Overweight beginner to rowing needs motivation and advice.

[Moolala]

Hello! I am 46, 5'5" (166.4 cm) and 184 lbs. (83.4 kg). I have finally acquired a Concept 2 D. I want to lose 30-35 lbs (13.5-15.5 kg).

I am monitoring and logging caloric and nutritional intake as well.

What is the best approach for a hours rowing training plan foundation, that I can improve upon for achieving lifetime fitness. Will rowing assist at all with running as far as cardio goes? I have never had strong cardio, and would like to be able to run a 5k on occasion without being too winded, but plan on utilizing rowing as my foundation of my fitness training.

[gregsmith01748]

Hi,

I suggest you try the interactive weight loss program from the Indoor sports services website.

http://indoorsportservices.co.uk/weightloss/interactive

Rowing (along with diet) will definitely help improve your fitness for running, but you would need to add in some running cross training a couple of times a week to really make progress on that front. The issue with rowing is that it is non-impact, and non-weight bearing. Also, it uses a different set of muscles, so there is a sport specific element to running fitness that you won't improve.

What I find is that I don't run faster, but I can run a lot further thanks to doing a lot of rowing.

[Moolala]

Thank you Greg, I will definitely look into that website.

I hope to also gain muscle tone in my hips, thighs and calves through rowing, but my guess is I will need to supplement with some strength training to increase strength.