Overlooked and Underappreciated: How to Use the Rowing Machine


Updated 05/16/12 1:30 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 24 comments

The rowing machine can be intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, it's an effective way to spice up your cardio routine. But while the rowing machine, also called an ergometer, is a calorie buster (about 280 calories in 30 minutes for an 130-pound woman) and a good leg and core workout, improper form can lead to back injuries if you're not careful. Read on for our tips on proper rowing form.

Before you start, there are a few things to note about using the rowing machine. Make sure you wear formfitting clothes, otherwise you risk getting fabric caught in it while working out. Don't set the resistance too high — experienced rowers generally use the rowing machine at 3-5 during their workouts, so setting the machine at 2 or 3 is perfect for a beginner.

There are different ways to measure your workout, so use the change display button on your machine to track your strokes per minute, calories burned, kilometers traveled, or your split (how many minutes it takes you to travel 500 meters).

Beginning Position

  1. For your first row, set the resistance low while you figure out your form, then slowly ramp it up on subsequent rows.
  2. Secure your feet on the pads with the straps tight enough so your feet don't move around as you slide.
  3. Bring your knees up and slide to the top of the machine. Grab the handle using an overhand grip, but don't hold too tightly.
  4. Pull the handle with you as you slide to the end of the machine. Your legs should be straight, but knees should still have a slight bend in them so they aren't locked. Lean back slightly and pull your hands up to your chest, holding the handle so it is right below your breasts, with elbows pointing down against your sides. This is the position where you should begin your workout, and it's also your ending position once you complete a full stroke (see below).

Keep reading for the rest of our tips for proper rowing machine form.

Office Weight-Loss Tip: Set Up an Eating Schedule


Updated 05/16/12 11:25 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Busy nine-to-fivers have schedules that don't leave much wiggle room for anything but work. Getting wrapped up in a project often leads to skipped snacks and meals. A growling stomach, headache, and fuzzy brain make you realize you should have eaten lunch an hour ago, and since you're famished, you reach for the first (and probably not-so-healthy) food you can get your hungry hands on. Prevent work weight gain and keep your productivity levels high by setting up a schedule for snacks and meals. After having breakfast at home, here's a basic schedule you can follow once you reach the office.

9:30: Morning snack
12:00: Lunch
3:30: Afternoon snack

Be sure to eat breakfast a couple hours before your morning snack and dinner a couple hours after your afternoon snack. Adjust the schedule to meet your needs and stick to it. (It may help to set up reminders on your computer or phone so you don't forget.) Before heading to work, prepare healthy snacks — like these 150-calorie DIY snack packs — and lunches —here are some tasty vegetarian sandwiches — so you can avoid grabbing greasy fast food or that homemade brownie your co-worker brought in. An eating schedule may seem a little too rigid (or like you're back in elementary school), but planning ahead is the best way to keep you on the healthy eating path.

Source: Flickr User SweetOnVeg

Healthy Dose Link Time: Miranda Kerr Talks Healthy Snacks and Going Organic


Updated 05/16/12 10:30 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Source: Getty

Find Out Just How Affordable a Good Night's Sleep Can Be


Updated 05/16/12 3:00 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

We've all been told about the importance of a good night's sleep. But just how important are those ZZZs? Well, think of it this way: the average person spends one-third of their lifetime sleeping. That's a lot of time on your mattress! So, isn't it about time you start investing in some good sleep?

In the past, buying a brand-new mattress might have seemed too expensive, but with the new TEMPUR-Simplicity™ mattress, you can enjoy Tempur-Pedic comfort and contouring support at a surprisingly affordable price. Yes, that means you never have to troll the "Free Stuff" section of Craigslist in search of a mattress again. Also, the 10-year warranty takes the worry out of your purchase.

Find out more about the TEMPUR-Simplicity™ mattress here.

Find Out Just How Affordable a Good Night's Sleep Can Be originally posted on SavvySugar

4 Coffee Break Tips to Boost Your Energy (It's Not Just About Caffeine!)


Updated 05/16/12 5:53 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Are the words "coffee break" kind of an oxymoron to you? Probably so if you are just guzzling your grande while you are still at your desk and barely even looking up from your work. While it's true that caffeine can provide you with a jolt of energy, taking an actual break to enjoy your coffee could be the key to getting a better energy buzz from your cup of joe.

The folks at Gevalia introduced me to the idea of fika, the traditional Swedish coffee break that Swedes take two times per day to enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack. Self has reported that taking a true coffee break can leave you feeling happier and more sociable. I thought the idea sounded interesting and I gave it a try for myself and found that I felt more energized from the combination of stepping away from my work and drinking the coffee than I normally do from just downing my java on the go. Read on for some ways you can enjoy a fika of your own.

Source: Thinkstock