This weekend, major burn at Brooklyn Crew, followed by brunch with some of my best friends.

Hopped onto the L train one stop to Bedford to get rowing, which is all the rage right now.

Brooklyn Crew’s studio is modern and sleek though small, in the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge.

indoor rowing 1

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The workout is centered around “dynamic ergs” (indoor rowers) that simulate the movement of rowing on water. They’re streamlined and deliver a smoother stroke than what I remember from past indoor rowing (hello, college P.E.) These even have a handy hook in back for a towel. Grab two at the front desk…you’re going to need them.

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Classes are led by real crew coaches instead of fitness instructors. Mine was Michael Aiken, a collegiate rower, himself, and high school & university coach since then. This makes for a more intense experience (little slacking, lots of sweating) vs. your average group fitness class. Michael takes his rowing very seriously, and, for those of us who have participated in team sports, you know–you do not want to disappoint the coach.

The introductory Novice class focuses mostly on proper form for the perfect stroke. After 2-3 of these, you move on to the Signature class, which I’ll get to experience soon. Today, my all-over soreness confirms that, yes, it’s definitely a full body workout.

Having just burned up to 800 calories (dependent on body weight, of course), the post-workout meal at Marlow & Sons was much-needed.

brunch 1

Love the artsy view on Brooklyn’s Broadway.

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And, this morning, I headed downtown to brunch on the Bowery at DBGB with a great group of girls. There’s nothing like a quality catch-up over coffee and french toast.

brunch 2

As I write this, I’m slowly coming out of my caffeine-fueled food coma.

Next steps for me? Back on the erg ASAP.

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4 thoughts on “Crew & Coffee Talk

  • December 8, 2013 at 8:15 PM
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    Very cool. I’ve been dying to try one of these rowing studios. I’ve been hearing great things about Broolyn Crew but unfortunately it’s bit of a trek for me so I’ve been keeping tabs on City Row’s upcoming soon!

    Reply
    • December 8, 2013 at 8:21 PM
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      It’s an amazing workout, definitely recommend. Yes, City Row opens next month. See you there!

      Reply
  • December 8, 2013 at 11:17 PM
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    I’m very scared of that studio.
    The rowing machine looks like what they used to stretch prince humperdink in “Princess Bride”. Just sayin be careful.

    But the alphabet soup art is tres awesome and I think you deserve unlimited French toast and hope you didn’t order it with radish salad (an odd brunch menu item :)
    As always, I am eagerly awaiting your next post in fear and admiration….
    Xxxxxxxxxx

    Reply
  • Pingback: Fit Icon: Michael Aiken @ Brooklyn Crew | STRENGTH+Sole

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