The historic competitions and boat clubs that started 150 years ago are still thriving, and rowing has also become a year-round activity for men and women who want to stay fit and have fun. There are more than 500 organizations for novices to professionals, and most health clubs have indoor rowing machines for people who want a low-impact workout that exercises all of the major muscle groups. Rowing is a fun, but strenuous activity. It is the art of moving a boat through water, using oars operated by hand. It usually has crews of two, four, or eight members.
Crew members use two hands to pull a single oar, and the crew sits facing the stern of boat.
It is performed with one, two or four rowers. Each crew member uses two oars , one in each hand. Rowing has a long history. It is now undergoing changes that are moving it from an elite, competitive sport to a more relaxed, recreational form of exercise for women and men of all ages and levels. Originally used as a means of transportation, it evolved into a competitive sport by the early 1800s in England.