Regular endurance exercise increases central arterial compliance, whereas resistance training decreases it. Currently, it is not known how the vasculature adapts to a combination of endurance and resistance training. Rowing is unique because its training encompasses both endurance and strength training components. We used a cross-sectional study design to determine arterial compliance of 15 healthy, habitual rowers (mean±SD; 50±9 yr, 11 males, 4 females) and 15 sedentary controls (52±8 yr, 10 males, 5 females). Rowers had been training 5.4±1.2 days/week for 5.7±4.0 years. The two groups were matched for age, body composition, blood pressure, and metabolic risk factors. Central arterial compliance (simultaneous ultrasound and applanation tonometry on the common carotid artery) was higher (P<0.001) and carotid -stiffness index was lower (P<0.001) in rowers compared with sedentary controls. There were no group differences for measures of peripheral (femoral) arterial stiffness. The higher central arterial compliance in rowers was associated with a greater cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity, as estimated during a Valsalva maneuver (r=0.54, P<0.005). In conclusion, regular rowing exercise in middle-aged and older adults is associated with a favorable effect on the elastic properties of the central arteries. Our results suggest that simultaneously-performed endurance training may negate the stiffening effects of strength training.