A rowing machine is not exactly known for being a strength training machine. It is most commonly used to improve cardiovascular fitness and tone up the arms, shoulders, back and legs.
However there are some machines that you can buy that will also enable you to build muscle mass as well.
For example, the Kettler Stroker Rowing Machine, which was recently reviewed here, is described as a multi-trainer because it comes with additional attachments that can be used to perform 10 different exercises (in addition to a standard rowing workout).
These include a range of exercises that you can do in a seated position, such as the seated lift, seated bicep curl and seated extension, which will help to work the biceps and triceps, as well as the ab crunch, which will really work your core abdominal muscles.
It also includes a number of exercises that you can do in a standing position, such as the standing lift, standing upright row and crossover twists, as well as two exercises that you can do in a kneeling position.
So it is easy to see why this and other similar machines are proving so popular because many people would like to perform all of their exercises on one machine rather than invest in a number of weights and machines.
This type of machine is one of the few that can be used for cardio and strength work, and although it might not offer enough resistance for the serious bodybuilder, it should be more than sufficient for men and women who just want to add a little more muscle definition.
Of course if you just want to get a serious rowing workout from one of these indoor rowers, then you might not want this option, but for those that do, the Kettler Stroker Rower and Multi-Trainer and other similar models could be a great investment.
Plus it is also worth pointing out that you can still pump your biceps on many of the top rowing machines, such as the Concept 2 rower, for example, because it is very easy to do variations of the bicep curls at the very least and work them hard at the higher resistance levels, as demonstrated in the video below:
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