Concept2 Forum

Hi, does anyone ever experience chest muscle pain after using the rower? I've been using the concept 2 rower for 13 months and rowing 100,000 metres most months, The pain usually starts in the sternum area then spreads towards the shoulders after 3 days then disappears. Has anyone got any suggestions of what (if anything) I am doing wrong, all suggestions will be gratefully appreciated as I do not want to stop using the Concept 2.

We've known a few folks on http://concept2.co.uk/forum report that they have pulled intercostals. That can be very painful and debilitating. But your chest muscles (pecs) aren't doing much during the rowing stroke. Try dropping the drag so you can focus on using your legs more than anything else.

http://www.concept2.com/us/training/muscles_used.asp

Reaching too hard for the catch?
Or too much pull at the finish?
Try using less range of motion?

Thanks for your replies and suggestions. The soreness has almost gone now so I am going to try 30 minutes tomorrow at level 5 setting, in the past I have always used it set at level 8. Do you think this setting is too much? I'll let you know if things improve.

1954ianj wrote:Thanks for your replies and suggestions. The soreness has almost gone now so I am going to try 30 minutes tomorrow at level 5 setting, in the past I have always used it set at level 8. Do you think this setting is too much? I'll let you know if things improve.

The setting level is not the number you want. The important number is the Drag Factor (DF) and the setting level is one of several items that determine the DF.

Understanding Drag Factor:

http://www.concept2.com/us/training/adv ... factor.asp

Damper Setting & Workout Intensity:

http://www.concept2.com/us/training/bas ... ensity.asp

Bob S.