Why Row?
In the past few years, rowing, both competitive and recreational, has taken the fitness world by storm. Young and old, people everywhere are finding delight in the sport which was once only common in the collegiate circles. So why has this formerly exclusive activity gained such popularity?
To the untrained eye, it may appear to be a mostly upper body sport but, in fact, rowing uses all the major muscle groups, creating a supreme work-out. The four phases of the stroke- the catch, the drive, the pull, and the recovery- allow for the usage of the legs, core, back and arms. This full body work-out causes more calories to be expended than in many more traditional exercise methods. A study by Fritz Hagerman, Ph.D., a professor in the Biological Science Department at Ohio University, concluded that competitive rowers use nearly twice the number of calories to complete a 2,000 meter course as a runner does on a 3,000 meter steeplechase.
In addition, experts the world over are confirming the immense health benefits of rowing. The repetitive motion of rowing builds muscle endurance, an important body characteristic. Poor muscle endurance is noted to lead to bad posture, chronic back pain, fatigue and increases one’s likelihood for injury. A low-impact sport, rowing is gentle on knees and ankles and the wide range of motion is beneficial for joints. Also, the primarily aerobic activity promotes lung function, heart health, circulation and increased bone density.
Thanks to the rowing machine, the ergometer or “erg” for short, rowing is a sport that can be experienced indoors and out, regardless of season or weather. While outdoor and indoor rowing share the same numerous physical benefits, studies suggest that rowing outside in boats can encourage mental health as it stimulates the mind by causing the rower to react to factors such as obstacles, water and weather conditions, and surrounding rowers. Furthermore, these stimuli can prove welcome distractions keeping outdoor rowers happily rowing for longer periods of time. As if that wasn’t enough, outdoor rowing is a completely environmentally friendly way to experience the wonders of oceans, lakes and rivers. Want to give rowing a try? Click on Programs and then Adult Rowing or Junior Rowing for program information.
Written by: Emilie Munson
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