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Get fit on the water with Harpers
25-Mar-09
Get fit on the water with Harpers
As this year’s university boat race approaches many people may feel inspired to take to the water as a way of keeping fit. But if there’s no sign of water near you then fear not Harpers Fitness has some great advice for would be Oxford or Cambridge rowers…
Rowing is a fantastic way of keeping fit but before you have visions of rowing under Tower Bridge your first port of call should be your local Harpers Fitness.
Harpers Fitness offers various training methods that are certain to get you in shape for the sport before you set foot in a boat and grab an oar. Every one of Harpers 70 centres across the UK has the latest Concept 2 rowing machines that perfectly mimic being on the water, allowing your body to get used to the demands of the sport. There is also the Concept 2 challenge board which monitors your progress so you can see how well you are doing compared to your friends and other gym members.
Many of Harpers sites also offer “crew classes” for those who want to try rowing in a group training environment. These classes are taken with a trainer and use techniques such as interval training to boost your fitness levels for the water. These classes are extremely popular with budding Matthew Pincents.
If you feel you are ready to take to the water then Harpers and its parents company Leisure Connection can offer the perfect introduction. Leisure Connection manages the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Peirrepont, Nottingham, which has a 2KM lake and offers expert beginners tuition. In addition to the rowing lake there is also a white water rafting course which offers white water rafting and kayaking courses for those looking to vary their activities.
Rowing is a brilliant way to keep fit and is a total body workout allowing all of your main muscle groups to work at the same time. Rowing is also an extremely effective stress reliever and can also help with rehabilitation following injury. Although the workout is high intensity it is extremely low impact on your joints which can be important in aiding recovery. In addition to the health benefits rowing is also an extremely social sport and a fantastic way to meet people. Our rowing classes are always very popular and once you are ready to take to the water there are hundreds of rowing clubs across the country where you can pursue your interest and meet people.
