Rowing question?

Question

ok so ive been rowing for about half a year now and i really like it. But im not very flexable so when i go bodies over i cant reach as far as i would like to. Im 6'3" so that kinda makes up for it. Is there any way to quickly increase how far i can reach?

Answer 1

Warm up a little then stretch a couple of times a day.  

Here's a page from a high-school crew:  www.xavierhighschool.org/sc_documents/10... and here's a link to more than you ever wanted to know about stretching:  http://www.row2k.com/physio/overvie1.htm...  Good stuff!

One tip:  Do your stretches on land and don't try for a little extra reach at the catch.  Another thought--I sometimes work with older rowers, and some of them can't reach too far at bodies over because their guts get in the way.  I hope that's not your problem!

Answer 2

hey im a rower

and i had the same problem when i started up. stretch before and after your warm up or when your about to row and also after you row. try to attend a yoga class or two. i went tyo a rowing camp this summer and they had us do power yoga for athletes and it was amazing! i had so much extra reach when sculling and sweeping. also try doing some streches before you go to bed and when you wake up. on the USrowing website there are plenty of stretches you can do too...

i hope this helped!

Answer 3

Stretching before warmup is now not advised. Fewer stretching injuries occur if the person is warmed up first.  

Stretch more, gently, off the water, when you have opportunities.  Its a question of time, and can't be speeded up much.  You want tingling, never pain.  Don't let other people stretch you; that's a recipe for injury.