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30-Day Indoor Rowing Machine Workout Transformation

 Written by 

Julien Raby

 Last updated on 

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Are you looking for a challenge that will test your strength, power, and endurance? If so, then you should try the 30-day rowing challenge! This challenge is not for the faint of heart – it requires dedication, effort, and hard work. But if you are up for the challenge, then you will reap the many benefits that come with it.

So why indoor rowing? Well, indoor rowing workouts a great for cardio and weight loss. And it’s also a great way to build muscle and improve your overall fitness. Plus, indoor rowing is a low-impact workout, so it’s easy on your joints.

a woman doing a 30 days rowing machine training
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If you’re looking for a workout that’s effective and easy to do, indoor rowing is a great option.

What is Rowing?

Rowing is a sport that requires a high level of endurance and physical strength.

The muscles in the body are used to provide power and effort.

Best Rower for Beginner
Sunny Water Rowing Machine
4.5

Based on our testing, this is the best rower for beginners. For less than 500$, this silent water rower will last you for years. It also comes with a 12-year warranty.

Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Quiet
  • Amazing warranty
See latest price See all Rowers below 500$

The body provides power by using the legs, arms, back, and core muscles. The effort is generated by the amount of work that is being done by the muscles in order to move an object or person.

Rowing for Weight Loss

Rowing is great for weight loss. It’s low-impact, so it’s perfect for people who have joint problems or who are recovering from an injury. You can also use it as cross-training for other sports.

A rowing routine will help you burn calories more efficiently than other workouts because it increases your resting metabolic rate for up to 36 hours after you finish rowing.

Rowing is a sport that requires a lot of physical strength, endurance, and power. It is not recommended to start rowing if you are overweight or have a chronic illness.

Do I have to be in shape to start rowing?

Rowing machines are a great piece of equipment for beginners who want to see great results over a short time.

You will want to start in small increments and increase slowly so you don’t over-tax your body. Over the first couple of weeks, you will see results in your arms, legs, glutes, and chest.

What is a Rowing Machine?

image 5
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The rowing machine is a piece of equipment that is used for exercise. It has a seat and handles that are used to move back and forth on the machine. The user sits on the seat and uses their arms to pull the handle towards them, then pushes it away from them. This motion works all major muscle groups in your body including your core, upper back, biceps, triceps, shoulders, and lower back.

Are There Different Types of Rowing Machines?

There are 6 Different Types of Rowing Machines

Flywheel-Type Rowing Machine

The flywheel-type indoor rower is the most common type of indoor rower currently on the market. In this type of rower, the flywheel is used to create resistance. The larger the flywheel is, the more resistance you will feel when rowing.

 Flywheel-type rowing machines are typically cheaper than hydraulic or magnetic rowing machines and are very easy to store. They are also easy to use since you don’t have to manually adjust anything. The major drawback of flywheel-type rowing machines is that they don’t offer the same level of smoothness as the other two types. Flywheel-type rowing machines are known for creating a “bumpiness” that may be an issue for some rowers.

Magnetic Rowing Machine

Magnetic rowers are very similar to flywheel-type rowers. Instead of using a flywheel, a magnetic rowing machine uses magnetism to create resistance. These rowers typically have a lower maximum resistance than flywheel-type rowing machines thanks to the lack of flywheel.

 Magnetic rowing machines are generally more expensive than flywheel-type rowers but are a great option for those who don’t have enough space to store a rower with a flywheel. Like the flywheel-type rowing machines, magnetic rowing machines are known for creating a “bumpy” feel when rowing. Some people like this feeling while others prefer a smoother rowing experience.

Indoor Rowing Machine With Hydraulic Resistance

Hydraulic rowing machines have hydraulic pistons to create resistance. Since these machines don’t use a flywheel, they are much easier to store. Hydraulic rowing machines are the most expensive type of rowing machine

However, they are known for providing the smoothest rowing experience. Because of the cost and ease of storage, hydraulic rowing machines are often used in commercial settings. However, they are also common in home gyms as they are an excellent choice for those who want a smooth rowing experience.

Electronic Rowing Machine

An electronic rowing machine is a type of indoor rower that is controlled by a computer. These machines generally cost more than the other types of rowers. Electronic rowers are the most advanced type of indoor rowing machine. Many provide tracking information such as elapsed time, distance rowed, pace, and burned calories. 

Electronic rowers can often simulate the different types of rowing including sculling and sweep rowing. This can help you to improve your rowing technique. Electronic rowing machines are the most expensive type of rowing machine. In addition to the initial cost of the machine, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of a rowing machine mat for the floor. Rowing machine mats are designed to help protect your floors from the impact of rowing.

Water Rowing Machine

Water rowing machines use a flywheel and hydraulics to create resistance. They are a somewhat new type of rower that is gaining popularity quickly. Water rowing machines are different from indoor rowing machines in that they are designed to be used in a natural body of water such as a lake or river. 

Water rowing machines provide the same level of resistance as indoor rowing machines but are much safer to use in areas where there are large bodies of water. While water rowing machines are great for those who want to row outside, they are much more expensive than indoor rowers. 

What Do I Need to Know Before I Start An Indoor Rowing Workout?

Make sure to check with your doctor, to ensure you are ready to start a new workout routine. You may have a risk of increased mechanical pain or metabolic pain when starting this workout. Remember to start slow and work up to a more powerful routine.

Rowing uses force and motion to increase stamina and build muscle, make sure to wear tighter-fitting clothes, as loose-fitting attire may cause problems with your workout. Wear athletic shoes to protect your feet. They are the starting point of where your power comes from with this piece of equipment.

Best Rower for Beginner
Sunny Water Rowing Machine
4.5

Based on our testing, this is the best rower for beginners. For less than 500$, this silent water rower will last you for years. It also comes with a 12-year warranty.

Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Quiet
  • Amazing warranty
See latest price See all Rowers below 500$

How do I Learn the Indoor Rowing Technique?

image 17
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Great positioning and good technique are essential to a good rowing experience.

Visualizing the correct push-and-pull technique with your arms and feet. Here is a short video to watch that will help you learn the best approach. Once you have perfected your form and rowing stroke you will want to find your rhythm and speed for peak performance. This is the starting point for tracking your splits and how frequently you pace yourself for 500 meters.

Understanding the basics is important to this piece of equipment because splits are unique to you and your personal fitness level. You will want to start with less resistance. However, don’t be afraid to try a few settings to adjust your rowing stroke to your fitness level. Start at a comfortable speed and monitor your strokes per minute.

Set up a personal fitness program

Develop a 30-day exercise program that fits your level of athleticism. Whether you are rowing for muscle building, weight loss, or building strength, be sure to include at least one day for rest in your daily schedule. If you are an advanced athlete, add your body size and body weight to your fitness program.

Here is an example program

SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
Week 15-minute warmup
Row 1 minute
1 minute for rest
Repeat 3 times
5-minute cooldown
5-minute warmup
Row 1 minute
1 minute for rest
Repeat 3 times
5-minute cooldown
5-minute warmup
Row 1 minute
1 minute for rest
Repeat 3 times
5-minute cooldown
Active Rest Day:
Walk
Yoga
Floor routine
5-minute warmup
Row 1 minute
1 minute for rest
Repeat 3 times
5-minute cooldown
5-minute warmup
Row 1 minute
1 minute for rest
Repeat 3 times
5-minute cooldown
5-minute warmup
Row 1 minute
1 minute for rest
Repeat 3 times
5-minute cooldown
Week 25-minute warm-up
Row 2 minutes
1 minute for rest
Repeat 5 times
5-minute cooldown
5-minute warm-up
Row 2 minutes
1 minute for rest
Repeat 5 times
5-minute cooldown
5-minute warm-up
Row 2 minutes
1 minute for rest
Repeat 5 times
5-minute cooldown
Active Rest Day:
Walk
Yoga
Floor routine
5-minute warm-up
Row 2 minutes
1 minute for rest
Repeat 5 times
5-minute cooldown
5-minute warm-up
Row 2 minutes
1 minute for rest
Repeat 5 times
5-minute cooldown
5-minute warm-up
Row 2 minutes
1 minute for rest
Repeat 5 times
5-minute cooldown
Weeks 3 & 45-minute warm-up
Row 3 minutes
1 minute for rest
Row 3 minutes
Repeat 3 times
5-minute cooldown
5-minute warm-up
Row 3 minutes
1 minute for rest
Row 3 minutes
Repeat 3 times
5-minute cooldown
5-minute warm-up
Row 3 minutes
1 minute for rest
Row 3 minutes
Repeat 3 times
5-minute cooldown
Active Rest Day:
Walk
Yoga
Floor routine
5-minute warm-up
Row 3 minutes
1 minute for rest
Row 3 minutes
Repeat 3 times
5-minute cooldown
5-minute warm-up
Row 3 minutes
1 minute for rest
Row 3 minutes
Repeat 3 times
5-minute cooldown
5-minute warm-up
Row 3 minutes
1 minute for rest
Row 3 minutes
Repeat 3 times
5-minute cooldown

Following an exercise program for 30 days can be a challenge. You will rapidly see noticeable improvements in performance, and by the end of your challenge, you will be able to complete an entire 30-minute piece.

You can track your exercise through apps or a personal fitness journal. You can also take workout progress pictures. These will help you from getting discouraged with your exercise routine.

There are many different ways to train for rowing, one of the most important things to focus on is your pace. Rowing at a 500-meter piece is a great way to build up your endurance and prepare for the race. Rowing a 1000-meter piece is a great way to build up your speed and power.

How to Use Rowing in a Crossfit Routine

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Rowing, like any other CrossFit workout, needs to build on increments. You can rotate between the rowing machine and strength training as part of your workout routine.

Choose your strength routine and practice high-intensity intervals

  • Bit of effort
    • 1-minute rowing 1-minute rest 4 intervals
  • Moderate effort –
    • increase resistance, row 5 minutes rest 5 minutes 5 intervals
  • Maximum effort
    • rowing with increased speed and rate will be based on
  • Endurance rowing
    • effort focuses on Elite fitness and Olympic
    • Athlete level performance and will athletes will increase distance, rate, speed, and power.

Adding in 10-minute rowing exercise intervals will increase your strength and power.

Indoor Rowing Classes

image 16
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If you still aren’t sure if a rowing program is for you, classes are available at your local gym or rowing fitness center. These classes range from beginner to expert. There are many programs available that meet all fitness levels.

There are also online and digital applications for additional rowing challenges. 

Whether you choose to purchase a rowing machine, go to the gym that has a rower, or join a class, stick to your thirty-day challenge and reap the healthy benefits of rowing.

Write your comments below about what you think. If you liked this article please share it.

What is Rowing?

Rowing is a sport that requires a high level of endurance and physical strength.
The muscles in the body are used to provide power and effort.
The body provides power by using the legs, arms, back, and core muscles. The effort is generated by the amount of work that is being done by the muscles in order to move an object or person.

Do I have to be in shape to start rowing?

Rowing machines are a great piece of equipment for beginners who want to see great results over a short time.
You will want to start in small increments and increase slowly so you don’t over-tax your body. Over the first couple of weeks, you will see results in your arms, legs, glutes, and chest.

What is a Rowing Machine?

The rowing machine is a piece of equipment that is used for exercise. It has a seat and handles that are used to move back and forth on the machine. The user sits on the seat and uses their arms to pull the handle towards them, then pushes it away from them. This motion works all major muscle groups in your body including your core, upper back, biceps, triceps, shoulders, and lower back.

About

Julien Raby is the owner of BoxLife. He owns a bachelor in literature and a certificate in marketing from Concordia. He's Crossfit Level 1 certified and has been involved in Crossfit since 2010. In 2023 he finally made it to Crossfit Open Quarterfinals for the first time. LinkedIn Instagram Facebook

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