Rowing Machines

Revised 9/16/03

There are two Concept II rowing machines and third machine (no brandname). Unlike most of the cardio machines, rowing machines are unusual in providing work for your upper body, too. Surprisingly, the rowing machines don't get much use, and they can be a good break from using the other cardio machines.

Kiley Dean demonstrates how to use it:

The machine seems easy to use, but there are a couple of things to watch out for.

First of all, make sure your back stays straight - don't hunch forward. (Straight, not vertical.) At the fully extended position, you should try to squeeze your shoulder blades together. The movement should always be smooth.

One common mistake is on the return stroke, don't bring your knees back up until AFTER you have passed your hands past them. You don't want the return stroke to have to go and over your raised knees.

[Keep your knees down until after your hands pass over them..]

Kiley also demonstrates rowing on this unnarrated, unedited video clip. The first stroke is how you are supposed to do it, the second two, how not to.

[Video clip.]

(Kiley is one of the workstudies at the Mueller. She also enjoys playing intramural soccer with Alpha Phi. Thanks, Kiley.)

Other cardio exercises.

If you have any ideas, suggestions, comments, etc.
as to either what is or should be on this website,
or the Mueller Center in general, please let us know.

To contact us:
Phone: 276-2874
Fax: 276-2817
Email: mugrap@rpi.edu