Heather Peel built her superb physical conditioning from participating in an ancient, and very unique, sport.
Heather is a dragon boat racer, and this will be her ninth year of competition.
The 48-year-old London resident says her interest in it began when she heard about the sport through a colleague, and thought it sounded like something she would be able to do.
The origin of the sport is traced back to the year 221 BC.
Folklore states that local fishermen in a Chinese village took to their long, narrow fishing boats and raced across the river to rescue a government minister named Qu Yuan who was in the water and in distress.
Unable to save him, the fishermen beat drums and splashed their paddles in the water to keep the fish and evil spirits away.
Each year, on the anniversary of his death, people in the region recreate the rescue attempt in order to commemorate his death. These recreations led to the dragon boat races.
Today, dragon boat festivals are held in over 40 countries. Many dragon boat clubs have been formed and the teams travel to different dragon boat races to compete.
Heather says she practices about 3 times a week all summer long and competes with the London Dragon Boat Club. She and her team are preparing to compete at the London Dragon Boat Festival that will take place August 21, 2010.
The festival is important for the city, and has been an annual event for the past 17 years, says Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best.
“It’s a chance to showcase London, and all that it has to offer,” says Mayor DeCicco-Best. “London is a festival city from May to Labour Day – every weekend has a different festival – but with the dragon boats, there is a cause attached. It’s a good chance to enjoy, and get fit, and raise money for charity.”
The sport is a good illustration of how hard training can pay off, explains the Mayor. “The fitter you are the better you will race.”
Mayor DeCicco-Best practices what she preaches. She has tried commercial rowing machines and says she tries to be as fit as she can.
Rowing or paddling may be one of the most efficient workouts you can do.
According to recent research, rowing burns more calories than one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. Dr. Fritz Hagerman of the Biological Science Department at Ohio University found that competitive rowers expended almost twice the number of calories on a 2,000-meter course as a runner in a 3,000-meter steeplechase.
“The biggest benefit for me is all the cardio I get during our practices,” says Heather Peel.
“It is as demanding as you give. Being on a dragon boat means you are part of a team of 20 paddlers. Obviously, it would be easy to let your teammates do more of the work, but if you give it your all, then it is an amazing workout. Your core muscles are the most important,” says Heather.
“This is a true team sport – everyone is doing the exact same thing at the exact same time. If I were not able to keep up with the rest of the team, then I am holding them back. This is a huge motivator to go to practice and work hard. Dragon Boating has helped me lose weight and improve my cardio and core strength,” adds Heather.
Most people may not have the opportunity to get fit by paddling on a dragon boat team, but luckily there is a similar type of exercise – rowing machines.
Rowing machines are a great way for everyday people to get the same high-intensity workout that dragon boat racers do.
Heather states that rowing machines actually have an advantage to dragon boats for improving fitness. “In general, the gym rowing would be better for improving fitness as it works your body ‘evenly’ on both sides at the same time. I think anyone could use it even if they are just starting a fitness regime. One of the problems dragon boaters fall into is only paddling on one side of the boat,” says Heather.
The benefits of rowing machines seem endless.
Not only does rowing work your body more evenly, but it also exercises all of your major muscle groups – legs, back, arms, abs, and buttocks. The workouts put your muscles through a greater range of motion than most exercises, and it is also a low impact exercise that won’t put a lot of strain on your joints.
Rowing machines are widely available in gyms and reasonably priced if you wish to buy one for your home. They also fold away nicely so you won’t take up much room in your house.
It’s a great option for busy people who have difficulty finding time to exercise, and because rowing is such an efficient form of exercise, it won’t take long for you to get a great workout.
If you want to achieve the same superb physical conditioning as Heather Peel, you can join a dragon boat club and start reaping the rewards. Or, you can utilize rowing machines at your local gym and get an excellent workout comparable to dragon boat racers.
In either case, don’t miss the opportunity to attend this year’s London Dragon Boat Festival. In addition to supporting a great cause and enjoying the festivities, you are sure to get the motivation you need to start your own rowing exercise program.