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by Kassandra Nevarez, Marketing and Communications Assistant

In the winter, rowers move off of their frozen waterways and indoors onto rowing machines. Our adaptive athletes are no exception: their programming also moves indoors so our athletes can continue to train (and race) over the winter. To engage with the adaptive community over the winter, Row New York hosts a weekly class at NYU Langone. We partner with the Initiative for Women With Disabilities (IWD) to bring indoor rowing and weightlifting to women from across the City.

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Our classes welcome both veteran rowers like Lauren, who has rowed with us for over 7 years and new participants who have never heard of rowing before. The women join us for three different stations: erging, weightlifting, and logging meters. The benefit of this structure is that coaches can provide personalized attention for each individual and help them learn to row better and build their fitness. During the erging station, athletes start with a warm-up and some drills then move on to a workout, which usually includes interval training. At the weightlifting station, coaches lead a workout which can adapt to strength and ability. Weightlifting is a great way to strengthen bones and muscles, as well as build coordination. The last station is for logging meters. Participants fill out a form like the one below. Coaches keep these logs so that athletes can see their progress compared to years past. This station is also where athletes convince their friends to come to our practices a the boathouse and to consider rowing in the spring so they can learn to row in a boat.

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Attending the IWD practice was a lot of fun. Many of the participants had attended previously and some have even rowed for several years. A few, however, were completely new. Those who have rowed before eagerly spoke to the newbies about how awesome rowing is, especially when it is warm enough to go out on the water. Many of the women seemed to know each other from other classes and activities and they were all really friendly to new faces (like mine).This enthusiasm and warmth made the practice really positive and, of course, everyone was happy they got a workout done while surrounded by friends.

Our adaptive athletes will be racing at CRASH B’s (the World Indoor Rowing Championships!!!) in Boston this February. Best of luck!

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For more photos, visit our Facebook.

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