Are Rowing Machines Good For Seniors?

Rowing machines are not just suited for young, powerful, lithe men and women who look great in lycra. Indoor rowing is a low-impact exercise that is fantastic even for aging bodies. Studies show that indoor rowing for seniors is good for stimulating bone growth, building bone mineral density, and building physical stamina.

Indoor rowing is great for older people because it targets almost all muscle groups in the body to spread the load across the arms, shoulders, back, abdominal muscles, and legs. Therefore, whatever your age, will improve your fitness, transform your body and improve your social life by introducing you to some great people.

Benefits of Rowing for Seniors

1. Indoor rowing is a low impact exercise that puts very little strain on your joints

Despite being a pretty strenuous exercise, rowing puts much less pressure and stress on your joints than other forms of exercise such as running. Also, it gives the whole body a workout by spreading the load all over the body, rather than simply working one bit of the body at a time. It increases lean body mass, improves muscle tone, slows your heart rate, and improves stamina – all good for aging bodies.

Despite being a low-impact exercise, recent studies show that indoor rowing is good for seniors who are worried about osteoporosis because it helps build bone mineral density and stimulates bone growth.

Unless you have any medical reasons not to take up strenuous exercises, there is no reason why you shouldn’t take up tough sports, so long as you start and build up your training gradually without overexerting yourself.

 

2. Rowing is affordable and fun

The swanky image and blue-chip sponsors of the Boat Race might make you think that rowing is terribly posh and expensive. In fact, it’s not. Many rowing machine models are affordable and most gyms and rowing clubs are full of people from all walks of life.

The monthly fees for most gyms and clubhouses are reasonable and you also get to socialize and share useful tips and ideas with other club members. This gives you a chance to make new friends and meet some of the most interesting people you’ve ever met.

3. Rowing helps you stay active

Studies show that many adults above the age of 65 spend at least 10 hours a day lying or sitting down. Inactivity comes with both mental and physical costs. Inactive seniors typically have significantly higher incidences of heart disease, early death, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and obesity-related diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes compared to their more active age mates.

Rowing helps you stay active which often means maintaining independence and staying healthy. Keeping active is a great way of fighting the aging process. Therefore, a rowing exercise regime that is fitness and age-appropriate will make you feel and look younger.

4. Does Rowing Improve balance?
   

Yes – rowing improves balance, builds stamina and strength, and improves bone density even in older people. Rowing actually lowers your risk of falls.

5. It’s not too late to start rowing

Have a look at the most luxurious Hydrow rowing machine HERE!

Although it’s never too late to start exercising, it’s essential, to begin with short, gentle exercise. Good beginnings include gentle swimming, short walks, aqua-aerobics for seniors, yoga for seniors, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi.

Safety guidelines for seniors

• Always consult your doctor before starting any new activities and be sure to enquire if there are any specific exercise programs you should avoid.
• Some ongoing health conditions may affect your workouts. For instance, if you’re diabetic you may need to synchronize meals, medication, and exercise.
• Pay keen attention to your body. If a particular activity feels wrong, try another exercise or scale down. Don’t ignore signs such as dizziness, headaches, disorientation, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
• Set short-term, realistic goals
• Baby steps. Don’t go all out if you’ve just started rowing. Build up your workout program gradually.
• Develop and maintain a regular exercise habit. Irregular exercise shocks and does very little to your body.
• Don’t forget to do warm-ups and stretches before starting rowing and cooldowns at the end of your training session.
• Hydrate often and always keep water nearby.
• Celebrate success.

Introducing the portable exercise bike pedal.

Perfect for seniors’ fitness!

One of the main advantages of using a rowing machine in your older age is the fact that you’re in full control of the resistance level. Therefore, as your strength and stamina improve, you can introduce progressive training levels and increase resistance.

If you’re new to rowing, physicians and rowing experts recommend that you build your exercise program sensibly and gradually. It’s also important to consult your doctor before starting any new training regime.

Read about sciatica and rowing HERE!

Have fun and look after your body 🙂