How to Use a Rowing Machine For Rookies - Read the Instructions
Hop right on your new rowing machine and you'll learn your first lesson in how to use it.
You'll be hopping right off; the footrests are awkward, the seat is uncomfortable.
Read the instructions! Your machine certainly came with a pamphlet or booklet.
It tells you how to adjust the footrests and secure your feet in place for comfort and safety.
The handgrips may have an adjustment feature for proper hand, wrist and arm positioning.
The seat may adjust to raise or lower or tilt.
Depending on the type of resistance mechanism your rowing machine uses your instructions will tell you what adjustments you need for your capabilities.
You probably want to start on the lowest resistance settings until you are confident you can comfortably do more.
Get this right before you do any serious rowing.
Every rowing machine has some adjustments that need to be made for your body type.
If you start rowing without setting up your machine for your own body, you may find that your first, (and maybe your last) rowing experience is miserable.
Be practical.
You spent a lot of money on this machine and you didn't think it was suppose to give you an aching back.
It's not.
When properly setup and properly used it shouldn't, but take the time to do the setup.
If after you think you have made the adjustments you need, you may find, after a session or two, it still isn't like it should be.
Adjust it again and again, if need be, until it feels right.
If you share the use of your machine with anyone, the other person or persons will probably change your adjustments and you will need to check that every time you row too.
Get used to the idea that part of this fine piece of exercise equipment is making sure everything is in place before you use it.
You wouldn't drive off in your car without checking your mirrors would you? If your rowing machine comes with an electronic workout monitor the instructions will walk you through how to set and adjust the input and output of the display.
I know you want to get started but none of the features of the display will benefit you if you don't learn how to use them from the start.
Think of this learning curve as "getting to know" your machine.
You don't want to have a dozen rowing sessions and then wonder if you have made any progress, and then decide to learn how to keep track.
You want to know from day one don't you? Now the part about learning to actually exercise on the machine properly comes into play.
Again your instructions will probably come in handy for this.
As with all human endeavors the exact and proper motion on a rowing machine has been analyzed to the hilt.
If you are planning on becoming a professional rower you may want to know every little nuance and terminology for every little follow through motion during the full rowing stroke.
I assure you the scientific and detailed analysis of the rowing stroke does exist.
If you are new though you probably just want to get started with only brief and not overly complicated instruction.
You can describe, talk about it, and watch it being done forever but you can't figure it out completely until you actually do it.
Begin by keeping your back straight and pulling back on the oar handles in a smooth stroking motion.
I will warn you right now the whole coordinated body motion will be a little awkward at first.
No, it is not as easy as it looks and your will need to practice your posture and grace, but you will get the hang of it; so keep trying.
You'll be hopping right off; the footrests are awkward, the seat is uncomfortable.
Read the instructions! Your machine certainly came with a pamphlet or booklet.
It tells you how to adjust the footrests and secure your feet in place for comfort and safety.
The handgrips may have an adjustment feature for proper hand, wrist and arm positioning.
The seat may adjust to raise or lower or tilt.
Depending on the type of resistance mechanism your rowing machine uses your instructions will tell you what adjustments you need for your capabilities.
You probably want to start on the lowest resistance settings until you are confident you can comfortably do more.
Get this right before you do any serious rowing.
Every rowing machine has some adjustments that need to be made for your body type.
If you start rowing without setting up your machine for your own body, you may find that your first, (and maybe your last) rowing experience is miserable.
Be practical.
You spent a lot of money on this machine and you didn't think it was suppose to give you an aching back.
It's not.
When properly setup and properly used it shouldn't, but take the time to do the setup.
If after you think you have made the adjustments you need, you may find, after a session or two, it still isn't like it should be.
Adjust it again and again, if need be, until it feels right.
If you share the use of your machine with anyone, the other person or persons will probably change your adjustments and you will need to check that every time you row too.
Get used to the idea that part of this fine piece of exercise equipment is making sure everything is in place before you use it.
You wouldn't drive off in your car without checking your mirrors would you? If your rowing machine comes with an electronic workout monitor the instructions will walk you through how to set and adjust the input and output of the display.
I know you want to get started but none of the features of the display will benefit you if you don't learn how to use them from the start.
Think of this learning curve as "getting to know" your machine.
You don't want to have a dozen rowing sessions and then wonder if you have made any progress, and then decide to learn how to keep track.
You want to know from day one don't you? Now the part about learning to actually exercise on the machine properly comes into play.
Again your instructions will probably come in handy for this.
As with all human endeavors the exact and proper motion on a rowing machine has been analyzed to the hilt.
If you are planning on becoming a professional rower you may want to know every little nuance and terminology for every little follow through motion during the full rowing stroke.
I assure you the scientific and detailed analysis of the rowing stroke does exist.
If you are new though you probably just want to get started with only brief and not overly complicated instruction.
You can describe, talk about it, and watch it being done forever but you can't figure it out completely until you actually do it.
Begin by keeping your back straight and pulling back on the oar handles in a smooth stroking motion.
I will warn you right now the whole coordinated body motion will be a little awkward at first.
No, it is not as easy as it looks and your will need to practice your posture and grace, but you will get the hang of it; so keep trying.