Does a Rowing Machine Work Your Legs?

Hi everyone! I’m Kathleen and today, we are going to talk about your legs. OK, so we will talk about your entire body, but for this article, I wanted to focus on one of the most commonly asked questions, “Does a rowing machine work your legs?”

Many people make the mistake of thinking that rowing only works the arms. The truth is that rowing is an incredible full-body exercise that especially works out your legs.

I know many women are ashamed to wear skirts that are too short or shorts that might show off their inner thighs, but I’m here today to say that you can put those insecurities away because there is one machine that will give you killer legs.

If you’ve been looking for a way to get those long, slender dancer’s legs, but you don’t want to kill your knees on a treadmill, a rowing workout is exactly what you’ve been looking for!

Sit down, grab a cup of Joe, and let’s talk about legs, workouts, and all things rowing!

Does Rowing Give You Big Thighs?

This is a popular question that I hear quite a bit.

I suppose the answer here will depend on your definition of “big thighs”.

Are your thighs going to look like a bodybuilder? No. Will you get those big braided rope-looking thighs? No.

do rowing machines work your legs

Will you get strong, firm, taut-looking leg muscles? Oh Yes! That you can count on.

Men may get some fairly bulky legs, but that is all due to hormones. The male body makes testosterone, which helps them to bulk up and get larger muscles. Some bodybuilders also take steroids to make themselves larger.

Female bodies make estrogen, which builds curves, not bulk. When you see female bodybuilders with large muscle groups and huge thighs, they’re most likely taking steroids and testosterone injections.

Ladies- trust me- if you eat a healthy, balanced diet, row 3-6 times per week, even if you do strength training or weight lifting on your off days, you won’t bulk up like the Terminator.

Gentlemen- if you want bigger thighs, a rowing machine will help give you larger thighs and a nice round booty that will get you lots of attention from the ladies. You may not look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, but you will absolutely be wearing more shorts to show off those legs!

I also want to mention that for men, rowing will give you a chest that will make the ladies go crazy.

The fact remains that by using a rowing machine, you’re going to have thighs that you will be proud to show off. Buy that slinky dress, booty shorts, or new bikini because, in a few weeks, you’re going to rock it, honey!

Does Rowing Make Your Legs Skinny?

This is another common fear that I’ve heard from women.

The answer here is yes and no.

If you’re sitting on some thunder thighs, ladies, then yes, using a rowing machine is going to make your legs look skinnier than they are right now, which is a good thing, right?

rowing machine for legs

Aerobic exercise, such as what happens with rowing machine workouts, is the best way to reduce all-over body fat, including your legs, belly, and behind.

The physical benefits of resistance training, which is another plus that a rowing machine workout will give you, is that you build new muscle.

You can blast away those fatty thighs, even your inner thighs, and enjoy sleek legs that will get you second looks.

A rowing machine workout will help you lose weight because it’s an aerobic exercise that works all the muscle groups in the body. Your body will decide where it wants to lose weight first, but over time, it won’t have any choice but to burn fat off your legs and belly. Aren’t those the two most stubborn places where fat refuses to budge?

Rowing will work your lower body so that you don’t have skinny bird legs, and it will burn calories so that you can eat more of the things you love.

Indoor rowing exercise is one of the best ways to get legs you will be proud to show off.

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So Is a Rowing Machine Good for Toning Legs?

There you go! Now you’ve got it!

Yes, rowing machines are one of the best ways to get an all-over, well-toned body, including the legs, so that you look slim and firm, not bulky and big.

I like the way that using a rowing machine gives you a muscle balance pattern. You don’t look all heavy on the upper body with skinny little toothpick legs. You also don’t look like you’ve got a buffalo butt or huge legs and skinny little arms.

man learning at the gym will a rowing machine tone my legs

Using a rowing machine will give all your muscles, including your core and booty, a beautifully balanced look.

This is because rowing is a full-body workout that works 86 percent of the muscles in your body. Imagine having 86 percent of your muscles larger, tighter, and firmer than a frozen Butterball turkey? OK, maybe not that hard, but you get the picture.

No more jiggly thighs that you try to hide with tight-fitting shapewear. No more belly that you are forced to suck in so you can button your jeans. No more bat arms!

Indoor rowing machines are one of the best workouts ever invented, and you’re going to love the way you’ll look!

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Can You Lose Weight Just by Rowing?

You bet your Aunt Fanny you can!

Maybe I should reword that. You bet your Aunt Fanny you can if you are willing to work at it!

Because to be honest, I’ve seen women at the gym sitting on the rowing machine, watching TV, or talking to a friend, and they are hardly moving. What’s the point of that?

If you plan on eating chocolate-covered cherries as you row, you might as well not bother.

lady at gym trying to use a rowing machine without using legs

However, if you commit yourself to eat a healthy diet at least 80 percent of the time, and if you get in your aerobic exercise on your rowing machine at least 20 minutes each day, 5 days per week, then you can lose tons of weight.

I’m living proof of that! For those who don’t know, I injured my back a few years ago, and I had to stop running. I started packing on the pounds because I felt sorry for myself. I told myself that once my back healed, I could start running again and would lose the weight, but that didn’t happen. Running was killing both my knees and back.

This is how I discovered rowing. It was the only piece of exercise equipment that was easy on the knees and that I could use without hurting my back. I was hooked.

I lost all my extra pounds, and I actually look better now than when I used to run 5 miles a day!

Running does give you toned legs, but it doesn’t give you an upper-body workout. By using a rowing machine, I was able to kiss those flabby underarms goodbye in a few weeks.

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What Works for One Person…

I know. Right now you are reading this and thinking, “I’ve tried everything, and I still have fat legs even with regular exercise. Maybe rowing worked for you, but it probably won’t work for me.”

I hear you.

ladies showing how does a rowing machine work legs

It’s true that not everything works for everyone. What’s a magic plan for Person A doesn’t do crap for Person B.

Can I let you in on a little secret that I’ve noted?

I’ve never seen a rower with flabby thighs. NOT EVER!

Rowing machines are designed so that while you are getting a full-body workout, it’s your legs that are doing most of the work! This means that if you commit yourself to do a fitness routine that involves using a rowing machine for at least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week, then your body will have no choice but to leave those jello thighs in your history book.

Ask personal trainers worth their salt and they will tell you. Rowing machine workouts are terrific for the lower body. It works all the major muscle groups, especially your leg muscles.

My Hydrow Rowing Machine

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You don’t have to take my word for it! Take a look at any seasoned rower. Or you can get your own machine and try it for yourself. Many rowing machines, such as Hydrow, offer a free 30-day in-home trial. If you don’t love it, you can send it back, and it will not cost you a penny.

Measure your thighs when you start and then again in 30 days.

I’m betting that you’ll be shocked by what you will see.

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The Final Takeaway

Even if you’ve never used an indoor rowing machine in your life, you can learn to use one in about 15 minutes and perfect your rowing stroke technique in a few hours.

Rowing is a great exercise for anyone who wants to save time (no more 60-minute workouts!), improve their fitness level, reduce stress, burn calories, work all the major muscle groups, and even improve their mental health.

Oh yes, I’m not forgetting the reason why you’re on this page – rowing is great for anyone who wants lean, toned, tight legs that you will want to show off everywhere!

Whether you are 20 or 70, you can learn to row and reap all the benefits of rowing so that you can have a happier, healthier life.

Stay safe and happy, friends, because life is too short for anything else!