Do you enjoy being physically active and trying new things? If you’re someone who enjoys staying healthy through working your entire body playing a sport, rowing is one of the best new activities to explore. It’s a full-body workout that’s not only fun, but rowing will help you build strength, endurance, and a strong cardiovascular system.
If you’ve been searching for a new sport, here are 6 of the best reasons to get into rowing.
1. Rowing On The Water Develops More Skill Than A Machine
There’s no denying that rowing with a machine has health benefits and this form of exercise can be enjoyable. You will get a good upper body workout and gain strength. However, there are benefits to rowing on the water that you won’t get from a machine.
For example, the rowing action differs when you’re on the water and you’ll need more muscle control and mind-to-muscle action. Rowing with a machine is repetitive and steady, so it’s easier to get used to, but it really doesn’t exercise your mind as much.
You also miss out on developing finer skills that allow you to maneuver your boat intentionally. For example, it will take every muscle in your body to steady your boat and maintain your path through the water.
2. You Can Always Develop Better Rowing Skills
Rowing is one of those sports where no matter how much you practice, you can always get better. Each time you get out on the water, you’ll be right where you left off last time, skill-wise. It’s another opportunity to test yourself and push your limits to have a breakthrough where you were previously stuck.
If you find that you enjoy rowing and want to improve your skills even further, you can attend day sessions and overnight sports camps dedicated to training you to become a better rower.
3. Rowing Can Be Done Alone, In Pairs, Or In Teams
With some exceptions, most sports are designed to be played as a team, even if it’s just a two-person team. However, rowing is something you can do by yourself. You can row alone, with one other person, or with a team of several people. It’s an entirely different experience when you work as a team because you have to learn how to get and stay in sync with the other people in your boat, but it’s rewarding. However, it’s not for everyone.
If you enjoy exercising solo, rowing will meet your needs for a great workout where you can be alone. You can even compete alone. Although you’ll be competing against other people, they won’t be in your boat; you’ll still be a one-person team.
4. Rowing Doesn’t Have To Be Competitive
Although competitive rowing is popular, you can row for fun and recreation. Competition isn’t for everyone, and if you’re more interested in going at your own pace without any stress, rowing for fun is perfect.
Once you learn how to row, you can head out to the water for however long you want without any pressure. The only competition will be yourself, and that means you can set your own goals and work on beating your personal best each time.
5. Working Out In Nature Feels Amazing
Most people would agree that being able to exercise in nature feels wonderful and the scenery is amazing. You can’t get that kind of scenery in the gym. When you pursue rowing on the water, you’ll be right in the middle of nature – on a body of water, surrounded by trees, bushes, and possibly some animals.
Exercising outdoors will expose you to fresh air that your body will enjoy breathing in far more than the stale air in a fitness center.
6. Rowing Increased Cardiovascular Endurance
Getting intense cardiovascular exercise is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy heart and rowing fits that bill. While running is traditionally seen as the standard for cardio, rowing is actually better for you. For instance, you won’t have to worry about ruining your knees, joints or hips. You’ll burn more calories, too.
Rowing is also not as monotonous as running, provided you get out on the water instead of using a machine at the gym. When you enjoy your form of cardio, you’ll be more likely to continue and show up for your workouts.
Will Rowing Be The Next Sport You Try?
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or a fun form of cardio, consider rowing as one of your options. You can choose to row competitively or not, but either way, it’s one of the best ways to get high-quality cardio in a fun way.
