Rowing and Cycling - Complementary?

[TheHorsetoWater]

Hi Concept2 Forum People

I am new to rowing and this is my first post!

So I am recovering from some horrendous spinal surgery and am at the point now where I am ready to start exercising again after a couple of years out of it.

I am a non-competitive cyclist by birth and prior to surgery could comfortably manage a century in a little over half a day and repeat it for a week before getting too exhausted. That was my kind of level of fitness.

I want to get back to cycling but the fixed flexion position of it is no good for spinal surgery unless my core strength is good enough to support my spine.

So I thought about rowing, with proper technique. I have had some training about the technique and although I am slow and not fit I am happy that I am not causing any damage by rowing.

My question really is this:

Are rowing and cycling considered to be complementary?

What I mean is from what I understand about the mechanics of rowing and the different phases of the stroke, the muscle groups required for effective strokes are very similar to that of cycling.

Erging is hugely beneficial to me and although I have only had the Concept2 Mod D for a week now I have the motivation to go to it at least once a day and woosh woosh woosh my way into a exercise induced state of bliss.

Obviously my fitness is completely shot but I know if I stick with it I will develop my CV fitness and basic muscle strength back up again.

Would I be able to take that fitness I gain from Erging to the cycling again? Would it help give a good level of strength and fitness which I can use to build up my endurance on the bike? How does it compare? And how about core strength - I do pilates but does erging help build up that 'corset' of muscle?

I am no physio but I have a medical background so I know a little about muscle groups. I would be grateful for any advice from people who maybe do both cycling and rowing or have the knowledge!

Apologies if my terminology is wrong.

[jamesg]

On bikes and on water/erg we all use mainly our legs, so you can't go far wrong CV wise. Walking up mountains is not bad either.

"Complementary" would be freestyle swimming or kayak, both with a lot more upper body action; the rotation might help, or not, your back. Certainly helped mine, but then I only had some aches and pains.

To make sure of your back when erging I'd keep the power down to say 1-1.5 W/kg to start with, with a long smooth simple and relaxed action (i.e. more movement than force), low drag and lowish rating. The exact numbers to chase will depend on your height, age and sex.

[Carl Watts]

Not really complementary but good to break up the rowing with other sports like cycling and swimming.

I would say that its REALLY good news for you if your able to row without any pain. The back is a funny thing, it will allow you to do some forms of exercise and not others so if your rowing without pain thats a really good start and it should allow you to continue with it.

[bisqeet]

Both are very linear in the movement, no lateral movement in the knees.
The typical rower is shaped like a triangle with broad shoulders, where as a cyclist is more the reverse. Upper body strength doesn't play a major role in cycling.
From experience I would say cardiovascular is very similar.
Over all, rowing will compliment the cycling from cardiovascular and leg, the upper body will gain strength which is also a plus ( lower back, abs, shoulders)

I do a lot of mtb, and don't feel I have any negative effects of Rowing. Quite the opposite, but that is my opinion.

I can also recommend swimming ( another linear leg movement. I have a few problems with my knees)

[c2jonw]

Hi HTW- I come from a background of semi-serious cycling in the 70's, 80's, 90's- was a cat2 road racer and decent time trailer. Started working for Concept2 in 1980 and have used the erg since 1981. I've done ok at rowing competitions but for me the real benefit of the erg is as a complement to the other activities I enjoy including ice hockey, cycling, hiking, running, skiing, and life in general. I'm always ready and fit to get out on the bike in the spring, usually in much better shape than the guys I ride with who've been alpine skiing all winter. The one area that I try to focus on in the spring is regaining the ability to spin- erging calls for your leg muscles to fire every 2 seconds or so, cycling is happening a lot faster. Additionally the upper body and core workout is a great compliment to the cycling and you just can't beat the CV workout on the erg. Hope this helps....C2JonW

[heroesfitness]

As you have had spinal surgery I would get yourself a GP referral from your local GP practice, as they will refer you to a decent personal trainer who can guide you with your exercise program.

Happy New Year

[Edward4492]

To clarify for you non-bike racers, Jon was a Cat 2 road racer which means he was a very good local pro level racer. I made it to Cat 3 where I was in survival mode in every race; pure pack fill. I have several of my bike racing buddies who have added erging to their winter program and to a man they've come out stronger in the spring. When the weather turns to crap and you're forced on the trainer, being able to split your time with the erg really breaks things up. And the upper body and core strength improves as compared to bike only.

As a side note we had several crew rowers come onto are racing team over the years and they got fast on the bike pretty quickly. Same mental approach (lots of pain and suffering) and big aerobic engines.

[hjs]

To clarify for you non-bike racers, Jon was a Cat 2 road racer which means he was a very good local pro level racer. I made it to Cat 3 where I was in survival mode in every race; pure pack fill. I have several of my bike racing buddies who have added erging to their winter program and to a man they've come out stronger in the spring. When the weather turns to crap and you're forced on the trainer, being able to split your time with the erg really breaks things up. And the upper body and core strength improves as compared to bike only.

As a side note we had several crew rowers come onto are racing team over the years and they got fast on the bike pretty quickly. Same mental approach (lots of pain and suffering) and big aerobic engines.

Rowers often cycle a good bit, and are pretty good at it. Exception up hill, rowers are to heavy, even lightweights are still heavy. Rowers are crappy runners for that reason.

[TheHorsetoWater]

Thank you all very much for the information.
Here's to the burn!

[c2jonw]

To clarify for you non-bike racers, Jon was a Cat 2 road racer which means he was a very good local pro level racer.

yeah, pro.... I wish.....working full time in a bike shop, never got paid more than some tires, Shimano gear, entry fees and some travel expenses- all within a days drive from Vermont....but in many ways "those were the best years of my life...." C2JonW