For Stephanie Cox, rowing really is an upper body sport. A para-rower at Community Rowing, Inc (CRI) who raced in the LTAMIx2x (Legs, Trunk, Arms) at the 2014 World Championships in Amsterdam, Cox has since had to switch classifications to Trunk and Arms (TA). Because of the change, her workouts are much more focused on her upper body. As Cox trains with her eyes set on Rio, she works aggressively to strengthen her arms, shoulders, lats, back and core, all the while limiting her time on the erg.

row2k: What is your favorite winter workout?

Stephanie Cox: Not erging at all!

With my classification in para-rowing, I want to be smart about how many hours I spend on the erg so I can stay injury free for spring. Right now my favorite workouts are swimming and rock climbing.

For swimming it's 5 x100m sprint/rest with 50m kick board using just breast stroke. I know rowing is tough, but swimming is on another level. I get to use every muscle and that's really important for me. I have no feeling in my right leg, so being weightless in the water really stimulates the muscles that I might not use in rowing, which improves my overall health and fitness.

For rock climbing, I like to just go for a couple hours and boulder climb. What that means is climbing without rope support. I don't go crazy high, but I really try to just use my upper body and focus on engaging my lats, back, and core muscles. It's also a mental challenge because you really have to focus on your surrounding and your next move. When I'm done I feel like I've climbed Mount Everest, though I might have only gone 20 feet - it's great. 

row2k: What about these workouts make them a favorite?  

SC: Both of these workouts are physically and mentally challenging for me and allow me to get a solid workout like I could get on the erg. They get my heart rate up and work the muscles that I use when I'm in a boat. Not only does swimming allow me to be in water without being out in Boston's winter, it's something I can do without feeling my body's limitations. I can adapt to either of these like I can with rowing. 

row2k: How long have you been doing this workout and who introduced it to you - is it an old favorite or new to your repertoire?

SC: I actually picked up the swimming workout because my physical therapist thought I'd benefit from swimming as a therapy tool. I just took it a step further and realized how great of a full body, cardio workout it was and really wanted to add it to my winter training.

Rock climbing is something I've done since I was younger, but didn't know it could be adapted to my physical restrictions. It's something different than hitting the weights and it also really connects me to mind and body. 

row2k: If you could stay fit during the winter by only doing one type of non-erg cross training, what would it be and why?

SC: DANCING!

When you can't find me at the boathouse or the gym, I'm dancing. Dancing when I cook, dancing in the shower or just dancing to get to another place in my house. It probably looks like a lot like flailing, but I won't ever stop smiling and it gets the endorphins pumping! 

We've hit the last boathouse on the Charles River, but the search for the best winter workouts isn't over! We'll continue to bring you workouts from around the country to keep your fitness levels up, your erg scores down, and your dismal mood at bay.

 Have a fun, crazy, unique or wacky way you stay fit in the winter? Write to row2k!