What is the primary muscle group engaged by rowing?

Rowing is a full-body workout that effectively engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making it a highly efficient exercise. The primary muscle groups engaged by rowing include the legs, back, arms, shoulders, and core.

During the rowing stroke, the legs push off against the footrest, employing significant muscular action in the quadriceps and hamstrings. As the rower pulls the handle towards their body, the back muscles, including the latissimus dorsi and rhomboids, are heavily activated, along with the biceps in the arms. The core engages to stabilize the body throughout the rowing motion, providing support and maintaining posture.

This compound movement means that rowing does not isolate one specific muscle group but rather incorporates significant efforts from all major muscle groups. Consequently, the answer highlights the comprehensive nature of this exercise, making it a valuable choice for those looking to achieve a balanced workout encompassing strength and endurance across a wide area of the body.