizes Muscle Retention
The one thing a lot of cardiovascular workouts tend to hamper involves muscle retention. This is the idea of losing muscle over a period of time. Instead of letting this happen, it’s better to go with a machine designed to retain muscle in the long-term.
The maximization of muscle is one of the key selling points of the indoor rowing machine.
It gets the heart racing, but it also makes sure the body is working in a manner where the muscles don’t start to lessen in mass.
3) Builds Mind-Muscle Connection
The machine does an excellent job of building an in-depth mind-muscle connection. This lets you understand your body better and get more value out of the session.
This is why many prefer indoor rowing over other activities.
It challenges the body to maintain good posture and continue the movement in a safe manner. If a person ignores this, they don’t optimize the movement. It’s a unique activity and one with a lot of value.
4) Reduces Pressure On Joints
The final benefit comes in the form of reduced pressure on the joints. There is no reason to go with a machine such as a treadmill, which can ruin one’s knees from the constant pounding. The low-impact nature of indoor rowing makes it beneficial.
These are the reasons why indoor rowing is more than simple cardio and continues to be a prime option for those wanting high-grade results in this day and age. Working out isn’t about getting up, but also making sure things are doing with a high level of care where quality results are possible.