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Tradition & Training

Rowing was one of the first sports included in the modern Olympic games. In its modern form, rowing has been an organized sport for at least one hundred years. It is an exercise that includes all the major muscle groups relying on an athlete's flexibility, discipline, cardiovascular endurance and strength. Likewise, the history of rowing as a sport stretches back to antiquity. Early rowing contests were an important aspect of the funeral games of the Egyptians and the Romans- even playing a part in Virgil's Aeneid.

Developing into the regatas of 13th century Venice and evolving continuously to this day, oarsmen and oarswomen are part of a long sporting tradition. While rowing is filled with cultural history, what is most often remarked upon is its discipline and difficulty.

Done correctly, rowing is a sport full of grace and precision-- not only is it beautiful but also physically demanding. Although it is a low impact activity and sprains are rare, stress on knee joints, the spine and the tendons of the forearm are common. Poor technique, such as curving the back and gripping the oar too tightly can cause more serious problems such as back pain and blisters.

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