Fitness enthusiasts often face the challenge of balancing
sufficient workout time with work and family obligations. One potential option is rowing. As one of the oldest competitive
sports, rowing uses multiple large muscle groups to attain an excellent workout
in a short period of time.
The Yale-Harvard rowing regatta was first held in 1852 and
is the oldest intercollegiate sporting event in the United States. On-water rowing consists of sweep
rowing (both hands on one oar) and sculling (one oar in each hand).
In 1981, Concept 2 produced an indoor rowing machine that
revolutionized training and helped many athletes gain the fitness benefits of
rowing.
Workouts, both on and off water, consist of short intense
sprints and longer, moderately paced sessions. Due to the intense cyclic exercise of major muscle groups
and the aerobic demands, rowing results in superior cardiovascular endurance.
Cardiac ultrasound studies of elite rowers demonstrate
increased cardiac muscle mass.
These studies show the ability of a trained heart to pump more blood
with less effort.
The rowing stroke starts with an explosive pushing-off
motion by the legs, extending the back and pulling the oar through with the
arms at the finish.
Rowing injuries most commonly affect the low back, upper and
lower extremities. The action of
the low back moving from flexion to extension against resistance puts
tremendous torque on the ligaments, muscles and discs. This can result in sprain, strain and
disc herniation.
Upper extremity injuries from rowing are a result of
overuse. Joints become inflamed
causing bursitis and tendonitis.
The most common lower extremity joint injury affects the
tendons holding the patella (knee cap) in place. Rapid extension of the knee can cause the patella to divert
from its usual track resulting in tendon pain.
Rowing is a sport worth exploring when looking for an
intense workout in a limited period of time.
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