Rowing

[hellosunshine]

i usually swim to complement the bike,and so my upper body keeps trim!!!due o all the germs in the pool etc etc im now wondering if rowing is a better alternative?the up and coming timetrialliss in this country all seem to be ex olympic rowers...........

[Bron]

Why now give it a go, but be warned, it can be addictive!

Most rowing clubs are happy for someone to turn up for a few sessions just to see if you like the sport and you could always try these people:
http://www.stratford-rowing.co.uk/index.htm

Alternatively, must gyms in the UK now have a concept 2 rowing machine. Like swimming, the corect technique takes a little practice, so get someone who knows what they are doing to show you. Also, like swimming, rowing is much kinder to your joints than running.

The rowing equivalent to a time trial is called a "head race" and they usually take place on rivers in the winter. One of the best known ones is the "Head of the River Race" over the championship course of 4 1/2 miles in London.

Have fun!
Bron

[Ninabike]

I started rowing with a club a few months ago. Unfortunately the time involved - the time of day when the water was good for rowing- just didn't fit into my schedule on a consistent basis. So I ended up getting a Concept 2 and that has been great. I learned the correct technique from the club instructor for erging. The on-the-water rowing is a whole other thing!! - takes a LOT of practice. Since my time is limited, I decided to spend what time I have on the bike, and erg at home on my C2. It is really great for strengthening the core.

Nina

[hellosunshine]

brilliant!im going to give it a go then,i will be limited to an indoor rower,aim to ge really stuck into it when the racing season is over.


just done a really naff race. ............maybe something to do wih racing when ive just had a dose of "delhi belly!"..........mood swings now

[tygab]

I have never rowed, but I was the coxswain (that's the boat yeller) for our uni's jv mens team for a year and it gave me an appreciation of the erg I will never let go of. The best thing is the new gym I joined has two and they are NEVER in use. Unfortunately, one appears to be in a state of disrepair, but the other is fine and now that I am already being forced indoors due to darkening days, I will be using it in my fall/winter training regimen, which will ultimately be some weirdo rotation of swimming-running-cycling-rowing. I have to figure it out exactly, lol. Anyway, used one for the first time in several years and clicked away.

The concept II is a great machine and I'd love to have one for my dream fitness room, someday. In the meanwhile, I will hoard it to myself at the gym. I don't know why more people don't use them, they are great! I love the allover workout it gives me. As for getting bored, between the ipod, my hrm, and the display telling me how fast I'm going and how far I've gone, I manage to stay entertained.

I was looking at the Concept web page and they do indoor erg racing! Sounds like something to keep things interesting.

Edit, and I should add I like to kayak too. There are run, bike, kayak tris now. I'm going to do one next year for sure, just have learned of them only recently. I think you can also make teams for them.

[Bron]

We've just moved house and at long last I have room for my concept 2! I also have much respect for these machines having spent far too much time on them over the last ten years.

The concept 2 webpage is a really good resource, for HelloSunshine, the British site is www.concept2.co.uk and there are diagrams of technique on there, training plans and details of indoor rowing competitions.

Obviously it doesn't beat actually being out in a boat, but it's an excellent workout. My tip for any beginners is not to set the resistance on the machine too high, especally when you are still getting familiar with the technique. I usually have it set at 3-4.

Bron