There are many sports where people will be interested in participating but may be put off for a number of reasons and rowing may seem like something that’s difficult to get involved with. However, that’s not the case at all.
Great Britain was extremely successful in the 2016 Rio Olympics in rowing, winning three golds and two silvers, and it shows that the environment to thrive in the sport is present in the United Kingdom (less successful in Tokyo, only one silver but a lot of super close races and congratulations to NZL).
It is, however, far more technical than you may have imagined. Timing is crucial, particularly if you’re rowing with a team, and the technique takes some getting used too. Fortunately, there’s plenty of insider tips to help you improve.
Getting into rowing
If you want to get into rowing but don’t live near a large river, lake or other body of water, then it may seem impossible. Fortunately, there’s plenty of opportunities and an easy way to help you find a club nearby.
From there, the world is your oyster. Courses can be provided to help you train your way to stability and free taster sessions are often provided to give an insight into the sport. If you’re concerned about your age, then there’s no reason to be at all!
British rowing states that over 700 people over the age of 50 took out a membership last year and they still have people competing at the age of 80, which shows this is a sport you can keep occupied with for a number of years.
Crucially, rowing is affordable. No special kit is required and you certainly don’t need to find your inner sailor and purchase a boat, as that is provided by a local club. An up front fee for training may be required but after that it’s certainly manageable.
Starting Indoor rowing
Indoor rowing may sound bizarre but it’s perhaps the best way to get involved in the sport, particularly during the winter months when it’s a lot colder and the weather is far more volatile. At this stage of the year, the water can be extremely uninviting.
Indoor rowing provides a superb cardiovascular workout, working 85% of your muscles, and it’s a superb way to keep fit. It’s a low-impact activity, which means it doesn’t provide too much pressure to joints- which makes it ideal for those who are new to exercise or who are recovering from injury.
It can also be done at your local gym on a rowing machine or even in your own home if you wish to purchase a machine. Burning over 300 calories during 30 minutes of exercise, it’s an ideal way to get fit and stay active. Want to buy a rowing machine? Have a look at our AUGLETICS rowing machines!
Crucially, it’s also easy to learn. An issue for many people wanting to take up sport and activity is the concerns about the challenges they may face, or the rules they have to learn. Fortunately, that’s not the case with rowing and it’s one of the most accessible activities around.
Rowing Competition
If competition is your scene, then thankfully rowing can provide you exactly with that. Whether it’s a head-to-head challenge with a friend on the rowing machines at the gym, seeing who can go the furthest in a set time frame, or taking to the water, there is something for everyone. Rowing was even part of the Virtual Olympics 2021.
Outdoor rowing can provide you with some beautiful scenery though and can open up a whole new world right on your doorstep. Whilst you may have to travel a bit further to find a local club or a large body of water, the benefits you’ll get in return make it certainly worthwhile.
Should you find a love for the sport and want to follow it on a competitive level, then you’ll be pleased to know the famous Oxford v Cambridge race takes place annually. There’s also world and European championships which is surrounded in tight competition, as well as the grandest stage of all- the Olympics, just ended in Tokyo.
Indoor rowing is also used for charity events, where a group of people will aim to go a certain distance or ensure someone is on the machine for an extended period, so it can also provide the inspiration for your next fundraising- allow you to help others as you maintain your own levels of fitness.
