Correct Rowing Technique for Beginners: Row Machine Basics

Are you looking to learn the correct rowing technique for a beginner? Are you looking for a beginners guide to rowing? Are you new to rowing? Did you just buy a rowing machine? Are you standing in the gym wanting to row but you don't know how? This video is for you!

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[ndipuppo]

This video should be included with every new rower. Thank you.

[davidmartin]

Real question, what do you do with your testicles. I am a Relatively big guy 6ft 240lb. Had trouble keeping legs closed comfortably. Also arm pits rubbed a rash. Day 1 woo!

[keciacotton]

You are literally the only person that explained the entire machine. The damper was a mystery until now. And the information box. Thank you!! Proper body mechanics too. Thank you. Ps...I love the rowing machine!!

[philipsquire]

This should be on a loop by the ergs at my gym. The things I see around me on the ergs...Great you mention the drag factor-EVERYONE at my gym uses "10". Old ladies to skinny teenagers all on 10, otherwise it's not a real workout eh? :) Quality content!

[td-bidq]

Thanks for the great content. I hate going to the gym but I still wanted a high intensity, low impact workout and thanks to your videos rowing seemed like the perfect fit. Just got my concept 2 today and did my first 5 minute session using this video as a guide. I’m sure my form was a bit messy but I’m looking forward to getting better!

[megahoneybee]

I'm a beginner indoor rower. Thank you for explaining everything. It's really helped me a lot.

[gregthebaritone]

I think it can make it easier to explain rowing technique, and why it is so complicated, if you bring it back to actually rowing a shell (or scull) on a river. You are putting the oar in the water, pulling it back, lifting it out, and returning back to the front position. Once you've put the oar in the water, you have to maintain that oar at the same position through the entire pull. If you lift the handle, like to go over your knees, the oar would dip in the water, called "catching a crab", with enough force that it can literally throw a man from a boat. (Look up some "crew catching a crab" compilations). Once you are all the way back, you pull the oar out of the water and return it forward (without reinserting it) until the beginning of your next stroke. Pretty much everything in the technique is to maximize the power of your pull while maintaining the oar position.

[jkimwong]

Shane - Thanks once again. I’m 69 years old and I’ve been rowing on my Concept2 since the beginning of COVID, and your videos and guidance are what has kept my technique and commitment to rowing strong. Keep up the awesome coaching!

[mtemporal]

Very nice. You could talk about breathing too. Important topic

[sheldonrobillard]

This is just what I was looking for. Thank You! I’m looking forward to watching your other videos now.

[LichiGreenTea]

Thank you for this video! This video gave me the confidence I needed to try the rowing machine for the first time at my gym last week, and I love it!! I've already incorporated it into my workouts, and I prefer it so much more than the treadmill and elliptical (which I always avoid hehe..)

[juicesandberries]

Thank you for this info! I just started using the rower at planet fitness. I love it, but I needed this beginner training.

[tess]

7:00 i'm the opposite.. Rowing is fun. I set a goal and then reach it and am like 'hmm.. Let's go a little further'
It helps when the machine shows time, distance and calories burned.. I want to end at a round number, but there are 3, so always something to round up haha

[DianadeAvila]

Great explanation of the stroke - fire and ice. Appreciate that!

[pamelawhite]

Okay seriously this is so concise and helpful! There ARE a lot of videos out there that feel so complicated to emulate. This is exactly what I was looking for. So grateful!

[TheCeticZombie]

Thanks for the video. I’ve been watching your channel for about a month now and finally have my own Concept 2 because of you. Great solid machine and it’s super smooth. I’m still trying to get the movements down. I feel like I’m lifting my arms over my knees on the return portion. Will watch this again until I get it right. Thanks again and your video was very helpful. Later.

[electricalhistorymuseum]

I followed your tips here and immediately shaved about a minute off my 500m time, just like that! Thanks for this video!

[wesmundo]

I found this video really helpful and really clear - thank you!

[thefinancialbishop]

Thanks for this--just got my Concept 2, Model D. Helpful!

[tanyasimon]

Hello Shane, I've just had an argument with my sister on where are the physical effects of rowing-workouts: I said one of the main effects is on the legs besides shoulders and back. She said there are absolutely no effects on the legs and exclusively shoulders and back. Who is right?