I have recently discovered rowing and am already addicted - with numerous sports-related knee and shoulder injuries in my history, I'm quite limited in weight-bearing exercises I can take on. Rowing is satisfying my need for hard cardio activity with little negative effect on my injured parts. Here's hoping that doesn't change....
Meanwhile, I read in a magazine recently that alternating workouts by rowing underhanded is great for toning arms and lats. However, I can't find one reference to the technique anywhere I've searched and am loathe to do anything that could cause harm.
I'd appreciate getting some feedback on this. Thanks in advance for same.
Is an underhanded grip safe?
I think Ancho hit it on the head. Rowing in the gym is usually taught by fitness trainers, not rowers. Fitness trainers tell newbies that the rowing machine can give you a full body workout without having to go on the weight machines and stress the back and arms as the primary drivers at the catch.
For me these other uses of the erg are similar to running with ankle weights or walking with hand weights jabbing at invisible sparring partners. In theory these extras provide a tiny bit of toning at the same time as your primary workout. It's all part of the multi-tasking school of fitness regimes. But in reality they detract from the correct form needed to perform the primary workout correctly and thus substitute a tiny gain on an ancillary muscle for a big benefit loss to the main muscle groups.
For me these other uses of the erg are similar to running with ankle weights or walking with hand weights jabbing at invisible sparring partners. In theory these extras provide a tiny bit of toning at the same time as your primary workout. It's all part of the multi-tasking school of fitness regimes. But in reality they detract from the correct form needed to perform the primary workout correctly and thus substitute a tiny gain on an ancillary muscle for a big benefit loss to the main muscle groups.
M 64 76 kg
"Sit Down! Row Hard! Go Nowhere!"
"Sit Down! Row Hard! Go Nowhere!"
But there are rowing clinics, conducted by rowers, that play these games as well — Rowbics and Xeno to name two. I think that C2 approves of this since it brings out the versatility of the machine for exercise other than just straight rowing. One example is using underhanded/arms only as a biceps exercise. Frankly, I see nothing wrong with this. It depends on the goals of the individual doing the exercise. Many of the members of this forum would not be interested, since they have a goal of getting good erg scores. But, for those who use the erg for general exercise, these variations give them the opportunity to use the ergs to work different muscles and also provides a little variety to make it more interesting.TabbRows wrote:Rowing in the gym is usually taught by fitness trainers, not rowers. Fitness trainers tell newbies that the rowing machine can give you a full body workout without having to go on the weight machines and stress the back and arms as the primary drivers at the catch.
Bob S.
Honestly, it probably wouldn't cause you any harm. If you are looking for a good workout for the back and arms, rowing the normal way is good for this, too. Rowing really is a total body workout... it ESPECIALLY works your lats. Check this out: http://www.concept2.com/us/training/muscles_used.aspMeanwhile, I read in a magazine recently that alternating workouts by rowing underhanded is great for toning arms and lats. However, I can't find one reference to the technique anywhere I've searched and am loathe to do anything that could cause harm.
As a collegiate rower, I would assume that the only "harm" you'd run into is a rower giving you a funny look because rowing underhanded is usually considered "rowing the wrong way." I'd also assume there isn't too much more you can gain from rowing underhanded that you wouldn't be able to get out of rowing the regular way.
Hope this helped! Good luck!
[/quote]Sorry for the newbie question and many thanks for all the thoughtful responses and good info. What I take away from this is that this "technique" is just another gym "bell and whistle," not worth much to me. Most interesting, the couple times I tried it, it just felt.... wrong. The fluidity in my motion disappeared and, for me anyway, that's a large part of the joy of doing this.
It's hard to put into words how truly, madly, deeply I've fallen in love with rowing. It's one of the most satisfying workouts I've ever done; I honestly can't explain it to people but find myself actually looking forward to going to the gym. (A far cry from my attitude when the elliptical or spinning bike awaited.) I'm so enthusiastic I've contacted a rowing club and, come spring, will be trying it out on the water.
I have no idea about splits or any of that. All I know is that I have to stop myself at about 45 minutes - feel like I could row forever - my afterwards, legs feel like linguini, and I'm a sweaty, happy mess. I will do some more exploring around this site to understand some more of the specifics of what it is I'm doing! In the interim, thanks again.
It's hard to put into words how truly, madly, deeply I've fallen in love with rowing. It's one of the most satisfying workouts I've ever done; I honestly can't explain it to people but find myself actually looking forward to going to the gym. (A far cry from my attitude when the elliptical or spinning bike awaited.) I'm so enthusiastic I've contacted a rowing club and, come spring, will be trying it out on the water.
I have no idea about splits or any of that. All I know is that I have to stop myself at about 45 minutes - feel like I could row forever - my afterwards, legs feel like linguini, and I'm a sweaty, happy mess. I will do some more exploring around this site to understand some more of the specifics of what it is I'm doing! In the interim, thanks again.