Miss the days when exercise was as thoughtless as hearing the bell ring for recess (we at GoRecess are partial to that memory as well...)? Brian Gallagher and Ryan Wilke missed them too, so much so that they created a fitness concept combining the ridiculously great benefits of the Indoor Rower with the functional fitness flavors of CrossFit. Mix that in with a little friendly competition and you've got Throwback Fitness, their new fitness concept that just launched in New York City. Brian and Ryan give us their 10 best reasons to hop on a rowing machine and get moving below.

10. No half-body workouts here.  It's the only full-body cardio machine, engaging over 20 muscle groups in the legs, back, core, shoulders and arms

9. Want to become a better all-around athlete?  Fast-twitch fibers engaged during a rowing stroke promote muscle growth and explosive power transferable to many other sports and activities 

8. The low-impact nature of this easy-to-learn movement causes little to no stress on joints

7. Rowing promotes better posture, joint health and flexibility by strengthening the muscles of the core, upper and lower back, while allowing a full range of motion for people of all ages and sizes

6. The unique push-pull movement requires leg and arm coordination, meaning no reading or flipping channels while at the gym.  You are there to exercise, right?!

5. How’d you like to continue burning fat AFTER a workout? Rowing raises the heart rate quickly, increasing the afterburn effect - the state of elevated metabolism post-workout

4. The monitors on a rowing machine provide a variety of ways to track progress (including power output) and allow races to promote friendly competition amongst friends.  Have you tried Concept2's fish-eating game?  

3. Want an alternative to your long runs? Rowing is an ideal cross-training and functional movement for all types of athletes, particularly runners, as it preserves joints while training for a race 

2. Short on time? Hop on the rower and burn 15 calories a minute!  The combination of strength and cardiovascular conditioning in one movement makes rowing a model of efficiency.

1. Rowing has been carving badass physiques for centuries - how do you think Ancient Greek and Spartan warriors got around?! 

​Throwback Fitness is a high-intensity workout experience that combines proven bodyweight movements with the most effective, but underutilized, piece of exercise equipment: the indoor rower. Rather than muscle-specific movements or long cardio-only sessions (the bodybuilder plan), Throwback incorporates full-body strength and conditioning exercises that mimic the movements used in sports and everyday life. Throwback was inspired by the desire for a fun, unique and efficient group workout experience that meets a variety of fitness goals – from developing a leaner, stronger physique to preparing for an adventure race.  The team at Throwback believes the best way to do that is with a modern twist on back-to-basics exercises that have stood the test of time.