Is a rowing machine good for a bad back?

Is a rowing machine good for a bad back? In short, yes. Rowing machines can help prevent back pain, as well as prevent injuries. But you need to make sure you’re doing it right. Exercising on a rowing machine strengthens your muscular system, particularly your lower back and core. This is vital for targeting back pain.

If you are currently experiencing back pain or you want to prevent back pain from happening, a rower is a great option, but you need to focus on your technique and listen to your body. If you row correctly, you’ll improve your form and ease your pain. It’s a win-win!

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• How a rowing machine prevents back pain
• Rowing with a bad back
• Our advice for rowing
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How A Rowing Machine Prevents Back Pain

Tension in your back can be caused by a number of things. Often, it’s a result of poor posture and muscle wastage. Uncomfortable beds and chairs, long hours driving and sitting at a desk for long periods of time can result in back pain. Exercising with improper technique can also lead to back pain, or overexerting yourself with day to day tasks, like lifting heavy objects. Not exercising enough and dep can also lead to back pain.

So how can a rowing machine help? First, it is a great way of strengthening your back, and having strong back muscles is one of the single best ways you can prevent any injury and subsequent back pain. A rowing machine will also help to improve your posture, which can ease back pain and safeguard against it happening in future.

However, it’s worth remembering that beginners on a rowing machine might experience a little back strain. This is quite common when you’re new to an exercise and haven’t quite perfected your technique. If you start to feel pain when you are rowing, stop and rest. Never force yourself to continue. Before you jump on next time, make sure you follow proper technique and don’t push too hard until you’ve built up your confidence.

Rowing With A Bad Back

Regardless of the exercise, if you’re suffering from a bad back, you should always consult your GP before exercising.

However, if your GP advises exercising, then slowly incorporate strengthening exercises into your regime. This should include a rowing machine, as well as lower back and core exercises. Don’t forget to stretch correctly before and after a workout. If your back does suddenly begin to hurt whilst on the rowing machine, as we’ve already mentioned, you need to stop. If the pain is constant, speak to your doctor. The same applies to all exercises. It is so important that you rest your body until the pain eases, and then you can slowly reintroduce exercise.

Another way to prevent back pain and support movement is to focus on core muscles. Plank exercises are a great starting point. Try to work these into the beginning of your workout, before you head over to the rowing machine.

Our Advice for Rowing

Although rowing can help improve back pain and prevent back strain, poor technique whilst rowing can result in discomfort and injury. Long training sessions can also put a huge amount of pressure on the back – this is common amongst professional rowers.

If you are completely new to rowing machines, speak to a professional or a personal trainer so they can demonstrate how to use the rowing machine correctly. Or, if you have a rowing machine at home, take a look at some of the YouTube video available to watch.

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Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, consult your physician, doctor or other professional. This is especially important for individuals over the age of 35 or persons with pre-existing health problems. Exercise.co.uk assumes no responsibility for personal injury or property damage sustained using our advice.

If you experience dizziness, nausea, chest pain, or any other abnormal symptoms, stop the workout at once and consult a physician or doctor immediately.