Is Rowing Resistance Training?

When many people think of rowing, they would picture a heart-pounding cardio session. With the ability to engage 86% of muscle groups, rowing helps you tone muscles and build strength. But here's the big question: Is rowing resistance training?
In this article, we'll walk you through what resistance training is, tips for optimizing your workout results, and why Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine is the best rowing machine for resistance training. Let's dive in!  

What Is Resistance Training?

Resistance training, often called strength training or weight training, involves exercises that make muscles work against an external force. This force could come from free weights, resistance bands, machines, or even bodyweight exercises like push-ups.

The main goal of resistance training is to improve muscular strength and size by creating enough tension to stimulate muscle fibers to adapt and grow stronger. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), resistance training improves mental health, cardiorespiratory health, and muscle oxidative.

Key features of resistance training include:

• Progressive overload: Gradually increasing resistance to challenge muscles.
• Muscle engagement: Focused work on specific muscle groups.
• Controlled movements: Slow and deliberate actions to maximize tension.

With these characteristics in mind, the next question is whether rowing fits into this definition.

Is Rowing Considered Resistance Training

At its core, rowing is a hybrid workout — combining cardiovascular endurance and muscle resistance. While many people would consider rowing primarily as an aerobic exercise, it engages major muscle groups, including hamstring, calf, latissimus dorsi, triceps, biceps, and core.

When rowing, you push against the machine’s resistance with your legs, core, back, and arms in a coordinated, repetitive motion. Each stroke involves two distinct phases:

• The Drive: Pushing against the footplates with the legs and pulling the handle, which engages the glutes, quads, hamstrings, back, and arms.
• The Recovery: Returning to the starting position with controlled movement, focusing on core stability.

In particular, rowing machines with adjustable resistance levels like Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine can be fine-tuned to provide greater resistance, mimicking traditional strength training. Therefore, rowing can absolutely be considered a form of resistance training, especially when used at higher intensity levels.

However, it's important to recognize that rowing has certain limitations as a strength training exercise. It does not provide the heavy, progressive overload necessary for maximal strength gains. The resistance available on most rowing machines is moderate compared to traditional free weights. Additionally, rowing mainly targets certain muscle groups repeatedly, which may leave out other key areas like the chest or shoulders that need isolated strengthening.

Consequently, if you are aiming for significant muscle growth or advanced strength development, you should combine rowing with other resistance training workouts.

How to Maximize Rowing for Resistance Training

Here are some essential tips to help you tap into rowing’s strength training potential:

Focus on Form: Proper technique is essential. Drive with the legs first, then lean back slightly while pulling with the arms. Avoid relying solely on the arms, which diminishes lower body engagement.

Prioritize Power Over Speed: Rather than rowing rapidly, emphasize powerful and deliberate strokes. Focus on generating maximum force through the legs and arms during the drive phase.

Increase the Resistance Level: Most modern rowing machines allow users to adjust resistance. To shift focus from pure cardio to strength, raise the resistance level gradually to force your muscles to work harder with each stroke.

Implement High-Intensity Intervals: Alternate between periods of high-resistance, high-intensity rowing, and slower recovery intervals to boost both strength and endurance gains.

Combine Rowing with Other Strength Training Workouts: For instance, combine rowing with bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, or planks for a comprehensive resistance workout.

Why Tousains 3 in 1 Rowing Machine Is Great for Strength Training

The Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine goes beyond a rowing machine, it is a total body workout machine. Providing up to 20kg resistance, it allows users to build stronger muscles and endurance. With the ab coaster function, you can specifically engage and strengthen the abdominal muscles. Want to train your abs more effectively? Simply adjust the height levels.

If you prefer an upper body workout, this machine will meet your expectations as well. Step on the Tousians 3 in 1 rowing machine with your feet and pull the rope toward your chest to work out your upper body.

Whether you are aiming for toned muscles, stronger core engagement, or improved functional strength, the Tousians 3 in 1 rowing machine provides all the tools needed to achieve your fitness goals.

Conclusion: Is Rowing Resistance Training

The answer is a resounding yes. Rowing can effectively build strength, improve muscular endurance, and serve as a low-impact, full-body resistance workout. By increasing resistance, focusing on powerful and controlled strokes, and maintaining proper form, users can shift their rowing sessions from pure cardio to effective strength training.
If you want a more intense workout with a rowing machine, the Tousians 3 in 1 rowing machine will be your best destination. With a 2-year warranty and 30-day return, Tousains ensures a confident and reliable purchase. Visit Tousains website and learn more features of Tousians 3 in 1 rowing machine!