momof4 wrote:What is proper form?
Thanks!
Concept 2 Rowing Machine
Sitting upright and comfortable. Strap your shoes into the foot pads reasonably firmly. Depending on your strength & endurance level, set the resistance lever on the RHS of the wheel to an appropriate level. 1 (down) is the easiest while 10 (uppermost) is the hardest.
Set your LCD display to whichever combo of data you wish to view & monitor. The C2 has quite a few combos. Check them out. Take hold of the rowing arm with both hands (of course). by sliding forward on the sled. Test the sled & rowing chain for ease of movement and safety. Starting up, keep the knees bent with the lower leg perpendicular to the floor. This is the limit of travel. One should not bend the knees forward from this point. Push back with the legs and straighten them and your arms at the same time. Then when both are straight, it is time to bring your arms/hands in to your upper body. Somewhere around the bottom of the rib cage is the area to aim for but a little higher or lower may be easier for some. Test your own 'comfort' level.
Once you are all the way back on the sled with hands against your lower ribs, you have to make your way back to the starting point. This is where 99.999% of people make the mistake.
Release your arms first. Straighten them before you slide forward. Ensure that your hands are past your knees before you slide forward.
Again: Release your arms first. Straighten them before you slide forward. Ensure that your hands are past your knees before you slide forward.
Then slide forward to the lower leg vertical point and start again.
That is the correct technique. Most people will slide forward with legs & arms and have to lift the bar up over their bending knees. No good. Take a look at others on the rower. They pretty much all do that and unfortunately, the 'trainers' don't know any better either.
To ensure perfect technique, you may have to row slowly & with light resistance for a while first. Get the technique right, then build your speed & resistance. It will come as second nature.
Now, I am off to the gym for a row!!!! Oh yes, my gym has 6 C2 rowers and they do get used, albeit for a few mins each, except for when I hop on!!
Best wishes to all you rowers - and everyone else toooooop!!!!