It is never too late to take up indoor rowing as part of a regular fitness training programme.

Just ask Monica Sutton, who began rowing at the age of 58 in an effort to lose weight and improve control of her diabetes, reports NHS Choices.

Since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in her early twenties, Ms Sutton's weight had crept up to nearly 20 stone.

She had no success with diets or the gym and said being overweight made her feel uncomfortable, unfit and less confident.

Then in May 2003 she injured her foot on the treadmill and began using an indoor rowing machine as it was non-weight bearing.

Ms Sutton found rowing suited her perfectly and even discovered a competitive side to her personality she never knew she had.

She started training to compete in indoor rowing events, even winning a bronze medal at the 2003 British Indoor Rowing Championships, presented by Sir Steve Redgrave.

Ms Sutton now frequently competes at indoor rowing competitions and has a mantelpiece stacked with medals to prove it.

What is more, since taking up the sport she has lost weight - dropping from dress size 26 to size 12 - and now has no trouble managing her diabetes.

Rowing offers a complete low-impact body workout and is a great aerobic alternative to cycling and running, good for the cardiovascular system and works the abdomen, back and upper body.

A fitness regime can also help tackle stress and reduce both cholesterol and the chances of related heart problems, according to Heart Research UK

For Ms Sutton, indoor rowing is now an important part of her life.

"Rowing has bought fitness, weight loss and a huge circle of friends," she told NHS Choices.

She added that rowing was a very sociable sport which had given her a much-needed boost to her self-esteem.

"This impacts on every part of my life," she explained.

Posted by Linda Jacobs