Pain when rowing

dan_d

Hi everyone...I posted here a while back looking for information on how to lose some weight. So I'm going to the gym and pool at least 4 times a week (seperate days) and noticing the difference in how toned my muscles are getting, which is great.

I do have one problem and that's with the rowing machine. The first couple of times I used it, I had no problems. However last week and this week, I manage about 5 mins on it and all the muscles in my lower back start to seize. It feels like I'm using them to do the rowing, and as a result they are tiring and cramping-even though I'm not, I can feel my arms and legs are doing the work. Now I got a gym instructor to have a look at what I was doing and she said everything looked fine with my technique - she thought I may have hurt my back doing something else and the machine was aggravating it - but I haven't noticed any pain outside using the rowing machine . But the same happened again yesterday and I'm in a bit of pain this morning after it.

Has anybody ever experienced this or have nay idea what might be causing it?? I haven't a clue what to do about it - should I just give up on the machine and substitute other exercises for it?

TommyKnocker

dan_d wrote: »

Hi everyone...I posted here a while back looking for information on how to lose some weight. So I'm going to the gym and pool at least 4 times a week (seperate days) and noticing the difference in how toned my muscles are getting, which is great.

I do have one problem and that's with the rowing machine. The first couple of times I used it, I had no problems. However last week and this week, I manage about 5 mins on it and all the muscles in my lower back start to seize. It feels like I'm using them to do the rowing, and as a result they are tiring and cramping-even though I'm not, I can feel my arms and legs are doing the work. Now I got a gym instructor to have a look at what I was doing and she said everything looked fine with my technique - she thought I may have hurt my back doing something else and the machine was aggravating it - but I haven't noticed any pain outside using the rowing machine . But the same happened again yesterday and I'm in a bit of pain this morning after it.

Has anybody ever experienced this or have nay idea what might be causing it?? I haven't a clue what to do about it - should I just give up on the machine and substitute other exercises for it?

Hi dan_d

Sorry, but I have no option other then to close this thread.

It is against the forum charter for any body to give medical advice, and having unqualified (for the most part at least) folks on an Internet forum try to diagnose your back pain consitutes medical advice IMHO.

The best advice I can give you is to seek a diagnosis and treatment from a good physio. I can suply you with the contact details of the Physio I use and who I find really good. He is based in Dun laoghaire. If you would like his details, then drop me a PM.

On the rowing machine technique, I have seen instructors in my gym show folks incorrect technique on the Concept II rowers. Check out the video below for a good idea of proper technique. However I would advise against rowing again until you have taken medical advice on your back issue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqVmMd7FdAA

Best Regards,

M