Should You Row With 'Bad Knees'?

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[andrewlucero]

Hi Austin, I have knee issues. I have found that my knees have started improving since I began to focus on my form based on your videos and Dark Horse Rowing. It also helped to switch to minimalist shoes while I row.

[FiveMusic]

So surprised to see this pop up on my feed this morning. I did my first half marathon last week, and noticed an occasional painful twinge in the outer side of my knee, near the lower edge of the kneecap. I did see that I was overcompressing at time, trying to get more length in the stroke. I did some adjustments to, 1. Keep my feet straight on the stretchers so my knees weren’t point outwards or inwards, 2. Making certain my shins didn’t go past vertical, 3. Making sure my upper body form was right, and, finally 4. Planting my heel during the drive. I was able to maintain the same splits and overall speed, with no pain at all. What a relief! My wife and I have been working out on our C2 rower for 8 months now, and having good success at our goal of improved overall health and stamina, so I really didn’t want an injury to sideline me. This video is good advice, and another reminder that, in rowing, it really is form first, everything else after.

[lorraineblough]

Rowing actually helps relieve the pain I get in one knee from walking long distances (3 miles with my dog). As long as I keep rowing I have no pain.

[williammcgrail]

Incredibly good advice..I have rowed on a C2 for decades..my knee (patellar ) and achilles tendon started to flare up....this guy has shown me how to continue and avoid the mechanical insults

[robsunners]

Really appreciate this, thank you. I was diagnosed with a nasty case of psoriatic arthritis in December at the relatively young age of 33, with flare ups in my knees so severe that walking becomes impossible when at its worst. I had been a keen runner but I have been forced to stop so I'm considering taking up rowing. Perfect timing for the video for me and I feel more encouraged now.

[DisabilityExams]

I got my Concept 2 because I got foot problems from running on pavement. I now split my cardio between rowing and running off-road. Love the Concept 2.

[WhereTheBASShasNoName]

Hey Austin, I’m 6’6” with knee pain due to basketball, awkward landings etc. What I’ve found that works for me as of recently is no strap, low(er) intensity, slower speed, medium resistance. I have a Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine and the max resistance is 8 so I keep it anywhere from 4-6 depending on how much time I want to workout and the drill I want to do: 10 SPM, 20 SPM and so on. But man I’m loving it, literally transformed from someone who barely went to the gym to complete workout junkie due to purchasing a machine and the convenience of having it in my own home.

[myront.miller]

I have issues with my left knee. I purchased a rower knowing it would give me more time away from the ground and pound of the treadmill. Its been AWESOME.

[mikewilliams]

Hi Austin- just adjusted my seat starting position and put some tape on the rails. Heels down on the drive and moved the foot position up one notch and so far so good - no knee pain. Thanks for the awesome channel.

[gutenbird]

I got a rowing machine a few weeks ago and discovered this for myself for the most part. Instead of pushing from top of foot I am pushing more from the bottom or whole foot. Also raised the footrest and that seems to help.

[redeux]

Thanks, ran for decades and picked up rowing. My kneess crack when i go full vertical. I took your advice and raised up my C2 foot plates and then shortened my recovery so i wasn't going full vertical. Will take some getting used to but it did help. Thanks again

[tjb]

I'm bone on bone with arthritis in both knees so I am very excited to try this. Thank you!

[RichardDurham]

Another couple of tricks for me to try in the gym tomorrow. Please keep them coming!

[katieselbe]

Thank you thank you!! Gave up running and tennis 10yr ago due to multiple knee injuries…. Dr said I could use knee replacement in my 40s. Been spinning but getting bored and just started rowing and knees are a bit sore. These tips are super useful!!!

[anthonyzic]

This is really helpful, thanks! I'm waffling on whether to order a machine of my own because of these issues, but this gives hope. I'm happy to sacrifice 10% of the workout to avoid pain...

[kiiorigin]

A very important subject been discussed here. Thanks.

[juraj_b]

I’ve been suffering with jumpers knee and stopped rowing but will definitely try this today. Thanks!

[ketobeastbeauty]

Yay I can try it now even with a bad knee. Thanks for posting this. I did a Google search and found your vid

[johnbouttell]

Very helpful. Thank you. PS Love the socks.

[FlyOnAWall]

You are a lifesaver - thank you so much for this amazing video! I have runner's knee due to a dislocated kneecap from an old sports injury back in high school. Despite that, I'd been running for years, even through the pain, until my doctor finally discouraged me from high-impact activity. Now I'm looking to get into rowing instead. But I kept hearing mixed advice about rowing and knees, some that it's great for knees and others that it can worsen knee pain. My doctor okayed it but cautioned me to not use "full flexion" when rowing. I had no idea what he meant by that. But this video explained everything I wanted to know, and so clearly. Thank you!