The Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race, one of the world’s longest running sports events, takes place this weekend. A self-confessed rowing fanatic, we caught up with our Business Development Manager, Charlie Adams. Having competed at Junior, Senior and Masters level, he tells us about his passion for the sport and why it continues to play a major role in his life and fitness… [caption id="attachment_213" align="alignnone" width="600"]Rowers on water "Rowing uses almost every muscle in the body building strength, muscular & cardiovascular endurance."[/caption] How long have you been rowing and what attracted you? I was first introduced to the world of rowing when I was 12. I started as a cox, steering the local town crew but soon become too tall for that. Inspired by the buzz, I joined three other mates to start rowing when I was 13. There were no computers or a digital world back then so it was normal to be “out playing”. Well, rowing rapidly became a six days a week training “habit” - both on and off the water - and has been a way of life for me through school, university and beyond. Both physically and socially, it has been such a large part of my life for over forty years. What would you say are the main benefits of rowing? There are so many – the benefits are just huge! Physically, socially, morally and spiritually. As part of a group, it is such a team builder. The feeling of camaraderie is incredible. Physically, it can be very demanding, all depending on how hard you want to pull! It uses almost every muscle in the body so is great for building strength, muscular and cardiovascular endurance. The really great thing about it is that it can be enjoyed by everyone too; people of all fitness levels, body sizes, ages and abilities. There are such a wide range of events, from just going out for a gentle paddle on the river with a picnic hamper to full blown Olympic and World Championship Men’s, Women’s, Junior, Lightweight and Masters events. [caption id="attachment_210" align="alignnone" width="324"]Me out on the water Me out on the water[/caption] Do you complement outdoor rowing by training with an indoor rowing machine? Yes very much so, especially over the last two years with rivers often in flood. But I wouldn’t be without my indoor rowing machine no matter what as it’s great for getting that extra training in when it’s not practical to get outside. Crews are also highly reliant on their indoor rowers, particularly during the dark, winter nights. They train on these machines (“ergometers”/”ergos”) during weekdays, only getting out on the water during daylight at weekends. I train on my home water rower pretty much daily. I prefer water - or fluid - rowers compared to other machines as they produce a great feel, sight and sound of a real river flowing. For me, it’s the best one to have at home. My rowing machine also has adjustable resistance, which gives me the flexibility I need and adds to that feeling of really being out on the water. [caption id="attachment_211" align="alignnone" width="610"]First Degree Fitness Titan AR Fluid Rower Water & Fluid Rowers provide a great natural feeling of being on the water[/caption] What other types of rowing machines are there? You can also get air and magnetic rowers. Air rowers use flywheels which rely on wind to generate the resistance. These are great for the feeling of realism but can be noisy in the home environment. Magnetic rowing machines offer limited resistance, but are far quieter and offer very good value for money, being at the lower end of the pricing scale. What do you find are the main benefits of having a rowing machine? The main benefit is that it gives you a non-impact, total body work out. Personally, I like water-based machines as they are more forgiving on the back and knees, are quieter for the home - almost being therapeutic with the sound of paddling the water - and they’re really space efficient. You simply store them upright against the wall when you’ve finished your workout. [caption id="attachment_212" align="alignnone" width="597"]Woman on rowing machine An indoor rowing machine provides an incredible total-body workout[/caption] What would be your top tips for anyone wanting to get started with rowing? If you want to hit the great outdoors, just get down to your local rowing club. You can find out where your nearest one is on the British Rowing website. The clubs are so welcoming and have regular try-out events. You can learn to row courses and, as said earlier, you don’t have to compete. 95% of rowing is about enjoyment on and off the water. And I strongly recommend you equip yourself with an indoor rowing machine to complement, or as an alternative, to outdoor rowing. If you fancy getting yourself an indoor rower, we've got a wide selection to choose from. Browse our indoor rowing machines. FAST FACT: Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race A couple of weeks before the world-renowned Boat Race, 480 rowing eights race over virtually the same course on the Thames (4.25 miles but going in the other direction) at “The Head of the River” race. Now that is a sight to be seen!