Rowing Knee Position?

[Greypuller]

I think i have a good grasp on the rowing technique but i have a question. When i go to the catch position i find that i get more forward travel when my knees splay out to the sides as the shins reach vertical. This seems to be a natural position for me.

Being on the shorter side my upper legs hit the rib cage too soon when keeping the knees together. This results in too little work per stroke and also pushes the air out of my lungs as body parts compress.

So should i just keep the knees together and go with that or let them splay out, letting the arms pass between the knees allowing a more forward lean?

Pros & Cons please and thanks!

[Cyclist2]

It's wasted motion and weaker to move your knees to the sides. The people I see doing that are slumped, bending the upper back to try to reach further. You don't need that much forward lean to get a full stroke, and you'll have more power at the catch with your knees together, between your arms. Sit up and keep your back as straight as possible, which will allow you to get a better breath - if you were to check a mirror, you'd see that you are still leaning forward. With more erging, your body will adapt, you may lose a little weight, and your flexibility will improve.

Have fun!

[Greypuller]

Thanks, i'll just stick with the proper technique and grunt it out...so to speak!

[Alissa]

You may want to consider your breathing pattern. As you've discovered, body position compresses the lungs as the catch. Many use a breathing pattern that has one exhale as they come into the catch. You'll find many discussions of breathing patterns here if you search under "exhale" or the like.

HTH,

Alissa

[Greypuller]

Actually have been doing as you suggest but still when the knees hit the chest any residual air is forced out but i'll keep to the form and give it a go...thanks.

[jrhahn]

Proper rowing position requires your knees to separate slightly in order for you to reach a most fully compressed position. However it is important that you don't spread them too far and waste energy and that you keep your back straight by supporting yourself with you abdominals. If your breathing is still a problem when you're sitting up straight (making sure you're not collapsing in the catch and keeping your head up) try slowing down your slide on the last 3/4 of the recovery so that your legs never fully touch your chest.

[Greypuller]

Thanks...good tips. The knees want to spread slightly and this seems natural (for me) but in some videos it seems that many folks are able to keep their knees from splaying....so i'll keep working the technique and accept a little spread and do as you suggest.