Intermediate · 3 min

Rowing Warm-Up

Move your shoulders, hips and spine before easy rowing strokes.

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Rowing Warm-Up routine illustration
3 minguided routine

Routine overview

What you’ll move through.

Move gently, breathe normally, and stay within a comfortable range. Stop if anything feels painful.

  1. 01

    Shoulder rolls seated

    Seated · Focus: shoulders, upper back.

    30s
  2. 02

    Arm circles

    Standing · Focus: shoulders, arms.

    30s
  3. 03

    Arm swings

    Standing · Focus: chest, shoulders.

    30s
  4. 04

    Trunk twist

    Standing · Focus: core, sides, back.

    30s
  5. 05

    Air squats

    Standing · Focus: thighs, glutes, core.

    30s
  6. 06

    Cat-cow

    Floor · Focus: back, abdomen.

    30s

Step by step

How to do the routine.

How to do Shoulder rolls seated

Step 1 · 30 seconds

Shoulder rolls seated

  1. Sit tall with your feet flat on the floor.
  2. Lift your shoulders toward your ears.
  3. Roll them back and down in slow circles.
  4. Reverse the direction halfway through.
Helpful cue

Let your arms relax and keep the circles smooth.

Make it gentler

For less intensity, use smaller circles and keep your arms lower.

How to do Arm circles

Step 2 · 30 seconds

Arm circles

  1. Stand tall with your arms out at shoulder height.
  2. Make small forward circles with both arms.
  3. Gradually widen the circles as comfortable, then reverse direction.
Helpful cue

Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid swinging forcefully.

Make it gentler

For less intensity, use smaller circles and keep your arms lower.

How to do Arm swings

Step 3 · 30 seconds

Arm swings

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees soft.
  2. Open your arms to the sides, then swing them gently across your chest.
  3. Repeat, alternating which arm crosses on top.
Helpful cue

Keep the motion smooth and within a comfortable range.

Make it gentler

For less intensity, keep your arms lower and use a smaller swing.

How to do Trunk twist

Step 4 · 30 seconds

Trunk twist

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees soft.
  2. Extend your arms to the sides.
  3. Turn your torso gently from side to side.
Helpful cue

Keep your movement controlled and avoid jerking at the end of each turn.

Make it gentler

For less intensity, make the turn smaller, soften your knees, and reach only partway.

How to do Air squats

Step 5 · 30 seconds

Air squats

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and toes slightly out.
  2. Push your hips back and bend your knees into a comfortable squat.
  3. Press through your feet to stand and repeat.
Helpful cue

Keep your chest lifted and your knees tracking with your feet.

Make it gentler

For less intensity, use a shallower squat and hold a stable support.

How to do Cat-cow

Step 6 · 30 seconds

Cat-cow

  1. Start on hands and knees, with wrists under shoulders and knees under hips.
  2. Inhale as you gently lower your belly and lift your chest.
  3. Exhale as you round your back and lower your head.
  4. Repeat slowly with your breathing.
Helpful cue

Use a comfortable range without forcing either curve.

Make it gentler

For less intensity, use a smaller spinal movement or try the movement seated on a chair.

Keep moving

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A calmer way to move

Make a little room for yourself.

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