No matter what type of exercise you’re into, it’s always wise to select something that’s capable of working your entire body at once, including your heart and lungs, so that you develop evenly into a better, stronger person throughout the course of the next year. For many, a rowing class is a perfect solution.

A rowing class, like other types of group exercise, is one of the most effective ways of combining healthy exercise with a good social environment. Rowing is a repetitive exercise and, for some, can get boring over time. Classes add a social element that can keep things more interesting. Rowing classes are often held indoors and dedicated rowing gyms that provide the equipment. The class consists of a group of rowing machines with the instructor’s rowing machine at the head of the class facing back at them. In this way, newcomers to the sport of rowing can observe proper form, and if necessary, they can be corrected by the instructor should they make any mistakes.

Rowing is a fantastically comprehensive exercise. It’s a compound movement, and if performed properly, it works the back, arms, stomach, and legs all simultaneously. The motion is one that’s simple to learn, but difficult to master, and proper form is absolutely necessary to get the full benefit. The resistance of the rowing machine aims to closely simulate the natural resistance of pushing a boat through the water, and can be a very effective strength training exercise for all of the muscles involved.

Rowers are also encouraged to continue performing the exercise over the course of an extended session, sometimes up to an hour. Like road biking, this allows for a sustained increase in your heartbeat and breathing rates. For those that are trying to lose weight, many fitness experts would agree that this type of cardiovascular exercise is one of the most effective ways to do it. In a lot of ways, you’re killing two birds with one stone when you attend a rowing class.

This is not to say that the class is intended to be easy. Fitness beginners are often encouraged to attend rowing classes, but they should understand what they’re getting themselves into beforehand. At its core, rowing is an endurance sport, and it will be quite exhausting to attempt for an extended period of time if you’re not already in really good shape. Once you begin to adjust to the motions, the sessions will become easier. It may also be helpful if additional, more experienced rowers attend classes alongside newcomers. Whenever trying something new, it always helps to get a feel for what’s possible once you’ve put in the hard work.

Being in a group environment helps tremendously, since the members of the group are able to lend motivation and encouragement to one another. It’s easy to stop and take a rest if you exercising by yourself, and that slippery slope can lead to cheating yourself out of the real benefits of doing these exercises in the first place. When you’re working out in a group, it’s a lot harder to stop since the person next to you isn’t taking a break. You say to yourself that if they can do it, so can you, and you would be exactly right.

Darla Blackmon writes for EverythingLongBeach.com, a community website that covers news, events, health and fitness. Visit the site to find a Long Beach health club with rowing classes in your area.