Frequently Asked Questions

Q "How will rowing improve my fitness?"

Rowing exercises and tones all three major muscle groups, the legs, the arms and shoulders and the connecting muscles of the torso. Depending on your exercise objectives, rowing and the rowing action may be used to develop strength in these muscle groups by high intensity low duration anaerobic workouts, to improve aerobic capacity (cardio-vascular capacity) by medium intensity medium duration workouts, or to reduce weight by calorie consumption by low intensity long duration workouts.

Yes - if you intend to compete in the next Olympics!  But like all naturally performed aerobic exercises, rowing can be as strenuous as you want it to be.  It may require no more effort than a gentle walk or as much as an Olympic regatta.

Q "I am 20 stone in weight will that be a problem on the WaterRower?"

Each of the load wheels supporting the seat contain eight bearings. These bearings give a design load of over two tonne (2000 kg, 4400 lbs) at 30,000 rpm (which equates to something like a stroke rate of 600 spm).

The wooden frame is designed to flex, utilizing the natural quality of wood to avoid any stress or fatigue build up. A metal frame by contrast will have stress build up (usually at the welded joint) and will fatigue
to failure.

Twenty stone should therefore be no problem.

Q" I am finding that I am really my gluteals and hamstrings burn on the WaterRower"?

With regards to your “burning” gluteuls and hamstrings, this is a common occurrence in rowers. This can be a result of tight hamstrings and stiff lower back muscles (which can be a result of sitting down for long periods) so focus on stretching your hamstrings, gluteuls and lower back muscles before and after your row.

Also at the release/finish of the stroke, concentrate on the rock over of the pelvis with your hands away before moving up the slide. Another option is to maybe turn the seat around on the WaterRower so the lip is at the back because that might be stopping circulation to the legs. (this is a common problem in women).