Why online rowing feels like training with a secret club (and how you can join)
read
The global indoor rowing community is coming together virtually. At online events, rowers from all over the world meet to race, train at their own speed, or follow a pacer. Beyond helping you stay consistent with your indoor rowing routine and reach your fitness goals, these group rows offer a sense of camaraderie and motivation that is hard to find anywhere else online. In this blog post, you’ll learn why virtual rowing is capturing the hearts of fitness enthusiasts worldwide and how you can join the club.
All kinds of home workouts were booming during the pandemic with some of the most popular being yoga, calisthenics and indoor rowing. However, what has once been celebrated as a great way to train your body from the comfort of your home has developed the stigma of being a monotone solo workout. Contrary to this misconception, indoor rowing has recently gotten the refreshing reputation of being a trendy low-impact, full-body workout for people of all ages and fitness levels! The secret behind this lies in making indoor rowing a social happening.
Why rowing online beats training at the gym
University rowing clubs have been employing this trick for ages as they let their members train together on the erg, even holding 2K erg tests in front of the whole squad to benefit from the momentum, applause, and peer pressure. Similarly, spinning classes are nothing new at gyms, but only recently have gyms added indoor rowing classes to their schedule. Even specialized rowing gyms like CityRow and Row House are spreading all across the globe, but run into one issue: training at a gym is just not as convenient, flexible and practical as rowing at home. Plus, many love the company but are reluctant to join a physical gym for various reasons.
That’s why online rowing is a game-changer: you have the flexibility of choosing your training environment and still get to enjoy the motivational boost of working out with like-minded people. In other words, you have the advantage of exercising in your physical safe space while you row in a digital one. What may look as being a lonesome strider for bystanders feels like being part of a secret society that shares your joy for indoor rowing.
3 group rowing events that bring together rowers worldwide
Many apps and programs host an online indoor rowing community. Their main difference is the way in which you can socialize: some training apps only allow you to share and compare results, while others let you row together as dots on a 2D map. However, the most motivating way to train online is with 3D indoor rowing. For example, the EXR indoor rowing app lets you train at famous regatta locations while the avatars of other live rowers paddle right beside you. Upgrading your own avatar’s outfit and boat is done by beating rowing challenges, unlocking achievements, and attending special group rowing events.
In EXR, you can join 3 different kinds of online events set at various times and days, making it easy to slot them into your busy agenda.
All you need to join a group event is an EXR account with either a free trial or subscription. There are no fitness requirements to take part in an event, so you can simply sign up and join any event.
Group Rows
In Group Rows, you start at the same time as all participants and row at your own pace for a set distance or time. As the session progresses, the initial large group naturally disperses, with smaller groups rowing at a similar pace. As you row, you’ll find people who match your speed and keep you company.
Completing special Group Rows, like the RowAlong events or the British Rowing events, rewards you with exclusive badges and upgrades for your avatar.
Paced Group Rows
If you love training with others but are afraid of being left behind at regular Group Rows, the Paced Group Rows are perfect for you. At these events, the group starts together and follows the speed set by a pacer. Only if you row a lot faster or slower than the pacer, you drop off, but have the chance to rejoin by rowing close to the pacer again.
Group Races
Test your racing capabilities against live rowers worldwide with the Group Races. Similar to Group Rows, you start at the same time as other participants. After covering a certain distance and crossing the finish line, however, you will be ranked and a leaderboard will show you how well you did compared to others.
If you feel like practicing races on your own or with friends, you can always use EXR’s Competition Mode.
Online rowing makes it easier than ever to stay fit. By combining the comfort of rowing in your own space with the support of a like-minded community, you get the motivational boost you need to reach your fitness goals. If you’re ready to experience how fun and effective home workouts can be, now’s the perfect time to give online rowing a try.
Join your first online community event today by downloading EXR and starting for free!
Download EXR
Written by , on