What's so good about rowing?
We're building up to the British Indoor Rowing Championships in December, and I like to celebrate this by quietly introducing more rowing into most of my clients' programs.
I've seen great success with my clients rowing, not only in terms of their progress but also in the fact that it's something they actually really enjoy.
It’s a fantastic addition to any program, at any age or experience level. I have several of my over 50's competing in the championships again this year. Check out my article from a super client who took part last year!
Why is rowing so great? Let me count the ways...
Low impact cardiovascular exercise - great for fitness in general and especially your heart and lungs which have benefits beyond basic fitness
High calorie burner
Full-body workout - you are using more muscles than you think and getting great bang for your buck
It can improve strength and endurance
Low risk of injuries
Can help you improve your posture
Core strengthening
Relatively easy to get right (or at least harder to get very wrong)
You can do it at any age
You can use it for different types of training, from sprints to endurance.
It's easier to push yourself when you are newish to the gym while rowing, similarly with the bike. On the opposite side, it's easy to NOT push on the treadmill.
Goal setting and progression measurement are simple. Most machines have great stats, and you can easily see where you are improving. Our gym is running a challenge for the fastest 1000m row - it's a great way to add a goal and incentivise your training.
You don't have to do a really long workout to get benefits. Even a ten minute interval session is working hard for you.
If there aren't enough compelling reasons to add rowing to your program in this list, then come and row with me, and we'll see what you think afterwards!
