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Cardio Kids Rowing Can Help ADD/ADHD Students

Thu, Jan 10, 2013 @ 12:18 PM Posted by Kidsfit Blog Design 1 Comments

elementary kids rower How Can Rowing Help My Child's ADD/ADHD?

1. Continual Metacogntion

Metacognition refers to a level of thinking that involves active control over the process of thinking that is used in learning situations. Planning the way to approach a learning task, monitoring comprehension, and evaluating the progress towards the completion of a task: these are skills that are metacognitive in their nature. When participating in rowing motions, athletes are engaged in a continuous process of receiving outside stimuli and internalizing achievements and success that manifest in other areas throughout the day. 

2. Manageable Segments of Movements

The actions involved with rowing allow the user to break strokes down into manageable segments such as 20, 30 or 40 strokes that can be easily handled by the ADD/ADHD brain. 

3. Hyperfocusing 

The intensity associated with completing the rower motions allows a positive outlet for hyperfocusing of the individual. The brain must focus on several factors including upper body control, timing and fluidity of motions, creating an environment for the brain to express its hyperfocusing in a positive way. 

4. Removal of Daily Worries

Exercise reduces stress hormones including cortisol and allows for the release of endorphins such as serotonin, which helps manage daily stressors. 

5. Repetitive Motions

The repetitive motions offer a means for participants to self reflect and make corrections without being too focused on any mistakes, since there is no time to over-think in between strokes. 


varsity rower 6. Promotes Positivity in Negative Thinkers

When accomplishing a hard workout such as rowing, there is a sense of achievement and success in overcoming a challenge. This sense of accomplishment carries over into other aspects of the day, allowing a more positive outlook on overcoming obstacles. 

7. Initiates Action in Poor Activators

Typically when students arent initiating a task, it is due to fear of the unknown or having a distorted persepctive on their own abilities. With Rowing exercises, students are able to build up a huge amount of mentally and physically challenging experiences they have successfully completed, which helps maintain a healthy perspective for overcoming other obstacles throughout their day. 

8. Great Preparation for Other Sports 

Rowing is one of the best cross training workouts there is for preparing for other sports. It is a well-rounded workout that boosts stamina, endurance and mental toughness which are necessary for participating in all sports and physical activities. 

9. Sense of Community and Social Connections Amongst Peers 

Rowing with peers creates a sense of comradary and a healthy competitive environment for students to engage in a social setting and build realtionships with classmates.