Rowing, like swimming, cycling or running, should be a smooth flowing action. The WaterRower’s patented WaterFlywheel has been designed to simulate precisely the smooth natural resistance experienced in real rowing, removing the damaging jerkiness and impact of other rowing machines which may cause back injury.

Back injuries are more prevalent in the hyper-extension type sports like gymnastics and golf etc. Often the problem is created due to bad posture. It is important to maintain a strong posture when rowing. By exercising the corset muscles of the torso, rowing will indeed strengthen the back, thus helping to prevent injury.

With regards to exercise and pregnancy, studies have shown that regular moderate exercise during pregnancy can benefit both you and your baby. Before starting out you need to consult your doctor with regards to what you can do because what exercise you can do depends on:

o        If you are carrying more than one baby

o        What semester you are in

o        If you have regular contractions

o        If you have any bleeding

o        If you have a history of premature labour

o        If you suffer form headaches, dizziness, blurred visions and swelling of hands and feet.

During pregnancy your body undergoes many physiological changes, hormones relax your ligaments and your joints are therefore less stable, your posture, pelvic floor and abdominal muscles all are affected. Walking and swimming are the best known activities. Rowing would be fine up to a certain point in your pregnancy, but because it is a seated exercise it can become awkward.

My advice is if you have just fallen pregnant is to continue what you are doing in your exercise program do not introduce anything new (either than walking) and do not increase your intensity, you may even lower your intensity – moderate gentle exercise on a regular basis.