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Photograph by John Urban

Who will hate it

Some people get bored with rowing in a matter of seconds. Others are intimi-

dated because rowing is not as natural as walking, running, or biking. We know

one guy who smacked the handle into his forehead over and over again until

some kind soul in the gym showed him the proper form.

Rowing-machine user tips

Experienced rowers make rowing look easy, but when you actually sit down

at the machine, you may find that it takes a fair amount of coordination. Here

are some tips to fine-tune the motion:

Think legs, legs, legs.Concentrate on initiating the movement with your

buttocks rather than your lower back. Don’t fully straighten your knees.

Even when you’re completely extended, your knees should be a little soft.

Don’t round your back.Hunching over is the way to give yourself back

pain. Don’t lean all the way back at the end of the stroke, either. You’re

in proper position when your upper body is leaning backward about 45

degrees.

Pull the handle in a smooth, continuous stroke.Don’t stop at the most

stretched-out and bent positions.

ab

Figure 9-6:
Although
rowing is a
demanding
activity, its
low-impact
nature
makes it a
good fit for
prenatal
exercise.

Chapter 9: Using Cardio Machines 145