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Indoor Rowing

     Back in the 80s a bunch of medical scientists studied Olympic athletes in a variety of fitness tests and measures. These medical experts arrived at the conclusion that the Olympic Rowing athletes had the best overall level of fitness! Rowing has been a great source of exercise for centuries. Hundreds of years ago rowing was a widely used method of transportation for many who lived along or near a river.

    Rowing is an excellent form of low impact exercise. Indoor rowing primarily works your cardiovascular systems - your heart and lungs! For many avid rowers a typical workout lasts 15-45 minutes. Healthy rowing enthusiasts find they can burn a bunch of calories in as little as 15 minutes!

Like other forms of cardio focused exercise, interval training is also commonly used in indoor rowing. While cardio focused, rowing also stresses many muscle groups throughout the body anaerobically, thus rowing is often referred to as a strength-endurance sport.

The rowing motion involves simple movements in defined ranges, so the risk of injury is really quite rare.  Proper form is vital. The repetitive action of rowing can, over time, put a strain on your knees and the tendons of the forearm. Inflammation of these are the most common rowing injuries. If you row with poor technique, you may have the potential for other injuries. Just remember to keep your back strait and don't lean too far forward and you'll avoid back pain!

   Indoor rowing really works your heart and lungs. Its a great whole body workout! The most effective workouts last 20-45 minutes. Like other forms of cardio focused exercise, interval training is also commonly used in indoor rowing.  Rowing also stresses many muscle groups throughout the body anaerobically, thus rowing is often referred to as a strength-endurance sport.

Unlike high impact exercises, which can damage knees and the connective tissues of the lower body, rowing's most common injury site is the lower back. Proper technique is a necessity for staying injury free. Rowers tend to focus on both mechanics and breathing.

They find correct rhythm - exhaling on the drive and inhaling on the recovery - is a stabilizing force for the upper body. It's easy for novice rowers to over-emphasize the muscles of the upper body. Once you get into the groove you'll find the correct technique uses the large muscle of the thighs to drive much of the stroke.

Keeping your upper body in proper form is important. The proper technique requires that the angle of the upper body is never too far forward, nor too far back. Maintain the proper form and avoid stress on your lower back, and knees. Watch an experienced rower or get them to watch you for a few minutes. Soon, you'll find your groove and feel the healthy benefits rowing enthusiasts have enjoyed for centuries!

In addition to the high levels of fitness attained, rowing is an intense calorie-burning exercise. Indoor Rowing with your Concept2 Indoor Rowing Machine is an excellent tool in any weight-loss effort.

A Little History

Henley Royal Regatta is a world famous rowing event held every year on the River Thames in England

The regatta lasts for 5 days (Wednesday to Sunday) over the first weekend in July. Races are head-to-head competitions, over a 1 mile course. The regatta regularly attracts international crews to race. The most prestigious event at the regatta is the Grand Challenge Cup for Men's Eights, which has been awarded since the regatta was first staged.

The first known rowing races, began from competition among the professional watermen that provided ferry and taxi service along the River Thames in London. Prizes for wager races were often offered by the London Guilds and Livery Companies or wealthy owners of homes along the river. During the Nineteenth Century these races were to become numerous and popular, attracting large crowds. A contemporary sporting book lists 5000 such matches in the years 1835 to 1851. Prize matches amongst professionals similarly became popular on other rivers throughout Great Britain in the Nineteenth Century, notably attracting vast crowds on the Tyne. The oldest surviving such race, Doggett's Coat and Badge was first contested in 1715 and is still held annually from London Bridge to Chelsea.

In 1843, the first American college rowing club was formed at Yale University. The Harvard-Yale Regatta is the oldest intercollegiate sporting event in the United States having been contested every year since 1852 (except for occasional breaks due to major wars, such as World War II and the US Civil War).

  
  

    Always take time to properly warm up before rowing. Spend a few minutes stretching your arm and leg muscles. After you're done for the day take a few minutes to cool down and enjoy the natural high you're sure to feel after a good workout!   Top off your workout with some easy stretches.  Keep your muscles flexible and  healthy - make stretching a part of your day!

    Indoor rowing  is an excellent low impact exercise! 

If you want to tone your body and firm up your abs, legs and arms, you might want to check out Indoor Rowing with your very own Concept2 Indoor Rowing Machine

You'll have loads of healthy fun and burn a whole bunch of calories.