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Rowing: Advantages and disadvantages - Is it the right sport for you?

23 December 2024

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FROM Lars Wichert

Rowing is one of the most versatile and effective sports you can do. Whether for the cardiovascular system, muscle building or mental strength - rowing offers numerous benefits. However, this sport also has its challenges and minor disadvantages that need to be considered. In this article, I, Lars Wichert, former competitive athlete, Olympic participant and three-time world champion in rowing, will take you on a journey through the world of rowing. Let's discover together whether rowing is the perfect sport for you and how you can get the most out of your training.

Advantages of rowing

1. full body workout

One of the biggest advantages of rowing is that it utilises almost all of your body's muscles. Each rowing stroke works up to 85 % of your muscles. The legs generate the initial propulsion, the torso provides stability and the arms and shoulders complete the stroke.

It not only builds strength, but also promotes endurance - a combination that few sports have in this form. Rowing is therefore ideal if you are looking for an efficient workout that both shapes your muscles and strengthens your cardiovascular system. It also helps you to correct muscle imbalances and improve your posture. For people who are short on time, it is one of the best ways to complete a comprehensive workout in a short space of time.

2. gentle and easy on the joints

Unlike many other sports, such as jogging or tennis, rowing is incredibly easy on the joints. There is no impact on the knees, hips or ankles as the movement is fluid and smooth. Rowing is so to speak without impact.

This makes rowing the perfect choice for people with joint problems or those who want to get back into training after injuries. Especially after knee or cruciate ligament operations, rowing can help to promote mobility without putting additional strain on the joints. The range of motion is greater when rowing after injuries or joint problems than in everyday life. Due to the gentle load, rowing is also ideal for older people or beginners who are looking for a safe introduction to the world of fitness.

3. cardiovascular training

Rowing is not only good for your muscles, but also for your heart. During a rowing stroke, your cardiovascular system is trained efficiently. Blood flow is stimulated down to the smallest vessels, the heart volume increases and the resting heart rate decreases with constant training.

These adaptations make your heart more resilient and efficient - an advantage that not only benefits competitive athletes, but also you in everyday life. Regular rowing can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Studies show that endurance sports such as rowing can increase life expectancy and promote general health. Your heart will thank you for it.

4. calorie consumption and muscle building

The calorie consumption of rowing is considerable: depending on the intensity, you can burn between 400 and 800 calories per hour. This is comparable to peak values for jogging or cycling - but with much less strain on the joints.

Another advantage: the muscle building you achieve when rowing increases your basal metabolic rate. This means that your body burns more calories even at rest. So if you want to lose or maintain your weight, rowing is an excellent choice. Especially in combination with a balanced diet, you can achieve visible results - not only on the scales, but also in the mirror.

5. stress reduction and mental strength

The rhythmic, steady movement of rowing has a calming effect and promotes concentration. Many rowers find the training meditative and appreciate being able to leave everyday life behind. Rowing also releases endorphins, which lift your mood and reduce stress. With a good technique, you can really row yourself into a flow that captures you in the here and now of the movement.

Rowing also boosts your mental strength: you learn to concentrate on your stroke and use your energy efficiently. Especially in stressful times, rowing can help you clear your head and recharge your batteries. It's not just a workout for your body, but also for your mind.

6. flexible training for everyone

Rowing is incredibly versatile. You can do it on a lake, a river or at home on a rowing machine. Modern rowing machines like the AUGLETICS Eight Style even offer you virtual routes, customisable programmes and entertainment options on the large touch display.

Whether you prefer rowing outdoors or a comfortable workout in the comfort of your own home, rowing adapts to your needs. With a good rowing machine, you can train at any time and in any weather. With the AUGLETICS Eight Style, you don't even need much space, as it can be folded up small after use.

Disadvantages of rowing

1. technology dependency

One of the biggest disadvantages of rowing is the technique. Unlike many other sports, the correct execution of rowing movements is crucial in order to avoid injuries and maximise the effectiveness of training. Beginners often need some time to learn the technique.

Devices such as the AUGLETICS Eight Style help you to overcome this disadvantage. The integrated Virtual Trainer gives you feedback in real time and helps you to learn the right technique. The learning curve is usually steep at the beginning. Progress can be seen quickly, especially if you have a good movement history. The more experienced you are, the smaller the development steps become, as in the end it's all about nuances. But the integrated Virtaul trainer can also help you here, as it is available in two assessment levels.

2. space requirement

Rowing machines are often quite large and require space. If you have little space at home, this can be an obstacle. Folding machines such as the AUGLETICS Eight Style a practical solution. They can be easily folded up after training and stowed away to save space. With the two castors on the AUGLETICS Eight Style it can also be easily moved after use.

3. costs

A high-quality rowing machine is an investment. While simple models are available from around 300 euros, premium devices such as the AUGLETICS Eight Style cost several thousand euros. However, you also get a durable, innovative device that offers you a first-class training experience. What's more, the software is constantly being updated so that you can use the AUGLETICS Eight Style are always up to date.

4. monotony

For some people, the steady motion of rowing can seem monotonous. Varied training programmes or virtual rowing routes can help here. The AUGLETICS Eight Style also offers the option of streaming films and videos on the large 15-inch HD touch display, which can provide additional variety. Modern rowing machines offer you numerous ways to make your training exciting and keep your motivation high.

Who is rowing suitable for?

Rowing is a sport for everyone - regardless of age, fitness level or training goal. Rowing is particularly suitable for:

Beginners: Safe entry thanks to joint-friendly movements.
Advanced: Effective training to improve performance.
People with health restrictions: Ideal for rehabilitation and gentle exercise.
Overweight people: An excellent way to burn calories without impact.

The right rowing machine makes all the difference

Choosing the right rowing machine is crucial to your success. The AUGLETICS Eight Style is an excellent example of a modern, innovative device. With features such as a virtual trainer that gives you direct feedback and quiet magnetic resistance, it offers a first-class training experience.

Thanks to its space-saving design, you can even use it in small flats without any problems. The option of streaming series or rowing virtual routes during training also makes it a real motivation booster.

Conclusion: Rowing - the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages

Rowing is one of the most effective and versatile sports there is. It trains your entire body, strengthens your cardiovascular system and boosts your mental strength. Although there are minor challenges, such as the technique or the space required, these can be easily overcome with the right equipment and a little practice.

If you are looking for a sport that is efficient, easy on the joints and incredibly versatile, then rowing is just the thing for you. With a high-quality machine like the AUGLETICS Eight Style you can be sure that you will get the most out of your training - in every situation. Start today and discover the many benefits of rowing!

About the author

Lars Wichert

Lars Wichert is a sports scientist and former competitive rower. He was part of the German national team for 13 years. He can look back on two participations in the Olympic Games and three world championship titles. After his rowing career, he worked as a coach and won the European Championships with his team. In his spare time, he now competes in triathlons, where he holds the world's best amateur time over the Ironman distance. Lars has the knowledge as a trainer, competitive athlete and sports scientist, so that everyone can feel addressed. His aim is to make exercise fun and to make it clear that a lot can be done for your health with little effort - because there is no better prevention than investing in your own health.

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