Women Who Row

Kathi Strichman, USA

Kathi Strichman

In April of 2001, I was 40 years old, weighed 270 pounds, had never exercised a day in my life and literally lived to eat. A very good friend, Jack (a man who lived 3000 miles away, and to whom I had only communicated with via email and the phone) said exactly the right thing at the time that I really needed to hear it and he inspired me to start changing my lifestyle.

In December of 2004 we were trying to workout at our local gym. All of the cardio machines were being used except a Concept2 Indoor Rower. I eventually gave in and decided to give it a shot. I rowed for half an hour and believe it was the best workout that I have ever had. By February 2005, we had our own erg in our home and were rowing on an almost daily basis. The Concept2 website provided us with an enormous amount of information, inspiration and motivation with the online rankings, challenges and forums.

By April 2003 I had lost 100 pounds and was living a healthy, very rewarding lifestyle. My lifestyle had made a dramatic change before I discovered the Concept2 Indoor Rower, but I have to say that the indoor rower, Concept2 website, Boulder Community Rowing and Jack have all served to keep me continuously motivated and looking forward to the next challenge.

Cynthia Adams, USA

Cynthia Adams

I am a 51-year-old woman who has been relatively active most of my adult life. About two years ago I had a bone density scan performed and discovered that I was losing bone mass. My doctor prescribed Actonel, then Boniva, to help build bone or at least prevent me from losing any more bone. My maternal grandmother had severe osteoporosis, and it seemed as though I had inherited this disease. I am an avid horseback rider and the thought that my riding days may end too early was more than I could bear. So I decided to do something about it. I needed more exercise to help build bone.

I'm a professional and free time (outside of riding) was almost impossible to find. I needed to find an exercise that maximized the physiological benefits in the minimum amount of time. And I had to get the exercise done when I could do it, whether it was 6:00 a.m. or 9:00 p.m. My son was a rower, and we had just given him a Concept2 Indoor Rower as a birthday present. I had read about the benefits of rowing (aerobic and anaerobic) and decided that this was the best option for me.

I row at least 3–4 times per week and do at least 8000 meters each time. I set up the indoor rower in front of the television, watch the news while I'm rowing, and follow with about 15 minutes of Pilates and yoga (talk about multi-tasking)! It takes about one hour max to get my total workout in.

It's been 14 months since I started this program. I've lost 20 pounds, my blood pressure (a little high for years) is back to normal, and I just received a call for my doctor today. She's taking me off the Boniva! She was absolutely amazed. She has never seen such significant improvement. I told her that I'm sure it had everything to do with my rowing program. Looks like I'll be riding my horse (and rowing) for another 50 years. Thanks Concept2! Rowers rule the exercise world!

Ernestine Bayer,  USA

Ernestine Bayer

Ernestine Bayer, who lived to 97 years old, passed away in September 2006. Known fondly as the "Mother of American Women's Rowing," she had wonderful stories to tell about the early days of on-water rowing for women in this country. The photo on the right was taken and the following interview was recorded at the 2000 C.R.A.S.H.-B. Sprints where she rowed 2000 meters in 12 minutes.

"My name is Ernestine Bayer, I'll be 91 next month. I've been rowing since 1938. My husband was a silver medal Olympian (they were beaten by the English). Today I have an old ocean shell and I can row along and look at the scenery and eat my lunch. It's been a wonderful life. Everybody should exercise—I know it gets harder as you get older. But I still exercise four times a week. Women are smarter in this way. A man thinks that if he's strong in his 20's, 30's and 40's that he'll be strong forever. But they aren't, they go downhill. I saw it happen in my husband—it probably made me feel even stronger about exercising. [turning to the male interviewer] It goes in one ear and out the other doesn't it?!"

At the end of the interview our camerawoman comments "you are beautiful" and Ernestine laughs her off saying, "I would rather you say I was an excellent oarswoman".

Elsie Ardry, USA

Elsie Ardry

I will be 68 years old in August 2005. I began rowing while at a spa retreat and absolutely fell in love with it. I started using a local fitness center's Concept2 Indoor Rower. After about a year, I decided to buy my own. I have always been active and into exercise. I do real push-ups. I do a little Pilates and I walk 10 miles most days. I am the lead walker (the most miles) at our local medical mall. I am a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the Citizens Emergency Response Team and I prepare and e-file income taxes for free at our local senior center. I love my computer and watching movies or educational programs on satellite.

Dayna Nickel,  USA

I am a Concept2 rower of just four months. I row 10,000 meters each day I'm at home and have the morning free. I love it. I am 54 years old and have never been very athletic. This is for me…not hard on the feet. I've been a flight attendant since 1968 and have walked all over the world (in-flight) and my feet are worn out! I'm also large busted and with every other exercise I tried, the bounce made me short of breath. The glide on the indoor rower is perfect!

My 14-year-old son started crew on the Potomac River last summer. My husband bought him the indoor rower last winter so he could continue rowing through the school year. I watched him row and I thought it would be too hard for me at my age and as out of shape as I am, but I decided to try it anyway.

It's great the way it adjusts to how hard you work it. It's perfect for anyone! I am so excited about rowing, I am planning on participating in the Alexandria Adult Crew, on the Potomac River, this summer! Thank you for your wonderful machine. One more thing, I've lost 10 pounds since I started rowing and I feel stronger and I'm shaping up. Thanks so much!

Anita Fina Kiewra,  USA

Anita is co-founder of the community rowing program affiliated with Mid-Hudson Rowing Association.

I will take the time to tell you about my experience with the Concept2 challenges. I have been rowing (on the water) since 1987, and loving it, but hating the erg. Finally two years before last, I convinced my husband to buy me an erg for Christmas. When he idly said, "OK, order it", I jumped before he could think twice. He was a little surprised when it showed up three days later, having not recalled the conversation. Anyway, it didn't gather dust until rowing season, though I was a little bored on it.

When the Holiday Challenge came around at the end of the season, I discovered books on tape (Harry Potter), and was off. I finished the challenge early, and kept on rowing. I did like rowing for the T-shirt, and then sent out a Valentine or two for the Valentine's Challenge. Now I'm still on the erg even in the rowing season on days I can't get to the water. I have three children ages almost 4, 5½, and 7 and have to leave the house by 5 a.m. to get to the river and get back by 7–7:30 a.m. to get everyone off to school.

The erg has been a part of my kids life too—from trying it out themselves, to interrupting my workouts with their requests. Sometimes I just do a bunch of 1000 meter pieces and take care of the kids in between. We even play board games while I row. (You remember Candyland and Chutes and Ladders…) I should explain, my erg is in the living room, which is technically the kids' playroom. (Do you have challenges for kids too?) Anyway, such is the life of an erging mom.