🏋️ 12 rowing machine workouts for low-impact cardio

You know what they say: April showers bring May gains! Wait — that doesn't seem right.

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Lee Haney retired from bodybuilding after winning a record eighth Mr. Olympia, but he seemed to have more left in the tank. The legend recently explained why he walked away early.

Joseph Baena is trying to live up to the legacy of his iconic dad, Arnold Schwarzenegger. After sharing his favorite pull day workout, it's clear he's learned a few things from his old man. 

Running takes a toll on your knees and feet. If you need an alternative, we broke down 12 awesome rowing machine workouts for some low-impact conditioning benefits. 

Bodybuilding

Lee Haney's Exit 

In the 1980s, Lee Haney was on top of the bodybuilding world. A phenom from the jump, Haney won eight straight Mr. Olympia titles from 1984-1991. Theoretically, he could've pursued more, but sometimes, it's better to quit while you're ahead. 

In a YouTube interview with fellow bodybuilder Lee Labrada last week, Haney clarified why he walked away from more potential Olympia wins. The gist of his rationale?

"There's nowhere else to go but down," Haney told his former Mr. Olympia rival.  

Perhaps such a decision is partly why Haney's incredible mystique lives on to this day. 

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Celebrity Workouts

A Chip Off the Old Oak

Joseph Baena isn't a seven-time Mr. Olympia like his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger, but it's clear that fitness is a top priority. As Baena once told Men's Health, he works out six times a week, and one of his favorite training days is when he gets to build his back. 

The young man recently posted a short-but-sweet rundown of his pull day for fans to follow along with. It features pull-ups, bent-over rows, barbell biceps curls, and more. Like a delicious bodybuilding buffet, you better believe Baena experiences a bit of everything during his training. 

Training Tips

Row "Upstream" for Better Conditioning

Running can take a big toll on your joints. Plus, endless hours on a treadmill every week can be, let's face it, a little dull. If you're looking for some cardio and conditioning workouts with a little more excitement and quality, we're here to help. 

Today we're breaking down the 12 best rowing machine workouts. Whether you're a beginner or have years of experience with these machines, you can now rest assured you'll get the burn you crave. 

Everything Else 

Tips From "The Mountain"

• Hafthor Björnsson is no stranger to putting up big-time weights. But he recently warned athletes not to train too heavy, too often to limit the risk of injuries and burnout. 

• Can your gut health impact weight loss? The short answer is that it does, but not in the way you might think.

• Speaking of Arnold, here's how the Arnold Press can give you stacked shoulders.

Sound Off!

Baena's Bodybuilding Chances

The Results Are In

Days That Make You Go "Ugh"

In the March 20, 2023, edition of The BarBend Newsletter, we asked you to name your least favorite body part to train. Here's how you answered:

1. Legs (32.2%)

2. Abs (22.9%)

3. Biceps (19.5%)

4. Back (13.1%)

5. Chest (12.3%)