I. Should I Start on My Own or With Help?

Getting started can be as simple as finding a rowing machine and sitting down on it, doing it your own way.  If you choose to begin that way, see the suggestions below.  But there are other ways to begin rowing:

• Many people begin through an exercise class using rowing machines.  Some of the trainers who lead such classes are listed on another page of this site (Begin/Experts).
• Some parents and grandparents begin to row after learning about the sport from their children or grandchildren.  In fact, some rowing clubs offer the use of their rowing machines to team members and their families when the team is not using them.  Grand Rapids Crew, a junior rowing team, sends it rowing machines home for use by team members in the off season.  This year, they are providing a copy of the book "Row Daily" and some basic instruction to encourage parents as well as the team members to use the rowing machines.
• Some people learn to row by attending camp.  Craftsbury Outdoor Center in northern Vermont hosts the oldest sculling (outdoor rowing in singles) camp in the United States.  There are many other camps beginners attend to learn how to row or to improve their rowing.  Following is an opportunity to attend indoor rowing camp at Craftsbury:

II. Start at Camp: "Row Daily" Intro Weekend at Craftsbury

The fall colors are near peak in early October in Vermont.  Come to Craftsbury to begin indoor rowing or to add to your exercise program:

• Start using indoor rowing for health and fitness
• Enjoy the Green Mountains as they turn red and gold
• Experience Craftsbury's hospitality and home-style cooking
• Take home the closest thing there is to a fountain of youth -- a program of regular moderate exercise you can enjoy for the rest of your life*

*              “Exercise may be the closest thing to the fountain of youth available. It improves overall health and appearance. It can maintain some of the body’s functions that decline with aging. It can even restore some functions that have already declined.”     Merck Manual of Health and Aging (2004)

The program will include instruction in indoor rowing technique, using daily exercise for health and fitness, keeping a log to help you succeed, dealing with challenges, enjoying successes, and setting and adjusting goals (as well as relaxing in beautiful Vermont at the idyllic Craftsbury Outdoor Center, www.craftsbury.com ). Whether you are learning to row or simply want to renew your commitment to staying active and healthy, this mini-camp will give you useful tools to take home with you.

Two weekends to choose from: October 2-4 or October 9-11, 2009.  Arrive Friday afternoon and stay through lunch on Sunday. The weekend cost of $450 will include the program plus room and board. Craftsbury is highly regarded for its food. The room rate that is included is for double occupancy, but we can also arrange a single room or other accommodations, depending on availability. Rowing machines will be provided for use at camp. If you do not own a rowing machine for your use at home and would like to purchase and pick one up at camp, we may be able to arrange that for you, also.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

10% discount if you are 65 or older.

10% discount if you register by July 1.

(And, yes, you may combine discounts.  The deposit will not be reduced; your discount will be reflected in your balance due in September.)

Register now at the online store to reserve a spot.  Contact me if you have any questions.  Once you register, I will send you a questionnaire.  We can work out arrangements for room preference, ordering a rowing machine if you want to own one, and dealing with any questions you may have.

Registration deadline is August 15.  If for some reason  we must change or cancel the camp you sign up for, your deposit will be refunded in full.  We will confirm with you by early September that the camp is going to occur as scheduled.

III. If You are Starting on Your Own:  Eight Tips

1. Just start: Since rowing is a simple motion you can do on your own and at your own pace, simply begin now if you can.  You can work out a plan as you go.

2. Medical concerns: If you have any medical concerns or have not been exercising, see your physician before beginning.

3. Start slowly.  You can use a rowing machine at such a slow pace that it is like taking a stroll.  You do not have to start out pushing yourself.  Even if you are not concerned about a medical issue, start easily in the beginning.

4. Clothing: There is no need to wear special clothes for rowing.  Wear what is comfortable.

5. Pay attention to quality more than quantity.  Are you comfortable and breathing deeper than when at rest? That is more important than trying to push yourself or trying to row a certain distance.

6. Keep a log. Write down what you do each time you row. Keeping a record will help you pay more attention to what you are doing during your row.

7. Find a rowing club, YMCA/YWCA, or health club to begin quickly and easily.  Most exercise facilities now have rowing machines. Some focus on rowing. You can consider buying your own rowing machine as you proceed.

8. Consider manufacturer information.  You will find that, whatever type machine you use, you can learn more about it at the manufacturer’s web site.