Exercises off Erg

[Karen S]

Can anyone suggest exercises that can be done off the erg to get stronger and faster when on the erg? I have a little tendonitis in my left arm and training 4 days a week has been irritating it.

Thanks,
Karen

[DanielJ]

Assuming good technique, rowing is largely aerobic. So, while nothing can replicate the erg, you can at least patch up the impact of missing rowing sessions by using, say, the indoor bike, the cross trainer, the treadmill, going for a run etc.

But my favourite would be climbing/running up stairs, as it's quads-intensive and gets the HR up fast.

[G-dub]

Karen, I have inflammation on the inside of my right elbow which smarts when I pull at the beginning of a workout. Have you learned of any ways to treat yours? Stretching the forearm seems to help some for me. I'm also trying to use deep massage around it. I'm wondering if it will ever go away! Not erging doesn't really help for me - it's there when I come back to it. Sorry for asking a question within your question! Daniel has it right anyway. build leg, back and arm strength with weight training is also a possibility. Spin classes are fun and hit the legs and lungs hard. Yoga to get more flexible. Skipping rope (who does that?) would probably be relevant. Box jumps.

[nobody]

G-Dub, sounds like you have golfers elbow. My pain is on the outside of the elbow, tennis elbow.

After searching this board last week, I bought a Thera-Band and been doing the "tyler-twist" exercise with it (youtube has good examples). So far it seems to be working. Still sore when I wake up in the morning, but gets better throughout the day. And I feel pain-free by the time I row in the evening.

[dwalk]

Rowing is aerobic, but strength plays a roll in being fast. I have several 2:30 - 2:40 marathoners I work with and they can't touch me on the erg from 100m up to the half marathon. The Cuban winner has excellent cardio, but I guarantee he is strong as hell. Most world class rowers, Kiwi pair excluded(at least Murray), talk about lifting weights and have some impressive numbers. Cleans, deadlifts, squats, rows, pullups, and for me kettle bell work are all exercises you can do to improve strength for rowing. Just do not forget the chest and tri's, you need to be balanced.

[Bob S.]

Rowing is aerobic, but strength plays a roll in being fast. I have several 2:30 - 2:40 marathoners I work with and they can't touch me on the erg from 100m up to the half marathon. The Cuban winner has excellent cardio, but I guarantee he is strong as hell. Most world class rowers, Kiwi pair excluded(at least Murray), talk about lifting weights and have some impressive numbers. Cleans, deadlifts, squats, rows, pullups, and for me kettle bell work are all exercises you can do to improve strength for rowing. Just do not forget the chest and tri's, you need to be balanced.

Angel certainly has the look of a weight lifter, with more shoulder development than you usually see on rowers.

Bob S.

[G-dub]

Hey Nobody, I think the Reverse Tyler Twist is doing some good! Been at it almost a week. I got the red one and wish I would have gotten the green, but I am just increasing the reps. I'm also conciously keeping my shoulders down and relaxed and elbows more at my side when I pull the handle in. Thanks for the tip.