There are a lot of different muscles that you use when rowing, and each one plays an important role in the movement. In this blog post, we will discuss all of the different muscle groups involved in rowing, and we will give you workouts to train them. We will also talk about what each muscle does for the rowing movement, and how it benefits your performance. So, if you want to learn everything there is to know about rowing muscles, read on!
What are the different muscle groups used in rowing and what do they do?
The rowing stroke uses a lot of different muscle groups. In order to generate the most power possible, it’s important to understand how each muscle group functions and how best to train them. Here’s everything you need to know about the rowing muscles:
The primary muscle groups used in rowing are the quads, glutes, lats, and core. The quads are responsible for extending the knees and generating power through the leg drive. The glutes contribute to the leg drive by helping to extend the hips. The lats are responsible for pulling the arms back and providing power through the upper body. And finally, the core stabilizes the body and provides power transfer between the upper and lower body.
How can you train each muscle group for better rowing performance?
To train these muscle groups, you should focus on exercises that target each individual group. For the quads, try doing squats and leg presses. For the glutes, try doing hip thrusts and deadlifts. For the lats, try doing pull-ups and rows. And for the core, try doing planks and Russian twists. Alternatively, below I have listed a full workout regime that will target all 9 muscle groups used in rowing.
Why are muscle groups important in rowing?
Rowing Essentially uses 9 different muscle groups throughout the body which makes it the perfect full-body workout. Muscle groups are important in rowing because they each provide a different contribution to the rowing stroke. The quads extend the knees and generate power through the leg drive, while the glutes help extend the hips. The lats pull the arms back and provide power through the upper body, and finally, the core stabilizes everything and provides power transfer between the upper and lower body.
Where is each muscle group located?
Here is where each muscle group is located:
-The quads are located on the front of the thigh.
-The glutes are located on the back of the hip.
-The lats are located on the sides of the back.
-The core is located in the centre of the body.
-The hamstrings are located in the back of your thighs.
-The calves are located on the back lower half of your legs.
-The forearms are located just above your hands.
-The spinal erectors are located on either side of your spine.
-The biceps are located above your forearms and below your shoulders.
What Muscles are used in Rowing and what are they used for?
Rowing is a whole-body exercise that works muscles in the arms, legs, back, and core. In the arms, rowing works the biceps and triceps. The legs are worked in the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. The back muscles used are the latissimus dorsi (lats) and trapezius (traps). And finally, the rowing motion engages muscles in the core, including the rectus abdominis (abs) and obliques.
Each of these muscles plays an important role in the rowing stroke. The muscles in the arms are responsible for providing power through the drive phase. The leg muscles generate force during the drive phase and help to transfer that force to the oar. The muscles in the back help stabilize the body during the drive phase and provide a strong foundation for the stroke. And finally, muscles in the core help to balance and control the body during all phases of the rowing stroke.
What are the four phases of rowing?
The Catch
Rowing is a full-body workout that engages muscles throughout the body. The catch is the first phase of the rowing stroke, and it requires strong muscles in the back, shoulders, and legs. The lats, traps, and rhomboids are responsible for pulling the arms back, while the quads and glutes power the legs. To maintain proper form, it is important to keep the shoulders down and the core engaged. The catch is a critical phase of the stroke, and it takes practice to master the proper technique. But once you have the hang of it, you’ll be able to row with power and grace.
The Drive
The drive phase is the second phase of the rowing stroke and is when the muscles are engaged to pull the oar through the water. The main muscles used during this phase are the latissimus dorsi, which is located in the middle back, and the trapezius, which is located in the upper back. These muscles work together to produce a pulling motion that propels the boat forward. In addition, the muscles in the arms and legs are also used during this phase to provide additional power. The drive phase is an important part of the rowing stroke and should be executed with proper technique in order to maximize boat speed.
The Finish
In rowing, the finish is the third phase of the stroke, and it is when the boat reaches its maximum speed. The finish engages all of the muscles in the body, from the legs to the arms and back.
The muscles used in the finish are the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, core, lats, and biceps. The quadriceps are the muscles in the front of the thighs that extend the leg. The hamstrings are the muscles in the back of the thighs that flex the leg. The glutes are the muscles of the buttocks that extend the hip. The core muscles are responsible for stabilizing the spine and pelvis. The lats are muscles in the back that pull the arms down. Lastly, the biceps are muscles in the front of the upper arms that flex the elbow. By engaging all of these muscles, rowers can generate a powerful finish that propels them forward.
The Recovery
The muscles used during the recovery phase of rowing are the latissimus dorsi, the biceps, the triceps, and the muscles of the back. This is the fourth and final phase and is essentially all of the other phases in reverse while keeping your oars out of the water. The recovery phase begins when the hands are released from the side of the body and ends when the oar is placed back in the water at the catch phase. During this phase, the muscles work to bring the body back to the starting position.
The latissimus dorsi is responsible for drawing the arms back, while the biceps and triceps work to extend the elbows. The muscles of the back help to stabilize the body during this movement. By working together, these muscles allow rowers to efficiently move through the water and maintain their speed throughout the race.
Workouts for each individual muscle group
Rowing is very much a full-body workout. It has been hailed as the ultimate sport for working out your entire body. Using a rowing machine in the gym essentially means that you are using 1 machine to workout your entire body. You could just sit on an erg for an hour or two and call it a day there and potentially be the fittest person in the gym.
I’m going to go over what additional workouts you can do that will help to train all 9 muscle groups and why they help your rowing training.
Quads
Rowers rely on their quads to provide power and drive through the stroke. As a result, it is important to keep them strong and healthy. The following workout will help to tone and build the quads, resulting in improved rowing performance.
– Squats:
Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands at your sides. Then, lower your body down into a squatting position, making sure to keep your knees behind your toes. Return to the starting position and repeat 10-12 times.
– Lunges:
Start in the same position as the squat, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands at your sides. Step forward with one leg, bending your front knee to a 90-degree angle while keeping your back leg straight. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg. Do 10-12 repetitions on each side.
– Calf Raises:
Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart and holding a light weight in one hand (optional). Slowly raise up onto your toes, lifting your heels off the ground. Hold this position for a moment before lowering back down. Do 10-12 repetitions
You can do all of these workouts with a weight of your choice in your hands or on your shoulders as long as it is a safe weight that you are comfortable with.
Glutes
Working on your glutes can help to improve your rowing performance by helping you balance more in the boat. Here is a sample workout that you can do to target your glutes:
– Barbell Hip Thrust:
1. Start by lying on your back with your feet flat on the ground and your knees bent.
2. Position a weighted bar above your lower stomach, just above your hip bones.
3. Squeeze your glutes and raise your hips off the ground until your thighs and torso are in line with each other. Pause for a moment at the top of the movement then slowly lower yourself back down. Repeat for 10-12 reps.
Lats
Rowing is a great exercise for your lats. By working your lats, you will be able to increase your power and endurance while rowing. This workout will help you build strong lats:
– Dumbbell rows: 4 sets of 12 reps
To do a dumbbell row, start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and a weight in each hand. Bend forward at the hips, keeping your back straight, and lower the weights toward the floor. Next, bend your elbows and row the weights up to your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together as you lift. Lower the weights back to the starting position. Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the movement to avoid arching your back. Start with lighter weights and increase the amount of weight you use as you get stronger.
– Barbell rows: 4 sets of 12 reps
To do a barbell row, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Bend forward at the hips, keeping your back straight, and grab the barbell with an overhand grip. Pull the barbell up to your chest, then lower it back to the starting position. Keep your core tight and your back straight throughout the movement. If you have any lower back pain, be sure to keep your hips higher than your knees. You can also try using a wider grip or using an underhand grip to vary the exercise.
– T-bar rows: 4 sets of 12 reps
To do a T-bar row, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at the hips and knees to lower your torso until it is nearly parallel to the floor. From this position, grasp the barbell with an overhand grip, keeping your hands shoulder-width apart. As you exhale, drive through your heels to raise your torso and draw the barbell up to your chest. At the top of the movement, squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for a brief pause before lowering the weight back to the starting position. Be sure to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise to avoid arching your back.
Doing this workout 2-3 times per week will help you see results in your rowing. You will be able to row for longer periods of time and with more power.
Core
When it comes to rowing, a strong core is essential. Not only will it help you generate more power with each stroke, but it will also help you maintain good technique and avoid injuries. The following workout is designed to target the key muscles used in rowing. Perform each exercise for one minute, and then rest for 30 seconds before moving on to the next exercise. Repeat the entire circuit three times.
– Russian twists:
Sit on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lean back slightly and hold a weight in your hands at shoulder level. twist your torso to the right, then to the left, and continue alternating sides.
– Reverse crunches:
Lie on your back on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands on the ground beside you for support. Contract your abdominal muscles and raise your legs off the ground so that your knees are pointing toward your chest. Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position.
– Pilates scissors:
Lie on your back on the ground with both legs in the air and your head and shoulders off the ground. Hold a weight in your right hand and extend your right leg straight up toward the ceiling. At the same time, lower your left leg toward the floor. Be sure to keep your abs engaged and back flat throughout the movement. Repeat on the other side.
Doing this workout two to three times per week will help you develop a strong and stable core, which is essential for rowing.
Hamstrings
The hamstrings are a muscle group located on the back of the thigh. They are responsible for extending the hip and knee and play an important role in rowing. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked in favour of the other muscles used in the rowing stroke. However, strong hamstrings are essential for generating power and improving performance. The following workout is designed to strengthen the hamstrings and improve your rowing.
– Romanian deadlifts:
This exercise targets the entire posterior chain, including the hamstrings. Start by holding a barbell in front of your thighs with an overhand grip. Bend at the hips and lower the barbell towards your shins. Keep your lower back in its natural arch throughout the movement. Reverse the motion and stand up tall. Repeat for 8-10 reps.
– Lying leg curls:
This exercise specifically targets the hamstrings. Lie face down on a leg curl machine and place your ankles under the pads. Curl your legs up towards your butt, and squeeze your glutes at the top of the contraction. Lower under control and repeat for 8-10 reps.
Calves
The calves are an important muscle group for rowers. Not only do they provide power during the drive phase of the stroke, but they also help to balance the boat and keep your feet in their proper position. As a result, strengthening the calves can have a significant impact on rowing performance. Below is a sample workout that can be used to develop calf strength. Note that each exercise should be performed for 3-5 sets of 8-12 repetitions.
– Seated Calf Raise:
Sit with your feet flat on the ground and a weight in your lap. Keeping your knees stationary, raise your heels until you are standing on your toes, then lower back down.
– Donkey Calf Raise:
Place your feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands on a sturdy surface in front of you. Keeping your back straight, raise your heels until you are standing on your toes, then lower back down.
– Standing Calf Raise:
Place your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a weight in your hands. Keeping your abdominal muscles contracted and back straight, raise your heels until you are standing on your toes, then lower back down.
Forearms
Rowers rely on strong forearm muscles to generate power and maintain proper technique while rowing. The following workout is designed to target the muscles of the forearm, helping to improve strength and endurance.
– Curls:
To begin, choose a weight that you can comfortably lift for 8-10 repetitions. If you are new to weightlifting, start with a lighter weight and gradually increase the amount of weight as you get stronger. Once you have selected your weight, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Next, curl your hand around the weight and lift it towards your shoulder, keeping your elbow close to your side. Slowly lower the weight back down to the starting position and repeat for 8-10 repetitions. For an added challenge, perform this exercise with both arms at the same time.
Spinal Erectors
The spinal erectors are a group of muscles that support the spine. They are located on either side of the spine and attach to the pelvis. Strong spinal erectors are essential for good posture and can help to prevent back pain. They also play an important role in rowing, helping to power the stroke and keeping the body stable during the recovery. The following is a sample workout for the spinal erectors using weights:
– Good Mornings: 3 sets of 10 reps with a moderate weight
To perform the weighted good morning, start by placing a barbell on your shoulders behind your head as if you were going to perform a squat. Then bend forward at the hips, keeping your back straight and lowering the barbell down your thighs until your torso is parallel with the floor. Reverse the motion by extending through the hips and returning to the starting position. Alternatively, you can hold dumbbells in each hand to add resistance. Beginners may want to start with lighter weights until they build up the strength to use a heavier weight. Those with back pain or other injuries should consult with a doctor before performing this exercise.
– Reverse Hypers: 3 sets of 10 reps with a moderate weight
To perform a reverse hyper, start by lying face down on a flat bench. Next, place your feet under the pads of a hamstring curl machine and position your hips so that they are just off the edge of the bench. From this position, curl your hips up towards your chest, contracting the glutes and hamstrings as you do so. Reverse the motion and lower your hips back to the starting position.
– Weighted Sit-Ups: 3 sets of 10 reps with a light weight
To do a weighted sit-up, simply hold a weight in your hands and perform a traditional sit-up. The added weight will help to engage your muscles and improve your strength and endurance. For best results, start with a light weight and gradually increase the amount of weight as you become more comfortable with the exercise. If you’re new to weighted sit-ups, it’s also a good idea to start slowly and gradually increase the number of repetitions as you build up your stamina.
Doing this workout two or three times per week will help to strengthen the spinal erectors and improve your rowing performance in the long run. In addition, it will also help to prevent injuries by keeping your back strong and stable.
Biceps
When rowing, it is important to have strong arms in order to generate maximum power with each stroke. One way to build arm strength is by using weights in a workout specifically designed for the biceps. The following routine is a great way to get started.
– Bicep Curl:
To perform a bicep curl, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a weight in each hand or use a bar with weights on either side. Bend your elbows and curl the weights up to your shoulders. Be sure to keep your upper arms close to your sides and avoid swinging the weights. You can also perform this exercise using a resistance band instead of weights. Anchor the band to a sturdy object and hold the other end in your hands. Then, follow the same steps as above.
Do the following:
– 3 sets of 10-12 bicep curls with light weights
– 2 sets of 8-10 bicep curls with medium weights
– 1 set of 6-8 bicep curls with heavy weights
In addition to increasing arm strength, this workout will also help to increase muscular endurance. This is beneficial for rowers because it will enable them to sustain a higher level of power output for a longer period of time. As a result, they will be able to row faster and with more force. Ultimately, this workout will help rowers to perform at their best and reach their full potential.
Please remember that before and after every single workout you do it’s imperative that you warm up and warm down.