Rowing Machines Are Ideal for Workout

If you've been going to the gym to work out, or have at least wandered through one to look at the facility and equipment, you might have seen a slightly strange-looking piece of gear.

Chances are that no one was using it. It was probably a rowing machine.

Rowing machines, or rowers, are still a niche item among those who work out, and that's good news for us. It means you might have a chance of using one at the gym without waiting for a turn.

Rowers might turn out to be one of the best pieces of workout equipment for seniors, for a number of reasons. Rowing is done indoors, so it can be done all year. The rowing action uses the major muscle groups -– arms, legs, shoulders and back. The rower has easy-to-difficult settings. But best of all, it's low to the floor.

To see what an excellent rower looks like, go online and look up the Concept 2. This is not something you want to rush out and buy. First, these pieces of equipment are expensive, even used. Second, they take up a lot of room -- an area nearly 9 feet in length.

If you plan on using a rower at the gym, look first at some online videos to see how it's done. Note the angle of how you sit -- don't lean too far forward or backward. Then, ask for help in learning the pattern of pulling the chain and bending your knees. Within a few minutes you'll have it right, and chances are you'll have the machine all to yourself.

Before you start, ask your doctor about rowing. Chances are you'll get a big thumbs up, especially if you combine it with a walking routine.