Rowing?!

[sizequeenNY]

I am taking a rowing class for the first time tomorrow and plan to incorporate it into my plan, two to three times a week. The class is like spinning but with rowing machines. I'm getting there fifteen minutes early to learn how to use the machine. I'm excited! Any pointers or anything I should prepare for:redface:

 

[kenny233]

I learned it one movement at a time, like in this video:
https://youtu.be/eqVmMd7FdAA

Pay attention to the recovery, keep the back straight, and drive powerfully through the feet when you pull. A common mistake is sending the butt back too soon, which creates an awkward position.

There is a setting on the display on Concept rowers that illustrates a "wave" looking line that represents the intensity of your pull from start to finish. It is called the force curve. Look at this link, learn what a good curve looks like, and try to make a good curve while learning the technique. Do this after you feel comfortable with the actual movement.

Using the Force Curve | Concept2

I'm not claiming to be an expert, but those are my suggestions. Good luck!

 

[Inked_up]

Don't grip on to hard. You will be extra sore tomorrow.
Drive with your legs. For a good quad and glutes workout.
Drive straight back. If you feel your butt lifting or sliding off the seat then your pulling yourself upward which means that your technique is wrong.
Keep your elbows straight and relaxed.
Pull towards your lower ribs.
Sit up straight at all times.

Good luck!

 

[sizequeenNY]

Thank you both! The video they suggested to watch was for Concept2, saw it months ago when I was first curious about rowing. I'll watch your link and the Concept2 video again in the am

Extra sore lol and I have plans to wear heels tomorrow night, extra workout

 

[novice_btm]

Drive with the legs! The swing of the back, and the snapping in of the arms (classicly into the short-ribs), are just extras, added on to the momentum that you've already established. So many people complain of back injuries from rowing machines, and it's because they're not using the right form. There are different theories on the back; the C-curve, and straight-backed. Straight-backed is considered more "modern", but again, it's debated. The biggest factor is to avoid pressure on your back, until your knees are almost down on the rails.

 

[kenny233]

Inked_up and novice did a better job of explaining it than I can. I am always looking for ways to improve my technique too. Good luck!

 

[twoton]

The number one mistake novices make is they bend their knees too soon during the recovery and their hands have to make little rainbows up over their knees. Remember to extend your arms and swing forward before bending your knees to move the seat forward.

I used to coach rowing (both rowing machines and real rowing) and mostly worked with novices.

 

[paintergal]

I started rowing last week. I enjoy it. I have bad knees so this is a nicer cardio solution over treadmills.

 

[646791]

Form is key to rowing. Pay attention to that for the first few classes before trying to put down the power. Ask the coach for pointers. Or for some video so you can compare your form against the online videos after class.

Don't wear loose clothing. I've seen baggy shorts and shirts get wedged between the track and the seat rollers.

If your ass starts going numb try a pad or bike shorts. Different things work for different people.

On the machine you only have to have a loose grip on the handle with the front of your fingers. No squeezing or thumbs are needed.

After you are familiar with the form, I'm sure you could ask questions and get people to geek out a little.

 

[sizequeenNY]

Ok nice, I am leaving in less than an hour. I'm wearing fitted yoga pants, sports bra, tank, and bringing my sneakers with me(they only allow indoor sneakers in the studio, so New York haha). I called and they said I didn't have to go early to show me how to use the machine but I want to because my approach to anything is form first, especially since I have a knee injury

 

[646791]

Relax and have fun.

 

[novice_btm]

Report back and let us know how it went. :smile:

 

[twoton]

Yes, please give us the rundown.

 

[sizequeenNY]

It ruined my Saturday night plans of parties lmao good I can go out at 2:am because I need to relax my sore lower body

The class was good, the instructor slowly showed everyone how to row, even if it wasn't first time. At first I was pulling at the same time I slid back but realized it was wrong from watching others so I followed them. The instructor told me to go twice as slow releasing than I did when I pulled so there would be more of a resistance when pulling. I counted 1,2 while releasing, 3 to slide back, and 4 to pull back. It was the only way I could reconcile getting it done. Now I need to figure out if I inhale while releasing and exhale while pulling back

The rowing was in four segments, HIIT kind of. In between the segments, there were jumping jacks, squats, planks, a segment with weights for upper body, ab work, and stretching at the end. I'll take it twice a week for now

Oh and my knee did not feel pain from the rowing at all

 

[novice_btm]

Oh, yeah, I forgot about that. That is, "rushing the slide". You go back in one beat, and forward in two beats. It makes some difference to the machine, but it makes a huge difference in a boat. You're trying to sneak back to the "catch" at the front of the slide, because in a boat, that "forward" (rowers are actually seated backwards in the boat) motion kills all of the momentum that the boat has from the stroke you just did, slowing down your boat.

 

[twoton]

It ruined my Saturday night plans of parties lmao good I can go out at 2:am because I need to relax my sore lower body

It hurts so good, eh? :tongue:

You'll get the hang of it in no time. Then it's just a matter of relaxing and keeping the rhythm. The counting idea to slow yourself down on the recovery is a good one. You can go even slower if it helps. We used to do it on a five count.

 

[twoton]

Well? Any more rowing stories?

 

[646791]

Well? Any more rowing stories?

I'm probably not the intended audience , but my back has recovered from the 25k weeks I pulled over the holidays. Aging sucks.

 

[AlteredEgo]

I always wanted to be on a rowing team, but never went to that kind of school. I looked for an intramural sort of thing I could join in my early 20's, but didn't find one. I wonder if there's one where I live now. These people mostly seem to ride horses, a hobby I can not afford.

 

[646791]

I never rowed in college or in my early 20s. It took stumbling on a recreational club to get started.