Work Out Like A Viking

“Pull thy oar, all hands, pull thy oar, till thou be stiff and red and sore…”  — Dr. Sydney Dangell

Doing the same workout over and over again can get boring. What was once a brand new and exciting exercise plan is now part of the same old grind. We believe any workout is a good workout, but we love to add in variety. Recently, we have been working out like a Viking by rowing.

Vikings didn’t have an exclusive patent on rowing. Many cultures did and still do value rowing. It’s not hard to see why, as it’s a great workout. In just 6 weeks of rowing, back muscle strength can increase by 33.9%¹. That is pretty significant growth. Rowing also helps with physical therapy. A 12-week rowing training program tailored to women who have had breast cancer increased physical activity levels, leading to improved health status and quality of life². In our effort to maximize workout sessions, rowing is a great choice as it’s a full body exercise. Unlike cardio machines such as treadmills, exercise bikes, and stair climbing equipment, a rowing machine exercises your upper and lower body at the same time – 65-75% leg work and 25-35% upper body work³.

If you already have rowing built into your workouts, then awesome! If not, try adding it to your routine. As a full body workout, it optimizes your session to get the best bang for your buck. Warning, some of these workouts can be intense. If you aren’t used to it, start small and work up to a full session. Row machines are great, but we highly recommend going on an adventure by hitting a lake or river.

Action: Add rowing to your workout routine this week.

Disclaimer: Consult your doctor around any medical concerns before starting any new workout program.

Further Reading:

1. Rowing machine benefits: 56 health benefits of rowing
2. Impact of Rowing Training on Quality of Life and Physical Activity Levels in Female Breast Cancer Survivors
3. A Quick and Easy Guide to Indoor Rowing Machines