How a Cardio Rower Can Help Treat or Prevent These 5 Diseases

How a Cardiovascular Rower Can Help Treat or Prevent These 5 Diseases

Rowing machines might not be the first thing you notice at the gym, but they’re quietly one of the most effective tools for a full-body workout. They bring together the benefits of cardio and strength training in a way that’s both efficient and kind to your joints. Whether you’re just getting started with exercise or you’re looking to mix things up, rowing can be a surprisingly enjoyable and rewarding addition to your routine.

Let’s take a closer look at why rowing machines deserve a little more love—and how they can help support your health in all kinds of meaningful ways.

What Makes Rowing So Special?

One of the best things about rowing is how accessible it is. Because it’s low-impact, it’s gentle on your joints, which makes it a great option for people of all ages and fitness levels, even those recovering from injuries. And while it’s easy on the body, it still packs a powerful punch when it comes to results.

Rowing helps strengthen your heart, boost your endurance, and burn calories, all in one workout. And because it engages so many muscles at once, it also helps build strength and improve your metabolism over time.

Rowing for Your Health: Conditions It Can Help With

Rowing can also support your long-term health in important ways. Here are five health conditions rowing can help manage or prevent:

• Heart disease: Rowing boosts cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and improving circulation.
• Type 2 diabetes: Regular rowing helps regulate blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity.
• Obesity: Rowing burns over 300 calories in 30 minutes and it supports healthy weight loss.
• Osteoporosis: The resistance of rowing helps improve bone density, especially important as we age.
• Anxiety and depression: Like other forms of exercise, rowing releases feel-good endorphins that support mental well-being.

To see the full list of 56 health benefits of rowing, read this article.

Rowing and Cardiovascular Fitness: What the Research Says

A recent study focusing on people with spinal cord injuries found that rowing helps improve cardiorespiratory fitness and even increases brachial artery diameter, a key sign of vascular health. Even though it didn’t change some of the more traditional risk markers, the study highlighted how rowing improves blood flow and oxygen use, which are both vital for long-term wellness.

This shows that rowing can benefit a wide range of people, not just athletes, but anyone looking to move more and feel better.

How Truemed Makes Cardiovascular Rowers More Affordable with HSA/FSA Funds

With Truemed, you can use your HSA or FSA funds to an average of 30%, which connects you with brands like Aviron, Ergatta, Hydrow, Peloton, SOLE Fitness, Total Gym, and Titan Fitness that support movement and long-term health.

By completing a quick online eligibility process and obtaining a Letter of Medical Necessity, you can pay directly with your HSA/FSA card or get reimbursed for medically recommended purchases. It’s a simple, seamless way to invest in your health using pre-tax dollars, helping you live better while keeping more money in your pocket.

Resources:

• How Many Calories Do You Burn on a Rowing Machine?
• Rowing exercise increases cardiorespiratory fitness and brachial artery diameter but not traditional cardiometabolic risk factors in spinal cord-injured humans.
• Rowing machine benefits: 56 health benefits of rowing

The content on the Truemed blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Truemed is committed to expanding access to medically necessary products and services through HSA and FSA plans, though individual needs and eligibility for benefits may vary.