Does Rowing ‘Count’ as Strength Training?

Rowing is an excellent form of exercise that provides numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, increased strength and endurance, and reduced stress levels. However, many people wonder whether rowing ‘counts’ as strength training, or if it is more of a cardio exercise. In this article, we’ll explore this question in detail, examining the benefits of rowing and how it compares to traditional strength training.

What is rowing?

Rowing is a full-body workout that involves sitting on a sliding seat and using your legs, core, and arms to move a boat through the water. It is a low-impact exercise that is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their overall health and fitness.

Benefits of rowing

Rowing offers numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, increased strength and endurance, and reduced stress levels. It is also an excellent way to burn calories and lose weight, making it an ideal exercise for those looking to get in shape.

Rowing and strength training

While rowing is often thought of as a cardio exercise, it can also be an effective form of strength training. Rowing engages all of the major muscle groups, including the legs, core, back, and arms, making it a full-body workout that can help build strength and muscle mass.

However, rowing is not a substitute for traditional strength training exercises such as weight lifting. While rowing can help build strength and endurance, it does not provide the same level of targeted muscle activation that weight lifting does. Therefore, if your goal is to build significant muscle mass, you should incorporate weight lifting into your fitness routine in addition to rowing.

Conclusion

Rowing is an excellent form of exercise that offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, increased strength and endurance, and reduced stress levels. While rowing can be an effective form of strength training, it is not a substitute for traditional strength training exercises such as weight lifting. Therefore, if your goal is to build significant muscle mass, you should incorporate weight lifting into your fitness routine in addition to rowing.