Rowing

Whether you're paddling across a misty lake or pulling on a machine in your den, rowing is bear-approved. It's smooth, strong, and rhythmical—getting your legs, back, and paws working together in a flow that feels just right.

Instructions

1. Start seated with knees bent, arms extended, and torso leaning slightly forward.
2. Drive through your legs first, then lean back and pull the handle or oar to your lower ribs.
3. Reverse the motion: extend the arms, hinge forward from the hips, and bend the knees to return.
4. Maintain a strong posture and fluid rhythm throughout.
5. Repeat continuously for time or distance.

Benefits

• Improves full-body cardiovascular endurance.
• Strengthens legs, glutes, back, and arms in one movement.
• Enhances rhythm, coordination, and breathing control.
• Low-impact and scalable for all fitness levels.

Key Points

• Lead each stroke with the legs, not the arms.
• Engage the core to protect your back during the drive.
• Keep the stroke smooth and consistent.
• Avoid slouching—maintain a tall posture.

Common Mistakes

• Pulling with arms too early before the legs drive.
• Overreaching or collapsing the spine at the catch.
• Using jerky, uneven strokes.
• Letting knees fall outward or feet shift mid-stroke.