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"Looks like we'll get everything restored soon"

Düsseldorf's Deutsche Bank Rowing Club's chairperson, Kathrin Schmack, maintains her fitness amidst the Coronavirus pandemic and inspires others to follow suit. Maren Derlien interviewed the athletic leader to discuss her health routines.

"Looking forward to restoration soon"
"Looking forward to restoration soon"

"Looks like we'll get everything restored soon"

Rowing clubs and athletes across the globe are adapting to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a bid to maintain club life and ensure safety, physical training protocols have been modified, and training formats have transitioned to remote or hybrid models.

Rowing clubs have implemented physical training programs that accommodate social distancing and health guidelines. These programs often include remote or unsupervised aerobic and strength training sessions, which can be conducted online or outdoors. The sessions are tailored to individuals' health status, allowing for training in small, controlled groups and reducing the risk of virus transmission.

To keep club members connected and engaged, virtual meetings or webinars have been organised. These sessions foster a sense of community despite restrictions on in-person activities. Training intensity is also being adjusted based on health monitoring metrics such as heart rate and perceived effort, ensuring safety for members recovering from COVID or dealing with long COVID symptoms.

For performance athletes, the postponement of major events such as the Olympic Games in Tokyo to 2021 and the European Championships has created a unique set of challenges. Athletes like Leonie Pieper and Leonie Menzel are being supported from home by coaches, who provide tailored training plans. Both athletes are working hard to re-qualify for their respective events.

The masters group, meanwhile, is staying connected via WhatsApp and maintaining their sporting goals despite the crisis. Coach Günter Schroers has created a corona home office training plan for the group, ensuring they can continue their training effectively. The recreational athletes are also continuing their individual sports and fitness routines, with activities ranging from rowing on the Rhine to hiking trips.

The board meetings are being held as conference calls due to the distance, while the topics of the cancelled CV meeting have been postponed until the next scheduled meeting. Each member of the masters group is keeping fit individually, with the expectation that they will participate in sports activities and share photos.

In the lightweight category, the situation for Leonie Pieper remains uncertain. However, it's currently impossible to make a valid prognosis for her season planning. Despite the challenges, rowing clubs and athletes are demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of the pandemic. Their hybrid approach to training and community engagement is preserving club life while prioritising members' health.

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