Once you settle in to the routine of daily rowing, you will find as the seasons pass that there are a number of steps you can take to maintain your program and increase your enjoyment of it. Here are some ideas for longer-term maintenance through the changing seasons:

• Look for new types of goals to set for each season. For example, select a goal for a long row one season and a goal for a shorter, more intense row in another season.  In traditional rowing, winter, spring and summer tend to involve shorter, sprint-like races, while fall usually focuses on longer distance rowing.  Exercising on your own, you can modify your experience whenever it suits you.
• Take lessons or attend group sessions. Your local health club may offer group rowing sessions. You can find online groups to participate with.
• Record your progress in different ways. Look back at your progress rowing daily. Try using different methods of scoring your “attendance.” Look for on-line record keeping options at rowing machine manufacturer Web sites.
• Compare your progress to that of others. You can do this in person with other rowers in your community. And you can compare notes with other rowers through virtual rowing clubs and masters rower listservs.
• Find other rowers. Just as rowers use groups and lists to ask for help with equipment and rowing questions, you can use them to look for rowers with a similar background or concern.
• Join a rowing club (indoors or out). Traditional rowing clubs are focused on rowing outdoors on a lake or river. You will increasingly find opportunities to join an indoor rowing club. Check on-line and ask around.
• Row outdoors on your rowing machine. Because the newer rowing machines are so easy to move, you can move yours to a deck, balcony, or driveway during good weather to row and then store it inside.
• Take up outdoor rowing with sweep rowers in the warm season. Most rowing clubs offer lessons. A benefit of learning to row sweep (see the Appendix in the book for a glossary and information about rowing) is that you row with other people.
• Take up sculling in the summer by taking lessons at your local rowing club. (Sculling is defined in the Appendix of the book, as well.) A benefit of sculling is that you can row on your own.
• Attend a rowing camp. There is information about finding rowing camps in the Appendix, too. While some rowing camps are geared for experienced rowers, others pride themselves on teaching rowing to novices. With initial coaching in the relaxed atmosphere of a camp, you may be able to return home, obtain your club’s certification for boat use, and begin rowing outdoors right away.
• Incorporate seasonal cross-training, such as cross-country skiing in the winter and cycling in the summer. Include what appeals to you and works for you.

These types of actions can enhance your rowing experience and the progress you make with it. That makes it easier to stick with your routine and, thus, helps you continue to improve.