8 Thoughts Every Indoor Rower Has During a Long Workout

You’re settled in, your feet strapped down, and the never-ending rhythm of indoor rowing begins. It doesn’t take long for your mind to wander, leading to some pretty funny thoughts. Each stroke becomes a mental journey where your brain is free to entertain itself while your body keeps up the hard work.

As you pull through the minutes, strange ideas pop up, from imagining you’re racing against Olympic champions to wondering if your snack stash is still safe in the kitchen. Rowing can feel like a test of endurance, but it also gives you a chance to laugh at the quirks that fill the silence.

1. “Why does time slow down during rowing?”

Have you ever felt like you’ve been rowing for hours, and it’s only been ten minutes? It’s like a weird time warp inside the gym.

You glance at the monitor, and those numbers seem to mock you. The seconds crawl by, like a turtle on vacation.

You wonder if you’re in an alternate universe where time does not exist. Or maybe your rower has a secret deal with the clock.

Each stroke feels heavy, but your thoughts are racing. You start counting sheep, imagining life as a potato, anything to distract yourself from that slow-moving timer.

2. “Why are my arms made of jelly?”

You start rowing, feeling strong. Then, after some time, your arms feel like they are made of jelly. It’s a weird sensation.

You wonder if you skipped leg day. Or maybe you should start lifting weights. Honestly, this feels like a test of your willpower.

Each pull seems harder. You are pretty sure your muscles are having a dance party. It’s more like a wobble than a row.

3. “Should’ve brought a snack for this journey”

You’re powering through, and suddenly, hunger strikes. You think, “Why didn’t I pack some snacks?”

A granola bar or trail mix could change everything. Instead, you’re stuck with just your willpower and some water.

Every long stroke reminds you that snacks make everything better. Who knew rowing could be so hard on your stomach?

4. “Does this count as sailing the seven seas?”

As you row away, the thought pops in your head: “Am I sailing the seven seas right now?”

The rhythmic pull of the handle feels like you’re navigating through a vast ocean.

Just remember, the only thing you might run into are your own sweat and maybe a cat—definitely not pirates!

5. “I swear this seat is shrinking on me”

As you keep rowing, it feels like that seat is getting smaller by the minute. Your legs might be perfectly fine, but that seat? It’s like it’s in witness protection.

You shift and wiggle, trying to find some comfort. Is there a slow leak? Is it a magic trick? You just can’t quite figure it out.

6. “This is officially my new nemesis”

You’re rowing hard, and then it hits you. This machine feels like it has turned against you.

Every pull is a battle, and your nemesis is the resistance knob. You twist it, and it laughs back.

You start plotting revenge, but it’s a workout, not a villain movie.

7. “Is this how the Vikings felt?”

As you row away, you might wonder if you’re channeling your inner Viking. Did they feel this kind of burn in their muscles while conquering the seas?

Imagine them on their longboats, rowing hard and shouting battle cries. You’re not facing dragons, but that rower’s seat can feel like a fierce enemy.

You start to think, “Are those my oars or am I just paddling through a massive bowl of oatmeal?”

8. “I bet Olympians don’t feel this tired”

You might catch yourself thinking, “Do Olympians actually sweat like this?” Their workouts seem effortless, while you struggle to finish just one more minute.

You imagine them gliding through the water or on their rowers, looking fresh and energetic. Meanwhile, you’re just trying not to collapse.

It’s a funny thought, isn’t it? You wonder if they ever question their life choices while training for hours.