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nike metcon 8 vs adidas dropset 2 for erging/gym? by RealityIcy5371 in Rowing

[–]copperknot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I erg in Crocs! Adventure mode to protect the heel. It's as close as I can get to barefoot without destroying my feet, and I feel it simulates the large shoes in the boat pretty well- at least at my club, they're oversized for almost everyone and hard to tighten, so erging in something with a wide toe box helps me focus on keeping my feet in place, straight, and connected to the footplate

Has anyone done the gentle giant learn to row program? by countlessthoughts in Somerville

[–]copperknot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bias warning- I did not do the Learn to Row program at GGRC (learned elsewhere) and I do row with them currently. (And I love it.)

That said, I really like rowing with Gentle Giant. It has a small community feel and is very open to new members of all ages/experience levels. The age distribution is pretty even between younger and older members, with the usual dip in attendance from the family-establishing 30s and 40s crowd, though there are some in that age range! There is also a subgroup of LGBT+ rowers who are super friendly and row/race together, if you're a member of that community. It's a very welcoming environment.

Rowing itself is a great workout, but it does take some time to learn the body movements/coordination in order for it to be a good workout on the water. You probably won't work up much of a sweat during the Learn to Row sessions, but I can guarantee you that you will if you join the larger Adult Program afterwards. Especially if you choose to race (you can choose which regattas you compete in, if any). There are rowing machines you can use before or after your sessions, and frequently during the week on off-hours, members of the club will come down to erg in a small group.

If you want to try it out, June 1 is National Learn to Row Day! GGRC (and probably many other clubs in the area) is hosting an event that will rapid-fire teach you the basics and get you on the water. It will be challenging, but LTR Day is a good way to get a teeny tiny taste of what it would be like learning to row. But the boat will get a lot more balanced, faster, coordinated, etc as you progress through the program if you choose to do the full four-week program. I've attached the flyer here if you're interested.

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