In honor of the Head of the Charles in Boston today, here’s a little rowing exercise for your upper back and shoulders!
In barre class this morning, we did rowing and “mermaid” glute work inspired by the famous crew race, which was fun! I walk along the Charles River to get to the Barre & Soul studio, so it was exciting to watch the rowers on the river this morning! I can also see it from my apartment!
For these exercises, try to do a set of 8 or 16 of each type of rowing. Choose a weight that is challenging, but that you can do a full set with. Channel your inner crew rower and power through!
Bend your knees slightly and hinge your torso forward from your hips, keeping your back straight. The first set is with your palms facing inwards. Start with your arms straight out in front of you at a slight diagonal, and pull your elbows straight back along your sides. You should feel your upper back engaging, and try to focus on that and keep your shoulders down and avoid using momentum.
Next, flip your palms to face down and continue.
For the next set, round your arms slightly and hold them in front of you as if you were hugging a beach ball. Your palms should face upward. Pull your arms up and back so your elbows go toward the ceiling. Then, flip your palms so they face downwards and continue.
There you go, rowing with no water necessary!