Coming over from the world of road cycling (where bike fit can seem almost as precise a watchmaking lol) I want to accommodate my longer left leg. It is ~4mm longer than the right leg and while that difference may seem negligible, I feel a discernable difference in muscle exertion and fatigue early into an effort and throughout the rest of the workout. I typically row 5k-10k pieces and I'm still fairly new to indoor rowing so I know that dialing in proper form is the priority for this and many other reasons.
Yet, once I have really established solid form, I want to keep exertion as balanced as possible for obvious reasons. If there are methods or suggestions particular to rowing I would love to learn more about this topic and perhaps start a discussion helpful to other rowers.
Thanks in advance!
Leg length difference
Re: Leg length difference
I throw a folded hand towel on the footrest. Even though I have a 2cm mismatch, a 0.5cm correction seems to work best. Probably due to my body adapting after a lifetime of walking/standing on them.
For some reason, my short leg has always been stronger. I suspect it is because I tend to stand on it rather than my long leg. Rowing seems to have improved it considerably.
For some reason, my short leg has always been stronger. I suspect it is because I tend to stand on it rather than my long leg. Rowing seems to have improved it considerably.
-
Dangerscouse
- Marathon Poster
- Posts: 10847
- Joined: April 27th, 2014, 11:11 am
- Location: Liverpool, England
Re: Leg length difference
Welcome to the forum. My only thought is to row using a slightly higher emphasis on alternating legs.
For example, row with circa 65% effort on the left leg, then 65% on the right leg, then equal emphasis, and repeat. Essentially you're building a mind muscle connection with each leg, so you can ingrain the effort that you need to feel, and your weaker / shorter leg eventually won't be dominated too much.
The problem you might have atm is that you'll automatically fall into subconscious movements, which will favour the longer / stronger leg. You will benefit from rebuilding a better habit, although you'll have to keep working on it. It might not be a panacea, but I'm sure it will at least be beneficial.
For example, row with circa 65% effort on the left leg, then 65% on the right leg, then equal emphasis, and repeat. Essentially you're building a mind muscle connection with each leg, so you can ingrain the effort that you need to feel, and your weaker / shorter leg eventually won't be dominated too much.
The problem you might have atm is that you'll automatically fall into subconscious movements, which will favour the longer / stronger leg. You will benefit from rebuilding a better habit, although you'll have to keep working on it. It might not be a panacea, but I'm sure it will at least be beneficial.
51 HWT; 6' 4"; 1k= 3:09; 2k= 6:36; 5k= 17:19; 6k= 20:47; 10k= 35:46 30mins= 8,488m 60mins= 16,618m HM= 1:16.47; FM= 2:40:41; 50k= 3:16:09; 100k= 7:52:44; 12hrs = 153km
"You reap what you row"
Instagram: stuwenman
"You reap what you row"
Instagram: stuwenman
Re: Leg length difference
Welcome to rowing and the forum!
How did you compensate when fitting your bike? As you said, those get tuned and refined, even during rides (been there)
It could be as simple as a slightly thicker insole in your shoe. Or as Dangerscouse suggested, just getting the muscle balance dialed in. 4mm is not so much to overcome with some drills and practice. It's not as precise as a bike (on the erg, that is. In a boat I'm just as anal about rigging).
How did you compensate when fitting your bike? As you said, those get tuned and refined, even during rides (been there)
It could be as simple as a slightly thicker insole in your shoe. Or as Dangerscouse suggested, just getting the muscle balance dialed in. 4mm is not so much to overcome with some drills and practice. It's not as precise as a bike (on the erg, that is. In a boat I'm just as anal about rigging).
Mark Underwood. Rower first, cyclist too.