Posts Tagged ‘fitness’
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
