Rowing

Rowing is a strenuous activity also pleasurable and energetic, you can do either as an individual or as part of a team.

If you join a rowing club, you must be able to provide evidence that you can swim - you can obtain a certificate through your local swimming pool.

You will learn how to handle the boat, how to place it in the water, how to get into the boat, how to row and how to get out of the boat.

Rowing promotes strength and stamina; it is a vigorous sport that provides excellent, all-round exercise. It is especially good for developing the upper body, without overdeveloping the shoulders. Rowing is not harmful to the back unless there is some pre-existing injury or weakness.

As rowing is a strenuous activity training and diet is very important. Training continues through the winter, in the rain and cold and on rough water created by strong wind conditions. Sessions vary and may last from one hour a week to two hours a day depending on your level of ability and interest. It focuses on Increasing muscle efficiency and Improving mental skills (encouraging self-belief)

Increasing technical ability (to reduce the muscular effort made)

Training can also be done on rowing machines that have stationary or sliding seats. The principle is the same the legs are exercised in a bending and pulling movement and the chest and arms are strengthened.

As you can see from the illustrations above, the rowing stroke requires tremendous muscular effort.

FACTFILE

Calories burnt per minute: 5

Works on: arms, shoulders, chest, stomach, legs

Complementary exercises: walking, swimming