How to Use a Pilates Rowing Exerciser

When your arms and back need a little extra toning, you could get a boat and row to your heart's content -- a sure-fire way to build muscle in your arms and back. For most people though, that's not something they can do on a regular basis. Another option is to try a machine or exerciser that mimics the rowing motion, allowing you to tone your shoulders, arms, abs and back without having to brave the open water. One such exerciser is a Pilates Rower, a versatile piece of equipment that you can use in the comfort of your own home.

Things You'll Need

  • Pilates Rower
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place one foot in each of the Pilates Rower's foot straps and hold the handles with both hands, palms down.

    • 2

      Sit upright and tighten your abdominals, creating a 90-degree angle between your torso and legs.

    • 3

      Pull the handles toward your chest, stopping when your hands are just under your breast area. Tuck your elbows in toward your body and imagine you're pulling your shoulder blades together. Pulling back in this way should create tension in the rubber tubing of the exerciser, and you should feel the exercise in your shoulders and back.

    • 4

      Straighten your arms out in front of you slowly, pointing them slightly downward so that your arms are not quite parallel to the floor.

    • 5

      Pull back on the handles to do a second repetition. Repeat the entire motion a total of 12 to 15 times.