Rowing Styles

Whether you are Sir Steven Redgrave or your average gym goer the indoor rowing machine (erg) can be very useful as either a warm-up or a workout on it’s own. Unfortunately, as with any piece of gym equipment if not used correctly can lead to   injury, especially the lower back. Even at the elite rowing level the rowing stroke is broken up into 3 phases.

Correct rowing technique can considerably reduce your chance of getting injured

Rowing Stroke: Basic Technique

Catch Phase Knees fully bent so you are at the front of the slider.   Back as straight as possible without being uncomfortable.
Drive Phase Push with your legs only. Keep arms straight until legs   nearly flat. Lean back with your body then pull the handle to your rib   cage.
Recovery Phase Push your hands away from your body and slide   up the slide to the ‘entch’. This basic technique should help your   fitness and decrease chance of injury.

Happy Rowing!