How do you use a rowing machine?

Answer 1

Begin the stroke by sliding all the way forward, so that your shins are perpendicular to the ground (at a 90 degree angle). Your back should be leaning forward, but it should not be hunched. Your arms should be straight forward, parallel to the ground with your hands near the ends of the handle. Your fingers should be holding the handle like a claw; there is no reason to death grip the handle. This is called the catch. You must then 'jump' with the legs, without moving the back or arms, beginning the drive. When your knees are almost flat, your back should pull until you are leaning back slightly (not straight up, and not laying down). Again, when your back is nearly finished, you complete the stroke by pulling your arms into your chest, about a fist's width above your belly button. This is called the finish or the release. The recovery should be done more slowly than the drive. The fastest part of the recovery is the arms; they should go back out almost immediately after they are pulled in. Imagine your arms then pulling your torso back into it's previous, leaned over position. When the back is set, then you should slide s l o w l y back into the catch, and repeat.