Help me with my technique

texasag · Post by **texasag** » December 1st, 2007, 11:55 pm

Hi everybody. I bought a concept 2 model D with PM3 this week. I thought it would be a good alternative exercise for when I don't feel like running outside. The thing is, I've never rowed before. I saw a guy rowing once when I was in Melbourne and that's as close to rowing as I've ever been before.

So I was hoping that you guys could take a look at my technique and let me know if I'm doing something that's going to lead to problems or injuries down the road. I have no desire to actually row in a boat, I just want to make sure that I'm doing it correctly and won't hurt myself or anything. Thanks for any feedback.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=158FLS9AFds

Nosmo · Post by **Nosmo** » December 2nd, 2007, 12:21 am

your shins sometimes go past vertical. This is the only thing that I see that could possibly cause a problem (edit: i.e. injury) down the road but most likely it will not.
At he end of the drive you start raise to your knees immediately. When people do this often they have to lift their hands over their knees, but you hands are fast enough to avoid this.

What you want to do is keep your knees down but get your hands away quickly (same speed that you pull them in), and get your body angle set. Then the knees come up. With your hands away quickly and your body angle set, this prepares you to get a good strong catch.
Most people row with more forward lean then you do but a few do quite well with their torsos vertical at the catch which is what you are doing.

looks like you are rowing at about 27 or 28 strokes per minute. At that rate it should feel like a lot of work. Something you could hold for 5k but it will be quite hard.

It is impressive that you are rowing that well with no help. I think you can get a free DVD from concept2 showing you good technique

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » December 2nd, 2007, 12:30 am

A few general observations, maybe others chopping them apart will be helpful to you.

I feel you're rotating your upper body back and using your arms way too early in the drive, and you're not driving fast enough with your legs. Also your back is bent over forward through the drive, even at the end of the drive. I feel it's better to sit upright and keep your back straight.

I'd practice these things without using the straps, for at least 1/2 of your rowing so you get a good feel.

Your arms look relatively level, but I feel your torso is rotating too much too early, and that takes away from a good hard snap at the end of the drive with your legs. For example, drive fast all the way back with your legs, then snap your arms in quick with your torso at the end of the stroke. Not using the straps will drive home the method for this.

And put some tape on the erg where the chain is coming out, so you can focus on keeping the chain level through the stroke.

I'm interested to see other's comments of your video.

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » December 2nd, 2007, 12:36 am

Nosmo wrote:your shins sometimes go past vertical

Good point. I feel this is happening because your butt is sliding too far forward, and that's because your back is slumped forward and not straight.

By keeping your back straight through your butt, you'll get a better rotation of your torso through the drive.

Stefan · Post by **Stefan** » December 2nd, 2007, 8:35 am

You look fit and not that new to rowing. I see some points:

1. You start using your arms to soon.
2. You do not use your back enough, it seems to stay at almost the same angle all the time.

Leggs hard, than at the very end of the legg drive extend the stroke by rocking your back and at the very end you pull in your arms.

jamesg · Post by **jamesg** » December 3rd, 2007, 3:30 am

Very ladylike. To get down to business, get your weight ON your feet and OFF your bum, and keep your back straight. The connections with the boat/machine are hands and feet only, you're not in an armchair.

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » December 3rd, 2007, 12:13 pm

jamesg wrote:Very ladylike. To get down to business, get your weight ON your feet and OFF your bum, and keep your back straight. The connections with the boat/machine are hands and feet only, you're not in an armchair.

texasag · Post by **texasag** » December 3rd, 2007, 7:38 pm

Thanks for the feedback everybody. I'm already working on incorporating the feedback into my stroke.

Nosmo · Post by **Nosmo** » December 3rd, 2007, 7:52 pm

texasag wrote:Thanks for the feedback everybody. I'm already working on incorporating the feedback into my stroke.

Post a new video soon. Best to get lots of help now.

texasag · Post by **texasag** » December 4th, 2007, 7:32 pm

Here's an updated video guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9zfvl_m1Ec

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » December 4th, 2007, 8:53 pm

Much better.

Keep working at this and focusing on the use of your legs.
Things to aim for, more speed and power with your legs, faster finish.

You'll keep getting stronger with practice, and be able to hold form more consistently as you're stronger.

Ben Rea · Post by **Ben Rea** » December 4th, 2007, 10:38 pm

nice improvement, you look like a rower!

now work on making smooth transitions and make it less robotic.

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » December 5th, 2007, 3:10 pm

Approach the catch with more attention to being prepared to change direction, then drive more quickly, without any hesitation, to become connected earlier. At the moment you are "missing water" for the first 4-6 inches of the drive. (not a good burden to lay on your team mates when returning to the boat.)

Any chance of improving the lighting for the next video?