neck pain

[np]

I am new to rowing, I have just started using the concept2 machine .
I am doing the technique right ( I have watched training videos).
I am using the smallest scale, I have taken it slow but still I am so dissapointed!
Everytime I start rowing, I feel nothing on my legs or tammy, but after 3 minutes, I am having pain on my lower neck, and shoulders. It becomes very tense and painfull and then I can not turn my head towards one direction.
Does this mean that I am not going to be able to use it?

[Carl Watts]

Have you ever been to a Chiropractor ? I would get checked out. If you can find a really good one they keep you tuned up. I find that rowing has really helped and lowered the frequency I need to go to mine. My Visits are down to every 6 to 8 months instead of every 6 to 8 weeks with the help of regular rowing.

Like any sport you need a bit of patience and build up slowly to avoid injury setbacks or it hampers your progress.

Good Luck.

[Bob S.]

I am new to rowing, I have just started using the concept2 machine .
I am doing the technique right ( I have watched training videos).
I am using the smallest scale, I have taken it slow but still I am so dissapointed!
Everytime I start rowing, I feel nothing on my legs or tammy, but after 3 minutes, I am having pain on my lower neck, and shoulders. It becomes very tense and painfull and then I can not turn my head towards one direction.
Does this mean that I am not going to be able to use it?

I have observed people rowing with their shoulders hunched up tight. I would think that this would rapidly lead to soreness in the neck. Make sure that you are rowing with your shoulders relaxed.

Bob S.

[jamesg]

NP,
Try crouches: from knees bent with knuckles on the floor, extend your legs fast and try to touch the ceiling. Then down again, slowly. Repeat say a 100 times. This is very similar to the rowing action, including as to frequency and speeds. If. doing this, you DON'T get the same aches and pains as on the erg, your erg technique is all wrong.

[Ron Hekier]

I find that I have pain in my lower neck if I look to the side while rowing or do not sit up straight in the seat. With proper posture, the pain goes away for me immediately.

[JBP16]

NP, I am new rower as well and have experienced the same pain. I have found that stretching my shoulder and neck muscles before rowing helps. Also when my technique and conditioning improved, the pain is much less an issue. Check your technique...if you are like me, when I got tired I would tend to row "hunched over" versus extending my legs and back fully. Another idea is to stick to short interval training like 8 reps of 500 meters and get blood flow into your neck and shoulders during a 1-2 minute rest after each rep. Finally, the pain has subsided as I have gotten a bit better, my s/m have slowed to 20-22 from 25-28 even though I am rowing better times due to better technique.