It’s a bit like a sequence of
upward facing dog alternating
with downward facing dog—
using apparatus for resistance.
“
Saturday morning, he was hosting the competitions and encouraging everyone to row their best. He had so much exuberance and passion that I
signed up for a race right then and there.
Immediately, I noticed the participants were of different ages, shapes, and
sizes, proving that Indo-Row is a workout for anyone. Collegiate rowers,
triathletes, and newbies all shared the deck and traded time throughout
the day. The gentleman to my left introduced himself as Milt Oberman.
Celebrating his 68th birthday, he told me he had lost 30 pounds in seven
months from rowing. Catching my attention to the right was a woman
with the build of a professional athlete.
Matthew Murawski, an elite rowing coach and Indo-Row instructor,
placed my feet in the proper position, told me how to read the monitors
on the machine, and pointed out that rowing was 60% leg work. Not only
was I excited to be embarking upon a great cardio challenge, but I was
going to race!
My Yoga training kicked in as I slid my shoulder blades down, engaged
my core, and pushed evenly with both feet. ”Breathe, breathe, breathe,” I
repeated to myself.
Once the race started, time stood still. I listened to the swishing of the
water, and felt the resistance of the strokes. It became a meditative experience as I found my rhythm. My mind was so focused that I didn’t notice the
sweat dripping down my forehead. I was having so much fun that it did not
matter that my shirt was covered with mascara. And even though I was the
final person still rowing, I was so thrilled by the experience that I wouldn’t
allow myself to stop until I’d finished the 1,000 meters. Everyone had gathered and cheered me on until I was done. Now that’s community spirit!
The next day, the benefits of this workout were obvious. Indo-Row rocks
the upper back, arms, legs, and core – all this without any impact on the
joints. And best of all, after the race, my spirits soared.
Relating the benefits of this type of cross-training, Josh shared with me
a story about his grandfather who rowed until he was 94, even after two
knee replacements at the age of 89. The rowing both allowed his body to
be strong enough for the surgery and was his best rehab.
According to Josh, Indo-Row is complimentary to Yoga, with the expansion of the musculature of the upper body along with the contraction. It’s a
bit like a sequence of upward facing dog alternating with downward facing
dog – using apparatus for resistance.
One week post-race, I met Matt at Studio 1-On- 1 in Venice for an actual
Indo-Row group fitness experience. Now that I was an accomplished race
rower, I was ready to take on a 50-minute class, with skills and drills as
well as interval and endurance training. Midway through the workout,
during the “Recoveries” portion, we practiced a core strengthening and
stretching series, which included leaning back into reverse plank. Although
the class was both intense and demanding, Matt’s music was kick-ass. Mr.
B.K.S. Iyengar would be proud as Matt continuously reminded us about
proper form.
Providing a powerful cross-training regimen in conjunction with Yoga,
Indo-Row combines a strong cardio workout with strength, flexibility,
mindful meditation, and a lot of fun.
To find out more about Indo-Row classes or how to purchase a sustainable wood-framed Indo-Row machine, visit: Indo-row.com
Dale Nieli (MSW, hypnotherapist) is a certified yoga and fitness expert. She works primarily
with clients in the entertainment industry out of her private studio in Santa Monica. She can be
reached at dalefit@roadrunner.com
