Where to row (indoors) in San Francisco?
It was only a matter of time before rowing was discovered as the most efficient way to work out. And why not. Rowing involves practically every muscle in the body, has huge cardiovascular demands and is a low impact on the joints. For the most exercise for the money look no further in San Francisco -- Indoor Rowing is your answer and below are 3 fitness centers that can bring you this awesome class. Whirl away!
Active Sports/Wellness (formerly known as Club One) at Embarcadero #2 on the second floor. This club understood the full potential of this sport over 18 years ago and began classes with the help of Duncan Kennedy, collegiate and US champion rower and former US team national team member. Duncan and Jim Karanas helped build this class over time with a very loyal following. Classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11:30 am - 12:10 pm. Former seasoned collegiate rowers have been running these classes for years! They have over 19 indoor rowing machines and you better sign up fast as this class fills up! Strength is it has 19 people rowing in one room together...motivating, just like at the boathouse! The weakness is it only has 3 classes a week.
OMpower SF located at 66 Townsend Street is a beautiful open brick boutique fitness center offering Rowing, Cycling, Yoga, Dance, running boot camps and personal training. Again, rowing fitness entrepreneur, Duncan Kennedy was consulted by savvy OMpower SF owner, and nutritionist Jennifer Kartiganer to "get me some indoor rowing." Jennifer understands the trends in the business and also what is legit. "Working to get rowing classes a part of the OMpower SF culture was not hard", says Duncan. "Jennifer knows what works, what people are clambering for, and an ambiance that is inviting." OMpower prides itself on "Authentic Transformation" and all their instructors are real rowers who either rowed in college or currently coach rowers on the water. The whirl of the rowing machine wheels can be heard throughout the fitness center from its open-air loft 14 classes a week. Strength is their adherence to building form and technique into your rowing with a serious side to training. The weakness is the location has parking problems when the Giants are playing home games. Check their website for details at www.ompowersf.com
RowClub: A small row-only boutique club on the lower level on Belden place off Pine Street. It is the west coast answer to Row House, or City Row -- a boutique fitness center focusing on rowing only. They have 7 instructors, several of whom have collegiate rowing experience and one with national team experience. The classes are rowing based with some weight lifting in between to give the classes a little more than just rowing. They have over 20 classes per week. The strength of this club is it is dedicated to the indoor rowing class. The weakness of the club is the subterranean workout room. A little claustrophobic! Check their website for more schedule details at www.rowclub.com
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