ConditioningIntermediaterowing machine (ergometer)

Rowing Machine Intervals

High-intensity intervals on a rowing ergometer. Provides full-body cardiovascular training with emphasis on the posterior chain and minimal joint impact.

How to do it

  1. 1Sit tall, strap feet in, and grip the handle with arms extended
  2. 2Drive with legs first, then lean back slightly, then pull handle to lower chest
  3. 3Return in reverse order: arms, body, then legs (the recovery)
  4. 4For intervals, row hard for the work period, then easy paddle during rest

Common mistakes

  • Pulling with the arms before the legs finish driving
  • Hunching the back instead of sitting tall
  • Rushing the recovery (should be slower than the drive)

Muscles worked

latsquadricepsgluteshamstringsbicepscoreshoulders

Variations

Easier

Steady-state rowing at moderate pace

Harder

Tabata rowing (20 seconds max effort, 10 seconds rest)

Used in

Related exercises

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