Looking for a new challenge at the gym? Give the rowing machine a try.

Rowing machine in the gym – waste of time or a good way to get in shape? Sandra Kearney – Texas

Nothing is a waste of time if you put in the effort and practice good form. The rowing machine is no exception. At the gym, I like a rowing machine that consists of a flywheel, fan, and cable with a handle attached to one end. You pull the handle toward you as you slide the seat backwards. The fan creates air resistance, which makes the movement feel pretty close to skimming across the water. If your gym has one of those rickety hydraulic powered row-thingies it's time to ask yourself why you belong to that gym.

When you're trying to get in shape for a rowing or paddling sport, you'll love working out on a quality rowing simulator. Even if you never plan to hit the water, you may learn to love rowing for its ability to combine upper body, lower body and cardio conditioning all in one package, something few other cardio workouts can do. Contrary to popular myth, rowing isn't bad for your back. If you do it correctly, you initiate the movement from your legs and buttocks; this eliminates excess stress on your back muscles.

That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader! We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other! That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind.

Name: Chuck Marshall

Age: 44

Occupation: Programmer

How often do you exercise? Five to six days a week .

What type of exercise do you do? Body weight strength training and cardio. I like to do intervals, elliptical, rowing, and running (when I'm not injured).

Source

A house that makes you lose weight. Wouldn't it be awesome if, just by stepping foot in your own home, you'd be on your way to a healthy weight? It's not so simple, I'm afraid.

But AOL Home has a slideshow of some pretty wacky house designs that surely must help their owners live a healthier lifestyle. How about a ten-story home that's only equipped with stairs? Or a house that's built like a jungle gym? Or a house on an island that can only be accessed by rowboat? The sheer act of getting to and/or around these houses is a workout.

If you look around your home, you'll likely see less extreme ways that it can help you get fit. How about making two trips every time you have to go up the stairs? Or playing a game of basketball with that hoop you have outside? You can also engineer additional fitness opportunities -- like putting up a rock wall in your garage just like one of the families in the slideshow did.

Source

Rowing machines have been a fitness club staple for many years. It's a great exercise for legs, upper body, and core strength. In addition, when used properly, rowing machines offer cardio benefits as well.

Indo-Row takes rowing machines to a new level. It's an intense, instructor-led group class using rowing machines. The objective is not on speed, but on strength and synchronicity with the rest of the class. The group works together, just like a crew rowing a boat on water would work together. The classes are usually 50 minutes long. And the workout is intense -- a 145-pound woman can burn 400-600 calories.

Check to see if your gym is going to start this class anytime soon. If not, call around and see if any other gyms in the area offer the class and will let you in on a day pass. Would you rather take your rowing outdoors? Chris fills us in on the Row to Beijing Challenge.

Source

The gym may have flat screen TVs for you to watch while you burn some calories on the rowing machine, but how cool would it be to actually get out in the water and start paddling?

Kayaking is a fun and exciting way to put in a solid workout. Even as a beginner, it's not terribly uncommon to burn upwards of 400 calories an hour. And, as you become more and more aggressive in your stroke and are able to take on more challenging waterways, the workout -- as well as the whole experience -- only gets better from there.

Think there can't possibly be a place to kayak near where you live? Think again. There's kayaking to be done just about anywhere. Heck, even if you live in New York City, you can still get some paddling in. Group trips down the Hudson River are available, as are half-day paddles that can take you right past the Statue of Liberty!! Visit Manhattan Kayak Company for more information.

Source

Fitzness Fiends is a section devoted to you, the reader! We all have learned so much on our path to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other! Fitzness Fiends are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect, some are not. All have health on the mind. Please send Fitz your answers to these questions with a photo of yourself. Time for you to be the motivator!

Name: Jim Stephens

Age: 79. I'm a Scorpio. Watch out Baby!

Occupation: Gym Rat

How often do you exercise? Eight days a week!

What type of exercise do you do? I use the rowing machine for 40 minutes each day, and use the hand bike often too. I also do the structured 'line' of strength training equipment here at my gym.

Source

Depending on where you live and your weather preferences, kayaking season may just be getting started or it may be finishing up. And if you have no idea which then maybe you should consider finding out, because kayaking can be great exercise for both your mind and your spirit. Rowing and paddling are great upper body workouts that can also help you improve flexibility, circulation, and joint health. Plus getting out on the water, away from the stresses of your everyday life, can really boost and rejuvenate your spirit.

If you're interested in trying it consider taking a class, and research what's available in your area because there may even be a paddling club that can help you meet others in the hobby.

Source

Well, folks, summer's coming and there's nothing I like more to do when it's hot out than spend a good chunk of time in the water, whether I'm swimming through it or floating over it. What are your favourite water activities? Me, I love canoeing, rafting, tubing and wake boarding. Spending time in a boat is a great way to enjoy the sun and get some activity, so if, like me, you're growing tired of the treadmill, I suggest you head to the nearest lake or ocean for some fun on the water. It's not the first activity that people think of for fitness, but it's fun and it can be a great workout if you want it to be.

For those of you who crave activity, you can spend your water time riding the rapids in a raft or kayak. All you need is a fast-moving river, life jackets and, or course, a boat, but if you're a novice, be sure to seek out the advice of someone who knows the river.

Source