Crew Fitness is a business that uses a novel concept of a workout centered around the Concept 2 indoor rower. Each class begins with a brief rowing tutorial they ironically call the sink row. (Well, when they say it, they mean "Sync" row, short for synchronized. But, I like puns, so I spell it that way in my head when they say it. I mean, it's a rower and they want us to sink?) The synchronization is desired because ultimately, your rowing, which is generally done in the water with other rowers in the same boat, so everyone would be stroking at the same speed.
You'll hear the mantra "Legs, core, arms" used to explain the proper form of how to row.
The first class is free.
I can tell you that lives change there. People come in, make friends and change their diets and their body composition changes for the better.
They are expensive. But, I think the cost is worth it in the long run. They have several packages for most any budget, and often have various deals to take advantage of. And - they are a locally owned small business, by two young ladies who are products of our own University of South Alabama. You might be able to negotiate a bargain if you try. What have you got to lose?
Be warned - this is an infectious community. You'll make friends even if you didn't plan on it. You'll get encouragement, you may even get inspired seeing how hard people will work! I see people who are 60, 50, 40, even young kids rowing, and doing other exercises to the best of their ability.
And -- ability - we're all different in some way. Some have bad knees, some have bad mobility and can't raise their elbows directly in front of them - but the workouts at Crew can all be scaled up or down. If you don't know how, the instructors there can tell you how.
They have free child care at various points throughout the week. I believe it's 3 times a week, at 8:30 am, MWF, and 4:30 pm, and during the Saturday 9am class. I don't have kids, so I really am not sure. I just know they have it available.
If you're struggling to control your diet, they offer assistance for nutrition as well.
Seems to me that since the first class is free, you've only got a little sweat and 45 minutes to lose to find out for yourself. read more