CLARION, Pa. — Indoor rowing, often called “Indo-Row,” is a unique form of group exercise offering a total body workout with minimal impact.
(Pictured Above: Duane Schmader (left) instructs classes on a water rower. Three indoor rowing classes are now offered at the YMCA each week.)
Indo-Row burns an average of 1000 calories per hour in a fun, group setting. Workouts are set to music and all classes are taught by a certified indoor rowing instructor who teaches proper technique to maximize safety.
The Clarion County YMCA purchased six new Water Rowers in 2014. The machines are filled with water, making the strokes smooth and efficient.
Because of the popularity of indoor rowing, the YMCA has added three indoor rowing classes to their group exercise line-up. The classes are held on Monday evenings from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. to 7:35 p.m. and Friday mornings from 7:00 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. each week.
“Row: Thirty,” held on Mondays (4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), combines the benefits of intervals and circuit training. Participants spend only thirty minutes while burning calories and toning muscle. The class includes a warm-up, quick row tutorial, two sets of exercises mixed between three rowing circuits followed by a cool-down and stretch.
“Indo-Row” held on Monday and Friday, offers a full 50 minute workout. This class is “the perfect calorie burn” incorporating a total body workout with the minimal impact of rowing. Participants will experience “skills and drills,” “waves and recovery,” and team-building exercises to reach their desired goal.
Rowing is efficient and safe. One stroke in rowing works 87% of the muscles in the body. The low impact workout reduces joint pain and allows participants to get an effective leg, core, and arm workout in a relatively short amount of time.
Water resistance inside the rowers allows a smooth, low impact cardio workout. At the same time, the slight resistance of the machines also builds strength.
A rowing workout is adaptable to all levels. Participants row at their own pace, rowing faster and with more resistance as they build muscle and endurance.
The water rowers can be used anytime at the Clarion County YMCA, not just during group rowing classes. Members are free to use the rowers to incorporate new activities into their fitness routines.
Duane Schmader, certified rowing instructor, suggests beginning with “Row: Thirty” and advancing to “Indo-Row” to learn proper technique and safety. Each class is packed with instruction and encouragement from Schmader.
“In bigger cities indoor rowing is taking over. Rowing-only gyms exist in New York City. The sport is growing, and we’re happy to be able to offer indoor rowing in Clarion,” said Jesse Kelley, YMCA Director.
For more information about the Clarion County YMCA and Y programs, please visit the YMCA website at www.clarioncountyymca.org, call 814-764-3400 and follow the Y on Facebook.
The Clarion County YMCA hours are: Weekdays 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The YMCA is closed on Sundays through September 3. The Y will be open on Sundays, starting September 11.
(Article submitted by Michelle Murray, Marketing & Membership Director, Clarion County YMCA, Oil City YMCA, and YMCA Camp Coffman)
Clarion County YMCA and exploreClarion.com have partnered to provide the community with YMCA News. This is an exclusive article only found on exploreClarion.com.
