10 Benefits of Indo-Row™ and Rowing 1. Rowing burns more calories per hour than running, spinning or swimming. Even at a moderate pace, you can burn up to a 1000 calories an hour. In Josh Crosby’s 50-minute Indo-Row™ class most people burn between 500-800 calories! 2. Rowing is an ideal activity for people of all ages. Josh Crosby started rowing when his father and grandfather threw him in a boat at age 11. His grandfather rowed until he was 94 and retired as an Indoor World Rowing Champion in age group 90-99. Whether young, old or in between, it’s never too late to start rowing and reap its benefits. 3. Rowing is a non-impact activity. Those with chronic injuries are often able to get back into a cardio routine with Indo-Row™, while those with acute injuries are able to maintain and even improve fitness during their recovery. Different from other cardiovascular activities, when the proper technique is used with Indo-Row™ there is no pounding or jarring to the knees or back. Additionally, the muscles around the injured areas are strengthened through rowing, thereby alleviating or eliminating the pain. 4. Rowing is a full body endurance workout. One common misconception is that rowing is just an upper body workout. Quite the contrary. The rowing stroke travels from the strongest muscle group to the weakest. It is initiated by the legs, then the torso and is finished with the arms. When the technique is done properly, the legs, torso and arms are all engaged and share the work load. The better the technique and the more powerful the output, the greater the workout for the cardiovascular system. 5. Indo-Row™ is a team oriented exercise class. During class, the rowers move in sync just as if they were in a rowing shell, dependent on moving as one, feeding off each other’s energy. Indo-Row™ classes inspire individuals to do their best, to stay focused on the activity and to contribute to the energy of the room and team—no matter what their individual fitness levels. In Indo-Row™ classes a professional triathlete can sit next to a 70 yr. old beginner and they can row in sync at comparable intensities; yet obviously the triathlete produces greater power. Learning from Olympic athletes, we know that working as a team brings the best results. To create additional excitement, at the end of each class Indo-Rowers compete row against row by engaging in a mock Collegiate or World Championship race. 6. Rowing is easy to learn; yet learning great technique takes time. Indo-Row™ is easy to learn and attain results if accompanied by the proper coaching. The basic movements are broken down into two major parts; “The Drive” and “The Recovery.” The Drive is the power output aspect and the Recovery allows the rower to rest as the rower comes forward and prepares to take the next stroke. There are several nuances to the rowing technique capturing veteran rowers’ interest. Making the small changes can bring huge fitness results. 7. The rowing machine (ergometer) is misunderstood. Often the former collegiate or national team rower associates the rowing machine with pain, physical testing and cold winter training days. For the health club fitness enthusiast, the rower is often known as “that rusty thing in the corner.” Indo-Row™ is changing that perception. One of the most common responses from both camps after a class is, “Wow that was fun!” For the former rower, Indo-Row™ is a way to get back into the boat and relive those glory days. Former rowers already know the benefits of rowing and are encouraged by the possibility of increasing their fitness. For the newbie, the fun is had learning something new, working the whole body, and being part of ‘”the team.” 8. Indo-Row™ and rowing is sexy. There is nothing better than a toned, fit body attached to a confident head. Rowing does not build bulk, nor do you ever hear “big butt” associated with it (in fact Daily Candy called it “the best tush workout in town!”). Rowing leans and elongates muscle. High repetitions of the rowing stroke will not build bulk; only make that muscle more efficient. Add the calories one can burn in an hour (up to 1000) and you have a recipe for a long, lean, efficient, physical machine. On top of all this, rowing builds confidence - see below. 9. Rowing machines all have displays/monitors showing your stroke-by-stroke, minute-by-minute and month-by-month progress. They measure watt output, along with calories but more importantly, your split or per 500m times. This timing system, used universally in the rowing world, is similar to a timed mile for runners. For example, when a moderately fit woman shows up for her 5th class she may be pulling a 2:45 seconds per 500 meters split. At a moderate intensity she may be able to hold this pace for 5 minutes. However, two months later she may hold 2:25 per 500m for 5 minutes. The fitness progress can literally be seen and the confidence boost that accompanies this progress is priceless. This monitoring system is amazing for the elite athlete and the “techy” athlete as well. 10. Rowing is an unbeatable cross trainer. Working all the major muscle groups, the cardiovascular system, flexibility, mental focus and toughness in a non-impact manner, rowing is unrivaled. Many former rowers have found success in crossing over to other sports. Runners, kayakers, climbers, cyclists, skaters, swimmers, dancers, yogis and surfers can all reap the benefits of rowing.