How to Use the Legs?

[mict450]

It's almost a universal problem, I believe, in getting the right amount of leg exertion in the drive. The rowing stroke, to the uninitiated, looks to be upper body dominant & we naturally gravitate to opening the back & using the arms prematurely or conversely, shooting the slide due to a weak core/poor connection.

You've received great advice to help in maximizing the force generated by the legs. Now comes the harder part of putting in the practice to perfecting your stroke & getting your own "Aha!" revelatory moment. Not all at once, maybe, but more commonly adding small bits & pieces, here a little & there a little, to fill out the puzzle. Everything will then click into place & you'll wonder why it took you so long to see what was obviously right in front of your face.

[woodsy5]

I don’t seem to be able to push off strongly with my legs against the pads. But it could be what you say in that I’m overshooting a bit on the side. I will analyse it a bit more and get back to this page

[mict450]

One drill that may help activate the legs more is the legs only drill. Increase df a good bit to feel the work of the legs & make sure to tense your core to improve connection between legs & hands.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8l5OpmZeox0

[G-dub]

Woodsy - what drag factor are you rowing at?

[woodsy5]

Woodsy - what drag factor are you rowing at?

I must admit I haven’t checked this... this is obtainable from the settings right? I use damper setting of 7. I did row today and in fact consciously thinking about driving through my heels does seem to make a bit of a difference. I think I was overshooting the slide before trying to engage the legs.

[G-dub]

As I mentioned before, take the handle and push it all the way down from 7 to zero and then see if you can feel your leg action. It takes your need for upper body away and you can feel the proper sequence. I suspected you were rowing at too high a drag at the moment, which asks your back to take a bigger load

[mict450]

Here's an oldie but goodie from Peter D to get more leg drive using low drag factor:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hiQ0Mqlk_Lo