Newbie Question on Model D

[FormerAthlete]

I just received my Model D today - assembled and ready to go.

A question I have for this forum is when should I feel resistance/tension when pulling? I had thought I would experience it on the leg push part of the movement, but I am mainly feeling it with the arm pull. I am wondering if I am doing something wrong or I have set up the rower incorrectly somehow.

Any feedback would be welcome.

Thanks.

[Citroen]

You've got the damper set too high. On a factory fresh, clean, machine you shouldn't need the damper lever anywhere above the middle.

Machines in gyms are notoriously full of dust and cruft and setting the damper to eleven becomes the norm.

Learn about it at: https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/ ... etting-101

[Ombrax]

A question I have for this forum is when should I feel resistance/tension when pulling? I had thought I would experience it on the leg push part of the movement, but I am mainly feeling it with the arm pull. I am wondering if I am doing something wrong or I have set up the rower incorrectly somehow.

Welcome to the forum. : )

Be sure you are using the proper technique as you sequence the various parts of the rowing stroke. The C2 web site has lots of good information on this, including videos.

Also, set your PM to display the Force curve. If it doesn't look like a nice smooth mountain going up peaking and going down, (C2 site also has info on that) then you're doing something wrong

Good Luck

[lindsayh]

yes welcome - learn about drag factor as your first step and set it at about 125 and then spend an hour or two reading new rower threads here and on the C2 site and try to get technique right from the beginning.
this is a good place to start: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=185257

[jackarabit]

The leg extension only pulls chain IF force is efficiently transmitted thru shoulders/arms to handle. Efficient transmission is conditional on a momentary, isometric loading of the posterior chain muscles (engaged core) coincident with leg extension. When this musculo-skeletal condition Is not created, the butt Immediately leads the shoulders with result no work performed at handle. This sequencing fault is called shooting the slide: [see link]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLEezSLwE1g

IMO, many of us do this at first introduction to the rowing stroke. I know I did. Lowering drag may aid the engagement of core coincident with leg push but do whatever additional it takes to eliminate the butt shooting now before it requires detraining. The difference can be as small as training a seldom-used neural pathway. Success follows an enforced execution that soon naturalizes.

[mict450]

Best to post a video of yourself, side view, rowing, on youtube & post the link here. We have a lotta sharp-eyed, knowledgeable folks who'll be able to diagnosis your problem areas & how to fix them.

[Dangerscouse]

Welcome to the forum. There is a chance that you're 'shooting the slide' ie your butt is moving backwards but the handle isn't moving and then you're using your arms and back to create the power rather than pushing with your legs.

As Eric suggests, a video will be very useful or the least you need to do is watch one of the many technique videos out there.

[jamesg]

when should I feel resistance/tension

According to Newton, when you pull the handle. Since there is a flywheel, offering inertial load, the faster you pull, the higher the forces.

Our large muscle is in hips and thighs, so to row effectively we have to develop and use a style that engages them. This can be seen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0dzPz0tD5I

Rowing long hard strokes like this you can do substantial work in each one, so keep the rating down, it's the only way to go distances.

If you select Watts on PM, you can read your power output directly and so see if you are actually rowing. 2W/kg will do for now.

[FormerAthlete]

Thank you all for your feedback and suggestions.