By Kassandra Nevarez, Marketing and Communications Assistant
Rowing is one of the oldest Olympic sports in the world. It is known to be a notoriously difficult workout; it burns more calories than running, cycling and many other sports. At the same time, it almost always takes place amongst beautiful surroundings. Although foreign to many, rowing has gained popularity in recent years. Here are six reasons why rowing can become your new favorite workout:
1. Rowing is a low impact workout
Similar to cycling, or swimming, rowing does not stress your joints as much as sports like running. This is great for people who are recovering from an injury or have sensitive joints for any other reason.
2. Rowing is effective.
The rowing stroke activates 85% of your muscles and is both a cardio workout and a resistance workout. Using more muscle groups is a good way to burn calories faster than say, with a treadmill or stationary bicycle. It’s a common misconception that rowers use only their arms and back, but the rowing stroke uses your legs and core as well. The stroke starts with a squat-like motion, continues with a swing with your core and ends with a pull from your shoulders and arms.
3. The rowing stroke adapts to you
People with disabilities or a limited range of motion can row too! Many races offer classifications for athletes with disabilities with categories like LTA (legs, trunk & arms), TA (trunk & arms) and AS (arms & shoulders). Row New York offers recreational and competitive adaptive teams as well as a team for Veterans, Freedom Rows.
4. Rowing is easy to learn, hard to master
Rowing consists of one motion which can be taught in five minutes and mastered in a lifetime. You can start rowing almost immediately but you won’t be bored! Rowers constantly work to become more graceful, more powerful, and more precise. Even after decades of rowing, there will always be something to improve. What’s more, repeating the motion over and over requires a high level of focus, which helps to distract from problems outside the boat.
5. Rowing increases your anaerobic threshold
Anaerobic means “without oxygen” and occurs when you expend energy at a high rate. Anaerobic workouts are difficult because lactic acid buildup gives a “burning” feeling in your muscles. Anaerobic workouts are beneficial for your health because they speed your metabolism, build muscle, lower blood sugar and improve bone density. Increasing the anaerobic threshold takes practice and dedication and builds you into a better athlete. Rowing will push you further than you thought you could go!
6. Rowing will make you feel good
Rowing, like other exercises, releases endorphins which makes you feel good. You’ll feel good as you improve your technique and your focus pays off. You’ll feel good when your teammates find a rhythm and the boat moves faster and faster. You’ll feel good with the wind in your hair. You’ll feel good to be outdoors and on the water with the sounds of nature around you and the big blue sky above you.
Come row with us!
Information and registration for an on-the-water introduction to rowing.
