First Timer with questions

[dennissevilla]

Hi I just used a rower for the first time today. I think it was the old concept 2 with the resistance adjustment from 1-10 being a plastic bar on the side of the base. I was wondering if when I use the machine, is it supposed to feel like the resistance doesnt kick in until I'm further from the base. It seems like while I push with my legs there is no resistance then once I get far enough the resistance kicks in but my legs can no longer help because I'm fully near full extension and I have to use my upper body. Is this normal or is the rower too old/dirty? If it is what should I do? Also what are some basics for form that I should know about?( nobody at the YMCA seemed to even know they HAD a rowing machine) For example when I contract my body are my feet supposed to stay flat on the footrest or should the balls of my toes do the pushing, and when I am extended how do I pull back because it seems like if at the end of the stroke the brace holding my foot is the only thing keeping me from flying off haha. Any help would be great guys, thanks.

[rtmmtl]

Hi I just used a rower for the first time today. I think it was the old concept 2 with the resistance adjustment from 1-10 being a plastic bar on the side of the base. I was wondering if when I use the machine, is it supposed to feel like the resistance doesnt kick in until I'm further from the base. It seems like while I push with my legs there is no resistance then once I get far enough the resistance kicks in but my legs can no longer help because I'm fully near full extension and I have to use my upper body. Is this normal or is the rower too old/dirty? If it is what should I do? Also what are some basics for form that I should know about?( nobody at the YMCA seemed to even know they HAD a rowing machine) For example when I contract my body are my feet supposed to stay flat on the footrest or should the balls of my toes do the pushing, and when I am extended how do I pull back because it seems like if at the end of the stroke the brace holding my foot is the only thing keeping me from flying off haha. Any help would be great guys, thanks.

Check out this link Dennis. http://www.concept2.co.uk/guide/ Especially the middle extreme left, "online guide" and "downloads". There are a ton of good links on this page.

Also look at the UK forum http://www.concept2.co.uk/forum/ there are many more participants on that board than the USA one. More people, more info.

Here is an excellent interactive video of an ex-Olympian rowing, click the arrows and watch slow-motion. http://www.invernessrowingclub.co.uk/pe ... o_erg.html

One more thing just in case, you mentioned the adjustment being 1-10. Do use a setting of 3-5 for reasons that will become apparent as you get more experienced.

Good luck.