YMCA launches rowing to music course

The YMCA launched a new fitness industry-training course in January. A joint project with Concept II, the course gives health club instructors the skills and techniques to enable them to develop a programme of aerobics based lessons using rowing machines.

'Rowing machines are often used as a warm up for other aerobic exercise; few clubs exploit their full potential,' says Denise Page, YMCAfit Curriculum Manager. 'The great thing about them is as long as the club has a studio space and trained staff, any medium to large club has the potential to set up Rowing to Music classes.'

The YMCA three-day course, which is offered for £205, provides instructors with twelve basic teaching programmes which can be adapted to provide members across the ability range with a varied long term training programme.

Already very popular in Italy and Germany Rowing to Music turns a rather boring and monotonous lone exercise into a fun group activity.

Lucy Atkinson, from David Lloyd in Bournemouth, was one of twelve attending the first course. 'Using a rowing machine has always given me back ache. This course has given me a much greater understanding of technique. Despite over two hours rowing this morning I am pain free. It really opened my eyes to what can be done with a rowing machine.' Details: +44 (0)20 7343 1850