For far too long, running (no shade) has been heralded as the most effective form of cardio, with the many science-backed advantages that this easily accessible form of exercise can bring. But it turns out that rowing machine workouts could be just as effective at improving your cardiovascular endurance, by supercharging your heart health and muscle strength with every stroke.
Confirming this suspicion, Abbie Watkins, personal trainer at OriGym, says: "Rowing is one of the most effective forms of cardio. It gets your heart pumping by working both your upper and lower body, which means you burn more calories compared to exercises that focus on just one area. Because rowing combines strength and cardio, it helps improve your endurance. Plus, it’s low-impact, so you get all the heart health benefits without putting too much excess stress on your joints." So whether you row steadily or do intervals, it's a great way to improve your fitness and fast.
