Sliding across the basement floor

[eab]

I have had my erg, a Model C, for a while, but row infrequently. I am recovering from an injury and have returned to it for a while. As I do my workout, the machine gradually slides backwards across the basement floor, even though I have it on a rubber mat (it pulls the mat backwards with it). Any suggestions, diagnoses of the problem?

Thanks.

[Andy Burrows]

Have you got the C2 Floormat? If not I would suggest you get that. I have one and mine sits on a laminate floor and it doesnt budge at all.

[kwadams]

Please see previous threads on rowing strapless...perhaps that will help your issue.

Kevin

[PaulS]

I have had my erg, a Model C, for a while, but row infrequently. I am recovering from an injury and have returned to it for a while. As I do my workout, the machine gradually slides backwards across the basement floor, even though I have it on a rubber mat (it pulls the mat backwards with it). Any suggestions, diagnoses of the problem?

Thanks.

Sorry to ask what seems obvious, but what is "backwards"?
If it is the direction opposite that which you are facing when seated, give strapless a try.

It's quite natural to drive the Erg slightly in the direction of the flywheel, especially if you are quick with the legs. This requires doing something that will increase the friction between the Erg (mat) and floor. Some have used Duct Tape, as long as that is acceptable to stick to the floor. There is also some stuff we use to line shelves that is a soft perforated rubber material that should stop the movement if palced under the Feet.

Perhaps a good cleaning of your rubber mat would help, as if dust has gotten under it, the particles will be acting like tiny ball bearings. A wipe down with a damp cloth (floor and mat) then drying them may do the trick.

[grams]

I will never be able to move my erg-it is on a very thick shag carpet.

I have a slightly different problem:

I had my acl surgery last week and I want to get back on the erg. Paul, have you had anyone erg one-legged, using a skateboard or other device under the 'fixed' leg?

Or would slides do it? I think I would still end up flexing the knee a lot with each stroke.

thanks,

grams

[Alissa]

I had my acl surgery last week and I want to get back on the erg. Paul, have you had anyone erg one-legged, using a skateboard or other device under the 'fixed' leg?

Or would slides do it? I think I would still end up flexing the knee a lot with each stroke.

Grams, I'm not Paul, but slides would definitely do it. We do 1-legged exercises on slides at the Iron Oarsman routinely. We plant the foot not being used on the floor, keep the knee over the ankle, so that the knee is bent at a 90 degree angle. Then, while maintaining pelvic/hip stability (that is, that the pelvis is stable and squared to the front of the erg), row with the other leg.

As you become more experienced at this, you can completely relax the non-rowing leg. You will (essentially) sit still and the erg will move under you. Initially, the muscles on the non-rowing leg want to activate as well, and it is a challenge to learn not to use the non-working leg.

At the same time, it allows you to focus on connecting to the working leg. I believe there are a couple of Xeno DVDs that include the one-legged rowing, but I don't know which ones.

You can definitely do this! Congratulations on the successful surgery!

Alissa

[grams]

Clarification needed for slides:

If I rest one foot on the floor and use the other foot to erg do both knees flex about the same amount? That is what I am trying to avoid for now. I want one leg to be more or less straight the whole time.

thanks, grams

[PaulS]

Clarification needed for slides:

If I rest one foot on the floor and use the other foot to erg do both knees flex about the same amount? That is what I am trying to avoid for now. I want one leg to be more or less straight the whole time.

thanks, grams

Nope, the leg on the floor will remain pretty much how you set it there, the seat moves very little relative to the ground. Or at least it should.

BTW, I could quite easily arrange to loan you some slides if you like. If you want to keep them afterwards I'm sure we could reach a mutually acceptable arrangement.

[grams]

Ooh! Ooh! I would very much like to borrow a set of slides. It sounds like a better solution than a skateboard on one foot.... I will gladly rent them.

We were going to check out Goodwill today after phys therapy for a skateboard. Let me know what works for you to get together to pick up a set.

There was a guy who got his dr to write him a prescription for an erg. I'm not sure if that will work for slides though.

I feel fine and I was never in much pain. I can walk around fine without crutches or a brace. I guess the worst danger with using someone elses tendon in this type of acl repair is that folks try to do too much too soon. It is supposed to take 6-9 months for my system to fill in the gaps with new tissue of my own.

Hopefully getting myself back on the erg (not overdoing it with the affected leg) will curb my enthusiasm somewhat and I will allow myself to finish the healing process. Then I can fill in that little dip on my erg force curve that was caused by my wonky leg.

I will pm you with my email address and tel #

Thanks so much,

grams

[ancho]

Hey, grams, have a nice recovery!

[grams]

Thanks to PaulS for the slides. I tried them out and they ae perfect.

The biggest danger with the surgery is me getting impatient and doing things that would put the final result in jeapordy. The regeneration won't be complete for 9 months.

I figure the erg will save me from doing other silly things too soon. I can work off the boredom (and extra 15 pounds) on it.

Thanks again Paul

grams

[grams]

Thanks to Paul, I'm back on the erg. Its a little strange erging with one leg, however I feel loads better after a session anyway. Sitting around all day with my leg elevated was taking a toll on the rest of me.

grams