Time to start using dynamic rowing machines if you row a lot.

Time to start using dynamic rowing machines if you row a lot.  It is with great excitement that I write this article.  As an athlete and coach, I always enjoy cross training on rowing machines.  They are great to teach rowers how to properly apply their bodies to complete an effective stroke.  A rowing workout on land is always completed more quickly since no boats have to be moved in and out of the water, hosing off etc...

Our land-rowing horizon has now greatly opened up with the arrival of a third manufacturer of a dynamic rowing machine.  The first dynamic rowing machine, to my knowledge was created in the mid eighties by Rowperfect.  As of last year, Concept2 and Oartec have rolled out their own dynamic rowing machines.  After having rowed all three machines, I can state with absolute conviction that all three machines deliver a rowing platform that is so much more like rowing than any type of static rowing machine ever built.  These machines recreate what happens in the boat.  Unlike the stationary rowing machine where the person rowing moves back and forth, the dynamic rowing system has a moving footboard that is connected to the handle through a chain or an industrial strength string.

Dynamic rowing machines make it a lot clearer for rowers to comprehend that the rowing stroke is first a push of the legs and second a draw with the upper body and arms.  Static rowing machines brought chronic rowing technique mistakes and poor posture with them: Early draw with the arms, sagging of the upper body at the catch and finish, a lack of leg extension, underdeveloped hamstrings, unsupported lower backs that lead to injuries, and the list goes on.  Dynamic rowing machines are not fool proof, but mistakes are more easily spotted by the coach, because the person rowing hovers above the same spot.  Coaches can focus on correct posture without having to follow the rower’s body moving back and forth on a track 3 feet long. 

When you first row a dynamic rowing machine, you will find that your catch length is noticeably shorter. This is due to two reasons.  First, the track is not at an angle anymore but horizontal, this means you do not get the help of your body’s potential energy to get you into the catch.  Second, you do not have the kinetic energy of the moving body to squeeze you into a tight catch position.  The result is a greater awareness of your hamstrings and your glut muscles.  Those to muscle groups are crucial for more speed on the water and on land. 

Some wonder if rowing a dynamic rowing machine is “faster” than rowing a static machine.  Initially you can rate far higher on a dynamic machine than on a static one.  This high rating honey moon fizzles very quickly and reality hits roughly 40 seconds into a 2K.  When fatigue sets in  the rowing stroke quickly becomes shorter at the catch.  Initial fast splits start slowing down quickly.  I therefore highly recommend to spend time rowing a dynamic machine before setting out to break a personal best.  As I side note, although we have access to dynamic machines, rowing a stationary machine is not hazardous to your health :-)...  For the last couple of years I have been rowing Waterrowers.  They worked great for my indoor rowing classes.  Before that I used Concept2 rowing machines on sliders.  So if the budget is tight don't despair, keep rowing static until the piggy bank is full for dynamic.

Have fun experimenting the two types of machines.  Spend 20 minutes paddling on a dynamic machine and then hop on a stationary one.  You will clearly notice a difference and you will wonder how we could have done such a thing to ourselves for decades.  In addition you will notice that your lower back feels a lot loser at the end of a longer rower.  You will be able to stand up without looking crippled for the first twenty steps, instead you will walk away with charisma, do you know what I mean?  

Xeno Olympic gold and silver medalist, Olympic record holder.

http://www.xenorowingcoach.com/xeno-muller-rowing-coach/News.html