Achilles Tendon and rowing

[Bruce-YVR]

Hi all... I would like to get your commnents on this issue.

I was a avid runner and I hurt my right achillies tendon a year ago - stepped into a hole on a soccer filed! I did not tear but certainly "stretched" my right achillies tendon. I have not been able to run/ or even fast walk to get my cardio at all. Doctor asked me to take more time to heal and do some strengthen program at home daily.

I need my cardio! So I am thinking to get a C2. Can anyone give me some feedback on how much "pressure"/ "pounding" that C2 would be on achillies tendons? I understand that rowing is the best total body and low impact workout! I have used C2 in the gym before and I think there is no pressure on the achillies tendon area at all??! There will be slight ankle movements?? Please help!

Thanks

Bruce

[Snail Space]

Any exercise that involves contraction of the calf muscles will put some stress on the achilles tendon, but rowing should put far less stress on it than running, which obviously requires acceleration of the whole body weight. If you are supple enough to row without your heels lifting the threat to your achilles will be minimal.

In any case, if it is a cardio workout you want, just do long duration rowing at a moderate pace. Avoiding macho low-pulls or sprints should reduce the threat to your tendons as much as you can.

Finally, stretch after warming up before any serious training session.

Cheers
Dave

[Bruce-YVR]