The truth about Indoor Rowing

When I talk to some people about Indoor Rowing, they often look at me quizzically and ask where I go to do something like that and how far do I row, when I say we row 2 kilometres they are astounded that there are “Indoor” venues that can accommodate that kind of thing. They thought that I rowed on water indoors and that there are massive lakes or pools undercover for us rowers. Pretty funny, when you think about it. So to dispel any myths you may have, Indoor Rowing is contested on a stationary Rowing Machine.

At my first Australian Indoor Rowing Championships in 2007 with my bronze medal. I was “Fat and Fit”.

I have learned that being fit in 1 exercise does not make you fit in another. Since starting with my Trainer in 2006 our focus has been on Indoor Rowing on the Concept 2 Rowing Machine. Getting fit in Rowing does not give you the fitness to run, swim or do anything else you desire, it helps. You must train in the sport/s your desire. Likewise if you can run, swim, cycle it doesn’t mean you would be “row fit”.

Indoor Rowing has been great for me; it gives you a great Cardio workout, using more muscles in your body than all other stationary equipment and is low impact.I have competed in numerous events in Australia over the years, winning 2 Bronze Medals at the Australian Championships in 2007 and competing again in 2008 and recording 2x PB’s, I was “Fat and Fit”. In 2009 I went to the NSW Indoor Rowing Championships at almost 9 months pregnant, I went along to support the team and found out there were only 2 others in my age category, so I decided to have a row, I was huge (nearly 150kgs) and wasn’t there to break any records and of course secure last place ie a Bronze Medal.

Indoor Rowing @ 9 months pregnant, 6 days before Ella was born. Blossoming at 146kg’s.

I have racked up well over 1 MILLION metres on the Rowing machine which is quite an achievement, for which you get a T-shirt and a Certificate from Concept 2, unbelievable, all those hours on the rower and that is your reward.

Post baby and lap band surgery I got back on the rower and trained to compete at the NSW State Championships in 2011 and scored 2x Gold Medals and both PB’s in the 4 minute event (placed 4th in World Rankings for 2011-2012 season for my age category 30-39 years*) and the 500m (placed 22 in World Rankings for 2011-2012 season for my age category 30-39 years*), I was also part of our team relay who secured a Bronze medal in a highly contested Open Relay event.

So my next challenge is the upcoming NSW Indoor Rowing State Championships on 17 November 2012 (only 3 sleeps to go) where Pioneer Fitness has a 10 strong team. My goal is to do PB’s in my 2 events the 500m and 4minute and for our Relay team to place in the medals.

I am also on the Event Committee for the National Indoor Rowing Championships being held 14 Sept 2013 in Wollongong Australia. Don’t think you have to have years of experience to contest this event, it is open to all levels, all ages from school kids to 80 year olds. The events for the NIRC are 500m, 4minute (how far you can row in 4 minutes), 2000m and the relay event where 4 competitors each row 500m and change over. There are many online training programs out there, especially on Concept 2 websites including technique videos. If you are interested in learning more feel free to contact me and I can point you in the right direction or follow NIRC on Facebook. Next time you go to the gym, get on and have a row.

*Researching these Rankings have just blown me away, never looked at them before, 4th in the World – wow.

5 thoughts on “The truth about Indoor Rowing

  1. I love the rowing machine at the gym…such a good workout..
    love the dart game as a bit of fun in accuracy and control strokes…

  2. Hi Rachael …..looks like you have got a real interest in Indoor rowing. Looking for info on the NSW State Championships. Last three years it has been at Blacktown Leisure Centre….November. I know about the Nationals in the Gong on 14th Sept. Not competing there. Pet event is 2000 m. Looking for 6.40 something…probably high 6.40s. 50-55 age group. Googled to death NSW State indoor…..but nothing came up for 2013. Maybe i missed something. Can you help???????. Thanks….Karl Easton. Kellyville. Sydney.

    • Hi Karl, it is a shame you are not coming for the Nationals I think you would be really competitive in the 2k, I suspect that the NSW event will be sometime in November. I will check with Ian @ Pioneer Fitness he is up on all of those details and speaks to the organisers, or you can give him a call 0419 602397. You could try calling the Leisure Centre as well?

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