Concept2 Forum

What exercises/ workout routines would you recommend for building upperbody/abdominal strength for general fitness as well as better performance when rowing???

Go to the concept 2 UK site and download the Training Guide from the training area of the site. They have a section on strength training.

This is the URL: http://www.concept2.co.uk/guide/

Very useful document overall.

Thanks, great advice. I would like to post an extension to my previous post and ask if push-ups are "all they're cracked up to be" in terms of an upper body workout. And if anyone out there has any success stories with them.

A few good novice strength training programs:

http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/ ... r_Programs
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=998224
http://stronglifts.com/stronglifts-5x5- ... g-program/

The SL program above includes pushups, but I don't see the point since they are on the same day as 5x5 bench press...by the time you finish the 3xF pushups after 5x5 BP your chest and triceps are going to feel annihilated.

If you are wanting better rowing performance, the legs are more important than the upper body and abs. Besides, don't you want to be balanced? A combo of massive chest and arms with chicken legs will make you look like a caricature. Don't skimp on leg work.

I incorporate power cleans, squats, deadlifts and bench presses 3 times a week using weight I can only lift for 5 reps; I row 6 days a week doing 5K rows. I think that strength training is vital not just for improving your rowing but for overall good health and increased bone density.

As to how effective pushup are; I recommend them. Rowing is a pulling movement for the upper body so adding pushups will provide you a much needed (for overall health and fitness) pushing movement.

I find it difficult to do lower body work because i most likely have a condition called osgood schlatter ( google it). It should go away over time, but as for now i can't do squats, quad presses, or anything else that puts a lot of stress on my knee. If you knew some good exercises that don't hurt i would be very grateful.

I shouldn't have to say this, but this is a serious question because I would not think this. Do you really credit running 3 miles per day with giving your legs bulk? I would definitely say tone, but I would imagine you already had some genetic bulk to your legs without having to strength train them, and running added tone.

I would think regardless, you should still strength train your whole body.