Alright folks! We've provided a beginner row workout to get you going on this great low-impact full-body activity. Here, I'm making sure you know how to row with the right form. Breaking down your movements will ensure better health, strengthening, and preparation for the advanced class!

The proper row consists of two parts:
the drive and the recovery.

The drive is the backward work portion of the stroke, and the recovery is the forward rest movement that prepares you for the drive. To break it down even further and focus on proper technique, start at the end position, and move toward the explosive drive.

1. Finished Position: Your legs are extended and elbows are drawn past the body, with flat wrists as you grip the handle.

2. Arms Away: Immediately after finishing position, extend your arms while your legs are still fully extended, before pulling yourself to the catch position. This will re-engage your core.

3. The Catch: As your seat moves in, your shins should become vertical and your knees over your ankles.

4. The Drive: Begin pushing with your legs, then your body, and finish with your arms. Avoid letting your legs shoot back before the body does.

Remember: The burst is coming from your legs, followed by core and arms. Revert the order and repeat!

Motion: Legs > Core > Arms > Arms > Core > Legs

Here are some common rowing form errors you want to watch out for:

• Breaking Your Arms at the Catch - When you start the drive, your arms should remain straight until your legs are fully extended. This will help with a nice smooth stroke.
• Chicken Wing Arms - This is when you stick your elbows out during the drive. Keep your elbows to your side instead, as you row back.
• Excessive Lay-back - This happens when you lean back too much at the end of the drive. Your body should be only slightly leaning at the end of the drive.

After some good practice (refreshers a couple minutes before each workout is a good idea), your complete stroke should be smooth and fluent, and 24-26 strokes per minute is typical.

Enjoy the ride!