Want to get into rowing. How do I start?

General discussion on Training. How to get better on your erg, how to use your erg to get better at another sport, or anything else about improving your abilities.
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brose005
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Joined: October 3rd, 2016, 5:57 pm

Want to get into rowing. How do I start?

Post by brose005 » October 3rd, 2016, 6:07 pm

Hi,

I'm new here and new to rowing. I have been using the rowing machine for the last month in my gym and it has become my new favorite exercise. I was looking into making it one of my primary areas of exercise and wanted to try to take it the next level.

I found this forum and thought this would be a good place to start.

Any suggestions on where to start? Tips, suggestions, etc.

Thanks!

G-dub
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Re: Want to get into rowing. How do I start?

Post by G-dub » October 3rd, 2016, 6:48 pm

Welcome! So here is what I did:
1. Read the forum's past threads. There are many new rowers that join all the time have asked all the questions. You can get a lot from exploring.
2. Keep rowing. Don't get too hung up on things at first, just pay attention to what you are doing and what questions come up. Then come back to the forum and search for your question - it most likely has been discussed by a wide range of experienced rowers throughout the years.
3. Search out rowing videos that talk about technique - might as well work on the right things from the beginning.
4. Search out rowing videos or discussions that talk about drag factor and rate - these will be questions for you very soon.
5. Read all the threads that come in and get used to the lingo.
6. Keep your rowing aerobic for a while. No need to get hung up on speed yet. Just log lots of meters.
7. Get signed up on the rowing log site and log all your rows.
Glenn Walters: 5'-8" X 192 lbs. Bday 01/09/1962
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Anth_F
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Re: Want to get into rowing. How do I start?

Post by Anth_F » October 3rd, 2016, 8:01 pm

Welcome aboard. You certainly found the best place for all things rowing :wink: This is a great forum, and i'm sure you will enjoy your time here :)

Tips... suggestions... hmmm... yes, technique, technique, technique.... this should be your first port of call. Getting it right from the beginning will send you well on your merry way in this excellent sport activity. There are plenty of great instructional youtube videos to help you out with this (that is where i learned) and just practice on perfecting it before thinking about times and meters etc.

If you are unsure about your technique, feel free to post up a video here so we can assess things :idea:
46 yo male 5'10 88kg (Rowing since june 9th 2016) PB's 5k 19:22 30min 7518m

brose005
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Joined: October 3rd, 2016, 5:57 pm

Re: Want to get into rowing. How do I start?

Post by brose005 » October 6th, 2016, 6:14 pm

Great! Thanks so much! I'll get on it.

heroesfitness
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Re: Want to get into rowing. How do I start?

Post by heroesfitness » October 14th, 2016, 8:39 am

Go to a local gym and find a good PT to get you started or find a local rowing club
Hi I am Spencer. I have a black belt in kung fu and a qualified sports nutritionist, I enjoy core fitness training, golf, cricket and snooker.http://www.heroesfitness.co.uk/

Edward4492
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Re: Want to get into rowing. How do I start?

Post by Edward4492 » October 14th, 2016, 9:26 pm

Forget the PT's, you won't find one that has a clue about rowing. Local rowing club or your local high school if you're in an area where crew is strong, a lot of the coaches also coach on their own. Or go to the C2 website and see if there's any instructors close to your zip code. Also, rowing studios are starting to pop up like Row Zone. The C2 videos help, but there's no substitute for a qualified coach.

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