need advice on using rowing machine

[Semidevil]

I'm starting to use the rowing machine at my gym and I'm not sure if I'm doing it right.
After doing it for a few minutes, I feel it working on my arms and elbows more and I don't feel the 'cardio' or heart rate increase. I'm not feeling it as a full body exercise yet. Am I doing it wrong? Do I need to pull faster? Which rpm should I be aiming for, to achieve hiit?

When I'm doing it, I keep my back straight, I push away with my feet and as my legs are fully extended, I pull the chain towards me. I tend to jerk it towards my chest as I'm pulling in. Is that correct?

How much movement should my upper body be doing? Right now, my back stays perpendicular to the ground

 

[RagingBITCH]

Try this Concept2 tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ82RYIFLN8

This one is a bit more modern/less stale/boring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67QkUaJGYGc

Make sure you are driving with your legs. Also check the resistance if you are using a C2 - there's a lever usually on the right hand side of the flywheel with 1-10. If you ain't feeling it, you ain't doing it right. If they have one next to a mirror, check your form as well.

 

[smackababy]

There is a GIF that usually gets posted in threads like this that demonstrates the correct way to row. I am not sure the source, but it will show up eventually.

 

[blackdogdeek]

There is a GIF that usually gets posted in threads like this that demonstrates the correct way to row. I am not sure the source, but it will show up eventually.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zntIW_G-ip0

 

[EvilYoda]

Yeah, C2's website has a lot of information - once you get your basic technique down, you'll want different "workouts" on the erg. There are games you can play and things you can do other than "just row".

Read up on what the damper does...you won't always be rowing with it in the same position. For instance, last week I had a workout that asked for a 20 calorie row in minute 1, box jumps in minute 2, double-unders in minute 3, repeated for 5 rounds. There's no way I'd hit 20 cals without a higher damper rate (a lower damper rating and my stroke rate would be too high and I'd gas out every round).

Good luck! I like the erg, personally, but learning the proper technique is crucial. I've been rowing for 5 years but every time I'm next to a collegiate (or higher level) rower, it's amazing to see what experience and proper form can do.

 

[Kaido]

Just be careful about going hard on them, my buddy was doing a heavy cardio session on one and somehow popped it or popped out of it, ended up screwing up his back for several months. Never heard of anyone doing that before, but just to raise awareness.

 

[gar655]

Just be careful about going hard on them, my buddy was doing a heavy cardio session on one and somehow popped it or popped out of it, ended up screwing up his back for several months. Never heard of anyone doing that before, but just to raise awareness.

Can only happen with poor or improper form.