7 Advantages of Working Out in a Group

This article was first published in the Fall 1995 “Ergo Update.” Whether you row with a partner or a large class, group workouts can improve your fitness. If you don't have a partner to row with in person, consider sharing your workouts with an online logbook Training Partner or join a Challenge Team.

1. Motivation: Group members keep each other motivated through the workout, thereby enhancing the quality and results.
2. Commitment: By agreeing to row together at a certain time, group members are less likely to skip their workout.
3. Technique: Group members can watch each other’s technique and compare.
4. Camaraderie: Your workout becomes a chance to get together with friends or make new friends.
5. Workout variety: Group members can take turns designating the workout, thereby introducing more variety to the group’s training.
6. Shared goals: The group can record their cumulative meters and work toward the Concept2 Team Million or 5 Million Meter Clubs to earn patches and certificates.
7. Synchrony: In on-water rowing, there are team boats of 2, 4 and 8 people. It’s a unique team sport because all the rowers have to be in sync—catching the water with their oars at exactly the same time. This same synchrony can add to the quality of your indoor rowing workout.