As a former member and coach of the crew teams at Mainland High School, David Funk knows first-hand the health benefits of exercising on a stationary rowing machine. And, as a patient at Shore Medical Center’s Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services, he knows how valuable this type of equipment can be to those being treated for heart and breathing conditions.
“A stationary rowing machine is a full body exercise machine that targets 85% percent of your muscles as well as increases your cardiovascular and respiratory capacity,” explains David. “These machines improve the ankle, knee, hips, shoulders and even fingers. They provide a low-impact workout, and one that can be as challenging or light as need be.”
Being an elite athlete, David was familiar with the top makes and models of stationary rowing machines, and how a top model could help Shore’s patients.
“I coached rowing for 16 years at Mainland and I live in Linwood. This is my community and Shore is my hometown hospital,” said David. “The one they had was fine, but to me, it was like riding a Jeep. I wanted to bring them a Lexus.”
When David learned that the 2023 US Rowing Annual Convention and Indoor Championships were going to be held in Atlantic City in early February, he knew there would be hundreds of machines there. So, he reached out to retired NJ State Senator William L. Gormley who was instrumental in the development and strategy behind the event.
“Bill Gormley has done so much for Atlantic County and has quietly helped so many people, so I asked him if he would help me obtain a rowing machine,” said David. “Without a blink of eye he said he would do it, no problem. The new machine was purchased through his foundation. Bill Gormley is the reason why the new machine is now at Shore.”
Shore’s newest rowing machine is called a Concept 2, and it is top-of-the-line. Shore’s Director of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services Jen Pero has witnessed the benefits of the new machine from the moment it arrived.
“Patients are telling us how much they love it. It’s comfortable, the rowing experience is smooth, and the track makes it seem as if you are gliding,” said Pero. “We always want to provide the best patient experience possible, and this new machine definitely helps us achieve this goal.
“It is so rewarding to see patients giving back to other patients,” added Pero. “We are extremely appreciative of this gift, and we thank David Funk and Senator Gormley for everything they did to make it happen.”
If you are interested in learning more about Shore Medical Center’s Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services, or how you could make a gift to the program, contact Brian Cahill at 609.653.3527 or bcahill@shoremedicalcenter.org.
