Single leg rowing

[Andy]

Hey?

Does anybody row with one leg long term? I’ve seen “drills”.. but I’m talking about indefinitely.

I have patellofemoral arthritis in one knee after a reconstruction so get crepitus/inflammation if I go about bending the knee more than 20 degrees.

(Also have a dodgy wrist so the ski erg isn’t an option!)

Historically massively in to fitness and not being able to exercise is bumming me out.

- alternatively I was wondering about upper body only rowing

Really keen for peoples’ experiences and input!

Thanks
Andy

[kini62]

Hey?

Does anybody row with one leg long term? I’ve seen “drills”.. but I’m talking about indefinitely.

I have patellofemoral arthritis in one knee after a reconstruction so get crepitus/inflammation if I go about bending the knee more than 20 degrees.

(Also have a dodgy wrist so the ski erg isn’t an option!)

Historically massively in to fitness and not being able to exercise is bumming me out.

- alternatively I was wondering about upper body only rowing

Really keen for peoples’ experiences and input!

Thanks
Andy

Single leg rowing might have you end up like pro tennis players where they have on Popeye forearm and one teeny tiny one. Except for you it would be your legs.

Using upper body only rowing can certainly work but I would think a dodgy wrist would be as much an issue with rowing as it is with the skierg. Have your tried some type of wrist brace with the skierg?

Are you able to walk? If so you might just have to resort to walking. A treadmill at 10% grade or more can provide a great CV workout when walking.

Also, think about doing more strength training with whatever doesn't affect your wrist and knee.

[Tsnor]

I have patellofemoral arthritis in one knee after a reconstruction so get crepitus/inflammation if I go about bending the knee more than 20 degrees.

You likely got physical therapy after the reconstruction. Was the therapist any good? If so talk to them. If not get a referral for a new therapist from your surgeon or GP. You are trying to build an exercise plan to get back to full life, they should be helping you and you need their help.

Rowing works a lot of parts in the core. Before doing substantial one leg rowing I'd want someone with a clue to tell me the outcome of applying a lot of force over a long period of time on only one side. Spine impact, etc. Not a doctor, but rowing with limited knee bend seems safer.

Hopefully your therapist can suggest some alternative exercises. Would an elliptical machine work for both your legs? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2GeUnQMBGk Circuit training where muscles are much more isolated so a bad knee won't change the work you do on the non-leg machines ?

Good luck. Don't settle for a wheelchair or walker.