MRIs no rowing parent should ever have to see.

Hello Parents,

The right rowing technique is important for great Concept2-2K-scores and success at regattas.  However, there is a disconnect between the ergonomically sound technique and an "anything-goes-rowing-technique-as-long-as-the-rower-pulls-as-hard-as-possible-at-every-practice."

Pressure on spinal cord from a slipped disc.

These two MRIs are taken from the side above the hip joint and depict spinal discs that have slipped out from between two vertebrae. This is a serious injury, which is very painful to rowers and puts a stop to any type of rowing workout.  In addition, sleep patterns are disrupted, and sitting on a chair for longer periods of time becomes torture.  Rehabilitating such a back injury can take a long time.

Lower back problems emerge from tight muscles: hamstrings, gluts, abductors, aductors, IT band, and calf muscles.  I always check rowers' ability to hinge at the hip joint, how they sit up at the finish, how their legs compress at the catch while observing the position of the feet, and the posture of their backs.  The proper rowing technique is easily understood by rowers, coaches, and parents, however, the challenge lays with the fact that juniors are growing individuals, who inherently are victims of the "bone and muscle tug of war."  As parents we often hear that kids grow like weed..., and about "those growing pains."  These observations underline the importance of constantly checking technique and adjusting exercises which are needed to maintain flexibility.

Slipped disc pushes on spinal cord.

There is no doubt, that back injuries can be avoided.  Parents, rowers, and coaches need to understand that bad injuries in rowing from questionable technique can be prevented.  Over the years of Olympic training and coaching, I have never had a back injury.  This is not due to "luck".  The right technical exercises, X-training, and strength training, engage the hip joint in the rowing movement the correct way, leaving the small of the back supported throughout the stroke.

Maximum pressure on lower back which can lead to major back problems.

As private coach, I receive rowing footage from around the world.  I help rowers improve their erg score and on water rowing ability by analyzing their technique and recommending exercises to improve their power application which is directly related to their flexibility.

You can find my services at www.xenorowingcoach.com, you can reach me by emailing me at xenogorow@gmail.com

Zero heel connection at the finish, puts a lot of strain on the shoulders, and leaves the lower back vulnerable to injury. Such technique leaves glut and hamstring muscles underdeveloped.

A lack in technical check ups leads to unwanted movements throughout the rowing stroke.

Join one of the fastest growing communities of indoor rowers at www.row2go.com and become the fastest rower at www.xenorowingcoach.com
Xeno Muller won an Olympic Gold in Atlanta and an Olympic Silver in Sydney, and is the current Olympic Record holder in the 2000m Single Scull. He is also the President of XenoRowingCoach and Row2Go which is quickly becoming THE online community for both indoor and on-the-water rowers providing its members with weekly online workout routines and individualized coaching programs.

Xeno Muller, Olympic gold and silver medalist, indoor rowing, rowing technique.