Tuesday, November 10, 2026
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Rowing Part 1: Going the distance indoors

by Dr. GEOFF EMRY / Exercise Explorer MD
| May 9, 2024 1:00 AM

Today, we’re launching into indoor rowing as the first of a two-part series on rowing. Why devote two articles to rowing? Well, having rowed crew in college, I admit that I’m completely biased that rowing is the best sport in the world. On top of that, there’s good evidence that if you want to get in shape, rowing is a great choice of exercise.

Rowing is low-impact, which means it puts less stress on the joints than high-impact exercises like running or jumping. It’s not only a great aerobic exercise but is unique in that it requires both strength and endurance and is a full-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups, including the legs, back, arms and core. In fact, studies have shown that rowing can increase VO2 max, a measure of aerobic fitness, more than running or cycling. And if you’re trying to lose weight, the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that rowing also burns more calories per minute than running or cycling.

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