Better Breathing Blog by PowerLung

Rowers: Be in Sync with your Breathing

Posted by Carolyn Morse

Aug 27, 2015 10:00:00 AM

 

Be_in_Sync_with_your_BreathingNot everyone competes in rowing, and not everyone who competes in rowing does so on the water. Did you know there was an International Indoor Rowing championship held last March 15 in Boston, MA? The US’ own Erin Roberts took first place in Women’s Open Light Weight and the US took second and third in Women’s heavy weight.

But for those of us who don’t compete on or off the water, why row if not for the sport? Because, rowing offers one of the most complete full body exercises. Rowing resistance engages the shoulder and back muscles. However, you might be less aware that rowing resistance strengthens every major muscle group in the human body, including the abdominals, glutes, biceps, and triceps! This total body workout requires the highest level of endurance.

The Need for Better Breathing Form

Rowing not only demands the highest level of strength, balance, and endurance, but it also demands mental concentration.  Maintaining focus for proper form and rhythm requires steady breathing and lung strength.  As a rower, you create an explosive movement at the beginning of every stroke.  Your back, arm, and shoulder muscles use the momentum to pull you forward.

But, by the last leg of the race, even an indoor race, fatigue often sets in as a result of the demanding, intense, and continuous level of physical exertion.  Without proper breathing, you lose energy and disrupt your rowing rhythm.  Consistent rhythm and breathing form is vital in order to succeed in rowing.  You might be getting tired, but the better your form, the easier and swifter you’ll be.

Benefits of Respiratory Muscle Training

Breathing-training devices are essential for maintaining the strength and power of your respiratory muscles. The benefits of using breath training for rowers include, but are not limited to:

  • Improved Speed and Endurance
  • Strengthened Respiratory Muscles
  • Increased Oxygen Flow
  • Higher Anaerobic Threshold
  • Lower Respiratory and Cardiac Rates
  • Increased Expiratory Power
  • Stronger Core Body Muscles
  • Stronger Leg Drives

A Breathing Device made for Rowers

Barry Jarvis maintained life-long athletic pursuits that included Olympic-level rowing. He started rowing at the age of 8, when his father took him rowing for the first time.  However, his athletic ambitions were hindered after he was plagued with bronchitis as a child. 

“I realized that if I could do something about my lung capacity, I could dramatically improve my performance.”

Jarvis claims that his chief obstacle in athletic performance was a lack of proper breathing.  He learned that by improving his respiratory fitness, he could improve his athletic performance.

Few other sports rely on precise breathing as much as rowing. Jarvis’ personal challenges with breathing led him to co-develop PowerLung.  This is the original and only respiratory strength training device with integrated exhale and inhale progressive resistance for rowers. Thus, it has become a key component of the resistance-training regimens for several world-class competitors.  

Gain a Competitive Edge

There is a simple way to improve your breathing.  PowerLung is easy to use, resulting in significant performance differences for rowers in only 3 to 5 days.  All you have to do is choose your resistance level and start training with PowerLung.

Your Lungs Will Thank You

Achieve the highest level of performance while rowing by training your respiratory muscles.  Whether you are a novice or an expert rower, give yourself the opportunity to experience superior breath resistance training.  Your lungs will thank you!

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Topics: Training, Athletes, Rowing