Rowing for 55+ & Older Adults!
Directions on How to Row
Use Rower for Support and Get Hand on Seat:
Begin by standing beside the rowing machine. Use the machine for balance as you place one hand on the seat. This step ensures you are stable before getting onto the machine, which is especially important for older adults to prevent any unnecessary strain or falls.
Grab Handle and Slide Feet into Straps:
Once seated, reach forward to grab the handle with both hands. Next, place your feet onto the foot platforms and slide them into the straps. Ensure the straps are snug but not too tight, allowing a little slack for comfort and easier adjustment. This helps maintain proper posture and prevents any unnecessary strain on the feet or ankles.
Push Feet into Platform and Bring Handle to Chest:
Start the rowing motion by pushing your feet firmly into the platform. As your legs extend, pull the handle towards your chest, making sure your back remains straight. This motion should be smooth and controlled. The focus here is on using the legs first, followed by engaging the core and upper body to complete the stroke.
Straighten Arms and Start to Bend Legs:
After bringing the handle to your chest, straighten your arms back out in front of you. As your arms extend, begin to bend your legs by sliding the seat forward. Ensure your movements are controlled to avoid any jerky motions, which could lead to injury. This stage emphasizes coordination between the upper and lower body.
Slide Feet Up and Pull Heel Out:
At the end of your session, to exit the machine, slide your feet up the foot platform to loosen the straps. Pull your heels out from the straps one at a time, using the rower for support. This method ensures you can exit the rower safely without twisting or straining.
Use Rower to Stand Up:
Finally, use the rower for support as you stand up. Keep one hand on the machine until you are fully upright to maintain balance and prevent falls.
Benefits of Rowing for People Over 55 and Older Adults
Low-Impact Exercise: Rowing is a low-impact workout, making it ideal for older adults. It reduces the stress on joints while still providing a full-body workout, which helps in maintaining joint health and reducing the risk of injury.
Cardiovascular Health: Rowing is an excellent cardiovascular exercise. It helps improve heart health by increasing heart rate, which is essential for maintaining good circulation and reducing the risk of heart disease, especially in older adults.
Muscle Strength and Endurance: Rowing engages multiple muscle groups, including the legs, core, back, and arms. For older adults, maintaining muscle strength is crucial for mobility, balance, and overall functional ability. Regular rowing can help slow down muscle loss and increase endurance.
Improves Flexibility and Coordination: The smooth, repetitive motion of rowing enhances flexibility and coordination. This is particularly beneficial for older adults as it helps improve balance and reduces the risk of falls, which are a common concern in this age group.
Mental Well-being: Exercise, including rowing, is known to release endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression. Staying active with a routine like rowing can contribute to better mental health and cognitive function in older adults.
Weight Management: Rowing can help in maintaining a healthy weight by burning calories. As metabolism tends to slow down with age, regular exercise can help in managing weight and reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions like diabetes.
Bone Health: Weight-bearing exercises are essential for maintaining bone density. While rowing is not a weight-bearing exercise in the traditional sense, it still helps strengthen bones by engaging various muscle groups, which indirectly supports bone health.
By following these directions and understanding the benefits, older adults can safely incorporate rowing into their fitness routine, reaping significant health benefits while reducing the risk of injury.
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