SkiErg vs Row for bad backs

[sk18088]

Hi
Im thinking of getting a skierg but worried about back pains
Rowing bothers my back and causes pins and needles in my legs. My friend/trainer insists to get one and work on form but does the Skierg put less pressure on ur back?

[mict450]

Yes, the skierg is gentler on my back versus the erg. If you don't have access to try before you buy, use a pair of stretch bands anchored to a door & mimic the movement. Keep your spine in a neutral position with your core. The main movement uses a hip hinge, which is very gentle on your back.

[sk18088]

thanks

[hjs]

Hi
Im thinking of getting a skierg but worried about back pains
Rowing bothers my back and causes pins and needles in my legs. My friend/trainer insists to get one and work on form but does the Skierg put less pressure on ur back?

What backtrouble do you have? What can you do and what not. The skierg certainly does tax the back, but only with bodyweight.

[sk18088]

I have a rotator cuff injury from tennis. Apparently this is differed pain to my back (bad posture doesn't help) With physio its getting better though

Anyway, did an impulse buy today and picked up the last SkiErg for sale in my country. Delivery tonight

Hoping it will be ok long term, felt fine on the quick demo in the shop

[hjs]

I have a rotator cuff injury from tennis. Apparently this is differed pain to my back (bad posture doesn't help) With physio its getting better though

Anyway, did an impulse buy today and picked up the last SkiErg for sale in my country. Delivery tonight

Hoping it will be ok long term, felt fine on the quick demo in the shop

You should be fine than.

[sk18088]

Got it and wow what a workout. Back feels OK!!!
My arms burnt out very quickly bu dont think my form is great so will work on that.

[hjs]

Got it and wow what a workout. Back feels OK!!!
My arms burnt out very quickly bu dont think my form is great so will work on that.

Takes some time to get used to the movement, it does not relate to much other kind of movement. Expect muscle pain on strange places.

[sk18088]

If you mean the forearms than yes I'm really feeling it

[flatbread]

Takes some time to get used to the movement, it does not relate to much other kind of movement. Expect muscle pain on strange places.

mine will be here tomorrow.

So Henry, tell me what will get sore -- you know I cycle and erg, and I've done a bit of hiking with a weighted rucksack this summer, along with upper body strength training and core work. What's going to get me on the ski erg until I get used to it?

[hjs]

Takes some time to get used to the movement, it does not relate to much other kind of movement. Expect muscle pain on strange places.

mine will be here tomorrow.

So Henry, tell me what will get sore -- you know I cycle and erg, and I've done a bit of hiking with a weighted rucksack this summer, along with upper body strength training and core work. What's going to get me on the ski erg until I get used to it?

I expect, your triceps, your midupperback, your lats and abs. Thats what it was for me if my memory serves me well its been 3 years plus.

[mromero680]

I had back problems on rower years ago before I got a bit smarter about warm-up and weights. The skierg bothers my shoulders once in a while but I don't see how it could bother my back since there isn't much back in the stroke.

[mict450]

I've heard/read/viewed advise on crunching the abs on the drive of the stroke, not on this site, but more than a few, esp on youtube. Bad advise, IMO! The drive is a hip hinge. No flexing or extension of the back. The core should be used to stabilize the spine in a neutral position & not to induce movement. Flexing the spine is an invitation for disc herniation, per back guru, Stuart McGill.

[mromero680]

Good point. My back problems pretty much went away when I learned to focus on a hip hinge for deadliifts and similar exercises. First movement is butt back rather than a bend at waist or a crunch.

[hjs]

I've heard/read/viewed advise on crunching the abs on the drive of the stroke, not on this site, but more than a few, esp on youtube. Bad advise, IMO! The drive is a hip hinge. No flexing or extension of the back. The core should be used to stabilize the spine in a neutral position & not to induce movement. Flexing the spine is an invitation for disc herniation, per back guru, Stuart McGill.

Half true, if you go fast, you need to flex your abs to keep your core neutral, if not your spine does extend. The drill should be, when the handle starts moving so should the shoulders. Like on the rower, when the handle starts moving, so should the hips and shoulders. The core should be “braced”.
Its the opposite of the deadlift. But still, its only bodyweight you have to counter. A healthy back will have zero trouble. And if you go over longer distances, the pull is pretty gentle.