Insights from the Coaches Conference
Hi team,
A big topic of discussion in rowing technique was the importance of the body swing and trunk strength. Our trunk or core, abs and back ect., connects the power in our legs to the handles of our oars. A strong flexible core is important to support our body in the forward swing position so we don't flop down onto our legs, or lunge forward at the catch, or collapse down at the finish. There is a lot more to say but I do not want to lose your attention.
Throughout the winter and the rowing season keep your core body strong to prevent injury, increase stroke efficiency and as a side effect, move the boat faster.
I will post periodically with work out ideas to remind you not to lose all you have gained in the rowing season. I encourage others to add their ideas too.
Love Sherry
While I’m still having a much harder time getting myself onto the ERG *at home* than I did getting to the riverhouse for 5:45am (🤷♀️), when I do manage to row indoors I really like the Dark Horse rowing coach, Shane. For me personally, row-along videos work better than being left to my own devices with a written workout plan. While the paid sub to the Dark Horse app offers both, he also has lots of free content on his YouTube channel (complete row along workouts at various levels). IMO, he’s a good motivator and comes across as genuine and compassionate, not cheesy (I’m picky about exercise instructors: I *viscerally* disliked that P90X dude from the aughts!)
I also appreciate that Shane isn’t elitist about equipment: he frequently reiterates that one doesn’t have to have a Concept 2 to follow along.