Knee and foot position

[Ravenna]

Just upgraded from older machine to Concept ERG. I’m 77 and rowing with hip replacements and knee replacements. Dr. is and has been very supportive regarding rowing but he mentioned he’d like to see me row with feet pointed outward maybe 5 to 10 degrees and also allow both knees to be a little wider while rowing. His reasoning is the slight outward positioning will take considerable strain off the muscles that hold replacement hip joint in place. He was careful to explain that very slight outward angle produces large improvement on hip muscles. Has anyone received similar advice?

[JaapvanE]

No, but my feet are pointing outwards as this is my natural walking position. I noticed that it is easier to do when rowing strapless (which is a bit more challenging, but better from a technical perspective). When forcing my feet to be straight, I get knee and anckle issues almost instantly.

[Sakly]

I do it the same way intuitively. Feet slightly turned outwards, knees as well.

[Kerry1960]

I wish I could just keep my feet straight! My right foot turns inward which is a legacy of major foot surgery I had 5 years ago. Got some metal staples now in my right foot to hold a couple of the small joints together and the surgery, whilst successful, has left me a bit pigeon toed in my right foot. Can't help thinking I"m maybe leaking some power because of it. If/when I get my own C2 I may make some modification to stop the side to side movement of the right foot holds to counteract this issue.

[Ombrax]

I agree with what was mentioned above - if it helps, you can try rowing strapless. It may take a while to get used to it, but after a while it's no problem at all and totally natural. 99.9999% of my rowing is strapless.

Don't forget, if you find that your feet absolutely don't get along with the erg foot stretchers, to the point where even DIY modification of the erg doesn't help, but your feet are in good enough condition when you're "just standing" upright, you always have the option of switching over to a Skierg. A somewhat different workout from the rower, but still a very good one.

Good Luck