Looking for a little help

[shogsten]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and I have a some questions. I just picked up a used Model C (with PM1) in good condition except for the seat rollers (already replaced). Now that the rollers are replaced I am trying to figure this rowing thing out. I'm having trouble with the catch and I am trying to figure out what I am doing wrong as I never seem to have any resistance at the catch. Because of this I am not getting much out of my legs, it's all coming from my upper body/arms. I've watched the videos but I am still at a loss as to what I am not doing. I've tried varying the stroke rate from 20-30 spm. I've tried counting out the stroke and the recovery (Using a 5 count for example 1/2 to stroke /3/4/5 to recover). I don't want to start any bad habits at this point. If it helps I'm 5'10" with short legs and overweight but flexible. I come from a cycling background so generating the power isn't a problem once I can get a hold of the catch.

Scott

FWIW I hit up a Model D with a PM3 today at the gym and rowed for a few minutes and the graph backs up what I am saying I see a little bit of initial force then the curve is very long and flat, dropping at the end. I obviously have a technique problem at the catch but I can not figure out what.

[rtmmtl]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and I have a some questions. I just picked up a used Model C (with PM1) in good condition except for the seat rollers (already replaced). Now that the rollers are replaced I am trying to figure this rowing thing out. I'm having trouble with the catch and I am trying to figure out what I am doing wrong as I never seem to have any resistance at the catch. Because of this I am not getting much out of my legs, it's all coming from my upper body/arms. I've watched the videos but I am still at a loss as to what I am not doing. I've tried varying the stroke rate from 20-30 spm. I've tried counting out the stroke and the recovery (Using a 5 count for example 1/2 to stroke /3/4/5 to recover). I don't want to start any bad habits at this point. If it helps I'm 5'10" with short legs and overweight but flexible. I come from a cycling background so generating the power isn't a problem once I can get a hold of the catch.

Scott

FWIW I hit up a Model D with a PM3 today at the gym and rowed for a few minutes and the graph backs up what I am saying I see a little bit of initial force then the curve is very long and flat, dropping at the end. I obviously have a technique problem at the catch but I can not figure out what.

If you are able to make a video of yourself post it on Youtube and ask people here to look at it. Here are some excellent links that may help you out. Good luck.

Here is a link to interactive training.....fill in the blanks and get a plan.
http://www.concept2.co.uk/training/interactive.php

Another source of excellent info http://www.concept2.co.uk/guide/index.php on this page, especially top left column, 'online guide' and 'downloads' all free
In the training forum check out the 'Pete Plan' http://www.concept2.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5409 it is very popular

For rowing form check out this interactive video…..click the arrow you control the video speed….the rower is an ex-Olympian.
http://www.invernessrowingclub.co.uk/pe ... o_erg.html

[jamesg]

Shogsten,
Two or three points/tests:

Try pulling from a dead flywheel and see what it feels like; compare when it's spinning, we have to be quick to catch up;

Use a drag around 3-4 setting and so 130-140 drag factor;

Pull a full length stroke from vertical shins to slight leanback, without bumshove, i.e engaging the back too;

What feels light for 2-3 minutes may feel substantially heavier after 30-40;

Watch the Watts; if you're already at 2W/kg at rating 20-23 and sweating, you're ok, that's the way rowing is, though harder still shouldn't hurt you. Discount for age if you're over 70.

[shogsten]

Thanks for the advice I think I helped things today. I bumped the resistance up from 3 to 4 so I can feel the catch better. I also don't think I was bringing my legs down fast enough at the start of the stroke. I was doing more of steady lowering of the legs than a snap. I dropped my splits from 2:40+ down to 2:15 at what feels like the same perceived effort. Still have some work to do but I think I have the feel now so I can begin to tune things up. Now I need to work on increasing duration

Scott

[Bob S.]

Thanks for the advice I think I helped things today. I bumped the resistance up from 3 to 4 so I can feel the catch better. I also don't think I was bringing my legs down fast enough at the start of the stroke. I was doing more of steady lowering of the legs than a snap. I dropped my splits from 2:40+ down to 2:15 at what feels like the same perceived effort. Still have some work to do but I think I have the feel now so I can begin to tune things up. Now I need to work on increasing duration :-)

Scott

Some think of the leg action in terms of rising from a squatting position. A really hard drive on the indoor rower would be like trying to leap as high as you can starting from a squatting position.

Bob S.