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Peek in almost anyone's closet, garage, or basement and you will find evidence of good intentions followed only briefly. Maybe it's a Suzanne Somers gadget, an expired gym membership card, or a weight bench leftover from college. Perhaps there's a treadmill, a jump rope, or a couple of exercise videos. There may even be a model XX rowing machine waiting to be offered up on e-Bay. Every item represents a sincere effort towards self-improvement, even if now they sit collecting dust.
Ever since Concept2 introduced the Indoor Rower, a steady stream of letters has flowed into Morrisville from people saying they got on the Rower and kept coming back. Some of these people were experienced athletes and competitors in on-water rowing and other sports; some were brand new to exercise in general; all were thankful to have found an exercise machine that works, and works into the rest of their lives.
People often get their first exposure to the rowing machine at a gym. Sometimes, they're the only one on it. They find the rhythm satisfying. Maybe they're recovering from an injury and realize that they can get effective exercise without stress to their joints. They start to play with the Performance Monitor and discover a built-in electronic coach. They might also notice the C2 web site address and with a few clicks, enter into an entire community of people offering help, advice, competitions, feedback, ideas, as well as T-shirts, water bottles, guides and brochures.
When they're out doing one of their other favorite sports, from golfing to biking, they realize they've improved suddenly. They start keeping a log of their times, work intervals into their training, pick up a few other tips from the online Training Forum. They've found that one exercise machine can produce results that make them feel good, look good, and then feel even better.
People stick with rowing because - quite simply - it works. When you see results, you're more likely to keep at it. When you are able to track your progress, feel its positive effect in other parts of your life, be part of a highly supportive and enthusiastic community, and engage your competitive spirit to whatever degree is comfortable and desirable, you make it a part of your daily life. Rowers point out that the erg offers a full-body workout and it also exacts a full-body dedication. Whether they've been rowing a few weeks or for many years, rowers seem to be especially attracted to the deeply personal challenge of the sport. They are proud to have found not only the rowing machine, but also the internal fortitude to meet the challenges it offers.
Kevin O'Bryan from Fullerton, California: "Through my rowing, only looking to supplement my cycling in the off-season, I've reduced my weight by about 12 pounds, dropped about 7% body fat, dropped about an inch off my waist, and have received a couple compliments on my more muscular legs. This is enough to keep me motivated!"
Mike McGuirk was in Madrid on business and discovered a rower at the gym. "Checked out the web site when I got home and immediately knew that this was going to be my new pursuit." He has logged almost 600,000 meters since his first row on October 29, 2000.
Betsey Chappell of Lexington, Kentucky, a swimmer, runner and tri-athlete. "I got sick of counting laps and it was a blast to see my times come down during the first few months of rowing." She just achieved a personal best - 8:27.1 in the lightweight 40-49 year old category - in this year's C.R.A.S.H.-B.s, her very first competition.
Steve Saudek of Lexington, Massachusetts: The reason for his devotion? There are a few: "1( It's graceful. I like to be able to get into that trance-like state. 2( It's clearly the only way to exercise the lower body, upper body, abdomen and cardiovascular system at the same time, so it's by far the most efficient use of exercise time. 3( It's convenient - I can listen to the radio, watch TV, whatever, without having to deal with outside snow and ice. 4( I get instant and very precise feedback on how I'm doing, whether it's mid-workout or from month to month. 5( I've enjoyed feeling a part of the online community that participates in online rankings, forums, C.R.A.S.H.-B.s, etc. Oh yes, I feel healthy too."
Graham Bird, a 49-year-old California-based Brit: …"unlike most other fitness equipment, the Rower kicks my lungs into shape along with my abs, back, shoulders, arms and legs."
Sean Sweeney of Kent, England says "I'm not built for rowing - 5' 8", 149 pounds. "I often find myself sat beside guys that are way over 6 foot tall, muscles everywhere, who start off like a steam train, but 30 seconds later, cannot keep up with me."
~Laurel Saville is a freelance writer living in Jericho, Vermont~