POPSUGAR UK

This Rowing and Strength-Training Workout Will Torch Up to 1,000 Calories

12/01/2018 - 11:06 AM

You want a workout [1] that works as hard as you do, plain and simple. If you want to get results and challenge yourself to progress to a new level, we've got just the session for you [2]. All you need for this workout is a pair of dumbbells and a rowing machine. That's it. It's to the point, and every move integrates your whole body, from your arms to your shoulders, your bum to your legs.

This full-body, 1,000-calorie-burning workout was put together by Youfit Health Clubs [3]'s national director of fitness, Raphael Konforti. "This five-round, five-exercise circuit workout is a pride maker. You can't help but leave the gym feeling like you've conquered it," Raphael told POPSUGAR. "The best part is that, since this workout is done at a high intensity, it keeps you burning calories long after you've left your mark in the gym for the day."

The movements in this workout are "simple and effective," according to Raphael. "Do them right, push yourself, and the rewards will be all yours!"

The Workout

Complete five rounds of this circuit, resting at the end or only as needed to maintain intensity. Start round one by rowing 500 meters each time you're instructed to row, and then add 100 meters with every round, so you row 900 meters each time in the last round. These are the five exercises you'll do in each round.

As you can see, every round of this workout starts and ends with rowing [7]. "Most people think that the faster they row, the faster they go. Increasing your tempo will get your heart rate up, but when your goal is to go for distance — not time — like this workout, it pays off to slow down," Raphael explained.

These are Raphael's tips for perfecting your rowing form.

Descriptions for the rest of the exercises are ahead.

Lunge With Biceps Curl

"Lunges work every muscle in the lower body, and adding a curl into the movement increases core activation and adds an additional balance element," Konforti told POPSUGAR. He added that, since it's a single-leg move, you're able to move at a quick pace, which spikes your heart rate.

Squat to Overhead Press

Ready for another mash-up classic? This time you're combining the ageless squat with the arm-tightening shoulder press. Konforti confessed, "The squat to press is one of my all time favourites. It's a perfect combination of strength, cardio, and stability that everyone benefits from. This is a part of the workout where you have the option to really challenge your strength."

Low to High Woodchop

It's not a complete workout without giving your core some love. Instead of smaller moves that aim to isolate parts of your abs, this exercise targets every part of your core by inviting the whole body to the party. "Rotational movements like woodchops often get overlooked but are a foundational movement everyone needs to be doing regularly," Raphael said. "Woodchops require focus and stimulate your body, especially your core."


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fitness/Rowing-Strength-Training-Workout-44496488