Shoulder pain

[John MacKellar]

I have recently adjusted my SPM to 21 - 25 with a focus on the watts after completing a learn to row program this past Spring. While I enjoy my work-outs much more - able to go up to an hour+, I have developed shoulder pain in both shoulders - could be bursitus. I hardly row now as the pain is present all the time. My feeling is I have been pulling too hard based on my age and weight - 51 yrs and 148 lbs. Typical workout would be a 15-20 min warm up, then gradually climb up to 200-220 watts for half hour or so, then warm down for 5-10 minutes. Any advice would be very much appreciated.

John

[TabbRows]

John,

Get someone from your Learn to Row Program to observe your form and technique, especially when you're pulling in the sub 2 minute pace range.

Also check where you keep the damper and the drag factor. If you're rowing at a gym, you'll need to check the drag factor every time. If you've left he damper all the way to the top because you don't feel any power in your stroke at lower settings you're most likely using your back and arms instead of your legs for propulsion out of the catch. Lower your drag to between 110 and 120 and focus on using the legs with the back and arms just doing a "follow through" movement to finish the stroke and set up for the next one. You're pace may initially drop but as your technique improves and your legs gain strength it'll come back up.

Welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of erging.