Neck Pain - SkiErg

[RayOfSunshine]

Has anyone encountered neck pain using the SkiErg?

Note: I only have about 500k total meters on the ski with a little over 300k since starting the BPP (beginning Pete Plan).

[max_ratcliffe]

Has anyone encountered neck pain using the SkiErg?

Note: I only have about 500k total meters on the ski with a little over 300k since starting the BPP (beginning Pete Plan).

Assuming you don't have an underlying condition (and the usual "I'm not a medical professional" caveats apply), I'd suggest two possible causes:

Looking at the screen too much at the bottom of the stroke and extending the neck to do so; and

Shrugging too much, making the traps do too much work. Relax that part of the body and try to focus a bit on the lats to get the shoulders depressed.

[RayOfSunshine]

Has anyone encountered neck pain using the SkiErg?

Note: I only have about 500k total meters on the ski with a little over 300k since starting the BPP (beginning Pete Plan).

Assuming you don't have an underlying condition (and the usual "I'm not a medical professional" caveats apply), I'd suggest two possible causes:

Looking at the screen too much at the bottom of the stroke and extending the neck to do so; and

Shrugging too much, making the traps do too much work. Relax that part of the body and try to focus a bit on the lats to get the shoulders depressed.

Thanks! I'll check on the shrugging.

[RayOfSunshine]

Shrugging too much, making the traps do too much work. Relax that part of the body and try to focus a bit on the lats to get the shoulders depressed.

I think I've found 2 issues...
1) Shrugging (as you mentioned) - On the RECOVERY, I was actually "shrugging" a bit instead of letting the machine do the work. I was so focused on the follow through portion of the stroke that I "hurried" the recovery throwing my rhythm off.

2) Foot alignment - I have been judging where to place my feet based on the distance from the outside of the floor stand. Upon closer inspection, the ski is positioned just slightly off causing the foot position to be about 3/4 inch off. I'm not sure if this would impact my neck or not, but I'm glad I noticed it.

Today's 7k SS was much better. Tomorrow's 4x800 2r will be a better test.