Inspired by: Nina Bentley

i first met nina bentley as we are both visual artists and belong to the same artist’s organization. but there is another side to nina that many are surprised to learn-she is an avid rower. now nina does not look like what most of us would think of as rowers-­young, ivy league college men-­so as a land only rower (so far) i was interested in how nina got involved with this unique, challenging sport and she agreed to talk with me.
nina has always been athletic. in high school she played volleyball and was a cheerleader. in college she played field hockey; at age 20 began playing tennis and has done so for 40 years; learned to ski at 30 and for the past 5 years has been rowing. i’ll say she's active and she still finds time to make art! feeling energized after loosing weight, she had often noticed the rowing club in her town and just decided to give it a go. in her learning to row classes she was initially fearful about falling into the water but the more she learned, the more confident she became, the greater the sense of accomplishment she felt. the fear and nervousness vanished. nina explained how technically difficult rowing is­-there are many adjustments to the boat and much  precision is needed by the group to row in sequence. rowing can be a single or a group activity and nina does both. as you can see by the photo the group has fun on the water. they also meet socially off the water.
nina rows 3 days a week. in the winter many rowers work indoors on an ergometer. one needs to have strong lower body and core muscles to row and either on land or water it is an excellent total body workout.
nina has inspired me to try the real thing. think about what new activity or sport you might like to try and like nina, don’t be held back by doubts or fears. go ahead and give it a try and ­you could be rewarded in ways you haven’t even considered-­just like nina.

to view nina's art www.ninabentley.com

this is the link for the type of ergometer (rowing machine) that i use www.waterrower.com
you might have also see it on season 1 and 2 of "house of cards". the resistance is actually created by water making it seem more like the real thing.

nina is 3rd from right in the red wig