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How to Use A Rowing Machine Without Hurting Your Back?

Published on
6 min read
How to Use A Rowing Machine Without Hurting Your Back? image

Best Rowing Machines to Buy in October 2025

1 YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine 350 LB Weight Capacity - Rower Machine for Home Use with LCD Monitor, Tablet Holder and Comfortable Seat Cushion-New Version

YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine 350 LB Weight Capacity - Rower Machine for Home Use with LCD Monitor, Tablet Holder and Comfortable Seat Cushion-New Version

  • TRUSTED BY 3 MILLION FAMILIES FOR QUALITY AND RELIABILITY.
  • ENJOY A SILENT AND EFFECTIVE WORKOUT WITH ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE.
  • SPACE-SAVING DESIGN WITH EASY ASSEMBLY IN JUST 25 MINUTES.
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$199.99 $299.99
Save 33%
YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine 350 LB Weight Capacity - Rower Machine for Home Use with LCD Monitor, Tablet Holder and Comfortable Seat Cushion-New Version
2 Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine - PM5 Monitor, Device Holder, Adjustable Air Resistance, Easy Storage

Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine - PM5 Monitor, Device Holder, Adjustable Air Resistance, Easy Storage

  • SECURE DEVICE HOLDER: KEEP PHONES/TABLETS SAFE; 40+ APP COMPATIBLE.

  • SMOOTH, SILENT WORKOUTS: FLYWHEEL DESIGN OFFERS LOW-IMPACT, QUIET ROWS.

  • CONVENIENT STORAGE & MOBILITY: EASILY SEPARATES; INCLUDES CASTER WHEELS.

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$990.00
Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine - PM5 Monitor, Device Holder, Adjustable Air Resistance, Easy Storage
3 Water Rowing Machine for Home Use, WENOKER Wooden Foldable Rower Machine with Dedicated Monitor & Bluetooth APP, Large Water Tank & Comfortable Seat for Immersive Water Rower, 350LBS Weight Capacity

Water Rowing Machine for Home Use, WENOKER Wooden Foldable Rower Machine with Dedicated Monitor & Bluetooth APP, Large Water Tank & Comfortable Seat for Immersive Water Rower, 350LBS Weight Capacity

  • ENGAGE 90% OF MUSCLES: ADJUST WATER LEVEL FOR TAILORED RESISTANCE.

  • SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: 180° FOLDABLE; FITS BEAUTIFULLY IN ANY HOME.

  • DURABLE & USER-FRIENDLY: SOLID WOOD BUILD SUPPORTS 350LBS; COMFY SEAT.

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$399.99 $499.99
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Water Rowing Machine for Home Use, WENOKER Wooden Foldable Rower Machine with Dedicated Monitor & Bluetooth APP, Large Water Tank & Comfortable Seat for Immersive Water Rower, 350LBS Weight Capacity
4 Merach Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rower Machine for Home, 16 Levels of Quiet Resistance, Dual Slide Rail with Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible with LCD Monitor, Q1S

Merach Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rower Machine for Home, 16 Levels of Quiet Resistance, Dual Slide Rail with Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible with LCD Monitor, Q1S

  • TRANSFORM ROWING WITH IMMERSIVE COURSES ON THE MERACH APP!

  • ENJOY A QUIET WORKOUT WITH OUR CUSTOM MAGNETIC FLYWHEEL DESIGN.

  • EASY 30-MIN ASSEMBLY AND SPACE-SAVING DESIGN FOR ANY HOME!

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$239.99 $259.99
Save 8%
Merach Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rower Machine for Home, 16 Levels of Quiet Resistance, Dual Slide Rail with Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible with LCD Monitor, Q1S
5 Hartwares Rowing Machines for Home, Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machines with 77 LBS High Resistance, 16 Levels Adjustable, Quiet Rower Machine for Home Use App Compatible, Max 300 LBS Weight Capacity

Hartwares Rowing Machines for Home, Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machines with 77 LBS High Resistance, 16 Levels Adjustable, Quiet Rower Machine for Home Use App Compatible, Max 300 LBS Weight Capacity

  • WHISPER-QUIET OPERATION: ENJOY EFFECTIVE WORKOUTS WITHOUT DISTURBING OTHERS.

  • 16 RESISTANCE LEVELS: TAILORED FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS, FROM BEGINNERS TO PROS.

  • SMART CONNECTIVITY: TRACK PROGRESS & SET GOALS VIA OUR USER-FRIENDLY APP.

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$149.99
Hartwares Rowing Machines for Home, Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machines with 77 LBS High Resistance, 16 Levels Adjustable, Quiet Rower Machine for Home Use App Compatible, Max 300 LBS Weight Capacity
6 Rowing Machine, WENOKER Magnetic Rower for Home with 350LB Weight Capacity, Whisper Quiet Resistance, LCD Monitor & Tablet Holder, Comfortable Seat Cushion, Compact Space-Saving Design

Rowing Machine, WENOKER Magnetic Rower for Home with 350LB Weight Capacity, Whisper Quiet Resistance, LCD Monitor & Tablet Holder, Comfortable Seat Cushion, Compact Space-Saving Design

  • WHISPER-QUIET ROWING: ENJOY SMOOTH WORKOUTS AT HOME WITH <30DB NOISE.

  • CUSTOM ERGONOMIC DESIGN: FITS USERS 4’5’’ TO 6’2’’ FOR ULTIMATE COMFORT.

  • TRACK & ENTERTAIN: LCD MONITOR + TABLET HOLDER FOR FUN, EFFECTIVE SESSIONS.

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$179.99 $399.99
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Rowing Machine, WENOKER Magnetic Rower for Home with 350LB Weight Capacity, Whisper Quiet Resistance, LCD Monitor & Tablet Holder, Comfortable Seat Cushion, Compact Space-Saving Design
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ONE MORE?

Using a rowing machine can be a great way to get a full-body workout, but it's important to use proper form to avoid putting too much strain on your back. To prevent hurting your back while using a rowing machine, start by adjusting the foot straps so that your feet are securely in place. Make sure to sit up straight with your core engaged and shoulders relaxed throughout the movement. When pulling the handle towards your chest, ensure that your back remains flat and avoid rounding your shoulders. It's important to push through your legs when driving back, rather than relying solely on your arms for power. Additionally, remember to start with a slow and controlled pace, gradually increasing intensity as you become more comfortable with the movement. If you experience any discomfort or pain in your back while using the rowing machine, stop immediately and consult with a fitness professional or healthcare provider. By using proper form and technique, you can enjoy the benefits of rowing without risking injury to your back.

What is the benefit of rowing machine workouts for weight loss?

Rowing machine workouts are an effective way to promote weight loss due to several reasons:

  1. Full-body workout: Rowing engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including the legs, core, back, and arms. This leads to a higher calorie burn compared to isolated exercises, making it an efficient way to burn calories and promote weight loss.
  2. High calorie burn: Rowing is a high-intensity cardiovascular exercise that can burn a significant amount of calories in a short amount of time. This makes it an effective option for those looking to create a calorie deficit and lose weight.
  3. Low-impact exercise: Rowing is a low-impact exercise that puts minimal stress on the joints, making it a suitable option for individuals with joint issues or injuries. This allows for continuous, consistent workouts without the risk of exacerbating existing conditions.
  4. Improves cardiovascular health: Rowing is an excellent cardiovascular workout that can improve heart health and overall fitness. A stronger cardiovascular system allows for more efficient calorie burn during exercise and at rest, leading to greater weight loss results.
  5. Builds muscle tone: Rowing helps to build and tone muscles throughout the body, leading to a leaner and more defined physique. Increased muscle mass also boosts metabolism, further aiding in weight loss efforts.

Overall, rowing machine workouts can be a valuable component of a weight loss regimen due to their effectiveness in burning calories, improving cardiovascular health, and sculpting muscles for a leaner physique.

How to increase resistance gradually on a rowing machine?

There are several ways to gradually increase resistance on a rowing machine:

  1. Adjust the damper setting: Most rowing machines have a damper setting that controls the airflow into the flywheel, creating more or less resistance. Increasing the damper setting will make it harder to pull the handle, thus increasing resistance.
  2. Increase stroke rate: You can also increase resistance by rowing at a faster stroke rate. This will require more power and effort with each stroke, effectively increasing the resistance.
  3. Add intervals: Incorporate interval training into your rowing workouts by alternating between periods of high intensity and low intensity rowing. This will help challenge your muscles and gradually increase resistance over time.
  4. Increase time or distance: Increase the duration of your rowing sessions or the distance you row each time. This will help build endurance and strength, leading to increased resistance on the rowing machine.
  5. Incorporate strength training: Include strength training exercises specifically targeting the muscles used in rowing, such as the legs, back, and core. Building strength in these areas will help you generate more power and handle higher resistance on the rowing machine.

What is the role of the core muscles in rowing?

The core muscles play a crucial role in rowing as they provide stability and support to the spine, allowing for proper coordination of movements and power generation during the rowing stroke. Strong core muscles help maintain an upright posture, transfer force efficiently from the legs to the upper body, and stabilize the body during the pulling phase of the stroke. A strong core also helps prevent injury and improve overall performance in rowing.

What is the correct hand placement on the rowing machine handle?

The correct hand placement on the rowing machine handle is to grip it with both hands shoulder-width apart, fingers wrapped around the handle, thumbs underneath, and wrists straight. The hands should be at the same level and maintain a relaxed grip to avoid tension in the forearms.

How to engage your core muscles while rowing?

  1. Sit up tall with good posture: Ensure that your back is straight and your shoulders are relaxed. Engaging your core starts with maintaining good posture.
  2. Focus on your breathing: Take deep breaths in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. This will help engage your diaphragm and activate your core muscles.
  3. Brace your core: Imagine pulling your belly button towards your spine and tightening your abdominal muscles. This will help stabilize your spine and engage your core.
  4. Maintain a strong, stable position: Keep your shoulders down and back, and avoid rounding your back. This will help prevent injury and ensure your core muscles are engaged throughout the rowing motion.
  5. Practice drills: Incorporate specific core-strengthening exercises into your workout routine, such as planks, Russian twists, or bicycle crunches. These exercises will help strengthen your core muscles and improve your rowing technique.
  6. Focus on form: Pay attention to your body position and alignment while rowing. Keep your core engaged and your movements controlled to maximize the effectiveness of the exercise.
  7. Visualize the movement: Picture your core muscles working as you row, and focus on contracting them with each stroke. This mental connection can help improve your mind-muscle connection and enhance your overall performance.

The recommended starting speed for rowing can vary depending on the individual's fitness level and experience. However, a common starting speed for beginners is around 20-22 strokes per minute (spm) for steady-state rowing. As the individual becomes more comfortable and experienced with rowing, they can gradually increase their stroke rate to 24-26 spm for a more challenging workout. It is important to start at a comfortable pace and gradually increase intensity to prevent injury and improve technique.