For years I have been rowing every day. I started when I was 13 and a half years old and kept rowing daily until I turned 32. Now I am 38, married with four children under the age of 13 and I coach daily and reduced my daily rowing routines to 5X 45 minute sessions per week.
This change in exercise pace made me appreciate the rowing workouts that much more. By being forced to NOT row, I enjoy that much more getting on the rowing machine and feeling what makes rowing so enjoyable.
First, I find that the rowing range of motion and its repetition loosens up the body from ankles through the lower back to the shoulder blades. I always begin my rows by warming up fragments of the rowing stroke which emphasis full extensions of the limbs and hinging at the hip joint thus also stretching out the hamstrings.
Second, breaking a sweat comes gradually and easily. With rowing almost 90% of the body's muscles are being used all while being seated on a comfortable seat which makes sliding and using the leg drive smooth as if floating on air. I find power for my muscles by adjusting my stroke per minute rate to my breathing rhythm. I take deep breath throughout the stroke cycle. Rhythmic breathing is in its own right a strength exercise, because the lung volume is more utilized during exercise than during sedentary work. The combination of breathing and moving the body up and down the rowing track gently warms the body up.
Third, by the time I am 3/4 through my rowing routine, I feel better about myself mentally. The positive endorphins kick in and I come to truly appreciate how doing a rowing workout delivers the "goods" so to speak.
I have always said to beginners how powerful of a life changing discipline rowing is. Now that I do not have the luxury of rowing everyday, I get to taste my own medicine and I LIKE IT.
If you have never rowed before, I hope that my short piece will make you curious about rowing. Rowing is a gentle sport on your joints, no impact. This is the one sport where you will see elder athletes in their 90ies still compete.
All the best, row soon, row far,
sincerely,
Xeno Müller, Olympic gold and silver medalist, Olympic record holder
www.row2go.com
Xeno Muller, Olympic gold and silver medalist, indoor rowing, rowing technique.
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