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submitted on 19 August 2023 by rowingedge.com

Imagine going to the gym and staring at a plethora of machines, each targeting a distinct muscle group. You have one for biceps, another for thighs, and then, some mysterious machine you're pretty sure is just there for decoration. Enter the rowing machine! With one go on this bad boy, you work the legs, core, arms, back, and your sense of self-worth. Efficiency at its finest.

Many exercises will force you to pick between a cardiovascular workout and a strength training session. But with erging, you get both! It's like ordering a pie and finding out it comes with a free side of ice cream. Every rowing stroke will test your heart rate while introducing your muscles to the sweet sensation of effort.

Unlike pounding the pavement with running or jumping around in aerobics (where it's just a matter of time before gravity reminds you of its existence), rowing is kind to your joints. Your knees will thank you. They might even write you a love letter.

Erging is not just about the body. It's a test of the mind. It demands focus, coordination, and the ability to trick yourself into believing that, "This isn't so bad" for just one more minute... then another... and another. Think of it as mindfulness with a side of sweat.

If burning calories were an Olympic sport, erging would win gold. Depending on how vigorously you row (and how many times you've been deceived by its seated position), you could torch between 400-800 calories in an hour. That's roughly equivalent to the caloric content of gazing longingly at a piece of chocolate cake.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or someone who thinks a marathon involves binge-watching TV series, the rowing machine welcomes all. You can go at your own pace. Slow and steady or like you're fleeing from a duck-sized horse (or was it a horse-sized duck?).

Modern rowing machines come with fancy displays showing you metrics like distance rowed, calories burned, and, if you're particularly unlucky, how much longer you have to endure. Plus, there's a multitude of online challenges, teams, and apps. It's like joining a digital cult, but with more sweat and less Kool-Aid.

If you invest in one for your home, many rowing machines can be stored upright, requiring minimal floor space. It's almost like it disappears. Well, until your next session.

The rowing community is one of camaraderie, shared pain, and boasting rights. Once you've had a conversation about your split times or endured a 2k test, you're in. There's an unspoken nod between erg enthusiasts. A nod that says, "I know your pain, and I salute you".

After a session on the erg, the simple act of sitting on a non-moving, cushioned surface feels like a luxury worthy of royalty. You've never appreciated stillness like you do post-erg.