The top 4 most common mistakes that you’re making on the rowing machine - and how to fix them

Rowing is one of the best low-impact sports - burning around 300 calories for every 30 minutes you're on the rowing machine.

As well as being a great workout on the water, some of the best rowing machines, including magnetic, water or air-based machines, can give you a great all over body workout. 

But, if you're a newbie to rowing, or keep picking up injuries, what are the tricks to getting a good workout and making sure you keep your form every time? 

Hydrow and professional rowing athlete Sera Moon Busse says it can be down to perfecting our stride or even the way we hold the handle of the rowing machine. Sera shares her tips on how to get the most out of your rowing workout.

Improper sequencing – don’t overcomplicate it

Remember, arms away from the body, then swing the shoulders and core forward, then let the knees come up as you slide toward the screen. The reason that sequence is so important is so that you end up in the strongest position possible once you reach the catch. 

Every stroke you take is essentially like picking up something heavy off the floor. Improper sequencing leads to improper setup, which means you won’t be able to lift as much, or as comfortably.

Use your legs, not just your arms

One of the most common misconceptions about rowing is that it’s an arm sport. Rowing is a full body workout - activating 86 per cent of your body’s muscles - and your arms are definitely involved, but they are not your engine muscles. The biggest muscles you have are the ones you want to do the most work with.

The strongest rowing stroke starts with legs and glutes. If you start your stroke off right, you’ll feel your legs, glutes, core, and back muscles engage, and your arms will naturally flow into the body with your momentum. 

Setting your feet too high

I often see the adjustment set too high, which will prevent you from getting into the strongest catch position. Ideally, you want the strap on the footbed to go across the ball of your foot; don’t forget to tighten the straps so they feel snug before you begin rowing.

If you set your feet too high, you may feel like you’re running into your knees, or find it difficult to get all the way up to the screen. If that’s you, try lowering them. It’s alright if the strap isn’t exactly over the ball of your foot. 

Find the perfect handle height

Do your shoulders feel exhausted after rowing? If so, you are likely pulling the handle too high. Not feeling it in your core? You might be pulling the handle too low. Both of these are common mistakes for new rowers: I see people pull the handle into their upper chest, or to their belly, but the sweet spot is right in the middle. 

Next time you row, make an effort to pull the handle into your sternum, the soft spot below your chest right between your ribs. Pulling the handle to your sternum will keep you tall and supported in your core, without tiring your shoulders out.