One benefit that happened pretty quickly was improved strength. After week two, I felt like my entire body was stronger than it ever felt from running or from CrossFit. And maybe that's because I didn't have any low-key aches or pains. Rowing is so low-impact that I could do it for an extended period of time without my joints suffering. If I ran every day, my knees would ache, and lifting weights aggravated my old shoulder injury.
My butt, legs, abs, and upper body were sore the first few days, but I didn't experience any soreness after that, unless I really pushed my pace and did sprint intervals, and definitely no pain. It felt amazing to walk around feeling strong and pain-free, because isn't that the point of exercise? To make you feel better, not worse?
