
A rowing machine can do wonders for your workout routine—as long as you’re using it correctly. Even though this gym machine is pretty beginner-friendly, it takes some time to master the basics. Mistakes can happen, and here are three of the most common ones that you might be making without even knowing.
Rushing the Drive
There’s no need to rush things when you’re using the rowing machine, because the intensity of the movements is more important than speed. You can increase the rhythm without rushing the drive because taking strokes as fast as possible can do you more harm than good and lead to incorrect posture.
Only Using Your Arms
Most people are rowing with only their arms when using a rowing machine, but you’re actually supposed to use your full body. Pushing with the legs and bracing the core is equally important, because putting too much pressure on your arms and shoulders can lead to pain and injuries.
Hunching Your Back
You should pay extra attention to your posture when using a rowing machine. If you find yourself hunching your back during the stroke, try to sit tall with a stacked posture and make sure to relax your shoulders and engage your core instead of leaning too far back.