The creator of Indo-Row, Josh Crosby is a true fitness entrepreneur, who utilized his life-long passion for rowing to develop a product that now lives in 70 locations. Anyone who has ever met Josh knows his love for the sport and life is infectious, so we were thrilled to spend some time with Josh last week after his Indo-Row demos at the FITiST Fred Segal event.
So, meet Josh, a multi-sponsored ultra-endurance athlete, Ironman triathlete, World Champion rower, Ivy League grad, and father of 2…WOW.
What’s your typical Sunday?
Going on a "family adventure" where we explore different areas of the city and southern California.
What do you do for a workout when you are not rowing?
Now that racing days are on a long hiatus, I like to mix it up a bit more and focus on just being active. Riding and surfing are my two favorites right now. Kite surfing and Stand-Up Paddling are on my "to do" list as well.
You have two daughters- what’s your favorite father and daughter activity?
Pulling them around in the "chariot" behind my bike and doing dance parties!
What is your favorite all-time restaurant? Favorite brunch spot?
My parent's house.
You are a third generation rower - was it always an obvious that you would row?
Never had any serious pressure, just encouragement and I loved anything to do with water so it was an easy sell. Looking back, I cherished those times that my grandpa, dad and I could all go out on The Charles River together and take some strokes.
What makes you love rowing so much?
Do you want a book? I could write one. Rowing as an activity takes care of every major muscle group, provides strength and cardio, moves your body through a dynamic range of motion and is very low impact. As a sport it has an individual and team component where working together is the only way to achieve your goals. To watch, it is the perfect balance between power and grace.
Where is the coolest place you’ve ever rowed?
Probably, the World Rowing Championships in Aix Les Bains France. It was on a beautiful lake with sharp mountain faces as the back drop, the crisp, clean water underneath and the international energy of the World Championships in the air. Magical!
You’re in the last mile of a triathlon - what are you thinking about?
No matter how much I am in the "Pain Cave" (hurting), I focus on making sure I leave everything on the course. That way, no matter how I finish, I know I did everything I could that day! There is no shame in that.
You’ve tested lots of products- which was most fun to test out?
Probably my first full-suspension Mountain bike I was given by Intense. It literally felt like I was floating down the mountain. That is, until I got a little over excited and bit it!
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
This is an interesting question as there are 3 areas in my life in which I am most proud. I am also indecisive so picking one isn't going to work. 1. Family - I am one lucky dude landing my wife and raising two beautiful girls. 2. Competitive - I have a 3-way tie! Gold Medal, Jr. World Rowing Championship 1992, the Raid X-treme World Championships (7-day adventure race covering 650miles of terrain 2006, Ironman World Championships 2008. They are all extremely important to me as an athlete and as a human being. 3. Business - Creating Indo-Row and knowing that now it is in over 70 national and international fitness facilities getting folks super fit while having fun. It is such a joy exposing people to rowing and its wonderful benefits.
