Numb Bottom

[[old] baltodeac]

At about 18 minutes, my butt starts to get very numb, and by 25 minutes, it's nearly unbearable. Could there be a technique secret here that will help me out?<br /><br />I've been erging at a gym about once a week for about three months, and I am a fairly young person in pretty good condition from cycling and running.<br /><br />Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

[[old] SimonB]

<!--QuoteBegin-baltodeac+Feb 24 2005, 10:15 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(baltodeac @ Feb 24 2005, 10:15 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->At about 18 minutes, my butt starts to get very numb, and by 25 minutes, it's nearly unbearable.    Could there be a technique secret here that will help me out?<br /><br />I've been erging at a gym about once a week for about three months, and I am a fairly young person in pretty good condition from cycling and running.<br /><br />Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />There are numerous posts about gel seats and 'bottoms problems ' on the fourm. Try searching....<br />

[[old] chickenlegs]

try rowing without straping your feet.<br />seems to work for me most of the time.<br /><br />

[[old] allapologies916]

It may just be that your not stretching your butt muscles out before you row. Ive had that problem and stretching usually helps with it. THe way to stretch is to sit down on the floor and cross one leg over the other, except put your foot flat on the floor. (one leg should be flat, and the other should be over the flat one but the knee should be up) then, wrap your arm around your leg (just under the knee) and pull into your body. If done correctly you should feel the muscles at your upper leg to your butt being stretched.

[[old] Byron Drachman]

<!--QuoteBegin--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->At about 18 minutes, my butt starts to get very numb, and by 25 minutes, it's nearly unbearable. </td></tr></table> <br /><br />You’re not the only one. It will get better with time. I got my C2 in the beginning of November. I haven't missed many days erging and at first I had the same problem. I rowed with no cushion, towel, padding, bubble wrap, etc. for as long as I could until the pain got unbearable. I sat in a partially inflated air cushion once I couldn't stand the pain. Now I can go for an hour or two. <br /><br />I still needed the air cushion for a marathon, and even with the air cushion the last part was pure torture. I suspect there was some deep bruising under the sitz bones. <br /><br />Byron<br /><br />

[[old] The Matinator]

I know what you mean, i have the same problem on model D's i think that it is mainly because the seat is solid and has no give. The thing is not to think about it and just keep thinking about techinque, failing this just row harder that should make you forget about it . Also remeber C2's have fixed footplates so don't row for more than 3o mins with out strecting as damage can be caused to your ankles

[[old] FrankJ]

<!--QuoteBegin-The Matinator+Mar 1 2005, 03:18 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(The Matinator @ Mar 1 2005, 03:18 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I know what you mean, i have the same problem on model D's i think that it is mainly because the seat is solid and has no give. The thing is not to think about it and just keep thinking about techinque, failing this just row harder that should make you forget about it . Also remeber C2's have fixed footplates so don't row for more than 3o mins with out strecting as damage can be caused to your ankles <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />I won't even attempt anything but the shortest row on a C2 without a pad. I've experimented with everything from folded towels to bubble wrap but have now settled on three layer of waffle foam sleeping pad with the right areas cut out for pressure relief. Can now easily do an hour of rowing with no discomfort.<br /><br />I am curious about the comment of not rowing more than 30 minutes with stretching as you can damage you ankles. I never stretch my ankles and have done many rowing session longer than 30 minutes without a hint of an ankle problem. How does a fixed footplate cause damage?<br /><br />Frank

[[old] The Matinator]

the ARA resently released giude lines saying that more that 30 minute on a fixed plate ergo places pressures on the ankles that can lead to injury, so not to do more than 30 minutes with out strenching.

[[old] Hal Morgan]

I have seen silicone gel pads the same size as the seat and about 1/2 inch thick. They are used as pressure relief in surgery and postioning aides. I want one. I am just to lazy to go get it. We have found them on the WWW and I am going to first try the local Medical suppliers in town. Iwill own one. I would pay a million to get past the pain that sets in at about nine miles.

[[old] David Speed]

<!--QuoteBegin-The Matinator+Mar 3 2005, 04:10 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(The Matinator @ Mar 3 2005, 04:10 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->a fixed plate ergo places pressures on the ankles that can lead to injury </td></tr></table><br />I think it's reasonable to say that the footplate on the model C and D is not fixed.<br />It is only mounted near the top and can both bend in itself and pivot on the fixing.<br />The model B had a simple angled wood footplate with a bolt in 'heel rest' that you adjusted with wing nuts. This would meet my definition of a fixed plate.<br /><br />Of course, the cheaper end of the rowing machine market will have fixed foot plates. But if you were to regularly use one of those, why would you be on this forum

[[old] grams]

I use a really wide bicycle gel seat that I got from REI for $30. It fits on the D seat, barely, but enough.<br />grams

[[old] The Matinator]

<!--QuoteBegin-David Speed+Mar 4 2005, 12:30 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(David Speed @ Mar 4 2005, 12:30 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin-The Matinator+Mar 3 2005, 04:10 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(The Matinator @ Mar 3 2005, 04:10 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->a fixed plate ergo places pressures on the ankles that can lead to injury </td></tr></table><br />I think it's reasonable to say that the footplate on the model C and D is not fixed.<br />It is only mounted near the top and can both bend in itself and pivot on the fixing.<br />The model B had a simple angled wood footplate with a bolt in 'heel rest' that you adjusted with wing nuts. This would meet my definition of a fixed plate.<br /><br />Of course, the cheaper end of the rowing machine market will have fixed foot plates. But if you were to regularly use one of those, why would you be on this forum <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />when isaid fixed i mean that the footplate is not on a slide such as that of a row prefect

[[old] EChang]

you should get a j-lo bootie that should help...or gel pads. I like the seats on the original concept erg.

[[old] Ralph]

I tried the foam pad that C2 sells for about $3. It was ok but not great. I tried a 1/2 inch closed cell foam sleeping bag pad cut into the shape of the seat. This was really bad for me. It seems to retain all the heat from the body and heat buildup supposedly causes most of the discomfort.<br /><br />Then I bought a Skwoosh seat pad. That's what I use now. It's got gel sections for the sitz bones. They advertise that the gel won't flatten out but it does. Still this is the best thing I've found. <br /><br />My butt gets sore after 45 minutes, but I can tolerate it.<br /><br />That's one hard seat that C2 puts on the machine. Probably so that it never wears out, especially in a fitness club.<br />

[[old] Laupi]

Could also be that your penis is getting too much squeeze, In order to avoid damage to your reproductive system your body starts to reduce blood flow. This makes you feel like bud pain. Be careful not to overdo it - listen to your body (butt) and take a short brake to reciculate the blood - then you migt continue to row. .... and your wife will also be grateful.<br /><br />For me a neoprene cushion and tight pants worked well.<br /><br />Good luck.