Rowing is a demanding sport that requires substantial upper body strength. Because it also requires repetitive hand movements while gripping the oars, it can wreak havoc on the hands. Blisters and cracked, bleeding skin are common, especially among novices and after a return to the sport.

The Pendlay row is named after Glenn Pendlay, an Olympic weightlifting coach. The Pendlay version of the row is very similar to a standard barbell row, but there are some important differences. Your back is more horizontal during a Pendlay row and you set the weight down after each repetition.

Heavyweight, or open, rowing is not defined by weight. Bigger and stronger athletes are welcome in the heavyweight class. Lightweight rowing, on the other hand, is limited to those who are small enough to make weight.