Concept2 Forum

Hi, I recently started training and eating right in order to to shed the excess pounds; I cycle about 20k every day, dunes are part of of the route so I have some climbing to do as well. I've tried the concept 2 some time ago but I found that my belly was in the way of finishing the stroke properly.
So do I wait until I have lost sufficient weight to enable me to once again row normally or do I start "as is?"

Proper form is important. I think your primary concern should be injury. If it doesn't feel right - stop. Otherwise, I know I've seen a C2 or WaterRower video on Youtube that blessed the idea of parting your knees (arms inside your knees instead of outside) to accomodate a large belly. This isn't a good long-term plan, but it seems like you wouldn't be the first person to alter your stroke as you row your way to a smaller you.

eshajan wrote: I've tried the concept 2 some time ago but I found that my belly was in the way of finishing the stroke properly.
So do I wait until I have lost sufficient weight to enable me to once again row normally or do I start "as is?"

It is common to have a problem with a large belly getting in the way at the catch, but there shouldn't be any problem at the finish. It sounds as if you do not have your hands high enough at the finish. Pull the handle to your sternum and they should clear your belly with no problem - unless you are using an exaggerated layback.

Bob S.

You're probably trying to lay back too much, you don't have to lay back very much.
If you're doing longer rows, you may find that taking a 2-3 minute break every 15 minutes, doing some lower SPM work (at same pace) and also putting in 10 stronger strokes every once in awhile helps build strength.

In April my waist was 46 inches. It is possible to keep form and still have a large belly. I would not stop (unless you are hurting, but this could be a form problem) as the rowing will actually help reduce the belly size. Btw my waist was 34.5 inches today when I was measured at the doctors office.

46->34 is amazing progress.

jeremycfr wrote:Btw my waist was 34.5 inches today when I was measured at the doctors office.

Congrats! That's a big deal.

Hi guys, thanks for all the feedback.

@Quatroux; I want to use the C2 to do high intensity interval training about 3 times a week, in addition to my cycling schedule, doing HIITwhile trying to row with the arms inside my knees will most likely guarantee a quick trip to the physiotherapist, so I won't be doing that.

@Bob S.
You're quite right, my belly gets in the way at the catch. I've watched some video's on the subject of c2 technique and the rowers seem to finish the stroke just below the sternum, that's where I finish the stroke as well an there's a bit of belly in the way there as well.

@jeremycfr Congrats on your progress. I am working out at the moment, [cycled 170k last week] and as I said, I would use the C2 mainly for additional interval training and in case of really dismal weather.

I think I'll start using the c2 when I've lost a bit more weight, it just doesn't feel right to me at the moment.

Thanks everybody!

I just started on Monday. I have been doing 2k in the morning and 2k in the evening. I am 33 years old. 6'2'' and 375 lbs. My best time was this morning. Did it in 9:26 averaging 24spm and averaging 124 watts. My drag meter says 140. That workout kicks my butt right now. What goals should I be shooting for? Getting in better shape will allow me to row for longer, which I know I need, but should I try to row longer distance/time at a slower pace just to do it? I don't have a HM right now but after that workout I am around 170 bpm. Really glad I found this board. Any info would be appreciated.

kaiyara wrote:What goals should I be shooting for?

Try this: http://concept2.co.uk/weightloss/interactive (375# is 26stone 11lb or 170Kg)

Hi Kaiyara,
Given that you're 6'2" a stroke rate of 24 spm looks a little too high to me, I'm 6'1" and usually I'm around 20 to 22 spm when rowing longer distance, steady state type work. When sprinting or really trying to get my pace /500m down it rises obviously. Given you're rowing to reduce weight, distance and time are more important than speed, since the longer you can keep rowing the more calories you will burn. If you try to go too fast then you will just tire more easily and have to stop, limiting the duration of your work out. So to answer your question, yes, I'd slow it down to stroke rate of around 20 spm, and row at a pace /500m that allows you to extend the length of the work out. If you have the time, try to get to 5km in the morning and 5km in the afternoon, and once you're there, perhaps start then to hold the distances and then try to increase the pace to burn more calories in the same amount of time. I'd also suggest buying a heart rate monitor ASAP, it's the single most powerful tool after the rower itself, in my opinion, to gauge your fitness level and ensure you are training at a heart rate that meets your objectives.

kaiyara wrote:I just started on Monday. I have been doing 2k in the morning and 2k in the evening. I am 33 years old. 6'2'' and 375 lbs. My best time was this morning. Did it in 9:26 averaging 24spm and averaging 124 watts. My drag meter says 140. That workout kicks my butt right now. What goals should I be shooting for? Getting in better shape will allow me to row for longer, which I know I need, but should I try to row longer distance/time at a slower pace just to do it? I don't have a HM right now but after that workout I am around 170 bpm. Really glad I found this board. Any info would be appreciated.

Simply go on, have patience. A good goal is to make sure, at this point, that you row more each week. A first goal could be to be able to row 30 min at a time. After that you could more follow a scedule. For now, row more every week!!
And watch your food, don,t starve yourself, but eat healthy. 2000/2500 cal is low enough. Lots of protein and veggies