News
by Jessica Jacobs:
A brand new indoor rowing studio has hit the scene of Los Angeles: iRow Studio.
iRow Studio owner, Iva Boteva, is an experienced rowing coach and champion rower. She brings to her studio a unique balance of workout and technique that sets iRow Studio apart from other indoor rowing studios.
Open to all level of rowers, Iva is skilled in giving individual attention to all of her students. However, she does not limit her valuable instruction to rowers only. She also offers a weekly class specifically geared towards non-rowers to introduce them to using the rowing machine with proper technique.
It is critical for rowers and non-rowers alike to use proper technique on the rowing machine; not only does this prevent injury, but it allows a person to engage the proper muscle groups to condition themselves in a productive and efficient way. Using poor technique on a rowing machine not only risks injury, but it is also far less effective.
Arranged by the Head of the Department of the Social Chair at Los Angeles Rowing Club, Simon Hunter, LARC members were given a sneak peak as iRow’s first clients. Ten LARC members signed up to break-in Iva’s new studio, myself being one.
With freshly painted walls, mirrors hardly hung the day before, ten Ergs were lined up facing a long wall of mirrors. iRow Studio is an intimate space with natural light; a perfect place for individual focus and attention.
Iva started us off with a familiar warm up for rowers; the ‘pick drill’. Here she coached us to use technique at each position and to feel connection from the very start of the class. Working our way up from arms only all the way into full strokes, we gently warmed up our bodies at an even, steady state pace.
Once warmed up, Iva led us directly into a technique drill, pausing at different positions throughout the stroke. Watching ourselves in the mirror during the pause drills, we were able to follow other class members and Iva, and notice where we might have technical discrepancies.
Next we started the workout: (3) Five minute pieces at a stroke rate of 24 spm, full pressure with rest in between. Here we were challenged to maintain solid form and breathing technique while pushing our physical limits. Between each piece, Iva coached us on stroke continuum, and maintaining power output range during these pieces. She also remarked on individual questions and comments.
Into the last piece, sweat and groans were flying from every direction in the room (at least, from my erg!), but it wasn’t over then. Simon, being somewhat of a comedian, bought us a 30 second punishment by suggesting those pieces ‘were 4 ½ minutes too long’! In good fun, Iva had us finish the class off with a 30 second all-out-sprint. Thank you, Simon.
Afterwards, feeling energized and fit, LARC members continued the event at a local Culver City restaurant for drinks and dinner, rower-style.
iRow Studio is a great addition to the fitness world. Whether you are new or experienced to rowing, iRow Studio is a perfect place to surround yourself with real people, achieve personal fitness goals and be a part of a productive and fun-loving community.
In addition to erg classes, Iva will also offer a weight-circuit training class at her studio.
iRow Studio is located in a central location, just on the edge of Culver City at:
3560 S. La Cienega Blvd ste K, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Current Schedule:
Mondays – 6pm (beginner/intermediate), 7:15pm (intermediate/advanced)
Tuesdays – 10am (all levels welcome)
Wednesdays – same as Mondays
Thursdays – no classes
Fridays – noon class (all levels welcome)
Saturdays – 10am class (all levels welcome) and 11:30am (FREE Intro to Rowing Class – 1/2 hour only, tell your friends who are curious about it, or if you need a refresher of the basics, come again).
Sundays: 10am circuit strength training (lots of fun, and mostly exercises that use your own body weight or very light weights appropriate for all levels of fitness), 11:15am erg class (all levels welcome)
Classes are 1 hour long. Cost is $20 per class for the erg classes, and $10 per class for the circuit class.
For more information, visit Iva’s website at: www.larowingcoach.com
For more articles by Jessica, visit her site at hubpages.com:http://hubpages.com/profile/celei
Last night we had Thirsty Thursday / Happy Hour at the Organic Panificio. What a great time! Thanks for coming, everyone, and see you next time.
Learn to row was this weekend. The whole thing went off very smoothly, thanks to Adrienne for organizing.
Click here to see the pictures.
Click Here to see as a slideshow.
Here’s what Adrienne said:
“Hello Everyone, I wanted to to say thank you so much to all of the volunteers who came out this weeekend to help with Learn to Row. We had a 100% return rate on Sunday and I know it was because of all of you!
“A special thanks to Chris Reins for planning the training for the group and to all the coaches who helped make it happen: Darius, Jill, Casey, Rebecca, Mike, Ryan, Iva, Tamara, & Robert.
“I also want to thank the coxes on Sunday: Lily, Jill, Ryan, Casey, Robert, DeAnna, Darius, Simon and Susan.
“I appreciate so much all of the help from everyone else who volunteered, whether it was to be a runner for something, organize ergs, lend an erg, do nametags, make the directions, hold the boats, row in the boats, sit in the boats, move the boats, bring food to the party, socialize with the newbies, give encouragement, bring coffee and bagels, and a VERY BIG THANK YOU to Robert for hosting another fabulous Barbecue (and finishing the new deck JUST IN TIME).”
Coxie with Moxie Trinity Laurino started this thing on Facebook. Step into the Wayback Machine and fill this out about your first year at LARC! The longer ago it was, the more fun the answers will be!! Click on Comments and post your answers.
- Susan Lillestol
1. When did you join LARC?
2. Did you do a LTR or are you a returning rower/coxswain?
3. Who was your First Coach (or Boat Captain)?
4. Are you a Port, Starboard, Bi or a Cox?
5. Did you date/marry someone from LARC or force your significant other/ spouse into rowing too?
6. Did you car pool to practice?
7. What’s the earliest practice time?
8. What was your latest?
9. Its 6:30 am, where were you?
10. Have you ever hit a buoy?
11. Have you ever hit a seagull? A Sea Lion?
12. Are you currently active with the Club?
13. Best Day on the water?
14. Worst moment on the water?
15. How did you find LARC?
16. Are you chipper in the morning or grumpy until after your first post-practice coffee?
17. Have you ever caught a crab or for coxswains hit a buoy during a race?
18. Do you have a favorite call, one that makes you sit up and row hard even when you’re exhausted?
19. What is your favorite post-practice breakfast place?
20. Favorite race?
21. Least favorite race?
22. If you could go back what would you tell your novice self that you’ve learned since?
23. Did you go to the LARC banquet?
24. Favorite rowing accessory?
25. Do you remember your first boatmates? Do you still talk to some of them?
26. Any unfulfilled rowing fantasies?
The club has gone to the polls, voting on the 2008 awards. Stay tuned for the results, which will be posted here after they’re announced at the Banquet, coming up in a couple of weeks. Here are the awards categories:
1. Male Rower of the Year
2. Female Rower of the Year
3. Novice Rower of the Year
4. Golden Wrench
5. Coxswain of the Year
6. Menace of the Year
7. Unique Fashion Sense
8. Coach of the Year
9. Boat Captain of the Year
10. Officer of the Year
11. Sunshine Award
Good luck to all the nominees!
Congratulations, Jessica for being featured as Rower of the Day today at Concept2.com!
Vijay just called a Fun Race, Saturday January 31st at the Marina! Contact him to enter your boat in the race, and stay tuned for photos / results which I’ll post up here after the race.
The Banquet will be returning to the first quarter of the year. The date is set for Saturday, February 28th. Should be a great night, starting with cocktails, moving in to food and drink, and including the yearly awards ceremony. Yeah!
The Holiday Party went off without a hitch, and from what I can remember was a great time. The venue was awesome, food great and the wine was free-flowing. Here are a couple of pics.
The end of year celebration will surely rock. I hope everyone can make it.
When: Saturday, December 20th, 8pm till past your bedtime
Where: Marriot, Marina del Rey
Parking: lot across the street
More information to follow…
