Anyway, I’m hoping to fill most of my days with mountain biking and bbq’s, but we’ll see how it all plays out. I must say: it is glorious not having to worry about homework or paper writing!
Because of all of my leg drama, I’ve been struggling to get in any type of cardio. Running has been my go-to for so long that it’s been tough to (temporarily) replace it. I’ve gotten many suggestions for the elliptical, but you know what? I hate that machine. With a fiery passion actually! I need to give cycling a fair shot since I love it anyway, but it didn’t feel outstanding after the Oyster last weekend, so I’m walking a fine line with that one. A good friend suggested a stationary bike at the gym, spinning at zero resistance, but quite frankly, I’d rather be run over by a car. Sounds mind numbing.
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| This is what happens to my face if you put me on an elliptical. What? I felt like I needed a photo here! |
Of course, there is always the old, gentle standby of swimming. I do a lot of swimming when I’m racing triathlons, but it’s never been a true love of mine. Swimming itself is okay, but it’s the monotony of staring at the line on the bottom of the pool. It never changes. And you know what else? Swimming isn’t exactly social! Cindy and I will go swimming together and barely speak a word to each other until we’re done. Unless I miraculously develop some gills, that probably isn’t going to change! Oh, and also? I hate smelling like chlorine for two weeks, so there is that.
Needless to say, I took a solid two weeks off of everything, hoping that I would return to running with a vengeance. After the painful Denver Oyster race (recap next week!), I realized that my rest hadn’t accomplished much of anything. Until I can get in to see a doctor, running needs to be replaced.
Enter in rowing!
My gym only has two rowing machines but I feel like they are rarely used. I once read that rowing is considered a triathlete’s best total-body workout during the winter months (anyone know if that sounds true?) so I decided to give it a shot. And you know what? I really enjoy it!
It’s been an eye-opening experience hopping back onto the rowing machine. I’ve used them before, but never regularly, and it’s reminding me how scrawny my upper body is. Know what else it’s doing? Giving my baby-soft hands blisters!
I used to have tough hands back in the day. When I was big into rock climbing and actually doing the physical landscaping, I had calluses for days. Unfortunately for me, I now suck at climbing and do the managerial thing for my day job, so my hands are nice and girly. A perfect haven for happy blisters!
I have noticed that rowing is a great cardio workout and it really works both my lower and upper body. The pushing with my legs seems to make my knee ache only a little, and thus far, that’s better than anything else I’ve found. I’ve gone twice this week, and am hoping to make it more regular over the coming weeks. Well, at least until I can get in to the doctor 🙂
22 Comments
Coincidentally, I JUST went through this same thing this morning. I was looking for a muscle-building cardio exercise to do at the gym in the off-season, and rowing fit the bill. I have the same blisters right now. For being a gym activity, it was fun! And bonus: it’ll help toughen my hands as I try to get back into climbing, which I’m also trying to do.
Man, I can be tough with some these but these blisters hurt! The bright side is that they HAVE to go away, right?!
I had shin splints while training for my first half, and I ended up stationary biking and using the elliptical quite a bit. I listen to pod casts and that definitely helps move the time along. While training for my first triathlon this summer, I rowed once a week and discovered that I actually like that machine quite a bit! I hope your knee heals quickly!
Thank you! I was using podcasts/audio books during my long runs and it does make time pass more quickly! Something about the motion of the elliptical just gets me….blah 🙂
I have always wanted to learn how to row…and seattle is a great place for it. I am intimidated to get started since I dont know anyone who rows. One day I may just have to take a class or something and just do it. I bet it is an awesome work out…
This weekend I have a Mariners game to go to and the in-laws visiting! I am really excited cause it is our first time having them as guest in our house…cant wait–hope you have a good weekend!
My sis is learning how to legit row in Hawaii as well, but there isn’t a ton of it here in CO– we’re kinda missing that whole water component 🙂
Hope you have a great weekend too!
I can’t seem to row without getting spams in my back….maybe I’m dong it wrong!!
Maybe look at Moni’s directions below? Not that I know anything about it AT ALL, but it sounds like you’re possibly pulling with your back instead of getting a lot of the push from your legs?
Um yes, the elliptical machine totally sucks balls. Not a fan of it either. The first time I got on after going so long it started in reverse…going backwards. WTH? I have never tried rowing and think I’d suck at if but hey, if it works, go for it. I have to work this weekend so no big plans. Have a great one!
I can’t believe you said sucks balls! I’ve NEVER heard you say anything like that! Totally made my afternoon 🙂
I row for real (on water), and it’s true that is is the best full-body workout.
Just make sure you are doing it right – pushing with your legs (arms extended), and THEN pull with your arms towards your underboob.
To slide back, extend arms THEN bend knees and slide.
Yes! I had a trainer-friend show me the ropes awhile back and I’m glad that he did— I could see where under utilizing your legs could end up with some sore back muscles. Thanks for the tip!
I’ve tried the rowing machine once, it wasn’t bad! I definitely prefer the spin bike or swimming (although I also don’t like smelling like chlorine even though I was a competitive swimmer).
My husband and I are competing in a triathlon tomorrow!
Good luck manana!! I’m excited to read about it next week 🙂
I used to hate the elliptical. I thought it was awkward and felt like it was going to throw me off, but after a concerted effort I realized I was the awkward one, and the elliptical didn’t allow for all the weird left-right compensation I was doing. Now elliptical is my favorite, but I can get some groin/hip pain if I don’t do certain stretches first. (Also motivating is how similar it is to XC skiing).
Rowing is pretty awesome. Probably my #2 for the gym. I love how your arms and back are along for the ride.
I can’t imagine elliptical being much fun with a hurt knee, though. It takes the impact away, but still a lot of leg motion. -Eric (ramblinbears)
Same exact thing happened to me. I started rowing because of an injury and got blisters right away. You just need gloves. Youll love it. Love your blog I’m a new reader:)
I figure they’ll callus up eventually!
Glad you like the blog; thanks for reading!
It’s funny- i have just started to think of what i’ll do when winter ramps up and outdoor workouts aren’t possible. After reading your post, i think rowing may be the answer…although my rule of thumb is to spend as much time ice skating as possible!
I haven’t been ice skating in FOREVER!!! Usually winter time means skiing and snowshoeing for me, with some running thrown in there. Starting to look forward to the snow!
I used to row all the time when I belonged to a gym and I LOVED it! I wish I had a rowing machine at home.
I’m totally with you, swimming is lame. When I injured my knee I read tons of magazines on the elliptical, not the greatest but the magazines kept me decently entertained. Glad you like the rowing machine! I have tried it but never stuck with it, probably because my arms are so weak haha!