Will A Rowing Machine Tone My Bum?

Rowing machines are a rising form of exercise that tons of people, from the young to the old, are investing in thanks to the low-impact, full-body workout that it offers, plus it’s a great way to stay healthy and active.

So will a rowing machine tone my bottom?

Yes rowing will tone your bottom. Rowing machines work 86% of the muscle groups in your body, including the upper body, (arms, chest, shoulders,) lower body, (legs, bum, hips, ankles,) and the lower back.

Most folks think that, since rowing machines use a pull system to make the motion, the only workout is in the arms, but that is simply not true. Rowing machine workouts are one of the best complete body workouts available today and is 60% lower-body work.

So let’s look at what a rowing machine workout can do for you!

Rowing machines are some of the best equipment for cardio exercises, but they are low impact, so they help preserve the joints and connective tissue better than running can. Running is an example of a high impact exercise that can put a strain on the body if not performed correctly.

So how can a rowing machine benefit your life? For starters, they get your heart rate up, which is great for circulation and reducing inflammation in sources around the body. It strengthens 86% of the muscles in your body, including the leg muscles and glutes.

Rowing machine workouts also help to strengthen the muscles in your back, which improve your posture and can reduce back inflammation as well as pain in some people. They are a great way to work your full body with cardio while taking care of your joint health and connective tissues.

Watch Max Secunda (Our Expert Rower) Show You A Simple Workout To Tone Your Glutes With Rowing:

 

What Kind of Body Does Rowing Give You?

Using a rowing machine to work out does not give you super big muscles, but it will help you tone the muscles underneath the layer of protective fat that all human beings grow to keep us warm and have an energy source in times of caloric deficiency.

Getting in a workout on a rowing machine consistently will show muscles that are more distinct and defined. You may also see the layer of fat begin to decrease. Weight loss is hard to say yes or no to because as you lose fat, you also gain muscles. This means that while you might not see a drastic difference in the number shown on the scale, your body is functioning differently.

On a Budget? See My Top Home Rowers Under $500!!

Additionally, the fat in our bodies tends to have more mass than volume, so 15 pounds of fat looks very different from 15 pounds of muscle. Muscle takes up less room in our bodies, so we would weight the same as when we started, but with less fat and more muscle.

Your body will probably not get jacked or ripped, but you can expect to see toned muscles beginning to appear from underneath the fat layer. Even if the fat is not burned off, the muscles will still be there. Overall, rowing machines help to define and tone your muscles, building them a little bigger though not astronomically.

Is a Rowing Machine Good for Your Bum?

Just as previously stated, the lower body is heavily involved in a rowing machine workout, and your glutes sure are a part of the lower half. The glutes might not be the first muscle that comes to mind when you think of leg muscles, but the glutes are an important part of a rowing exercise. 

As the legs push against the footboards and the arms pull, the core engages to keep balance and the glutes work in two ways!

Does A Rowing Machine Work Glutes?

It most certainly does!  Firstly, the glutes are engaged when you push your legs against the boards and pull with your arms, and they are also engaged when your core kicks in. Your glutes are a very strong muscle and so they have to help stabilize your lower half as your abs, back, and the core gets engaged to keep the top half balanced and upright.

You might not see huge glutes after a few days, but with continuous use, a rowing machine can help shape and tone your glutes along with the rest of your body and back.

Will a Rowing Machine Get Me in Shape?

A rowing machine can help get you into shape, yes, but not by itself.

Just like with any workout, you can’t expect to see results after a few days of doing it. You must make sure that you create a habit of working out several times a week, 4 to 6 times for maximum results. You must give yourself some days of rest, even if you want to go for 7 days a week.

If you go too hard too fast, your muscles will never get the chance to repair themselves. Each time you work out, the muscle groups that are being worked are torn in the fibers. For the muscles to grow, they have to repair the tears, which is why they get bigger.

You can begin to see results usually after several weeks or about a month if you take care of yourself, eat healthy, stretch, get a healthy amount of sleep, and get on your machine often.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does a rowing machine work your bum?

Your bum consists of the biggest muscle in the body—the gluteus maximus. Together with the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, they are collectively called the glutes. And yes, this muscle group gets worked out by a rowing machine. Not only that, as a large and powerful muscle, it is responsible for loading power to the rowing machine, and it should be activated ahead of the hamstrings, quads, and other lower body muscles.

2. Does rowing make your bum big?

Yes, rowing  will make your bum ‘bigger’, but shapelier and tighter will be more like it. However, glutes activation is often forgotten by many rowing machine users. Many rowers power their rowing motions from their hamstrings, neglecting the glutes. The key here is to start a leg-driven stroke powered by the glutes, and then recruiting the other smaller muscles throughout the workout. By constantly engaging the glutes, your bum will be perkier and bigger.

3. What kind of body does rowing give you?

Initially, you will shed off unwanted pounds. As you continue to row regularly, you will attain your ideal weight, improve your posture, and gain a more tone and defined musculature. Your upper and lower body will be limber, and your muscles—yes, including your bum—will get a lovely sculpting.