Holding / Griping ERG Handle for Optimal Rowing Efficiency

[Romper]

Only interested in the ERG hand position and not on the Oar.

I have read that some tuck the handle a little farther back in the hand so that big knuckles (MCP joints) are now on top, not the small knuckles (PIP joints) on top.

Others row with the thumbs in a horizontal position in a pushing position and fingers hooked over the handle for pulling.

What is considered the optimal hand/knuckle/finger position when griping/holding the ERG handle during all parts of the stroke?


Romper

[jackarabit]

I would exoect the position of which knuckle where to depend on hand size. My hands are small so altho I can make a hook of the first two segments of the fingers, putting the second joint sort of on top of the handle and the knuckles that get skinned sort of off the handle to the rear, i usually wrap the third segment a bit which puts the big knuckles at the palm atop the handle. If you have hands like Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies, you might be able to crook the first joint of your pinky and hang on just fine. In any case if you think you're supposed to grip the handle, you will and that way lies numb or painful hands. You can even hold the handle between the pads of thumbs and forefingers and wiggle the other fingers on the recovery--the chain return won't pull the handle out of your hands. I broke the habit of wrapping my thumbs under the handle because that encourages a tight grip. I think I probably have my thumbs just sticking out behind the handle now but not certain. Thumbs on top or pressed against the back of handle also resulted in hand discomfort for me. I believe the optimum is not a fixed but a relaxed and varying position of fingers. Jack

[sekitori]

Only interested in the ERG hand position and not on the Oar.
I have read that some tuck the handle a little farther back in the hand so that big knuckles (MCP joints) are now on top, not the small knuckles (PIP joints) on top.
Others row with the thumbs in a horizontal position in a pushing position and fingers hooked over the handle for pulling.
What is considered the optimal hand/knuckle/finger position when griping/holding the ERG handle during all parts of the stroke?

I'm not sure if any hand position can be considered as optimal. I usually row with the first two knuckles of three fingers hooked over the handle, the little finger loose at the end, and my thumb under the handle, trying not to contact it at all. But that position can get very boring during a one hour workout, so I try to vary it by sometimes placing only two fingers over the handle. I occasionally will put all my fingers and my thumb over the handle with the palms of my hands touching the top. I sometimes even row with one or both hands in an underhand position. At other times, I will actually turn the handle upside down and row with it pointing upward instead of downward. I'm sure that's not as efficient as using it in its conventional position, but I appreciate the different feeling it produces.

I only use these variations for short periods of time. Their purpose is just to break up the monotony of the workout. I do the vast majority of it with my basic "three finger over and thumb under" grip. And whenever I make any adjustments, I always try to keep my wrists as flat as possible, avoid gripping the handle too firmly, and be sure that my overall form stays basically sound.

If people are racing or trying to set PR's, they certainly will use the one grip that feels best to them. But during a fairly long routine workout, my method of occasionally changing the grip and/or handle position works well for me. Whether others see any value in doing so is another matter.

[Romper]

Thanks guys.

I just tried the looser "three finger over and thumb under" grip - and I observed the chain flop lose a lot.

How to make eliminate this excessive chain slap whilst maintaining a looser hold on the bar??


Romper

[hjs]

Thanks guys.

I just tried the looser "three finger over and thumb under" grip - and I observed the chain flop lose a lot.

How to make eliminate this excessive chain slap whilst maintaining a looser hold on the bar??


Romper

Chain flop means only thing, going to fast and uncontroled during the recovery. Grip has nothing to do with it.

[Romper]

Thanks HJS.

I wonder why this chain flop increased as soon as i change my grip??

I am sure I did not not go faster, but maybe the new grip opened things up more for this to happen???

ROmper

[hjs]

Thanks HJS.

I wonder why this chain flop increased as soon as i change my grip??

I am sure I did not not go faster, but maybe the new grip opened things up more for this to happen???

ROmper

You ask and wonder way to much. Keep it simple. There is NO one technique. If something goes wrong, look at it common sence. And try to correct it. You should see some erg races, you would see numoures styles also among the fastest ergers. Its not rocket science, its mostly who is the fittest and can pull the chain the hardest.

[Romper]

thanks buddy.

BTW - what is the significance of that link you have in your signature??


romper

[Citroen]

BTW - what is the significance of that link you have in your signature??

Henry is the most active Dutchman on the forum, that's why we get his incredible spelling errors as English is not Henry's first language.

[hjs]

BTW - what is the significance of that link you have in your signature??

Henry is the most active Dutchman on the forum, that's why we get his incredible spelling errors as English is not Henry's first language.

even with all the practice I get. Shows that we can get to old to learn, at least I got.

Romper, that link goes to a mostly dutch oriented place.

[Romper]

Nice.

Thanks.

Had my first RowPro Session today.

Great after sales support - really fantastic!

Despite a few glitches, I was able to get a really good feel of the SW and the processes followed.

Romper