Grip....

marathonic

I’ve recently switched from the treadmill to the rowing machine due to minor niggling in my knee.

I notice that the 10,000 metres is quite challenging taking about 45 minutes. When complete, my legs, back, biceps, etc. are all fine. However, I do notice that the grip gets harder to maintain during the final part of the 10k and, when I step of the machine, it’s a little difficult to clench my fists for about 5 minutes or so.

Is this something that will improve through time on the rower or should I be doing something different to improve it?

MarkY91

i dont have an answer to your question but i have a question about the rowing machine, does it work your biceps like build muscle?

Barry.Oglesby

marathonic wrote: »

I’ve recently switched from the treadmill to the rowing machine due to minor niggling in my knee.

I notice that the 10,000 metres is quite challenging taking about 45 minutes. When complete, my legs, back, biceps, etc. are all fine. However, I do notice that the grip gets harder to maintain during the final part of the 10k and, when I step of the machine, it’s a little difficult to clench my fists for about 5 minutes or so.

Is this something that will improve through time on the rower or should I be doing something different to improve it?

You could do grip specific work but the chances are you'll adapt. 10k is a long time. What setting are you on (assuming it's a C2 here)

marathonic

Yeah, it's the C2 and I have it set to Max.

The 10k time is now down to 45' 21 which I'm quite happy with. Should break the 45 minutes soon.

I'd say you're correct that I'll adapt. I'll give it a few weeks to see. I'm assumming that using the rower will help my grip on the deadlift when I move to a gym with more free weights as opposed to dumbbells.

BadCharlie

Have a C2 my self.

You only need to have the settings at 3.5 to 4 as that is the resistance you get when out rowing in the water in real, well this is what i read on the C2 web site. Plus you should go to that site if u have not all ready and look at how to row correctly.

One thing i would say is make sure your not holding the grip to tightly, when im rowing i only use my four fingers each hand and i find it perfect. When i get off my hands are perfect " im just thinking your holding it to tight to start with "

marathonic

Thanks for your post. I've looked at technique videos in youtube and have just had another look there now.

You may be correct about the grip - I'll check this out tomorrow. I'm going to keep the setting at 10 as I'm looking for a tough workout as opposed to one that matches proper rowing closely.

The only other thing I notice is that my finishing position may have the bar a little to low (about 1 inch above the belly button). The technique videos seem to finish about 1-2 inches higher.

BadCharlie

Good video
http://www.concept2.com/us/training/technique.asp

Mellor

BadCharlie wrote: »

You only need to have the settings at 3.5 to 4 as that is the resistance you get when out rowing in the water in real, well this is what i read on the C2 web site.

4 on one machine could be the same as 8 on another. dust, grit, wear and tear all affect the flywheel.

The best way to do it is to test the drag factor everytime you use a new machine. it's in options. I think 140 is roughly the value to aim for. This is the best, and only, way to be consistant over multiple machines

Maars

+1 for what BadCharlie says. You really just have to hook the top of your 4 fingers on either hand around the handle.

Also the level you have the machine set to(and more correctly the drag factor) have no bearing on how hard the workout is. To make the workout harder just row the 10k faster. Try lowering the lever right down to level 1and see if you can maintain the same split per 500m as you do with it at level 10.

cc87

Good thread discussing all things rowing here

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055856297&highlight=rowing