[valanha]

I started with cardio and calisthenics/weights videos, which I found to be great to establish a baseline level of fitness. After a while it became a bit too repetitive for me. Then I combined those videos with a treadmill for some added variety. Eventually I tried a rowing trainer, and combined with the kinomap app and concept's online challenges, I found my jam. Rowing felt great to me, it did not irritate my knees, I felt as though I had used all of my body, and the rhythm of rowing was engaging and almost a zen like movement for me. Some good music, maybe a rowing video/race/challenge on the app, and 30 minutes+ just fly by. I am now considering a rowing skiff and try my hand at actual rowing or joining a rowing club. As an introvert, the latter is still in question for me.

My goal was general cardio/lung fitness, and I tracked this with my resting heart rate and weight, and during exercising I used a heart rate monitor to track training zones. Apps tracked all the rowing metrics.

Starting from day zero is really hard, and having the discipline to stick with it at first is very difficult for me. At some point it stopped feeling like punishing myself and became about proving to myself that I can do this, and it became rewarding and a bit validating.

At my peak, I was exercising from five to six times a week. I built up to this level slowly over time, as I pushed myself with various challenges. It really is a sort of personal journey.

The benefits were mostly intangible. Mood and ability to handle stressful situations improved, my energy was generally better throughout the day, and food made me less sleepy. My sleep quality improved, which had further knock-on effects to everything. I felt good about myself and being able to meet the goals of the various challenges offered, and my own. If I can do this, what other goals can I accomplish? I felt better about myself as I set a goal and could see the progress and meet it. This was a thing I did just for me, and it helped me feel good about myself. Depression could no longer gain a hold on/over me.

The tangible benefits were on the scale, and visible physical changes. I became more defined and lean, and this felt nice to see something positive in the mirror.

I had a long break last year, as a lot of life happened. I am slowly getting back into it, and whereas I still grumble a bit about not feeling like it, once I finish, I always feel better for having done so. Starting over is not fun, but the difference is that now I know I can.

[kerrsclyde]

What rowing app do you use?