Women's Rowing on the Rise!

Wisdom, Power, Confidence, Health, Beauty: More Women are Rowing Now then Ever Before

Women are getting out of the house, out of the gym and onto the water! What is it that's capturing their attention and stirring their passion for health, fitness and overall wellbeing? It's rowing.

Rowing meets the 4 key requirements that fuel women's wisdom:

Health, Fitness, Energy, Confidence

Rowing is a full body aerobic exercise, working so many of the muscle groups in the body that it delivers a total body workout in less time than it takes to go to the gym. Rowing works the muscles of the arms, legs, abdomen and torso as well as the heart and lungs, building endurance and strength – not to mention great shapely legs!

Moving out of the gym and onto the water, rowing offers an exciting change of pace and an easier, more desirable way to stay committed to health and fitness. Being in the open air, at one with nature and the serenity of the water, the peace and quiet nurtures the soul and provides a haven in the midst of a hectic lifestyle.

The energy that comes, not only from increased endurance and muscle strength, but from a deeper connection to their spirit and wellbeing, women are finding rowing to be an exercise in wholeness. Being one with the water, one with themselves and their surroundings, it is a peaceful meditation as well as a powerful exercise. The confidence and empowerment that fills a woman's soul is nourishing to her daily life and overflows into her relationships, activities and overall sense of wellness.

Women are reaching out to others and forming rowing groups, sharing their wellness experience with others in a form of group meditation and community. Women as young as their early teens to women well into their 70's are turning to rowing as a vital part of their daily life. They are helping each other overcome their fears and build new confidence.

Rowing is quickly becoming the sport of choice for women in their middle years. "50 is the new 30," is the phrase being coined by two of America's top models: Christie Brinkley and Cheryl Teigs. "Our generation, the baby-boomers, have always been the driving force," says Brinkley.

Baby boomers are a large majority of the population and these women want more from life. They want to be recognized, active and connected. What better food for the soul than rowing &150; a sport that meets all 4 key requirements for women's wisdom?

© 2005 Jaelin K. Reece

Jaelin is an Intuitive Counselor & Whole Life Coach who assists people in bringing balance back to their body, mind & spirit.

Stretching & Sculling:

A healthy prescription to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury

If you devote as little time as 10 minutes to stretching after you row, the benefits will be immeasurable. Stretching the specific muscles that you use when you row makes the most sense and is therefore the best use of your time! Also, stretching just after you have rowed, when your muscles are warm, is the safest, easiest and most beneficial time to incorporate a routine.

You can expect to decrease any stiffness, pain or soreness that you may experience after rowing by stretching your muscles. Stretching improves circulation to the working muscles, which helps them to recover more efficiently after exertion. Stretching on a regular basis will improve your range of motion which will enhance your experience in your Echo. We’ve even come to realize that you can incorporate several terrific stretches without even having to get out of your boat!

A couple important details to keep in mind when you stretch:

• * When you stretch a muscle on one side of your body always do the same for the other side. Balance is important.
• * Never over-stretch or under-stretch a muscle. When you over-stretch you risk injury. When you under-stretch you are essentially doing nothing, and therefore, not benefiting from the experience. Stretch to a place of mild tolerable discomfort, this is known as your "edge". When you find your edge, hold the stretch for close to 30 seconds.
• * Never bounce or jerk when stretching. This could result in injury as the muscle may be pushed beyond its "edge". All stretches should be smooth and slow and deliberate.
• * Remember to breathe. When you breathe, you invite your muscles to relax, to soften and to let go. If you are tight when you stretch, you are creating unnecessary resistance and preventing the muscle from relaxing and letting go. To take it even further, be present with what you are doing and set an intention in your mind to breathe into the sensation that you are feeling in your body. This is known as "breathing into your stretch". Deep, easy breathing is relaxing, quiets the mind and is an ideal way to finish your row.

Stretching allows you to take care of your body and finish your row feeling a greater sense of peace.

© 2006 Nancy Friedman, Alden Rowing
Rowing photos by Leigh Kelly Monroe

Nancy is a member of the Echo Team in the Sales Division. Nancy is a certified Kripalu Yoga instructor, who for ten years, has been teaching Vinyasa (flow) style yoga classes in Southern Maine. She has come to appreciate the similarities of Yoga and Sculling.... both a meditation in motion exemplifying grace, strength, personal empowerment and peace. Look for more information on rowing by visiting Alden Rowing.

Nancy Friedman, Yoga Instructor ~ (207) 251-3113