In
strength training,
rowing (or a
row, usually preceded by a qualifying adjective — for instance a
seated row) is a form of muscular resistance training exercise that shares many characteristics of
rowing a boat without involving water or a
boat. When done as a weight-lifting exercise, its purpose is to exercise the muscles that draw the rower's arms toward the body (
latissimus dorsi) as well as those that adduct the scapulae (
trapezius and
rhomboids) and those that support the spine (
erector spinae). When done on a
rowing machine, rowing also exercises muscles that extend and support the legs (
quadriceps and thigh muscles). In all cases, the
abdominal and lower back muscles must be used in order to support the body and prevent back injury.
Many other weight-assisted gym exercises mimic the movement of rowing, such as the
deadlift, high pull and the bent-over row. An effective off-season training programme combines both erg pieces and weight-assisted movements similar to rowing, with an emphasis on improving endurance under high tension rather than maximum strength.
See also
Category:ExerciseCategory:RowingCategory:Articles lacking sources (Erik9bot) 
