Rowing, like most of the exercises employed by Crossfit, is a compound movement that requires aptitude and competence in each of the ten components of fitness (see the first Crossfit Journal for an elaboration of these components).

Rowing is an excellent metcon activity, employing vast amounts of muscle mass and moving it through a wide range of motion.  In addition, the movement requires co-ordination, balance, rhythm and synchronisation in order to be effective and efficient.

Any car enthusiast knows that machines run far better on high octane fuel than they do on entry level fuels. The engines run smoother, emissions are reduced and the overall performance of the machine is dramatically improved.

The human body is no different.

There is so much focus on the differences between men and women in modern society that we often forget that we are actually more alike than we are different. If you were to consider our anatomy, physiology and biology it would become quite apparent that we are very similar indeed. Of course there are the glaringly obvious differences like our reproductive systems but at a base level we are almost the same.