INDOOR ROWING: GOOD FOR THE BODY, GREAT FOR THE MIND

A new study by Neil Gilson and Keele University has linked the benefits of physical activity through using indoor rowing machines with increased academic achievements in school aged children.

THE BENEFITS INDOOR ROWING MACHINES AND ERGOMETERS HAVE ON THE PHYSIQUE AND BRAIN

It has been known for decades that indoor rowing offers multiple health benefits including; improved cardiovascular health, rapid calorie burn, and reduced risk of diabetes, stroke and various forms of cancer. If these reasons still aren’t enough to get you going on a rowing machine, a new study conducted by Olympic ambassador and national rowing coach Neil Gilson might – he explored the possibility that indoor rowing can also have a positive impact on cognitive functions.

ROWING MACHINES AND THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

In 2013, Gilson theorised that regular indoor rowing sessions implemented in schools would increase physical fitness levels, decrease obesity levels and help students reach higher academic results. Gilson approached the Stoke-On-Trent City Council with his idea and was lucky enough to enlist the help of public health funding and a grant from the European City of Sport. With the backing Gilson needed, he was able to install 100 indoor rowing machines in 10 schools within the local area and begun to test their effectiveness.

A SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH – INDOOR ROWING AND COGNITIVE IMPROVEMENT

Over a 6 year period, data from the experiment was charted and in May 2019, Keele University used Gilson’s data to evaluate the impact of indoor rowing on student’s cognitive ability. Results indicated that students who were more active and participated in weekly 60-minute interval training sessions with rowing machines had displayed improved brain activity and performed better academically in the areas of reading, writing and numeracy tests.

Keele University concluded the report by stating: “This [physical activity] is thought to lead to functional improvements, with positive changes in memory, critical thinking, decision-making and concentration.” – an encouraging finding!

THE BENEFITS OF INDOOR ROWING DON’T STOP THERE!

For many people, the physical benefits of indoor rowing are enough to encourage them to get up and moving on their favourite indoor rowing machine. For others, this additional information may well be the catalyst that gets them over the line. Here at FDF, our diverse range of indoor rowing machines cater for all levels of fitness, from first timers through to seasoned veterans.

 Browse our Indoor Rowers and Ergometers and find the one that’s right for you!