Top 3 Stretches in Rowing

Advertisements

I get asked a lot of questions on Quora – here is one example

What are the 3 Most Important stretches in rowing?

I think asking for the most important stretches in rowing is not the right question to ask.  Because everyone has a different body and differing flexibility. I would reverse the question and ask whether you can achieve the body positions required for rowing or sculling.  And if the answer is ‘no’ then select stretches suitable to advancing your personal ability in that area.

The most challenging body positions you have to achieve in rowing are:

  • Full compression at the catch (shins vertical, straight back, arms extended)
  • Gute activation mid-drive (linking back and legs)
  • Body rock forward on the recovery (shoulders forward of hips, arms extended)

If you cannot achieve these positions, some stretching could be beneficial.

I am not a physical therapist, but here’s a poster by Sophie MacKenzie detailing her top rowing stretches.

You should select the stretches based on where your physical limitations are.

In my experience as a coach and as an athlete most people lack pelvic rotation, hamstring flexibility and back rotation for sweep rowing. You can tell by looking at the athletes in your club gym. So, if you are inflexible, a great way to start is to visit an osteopath, a physiotherapist or a sports massage therapist and ask them to loosen up your body with massage and then guide you on stretches that could help you improve your long term situation.

Do make sure the therapist understands rowing and the static positions you are trying to achieve (here’s a link to the rowing stroke cycle ebook).

Stretches in rowing, resources on Rowperfect

Be your own Support Team by Ben Rodford
Be your own Support Team by Ben Rodford

This post was written by Rebecca and modified by Bryan

Advertisements

Subscribe to our Newsletter for more information:

Our Rowing Network

Did you like this post? Support this blog and our network by donating

Feel like Rowing again? Visit the Shop at coastal-boats.eu!

Shop
Accessories, equipment, boats, clothing

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Posts

Whether it’s sports, nutrition or equipment, you’ll find what you’re looking for in one of these categories

Categories

Everything about rowing – browse through our large archive or search for articles of your choice

Archive

Search Blog

Search

Rowing Network

Do you like our posts? Support this blog and our network by donating

Newsletter

Get all latest content and news!