Rowing Complements: Crossfit & Pilates
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An increasing number of people are finding rowing through fitness programs such as CrossFit and Pilates. Why does rowing fit into these seemingly unrelated programs? And what might these programs offer someone who already rows? Crossfit Orange County Fire Authority working hard at a CrossFit workout. The CrossFit program builds and maintains strength and conditioning through workouts that involve functional movements performed at high intensity. Functional means movements that are used in everyday life and work such as pushing, pulling, lifting that generally include most of the body. The workouts are short, focused and they vary constantly. The daily workout is posted at crossfit.com. What does Concept2 bring to the CrossFit athlete? Rowing is an opportunity to apply the functional strength and fitness of CrossFit to an infinitely challenging workout that can be accurately scored. You can’t ever beat the indoor rower, but you can measure your improvement every time you try. What do CrossFit workouts offer the rower? CrossFit may be a great way to add specific functional strength to your workout routine. Many on-water rowers are now using CrossFit as their primary strength conditioning program. For more info about CrossFit, visit crossfit.com.Pilates Angela Hart on the indoor rower and Suzie Celentano on the Pilates Reformer. Pilates, started in 1948, is a well structured system of physical fitness which uses both mind and body to promote strength, flexibility, balance and alignment, with a special focus on core muscles. The exercises are done either on a mat or the Pilates Reformer. What does Pilates work offer the rower? Pilates Reformer work and Concept2 rowing complement each other very nicely in terms of developing effective rowing technique and application of power. Pilates supplements the indoor rower by further enhancing flexibility, smooth directional change, deep breathing, and strengthening upper and lower body, and the entire core. Pilates provides routines for practicing back stability when applying power and developing body self-awareness. What does Concept2 rowing bring to the Pilates student? Rowing offers the opportunity to apply many Pilates principles while adding the element of endurance training for your heart and lungs and additional calorie burn. For a thorough discussion written by rowers, please visit mastersrowing.org and click on the December 17, 2007 issue of fOAR Rowers Magazine. |
Crossfit Games CrossFit holds a summer games which brings together athletes from around the world for a two day competition utilizing Workout of the Day benchmarks and several other elements. Athletes and spectators will gather in Aromas, California, July 5–6 to share their love of the sport of fitness, and watch their fellow Crossfitters compete. Visit crossfitgames.com for details. |
