A Different Type of Pain in the Butt

[amenke]

Hey guys, I have a bit of an embarrassing question, but I'm desperate to find an answer so I can make rowing a more regular part of my fitness routine.

I was introduced to rowing about 2 years ago through Crossfit. Overtime I realized it was one of my favorite parts of the workouts, so I purchased a Concept 2 for my house. Then I ran into my problem... chafing. Anytime I do more than 10-15 minutes of rowing, I get of my machine to realize that the seam in my shorts has rubbed through the skin at the very top of my butt crack. So I end up having open wounds at the top side of each cheek. I never realize it until it's too late, and then it's a real pain for the next couple of days. As you can imagine, it dampens my enthusiasm for regular rowing sessions.

I've tried all different types of shorts and underware combinations, and nothing seems to help. I'm thinking it's a form issue? Or maybe there's some secret that I don't know about? Any suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated!

[DavidA]

Hey guys, I have a bit of an embarrassing question, but I'm desperate to find an answer so I can make rowing a more regular part of my fitness routine.

I was introduced to rowing about 2 years ago through Crossfit. Overtime I realized it was one of my favorite parts of the workouts, so I purchased a Concept 2 for my house. Then I ran into my problem... chafing. Anytime I do more than 10-15 minutes of rowing, I get of my machine to realize that the seam in my shorts has rubbed through the skin at the very top of my butt crack. So I end up having open wounds at the top side of each cheek. I never realize it until it's too late, and then it's a real pain for the next couple of days. As you can imagine, it dampens my enthusiasm for regular rowing sessions.

I've tried all different types of shorts and underware combinations, and nothing seems to help. I'm thinking it's a form issue? Or maybe there's some secret that I don't know about? Any suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated!

I think some people use bubble wrap or some kind of foam to help. I make sure to wear shorts that don't have much of a seam. (I have had the same problem a number of times when I wore other shorts.)

David

[Ombrax]

I wear old, worn out cycling shorts that would otherwise be tossed out. (road, not MTB) Haven't had any issues with them.

If you aren't a cyclist, bike shorts are worn with the chamois "next to the skin," ie, no underwear.

[gooseflight]

Seems to me you need to change your shorts. A hard seam at the top your "intergluteal cleft" is easily avoided. Wear something looser/softer. Or try vaseline.

[kini62]

A good pair of running shorts should also work- and like bike shorts- sans the undies.

[hjs]

A good pair of running shorts should also work- and like bike shorts- sans the undies.

Certainly.

And maybe an other point, never had this problem, so can,t speak from experience. Only my hands get blisters.

Sit up, Really on your glutes and not slouched like you often see. Think the "troubled" area is better off this way.

[RWAGR]

Vaseline! Before a session of 1 hour or more, I take a nice glob of vaseline and rub it in there. Never had chafing problems since.

[bisqeet]

wearin the wife undies.
might not eliminate the chafing, but noone is looking at your butt sores in the changing room

[Cyclist2]

Here's another piece of it. If you look at rowing shell seats, they have a cutout for the tailbone to avoid just what you describe. So, get a thin pad - C2's version is good - with the appropriate cutouts to eliminate the rubbing at the finish.

[bob01]

I get that too... as suggested for longer rows use the pad... not so good for hard efforts as it's not 100% secure.

With reps and the rest allows stand up to relieve pressure.

You will ... if you allow it to recover will harden the area.

I use Savlon ..it works for me for this and those saddle sores
Bob

[JackB]

Instead of Vaseline try some Balmex. It is normally used for baby butt diaper rash. I still use it as needed and I'm 66. It is instantly soothing.

[mdpfirrman]

Agree with all the above. You can't use cotton at all for sure. I have a row seat that helped me tremendously too.

https://www.amazon.com/Machine-Cushion- ... seat&psc=1

It's a thinner cushion. Tried a thick cushion early on and it just made it worse.

Also, there's a product called Butt-R that's fantastic. Very reasonably priced. I bought two tubes of it two years ago and I'm still using it. Similar to Vasoline but better. Like Henry said, it's likely you're slouching and also leaning back too far. Try rowing strapless to see if you're leaning back too far and wasting energy on the finish.

[amenke]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I'm going to give my current wounds a few more days to heal and then start testing these out!

[djwilson]

This same thing used to happen to me too, 2 things worked:

1. You can tape the area that chafes, I have used both duct tape and white medical tape successfully

2. I now use rowing shorts from Boathouse that have NO SEAMS in the back, they are called Women's Solid Trou 2 (men's version is Accel 2 I think), buying these was a game-changer no more tape, I wear these for every row.