Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Cowan.
Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started in the water sport called Dragon Boat Racing in 2013. This is a water sport where you have a 20 person boat or a ten person boat where you all paddle together competitively. I began practicing competitively with the US Senior C National Coach, Pat Bradley, who has a team in The Villages called The HEAT. We were doing 500-meter pieces, and he noticed that I would be winded after a few that we did. He suggested I start using an ERG (Indoor Rower) at the gym to help improve my stamina. I thought I will just go buy my own! So, I went out and bought a Concept 2 Rowing Machine. To be honest, I did it in the comfort of my home gym, but it is the most boring exercise in the world! Yes, I will admit it! So, over the next couple of years, I thought, how can this be made to be fun?? In early 2017, I received my certification to teach rowing, and I decided to open the studio in August 2017. It allows you to get a full-body workout while at the same time having fun!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of opening a studio has been smooth! Most people do not know this, but this is my passion and can be considered my “part-time” job. I do have a Full-time Job during the day as an Outside Sales Rep for an Electronics’ Distributor in Orlando. But, before 8 AM and after 5 PM I am at Fit2Row. Everyone asks how do I do it… work two jobs? I love what I do in both jobs so I do not see it as work. I honestly have to say I have not had any struggles except for being shut down during Covid. But, when we were allowed to re-open, customers came back because they know how clean the studio is kept. I make sure everything is clean and sanitized because the client gets on their erg.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love my studio because it is my passion! I have everyone from eight years old to 83 years old coming into the studio. Some have never gotten on an erg before. I love to teach them proper form and technique while being safe. I am proud of my clients who come in and I can watch them grow in strength! It is an amazing feeling to watch them come in from the first day they got on the erg to where they are now!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Some people do not know that I had the opportunity to travel to Moscow, Russia in 2016, where I competed on the US International Canoe and Kayak Federation Dragon Boat Team. At this competition, the Women’s 200 meter Race, we took home a Silver Medal on the anniversary of September 11th. It was the most amazing race day! In 2018, I made the team again, and this time we competed at home in Atlanta. Our team took home eight gold and one silver medals during that competition.
Pricing:
- 1st Class is free! Medical, Educational and Military discounts available
- $100 a month unlimited classes. NO MONTHLY CONTRACT
- $20 Class Seat Price
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fit2row.net
- Instagram: Fit2RowOrlando
- Facebook: Fit2Row
Image Credits
PSP Images
