The WORST Mistakes Short People Make When Rowing

[@jeffhendler978]

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!

[@PC4333]

Same:)

[@kanner3831]

Yes!! Please!

[@nicoletteR]

Yes please! I’m 5’1 and would love this demo. 💕

[@Mischa808]

I the club at 5'3. He is very good at this explanation. There is a short female on KZbin that ergs and is good as well. I don't know her name offhand.

[@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!!

[@paolobramucci3609]

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.

[@adambarker3130]

Can confirm this guy has excellent technique. A while ago, I found him way above me on the Concept 2 ranking lists, despite me being the same age and a whole inch taller.

[@randya2308]

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.

[@riccosx8143]

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

[@sqd8r]

yeah that was old by the 2nd video.

[@szuwu4254]

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!

[@runnr1971]

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

[@ameleh61]

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.

[@mollyclarke9458]

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!

[@claytonbigsby2192]

Excellent, detailed demo of, “The Stroke!” Thanks and keep up the great work. I look forward to utilizing this on my stroke.

[@lynnwalker]

Thank you for this video! I'm short and have been trying to figure out how I can get the most out of myself rowing, this helps a ton!!

[@cheart99]

i bought a rower and then found your channel. sir you have a new long term viewer now. thank you for posting these videos.

[@garlenzkatandberg3324]

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

[@annoying_something]

I know, this comment is 3 years old but what are your stats?

[@PC4333]

Thank you! My brain works in specifics. This is the first video I found that was more step by step about the pull and recovery. Easier to see on tall people. Not so on short people. I'll watch a few times more because you aren't as short as I am but the video is the most helpful so far. I'm 5 feet tall :) and just started rowing.

[@randa3903]

Thanks for the video. Have watched you heaps of times and learnt lots. At 85 love my gym, and rowing more since I found you. Being a short, 5ft1 inch hasn’t stopped me, but thought I had seen a video where it said short people should set the damper at a number but now can’t find or remember who, or what KZbin it was. So thought I’d just relax with you again and see if it was one of your wonderful KZbin’s. Hope you can help me please as I want to continue to row correctly.. thanks..

[@jcsgrl69]

Just wanna say how much I appreciate your videos. I got my first exposure to rowing through CrossFit but recently got my own rower and wanted to learn how to row properly. I’m only 5 feet tall so probably won’t be breaking any records lol but I have come to love rowing so much! And your videos have helped me immensely! Thank you!

[@sqd8r]

Thanks for this, I've had knee issues in the past using a rower but honestly I never invested in learning proper technique. Having purchased a rower these tips have been invaluable and no knee pain or other issues.

[@PhoneboxChaser]

I'm 4'11 and this was so helpful! Thank you, thank you. Also, 'Embrace the Suck' is the motto I live by now.

[@sammsam6018]

4’11” ! Thank you for this

[@mv1362]

I was JUST thinking about this yesterday :)

[@allysonbergman1303]

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?

[@soniagonzalez4940]

I would like to know this too.

[@allysonbergman1303]

@@soniagonzalez4940 Glad to know I'm not the only one...

[@toddedward2710]

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.

[@monicaarnon6237]

I completely agree. I stopped with a few minutes left to come and say the same thing. The instruction is wonderful and compelling on its own! You guys don’t need inane clips and gifs to accentuate every other adjective. It’s gold all by itself. ♥️

[@rolandparenteau685]

Short or not (I'm 5'9"), everybody should watch this. It's the best technique video in your whole series! Thank you very much!

[@JohnSmith-kb3ll]

That's my height also. It seems like I don't get a lot of drive out of my legs because they seem to be done with there part of the stroke pretty quick. I've only been rowing for a few months but I am working on my form/technique to get as good of a stroke my body dimensions can get.

[@MaryLouiseFox]

Second day on the machine. This will help!

[@lanakoplien5084]

This was very helpful! See my errors 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@zoucooo]

Thank you for this great video, that helps me a lot focusing on where i should put maximum power.

[@Puertorico1437]

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!!

[@iamthedelo]

Do you have a short person video for the Skiier?

[@chriswalsh7346]

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

[@JLTPhotog]

...and about the incredible number of ads that you can pack into a "short" video.

[@Alan1234x]

I’ve got the same book: Rowing Blazers!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

I love it.

[@johndinovo4168]

I am new to this and have just started with a Concept 2 The issue I have, which I don't hear talked about, is the lack of resistance on the chain at the beginning of the drive. I can push with my legs, but there is no resistance. I'm not sure how to address it, but I am sure there are a lot of wrong ways to remedy this, e.g. pausing for a beat or two at the end of the catch. Any suggestions would be welcome.

[@johnhill861]

You’re not fast enough at the catch yet. You can adjust the damper setting up in small increments until you feel the the chain engage the flywheel at the start of your drive but the more experienced you get and the better your stroke becomes the sooner you’ll feel the resistance even at lower damper settings.

[@innersmile35]

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

[@paulinechoppen2476]

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

[@troy3091]

Me too! 😊

[@toniboloney3063]

This is the video I needed… 5’1 vertically challenged here 😂

[@raqueldumenigo8219]

Thanks for the video. Being 5’3 this helps a lot...

[@nationpaula4439]

4’11” and prego! This is great

[@michellenaude1581]

Rely

[@TheHpsauce37]

What would be good is if you could show this in the force curve. Most people can then get an idea of how they are applying force in the stroke.

[@elizmcd6020]

Helpful but I had to back up a few times to get technique at end. Was hoping you’d do a few more strokes to reiterate & give memory tips like “when legs almost straight, pull strong to 11”. Also any tips re: footwear? Is it ok to row in socks? My running shoe store advised against rowing those shoes.

[@honorthismoment]

SUPER helpful. Thank you. 🙏

[@MrOlfie69]

Thanks Shane, great video.

[@jgg0207]

Awesome tips for us shorter folks!!

[@ONODJI]

Finally! Thank you! Im 5'4

[@peterschweizer214]

... no worries, to my rowing friends all ppl under 6 feet are considered 'dwarfs' (sounds better in German: dwarfs -> 'Pfefferzwerge' ... PS: I'm 5'10" means they call me 'Pfefferzwerg' too. 🤣No worries bc in running & biking they only see my back 😉

[@xxmanusedtogame_9916]

I’m only 5’ 7. Thanks for the tips !

[@tripreed]

Do you have any videos on exercises to focus on extending all the way with the legs before opening the trunk? And then opening the trunk before pulling with the arms? Should I just practice these moves in isolation (i.e.- not full stroke)? Thanks.

[@randya2308]

He does. Most of his beginners workouts are exactly what you are describing. They really help to if you have a way to display it right in front of the rower. Start with the very basic videos. I watched and worked out with them for about a week before getting into actual workouts.

[@tripreed]

@@randya2308 Great, thank you! I feel like my technique isn't bad, but as this video notes, I'm probably not getting it as I should be to make up for my height.

[@randya2308]

@@tripreed i understand completely. I am 5'6 and I really stuggle with good form because i also have somewhat of a belly that i am trying to lose. Lol

[@underArm0ur]

Pick drills

[@federicofiallos]

I am 5.8 and this video was definitely very, very helpful!

[@mrstanbmw]

thanx

[@RobertElliotPahel-Short]

This is the video I needed but not the video I wanted 😅!

[@michellenaude1581]

Come on rely

[@Keeper_Lock]

Lol

[@alexandrupastiu5775]

Thanks for this, im small and i struggle to stay under 29 spm (strength training as i read) seems at my height im ok in 30-32 spm Great insight on the movement!

[@michellenaude1581]

Nice

[@birazan]

Need a guide for rowing with a belly. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@chriswalsh7346]

Step 1 - eat less and lose the belly.

[@davemathew]

Row more...lose belly.

[@randya2308]

@@chriswalsh7346 while yes this would and is probably the ultimate goal, having a belly can and does hinder from working on form as much as someone without a belly.

[@andrewkitchenuk]

He has a video about just that. 🙃

[@randya2308]

@@andrewkitchenuk yes that was after he made this video though.

[@irenecheng1761]

I laughed at loud at 10:07 "LEEAN"

[@Donnaconrad1]

5'4 I needed to see this

[@honey_badger1968]

Thank you from a 5'-1"!

[@Sharon-pb7so]

I'm 5-1 also. 😊

[@michaelcarroll9563]

Ok as a short rower my biggest mistake is getting on the Dam rower

[@jimfrock7008]

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

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Love it

[@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.

[@snowmannyc1]

Echoing other comments - It would be nice having someone who is on the lesser side of average height.

[@honorthismoment]

Also funny. I like the editing. 🤣🥳

[@74Tommygunn]

New to this, and at 5.5, my SPM is between 32-34...that’s for 5k workouts, damper 5. Is there any guide for where your SPM should be with regard to height and damper setting? Also, how do I find the right damper setting? Is comparing 500m results at different settings a good start?

[@JohnSmith-kb3ll]

Good questions, I've been wondering about these things also.

[@aprilsmith2280]

Gosh, Shane, how did you know???

[@ayenfontanilla3947]

I'm 5'3 whoooh!

[@cat-pd1di]

I'm 4' 18" is that too short ? Embrace the suck factor!

[@Alan1234x]

Yes

[@pokrec]

There is no way, that 170 cm man will overrow the 195 cm one if they are both healthy and trained. Sorry. Short people have no chances in contests for getting top places. But they still can always improve. Not everyone must row sub-6 2k. Not everyone must row even a sub-7 2k. But if you row with your heart and passion, systematically and decently, you can always overrow yourself. And this is what amateur sport is about. It is about constant improving. About getting better and better. Not necessarily from others, but primarily from self. The ultimate goal is not olimpic medal, the ultimate goal is always health and self-development. And rowing is a beautiful sport for it. The same is for gold medalists - the medal was only the incentive for work on themselves, to overcome the obstacles and to improve in every aspect, not only in physical one. One of us can do it. Only a few of us will win the olimpic medal, but everybody gets all the rest.

[@jamiefuhrman403]

This is flat out wrong. So much of rowing is effort based and there is absolutely no reason a short rower can't be faster than a tall rower. While tall people do have an advantage, and all else equal, will likely be faster, it comes down to form and effort, which is part of what makes rowing such a great sport.

[@adambarker3130]

@@jamiefuhrman403 Cannot agree. Rowing speed is basically related to muscle mass, all other things being equal. This is one excellent reason why lighter people are going to have problems going faster than more muscular ones. That's why rowing has light weight and heavy weight classes. Look on the Concept 2 ranking lists and see what a difference being heavier makes.

[@michellenaude1581]

Thankyou my name is robyn and i am only 13 years and i am a biginer

[@potatoear3380]

Is this good for the water rower also?

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Absolutely!

[@carelvoltaire1654]

Vertically challenged...

[@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 💪😊👍

[@DarkHorseRowing]

My bad 😂 I'll try to be more real with it next time

[@shannondehnke3952]

DANNY DEVITO!!!!!!

[@Lockhart2000]

My GF says all length is good.

[@kaynewman1825]

No offense, but those short video clips were annoying. They detracted from the lesson.