Over the years, Rowing has risen through the ranks as a solid full body workout in a fitness-crazed world that is always on the hunt for new trends to latch on to.
Rowing fitness may have always been slightly off the beaten path, but the surge in its popularity is attributed to Frank Underwood from the hit Netflix series, ‘House of Cards’, who was often seen breaking out a sweat on his good ol’ rowing machine when he was not weaving an intricate web of political intrigue and lies, but I digress.
A rowing machine provides a challenging simulation of the sport that can have you burning tons of calories in a single session and does not require any training or coaching per se.
Indoor rowing it may help replicate the physical benefits of outdoor rowing, but it still lacks the therapeutic and social side of the sport that can only be achieved in the open air.
Sport360° reached out to Monty Khwaja, 49-year old Dubai-based Pakistani professional rower who is also credited with introducing the sport to the UAE in 1999.
He said, “Rowing is unique sport that can be enjoyed by children from the age of 10 and upwards. Both men and women can take part in this exercise, and even a whole family can row and get fit together.”
“Rowing is one of the few non-weight bearing sports that exercises all the major muscle groups, including quads, biceps, triceps, glutes and abdominal muscles. Rowing improves cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. It is a sport that develops strong core balance as well as physical strength and overall fitness. The only pre-requisite is that you have enough mobility to get in and out of the boat.”
![20170211_142315[1]](https://sport360.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20170211_1423151-1024x663.jpg)
Good exercise: Monty’s rowing school can help burn a lot of calories in a single session.
Monty started rowing as a child at the prestigious Karachi Rowing Club, and has made a niche for himself in the global rowing community with countless regattas and medals under his belt.
“Rowing is everything to me! It has taken me all over the world! These days I especially love teaching and coaching people. It’s great when I see my passion for rowing passed on to others,” said Monty.
Monty’s teaching method is to get people into the water as soon as possible and get them to familiarize with the movements as soon as possible, so they can get the fantastic feel of rowing with a team that he guarantees will have everyone hooked straightaway.
Rowing not only have great fitness benefits, but the sights and sounds of the open waters is said to have a positive impact on one’s mood and also enhance social skills.
Despite the raging popularity of rowing and all the health benefits associated with it, the sport often flies under the radar on a competitive level and does not the garner the same media attention as all the other mainstream sports.
“While there are world and international championships going on every year, but the only exposure the sport gets is during the Olympics, and even that is quite limited,” he said.
As a sport, rowing has often been considered an elitist game, merely because rowing, much like many other sports, is quite an expensive activity and its inclusion in private school curriculums only managed to reinforce the misunderstanding.
However, the sport is as common as it is elite and there are plenty of clubs that offer lessons on a very reasonable price.
Monty’s rowing school provides single lessons and also have packages that are budget-friendly, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rower, the club caters to all levels.
What: Monty’s Rowing & Paddle Sports
Where: The Palm, Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek
Contact: 050 738 0910; Email: [email protected]
Verdict: Killer workout and a great way to enjoy Dubai’s picturesque surroundings
