Cardiovascular exercise is key for a healthy lifestyle, but increasing your heart rate also often means an increase in stress on joints and ligaments. Those seeking a low-impact (and indoor) alternative to classic forms of cardio are in luck as the St. Charles Park District provides a number of opportunities to explore rowing this winter.
“Rowing has not only shown to improve cardiovascular health, but also improves your range of motion, posture, balance and coordination,” said Evelyn Grant, supervisor of the park district’s Sportsplex facility. “It’s a fantastic option for community members of all ages and abilities thanks to the ability to control your own speed, intensity and the simple fact that it is low to the ground, which significantly reduces the risk of harm.”
Sportsplex’s new Row Zone features eight Concept2 rowing machines in addition to a book of workouts that participants can peruse if they’re unsure where to start or want to add variations to their workout.
Drop-in rowing is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and is only $4 for residents or $6 for nonresidents. Those interested are asked to call the center’s front desk to check availability.
Those seeking a class environment are encouraged to sign up for Row Fit. Open to ages 16 and older, the class will explore rowing and its ability to bring together cardio and strength training for a full-body workout as led by experts of the Fox River Row Studio. It is recommended, though not required, that participants have some previous experience with rowing. The class is offered from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Thursdays. Cost is $144 for residents and $194 for nonresidents. There’s still a few openings or make a plan to sign up for the spring offerings.
“It’s a great community group to join and we have lots of exciting additions planned for the future,” Grant said.
Younger children also can get in on the action with Fox River Row Studio. This winter features Row Fit Kids geared to kids ages 10 to 15. The offering was spurred by growing interest from members of the community, Grant said.
“It’s a great opportunity to get kids involved in a low-impact sport that they can do for fun, competitively or transfer skills to on-water activities,” Grant said.
Both programs will take place at the Sportsplex.
To learn more, visit stcsportsplex.org.