Benefits of Rowing

Last weekend, I participated in my first rowing race. I was surrounded by my coach, a team of rowers from BIAC, and virtual cheers from friends. And I was terrified. Everyone else was so relaxed, it helped me calm down... I hadn't really met any of these people, but they pulled me right in like I had always been there.

Even on the water, I was nervous, but my fellow competitor reassured me that we were going to have some fun! My strengths came out by way of getting into the race, fighting past a rough start, making my body work for me, and sprinting into the finish. My weaknesses came out in my troubled breathing and my inability to fight the current pushing us to the left. It was a great race, and I won a hard fought battle for second place. Yes, there were only two of us, but I'm still damn proud of what I accomplished in my first race!

Later, a new friend made in the beer garden asked me what physical benefits I've gotten through rowing. And I had to think about it. I mean, I know in the last nine months I've gotten stronger and I know my leg has been working a little better, but I had never put the pieces together.

When I met my coach back in October, I was still struggling to regain my strength and endurance from finally recovering from my appendectomy the year before. I was also having a hell of a time sitting up on my own, especially during sports; the adaptive sports I play mostly involve wheelchairs with back support and all motions are forward.... and in sitting volleyball, I fell constantly because I couldn't keep myself upright when leaning back. With rowing, I move backwards and I had denied the back support, we're also working on my balance. So my core is stronger, my abs and lower back are doing the work they're supposed to do rather than giving up. My upper back and shoulders now match my chest in strength, and even though my left arm has some obvious deficits, I'm learning how to make it work with its stronger companion.

Today, I started physical therapy again with the same therapist I had last year. She started with asking me how everything is doing and how my exercises are going. I very proudly showed her how much I can lift my leg and shared how my exercises have advanced. And in hearing all that, she asked how the pain has evolved, how the disconnect has changed (for a while, I was convinced there was some disconnect because the lack of control in my leg). Again, something I hadn't thought about until she asked, but I realized the pain is much more localized and doesn't shoot nearly as much anymore. As for the disconnect, I feel like I'm working more as a whole now rather than piece by piece.. which is actually pretty awesome since I was taught how to row piece by piece in order to make everything work together. Who knew I just needed to be retaught how to work?