But it's not on a stream
MARQUETTE -- When most of the town is still asleep, one Marquette team is up at the crack of dawn to begin practice. The Upper Peninsula Rowing Club is out on the water by 6 a.m., getting in their daily dose of exercise.
The team keeps a steady rhythm as they glide along Lake Superior with the sun rising just behind them.
"It's a calming effect. Beautiful sunrises at six in the morning is when I really enjoy it the best," explains rower, Audrey Johnson.
The boats are called "shells," and it takes total team effort to get them both out on the water and moving along.
"You have to do some heavy lifting with your back and shoulders, but other than that, we do have all ages in our group," added rower, Beth Wallace.
It's a good exercise for anyone no matter what age. The rowing can help get you into shape, but it's not just about the muscles; rowing is also a great way to improve your mental fitness, too.
"I think that a visit to Lake Superior is about as good as seeing a psychologist, maybe even better, and it's free," reflects morning rower, Ursula Stock.
The team works on their technique and speed, using their arm, back, and leg muscles to push the boat backwards along the water. The sliding seats are the key to the full body workout. Each rower pushs back on the slides with their legs, pull back on the ores with their arms, and use their core muscles to hold a leaned back position.
Having that workout on Lake Superior is a scene that never disappoints.