Indoor Rowing

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Jun 2020
1:27pm, 2 Jun 2020
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Nellers
The articles and videos I'm basing my comments on are talking about vertical shins being 90-degrees to the ground BUT that's as a maximum forward position. It's more "don't go past vertical" than "make sure you're getting to vertical".

What I'm understanding is that beyond vertical your legs are so bent that generating force with the quads and glutes is compromised and also that the bum being under/ahead of the shoulders cuts out the body swing from the stroke to some degree.

So if you're getting to somewhere short of vertical on your catch that's fine and good. If your ankles and knees are flexible enough that you can get to vertical then great, but if you're going beyond vertical then you probably need to work on that.

There was a video specifically talking about this a while ago. I'll see if I can dig it out.
Jun 2020
1:48pm, 2 Jun 2020
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Pothunter
If your knees are going over your ankles at the catch then your drive position will not be optimal. You’ll be pushing up instead of back.

If you liken it to jumping from a crouched position if your knees are too close to the floor your bum will shoot out before your quads have a chance to engage.

You want your big muscles (quads and glutes) doing most of the work on the drive phase with your calves, back and arms playing a supporting role.
Jun 2020
2:30pm, 2 Jun 2020
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Rog T
I have taken the vertical as in relation to the ground. Some days I find I can get closer to the vertical position than others before my heels start lifting a little. This usually depends on how well I have warmed up and what other activities I have done that day or the previous day. I think it was Craggy a while back that pointed out to me that I should review my feet position every once in a while as I am new to rowing - it has changed several times already for best comfort/most efficiency. During my row today my heels were lifting just slightly at the beginning but as the session progressed my range increased and could keep the feet flat throughout.

C2 show the vertical position of shins in this video concept2.com

I did the 20 minutes for the Heptathlon Challenge today too - well pleased with 4926m / 2:01.8 . I'd loosely estimated my pace from the last 5000m effort I had rowed but have clearly improved since. 6000 planned for Thursday and 10000 for Sunday. Only the 1 minute and the 1000 to now slot in on the other days.
Jun 2020
2:54pm, 2 Jun 2020
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Nellers
That's a bloody good effort Rog. I did the 20 minutes first because I didn't think it would be too bad compared to the long ones or the all out short ones. Glad to manage it without needing the chunder bucket in the end!

I don't think lifting the heel is the real issue with the stroke. I think (and I may be misreading things) that the heel down thing is to stop beginners getting into bad habits and letting their shins go past vertical. I think it's the past vertical bit that's key to keeping everything lined up and able to apply the power you want.
Jun 2020
3:31pm, 2 Jun 2020
392 posts
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Rog T
cheers Nellers - not quite in your league yet though :D

Yes, I remember a Dark Horse beginner video that said to keep heels down as you learn but he did mention that later as you progress you may end up utilising a heel lift.
Jun 2020
6:25pm, 2 Jun 2020
9,757 posts
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Mandymoo
One day I will u understand what you are all talking about 😂

Another 1k done tonight- jeez it was warm in the summer house
Jun 2020
8:19pm, 2 Jun 2020
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sinj999
Logging a huge 1 minute effort.
35 mile bike ride put paid to any PB attempts but 319m is OK.
Jun 2020
9:24pm, 2 Jun 2020
109 posts
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Rich963
Well done all, some great efforts there.

I hadn’t planned on doing the Heptathlon but after reading this thread and a short run tonight was in the mood for a blast - so had a crack at the 1,000m (3:45.8) and 1min (282m).
Jun 2020
12:04pm, 3 Jun 2020
700 posts
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Muttley
Don't worry, MM, we don't know what we're talking about either :-)

Hat tip and respect to the heptathletes. It's all a bit short, fast, and furious for me though.

Reporting 3 x 15 mins, each rep being 6 mins at 24-ish spm and the rest at 20. With warmup etc about 11,000 metres this morning.
Jun 2020
12:37pm, 3 Jun 2020
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sallykate
MM rowing is one exercise which gets me super sweaty very easily, I can't do it if it's too warm.

About This Thread

Maintained by Nellers
How about a little league of 2000m times to see what we're up against:

Oranj (1988 vintage): 6:44.6
Jef(2010 vintage): 6:46.6
Foppotee 6:51.6
sinj999:6:58.9
Nellers: 7:02.6
Pothunter (2005 vintage): 7:06
Jef: 7:06.4
Craggy:7:08.6
_andy 7:10.9
Gym_Bunny: 7:16.9
Maclennane: 7:18.9
theOtherRichard: 7:22.5
Mouseytongue: 7:30.2
Rog T 7:33.9
Oranj: 7:37.6
Rich963: 7:39.3
NDWDave: 7:51.4
lammo: 7:56
Tiger Feet: 8:00.1
Muttley: 8:08.5
Cats Whiskers: 8:16.8
Fenners reborn 8:25
Angus Clydesdale: 8:47.2
BanjoBax: 9:13
Sally Kate: 9:18
Lesley C: 9:19
HellsBells: 9:23.1
Sweetie: 9:27
alpenrose: 10:03
GregP: 10:03

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