The Pause That Refreshes

For most of our readers, the time has come to take the docks out and put the boats away for the season. The days are shorter, and the weather in many parts of the country is unsuitable for rowing. Therefore, we must turn to other sports. Even athletes who row in milder climates should consider this, since there are good reasons to leave the boats alone for a while.

Does this mean you should take a break and rest? No! Regular exercise is important not only for maintaining your fitness but also your general health, whether you’re an ambitious competitive athlete of any age or a relaxed recreational rower. Numerous studies show that physical activity is the best thing you can do for your health and to prolong your lifespan.

If you want to maintain or improve your performance level, you should continue training, since physical performance declines over time. If you don’t train regularly, your body will lose strength and endurance, and if you take a break from training, you’ll have to begin at a lower performance level when you return.

This doesn’t mean, however, that you must row or train with the same intensity as during regatta season. Instead, work on the fundamentals—basic endurance, general strength, agility, and flexibility—since they form the foundation for successful, targeted rowing training.

Since you’re no longer bound to a planned and time-consuming rowing workout, you can focus on expanding your movement repertoire. Activate muscles that are neglected during focused rowing training. Improve your balance, coordination, reflexes, rhythm, etc.

Do what you enjoy or what challenges your agility. Play sports with special people— children, grandchildren, friends you haven’t seen in a while. Kick a soccer ball, swat a pickleball. Go jogging or cross-country skiing together.

Such shared experiences are beneficial and enriching. They offer a mental and emotional break from stress, and varied activities are crucial for a happy, healthy life. They fortify you for returning to school or work and the strenuous training to come.

Just as important as exercising is engaging in activities that promote mental well-being. For recreational athletes, staying motivated is essential; for competitive athletes, being mentally prepared for training and competition is paramount. A conditioned mind is as critical to athletic success as a conditioned body. Taking a break from rowing can provide a surge of new physical and psychological energy.

All of the above applies to coaches as well. Coaching is often so time-consuming and strenuous that it’s difficult for coaches to integrate physical activity into their daily routine. Coaches, too, should use their time outside of regular training to do something good for themselves through exercise.

Volker Nolte, an internationally recognized expert on the biomechanics of rowing, is the author of Rowing Science, Rowing Faster, and Masters Rowing. He’s a retired professor of biomechanics at the University of Western Ontario, where he coached the men’s rowing team to three Canadian national titles.

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