Rowing is a full-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups. The following are the main muscles worked during a rowing machine workout:
-
Upper body: Deltoids, trapezius, biceps, forearms, middle back, latissimus dorsi, and upper back.
-
Lower body: Glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.
-
Core: Abdominals and obliques.
According to, rowing provides an effective workout for the upper and lower back, shoulder muscles, and the sliding seat also provides a workout for the lower body. With each full stroke, you engage and help strengthen your calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, abs, obliques (waist), pecs (chest), biceps, triceps, deltoids (shoulder), upper back, and latissimus dorsi, or lats (the V-shaped muscles on either side of your spine).
states that rowing machines work different muscles at each part of the stroke, making them one of the most efficient machines at the gym. The article also mentions that rowing works a whopping 86-percent of the muscles in your body, making it a crazy efficient workout.
explains that rowing is a coordinated muscle action that involves every large muscle group in the body. The article also provides a detailed analysis of the muscles used during each movement of the rowing stroke.
mentions that the rowing machine works 90% of the bodys muscles, making it one of the most complete fitness devices. It works the most muscles of any device, even compared to an elliptical, which uses 80% of the bodys muscles in each session.
In summary, a rowing machine is a full-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups, including the upper and lower back, shoulder muscles, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, abdominals, obliques, biceps, triceps, deltoids, and lats.