The WORST Mistakes Short People Make When Rowing

Short people CAN be good at rowing. You're not doomed if you don't have a genetic advantage with height, so come learn the BEST ways to maximize your time on the machine.

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[jeffhendler]

Thanks for this video. I'm 5'3" so the tips were a good reminder to keep focused on technique each and every workout. Would love to see a second video where you have a shorter person on the erg while you give the tips. Would love to have that visual. Thanks for your great videos, they've been a huge help!

[Puertorico]

This is great advice! I am a rookie to rowing. But I have a strong athletic background and I am applying my Kinesiology degree to aide in my improving my time by becoming super efficient! Like you said it’s the capacity threshold that I need to capitalize on. Love your tutorials!!

[jimfrock]

How about a video on the worst mistakes tall people make when rowing?

[riccosx]

Well, at least you didn't start with " hi, I'm Austin and I'm 6'8" " 😂

[paulinechoppen]

I love everyone’s comments on their height I’m thinking you are all tall 😂 I’m 4.11 🙈

[paolobramucci]

As short rower, I appreciate this video very much. Over time In learning how to row, I gradually came to understand many of the things that you talked about, but for people who are short and new to the sport and adolescents who are still growing your tips are very helpful and will help them to progress faster. You are right about become a technician. Over time, in working on my stroke, I have become a technically proficient rower and have been complimented on my technique by other rowers, who have happened to train along side me.

There are a couple of tips that I would like to suggest that you did not mention in your video that I believe might help others too, especially short rowers, which I have helpful.

1. Use the monitor’s Force Curve Display to see in real time how well and where you apply the force during the stroke. I try to do so, so that it looks like an inverted champagne/sorbet coupe, 🍧. Though, with a slightly flatter and wider bottom. Also, on the Ergdata app, one of display window options is Stroke Length, so this together with the Force Curve visual, will help you to determine what is the most effective stroke length for you. In my case, I am 1.57m (5”3’) in height and my optimal stroke length range is 1.12 to 1.15m. Of course, this will very for people of the same height depending on the length of there legs, or, legs to torso ratio.

2. Do low cadence/SPM pieces. These pieces help with both learning the mechanics of the stroke and the development of your muscle memory and feel for a smooth and consistent application of power with from the catch, the drive and the finish phase of the stroke.

These things have been game changers for me in helping me become a better rower.

[garlenzkatandberg]

I'm 5'-0" and the shortness factor never crossed my mind as an issue, but now I'm left 🤔.

[cindycooperstein]

You are my hero! After huge surgery 3 years ago, I had to quit teaching aerobics, dance and got weak and out of shape. Saw rower at gym, found your videos and I’m slowly getting strong and fit again. 5’2, 120 lbs and 59 years old! Still struggling with CONSISTENT pressure, but I’m getting there!!! God bless you; I LOVE your videos!!

[randya]

This was much needed. At 5'6 i am stocky and need to maximize my workouts the best i can. Embracing the suck is easy for me, been doing it 12 years in the Army lol.

[szuwu]

Wow this is what I needed for my wife. Her technique was wrong and she is 5”2 you hit it on the spot. I couldn’t find anything on this till now. Thanks!

[runnr]

Thank you! Short person here attempting to become a stronger rower (5’5”). Your content- always on point!🙏🏻

[mollyclarke]

Shane, thank you for this video; just addressing the question of 'rowing while short' was an encouragement. An additional interesting aspect to consider is proportion of legs to trunk; I'm taller than many when seated but just 5'2 and a bit when I stand. My inseam is 26.5. I'll keep this video on repeat for the sake of perfecting my technique. I've been rowing since October 2020 and love it. Your videos have been very helpful; I appreciate the mix of how and why. Big thanks!

[coachcmr]

No need to sugar coat the facts with PC terms bro. ‘height challenged’?? 😆 Shrimp is perfectly fine. I’ve embraced the truth. Row on 💪😊👍

[chriswalsh]

This video is not about short people, its about how to row better. Basically hone your technique.

[Vexarax]

I just want the rowing machine to be hard 😭 I think the machine is broken or something because it’s like I’ve been sitting in an armchair (instead of rowing) for 35-50 mins no matter what I do.

[allysonbergman]

Thanks for the tips! My rower should be here in a few days and I'm psyched! I used one at my gym intermittently but I'm a total rube so great to get some insights. Any tips for us, uh, well endowed ladies? That's my main issue, I lose a lot of inches if I aim for middle chest. Is it best to go higher and get the additional pull?

[ameleh]

Thank you! I'm a 5'2" woman, 61 yrs old, and just started rowing 2 months ago. The only serious exercise I've ever been able to keep up was skiing, but that was a long time ago. So it's past time to get fit again. Obviously, I'm never going to compete, so I don't even think of any of these things as disadvantages. Using your videos I've been focusing on technique, and have been pleased to see that splits improved from around 300 to 250 and weight is down 10 lbs. I'm kind of amazed at how fast my skills and overall strength are improving, tbh.

[toddedward]

Good video but the editing was a little bit much this time. It got distracting. Thanks for your awesome work on all your videos I really enjoy them! Have a nice winter vacation.

[innersmile]

My arms are forced to bend as the handle reaches the machine before I’m in proper catch position finding it hard to figure out, my machine is old and handle fully reaches machine without a chain

[lanakoplien]

This was very helpful! See my errors 🤦🏻‍♀️