US Olympians Teach Us To Row

To see how the pros do it, we met up with the U.S. Olympic Rowing Team to watch them train out on Lake Carnegie.
Read more: adequateman.deadspin.com/watch...
Producer/Director: Julian Muller
Camera: Michael Roselli
Sports News without Access, Favor, or Discretion.
deadspin.com

[@countcockulasbride]

thanks for the tips prince harry

[@VinyZikss]

lmao

[@TeresaMx606]

XD

[@citizen1981]

You beat me to it!

[@Selahsmum]

Was thinking THE SAME THING lol 😂😂😂😂

[@sari1484]

Lol

[@wesleychapman9001]

"They showed us how rowing is a low impact, full-body exercise that basically anybody can *enjoy* ." Cuts to next scene of pros keeled over exhausted and nearly dead.

[@Abena_Goddess87]

Lol

[@SrChalice]

It's a Trap... All lies I tell ya, 😂😂😂

[@TrankDuo7]

It is low impact, just high intensity so it's tiring. Of course it requires good form or else you risk getting an injury, but every type of cardio is like that. I know you were joking, just wanted to point it out though.

[@donnellblakey8273]

low impact means not a lot of force on the joints.

[@melaniemoore5092]

That cracked me up too. The first time I rowed for ten minutes I ALSO felt about like that. It's surprising actually when you get up and it's like WTF is wrong with my legs? I'm hooked though!

[@heywhatzgoingon]

1. Legs Body Arm 2. Arm Body Legs 3. Repeat

[@walkernick86]

Easier said than done lol :-)

[@SteelerY360Nation]

heywhatzgoingon - Thanks 🙏

[@Zenovarse]

Legs legs legs x 20

[@tgeo2880]

*deadpan delivery* 'that basically anyone can enjoy' *images of people enduring hell*

[@DirtBlockGames]

@Christina Reynolds it means when a phrase is delivered/said in a very monotone way, which makes it sound very sarcastic in the right context.

[@TheUrbanEpicure]

Should've said "... that basically anyone can absolutely die during."

[@etancia]

Lol lol lol, right?

[@timdowney6721]

Fellow Irishman and pro cyclist Paul Kimmage relates a story about being in a sauna with Sean Kelly. As they were leaving the long session, Kelly asked Kimmage if he felt as depleted and rubbery after a race. Kimmage said yes, a few times. Kelly said he felt that way every time.

[@toby-rg4ti]

Deadspin? More like deadpan

[@freedeworld]

“None of the muscles feel ok after”- yup, that sums up my rowing experience pretty well.

[@richardgomez1151]

My question is do they chance sides ? Wat about muscle inbalances?

[@freedeworld]

@@richardgomez1151 not usually. That said, that imbalance is only happening on the sweep that boat. We use both sides when we are doing scull, on the erg machine ( except for some new ones that simulate the sweep option) and in the gym.

[@richardgomez1151]

@@freedeworld Ow ok cool :)

[@fennec7906]

Doesn't look like it would be a good leg workout though?

[@michellekalski8823]

@@fennec7906I thought the same. Just did a 30 minute session the other day for the first time. The fan was set to 10 I didn’t feel like I was working. Everything felt super easy, but then when I stood up, my glutes and hams were on fire. Then later noticed that my back also got a good burn. It’s sneaky. It’s like doing high reps on low weight for an extended amount of time.

[@Davyfb75]

I am afraid at 92 I am confined to a Concept 2 these days Those shots on the water bring back happy memories. What a good video. Wish Concepts had been around in the '50s.

[@garrttitz8539]

that man is long

[@man0utoftime]

He's fairly tall, as well.

[@man0utoftime]

@Central Intelligence Agency *only* 6'6" (i.e. taller than 99.9% of British men.)

[@dantheman4861]

that's why she said 😉

[@aoutsky]

Legs for daaaays!

[@joesmith2431]

everywhere, I hope

[@BeeCaveLoneStar]

this is one of the best sports EVER! I've been rowing for the last ten years - great team sport, great individual sport, great indoor, awesome outdoor, great collection of folk, very non-judgemental as long as you try hard.

[@JacobK86]

I like the last part.

[@donniefore2531]

Its great but it ranks very low at being the best sport ever lol. Very bottom haha

[@d3xbot]

Just hopped on the waiting list for a Concept2 Model D a few weeks ago. I'm glad for videos like this with little nuggets of wisdom like "5 is a good approximation of water, we usually do a 3 to a 5" Things like that help ground my expectations and help to set better goals :)

[@nicalicanri]

Always funny to go the gym and see every erg at max resistance just know that a bunch of old dudes were just ripping those ergs apart

[@tme98]

@@nicalicanri I sat down on an erg for the first time in the gym today ... after 30 minutes I saw it was on 10. Is that bad?

[@nicalicanri]

@@tme98 Not bad, just means it was probably a really hard 30 minutes. If you can go the same speed for those 30 minutes, keep that thing at a 10 why not. BUT if you felt like absolutely dying at the 20 - 25 minute mark, bring down the resistance. Rowing as a sport is all about consistency.

[@888bam]

@@tme98 set the display to watts and see how much work you’re doing. You’re doing alright if you can do 500m in

[@rustybaxter9606]

Yes. That was a great pearl of wisdom.

[@devonmartinski6596]

Well I’ve been doing some things wrong... thankfully it was at a planet fitness so at least I know no one passed judgement.

[@lisaflagg679]

LOL

[@wadduphotthing]

Planet fitness is goals !!

[@o0GrayMatters0o]

ROTFLMFAO

[@Hervinbalfour]

😂😂😂😂

[@eliset7512]

I'm very pleased with this row machine. My 15 year old had it put together in less than an hour. Machine works great!

[@luciengrondin5802]

4:40 "rowing is a low impact, full body exercise that everybody basically can enjoy" I'm not sure "enjoy" is the correct term here. A rowing work out is quite a torture. It is a great work out, but oh boy it's punishing.

[@niave4280]

Lucien Grondin nice and comfy.

[@soniapinho6931]

From the moment I managed to "treat" a cronic pain associated with biceps tendon tendonite with rowing, this became my favourite cardio workout at the gym. I went from 5 minutes workout to a 30-40 minutes workout and I feel great (and my abs too!!).

[@mernisch8307]

Lucien Grondin I can quite enjoy cutting through glass in the single

[@exnihilonihilfit6316]

Same as serious cycling and running.

[@ZeMakerpen]

Same goes to swimming

[@zacharymichaud6980]

Great video! LOVE the cut to the looks of pain after you say “an exercise everyone can enjoy!” Rowing IS enjoyable and that’s what EVERYONE looks like after a race! Haha

[@benjaminrose2138]

mostly enjoyable on a good ol' steady state day, but the second I hear there are pieces, dread fills my soul

[@AsianImage]

No one listens to me at my gym when I say STOP PUTTING THE FAN TO 10!!!! ugh...this was a great video. Happy I found it. Thank you!

[@iforc]

AsianImage I just had this experience tonight at the gym. I lowered the resistance and the two other guys looked at me like I was crazy.

[@MJ-uz9mh]

iforc - give them the same look 😉

[@idanil016]

I do rowing after the main workout. And it takes me 5 minutes with the pace pretty close to 2 min/500 m. It doesn't seem wrong to me.

[@Lotrfan99]

this blew my mind! I've been doing quite well on 10 but fuck i didnt know that Olympians row on 3-4...

[@AsianImage]

yeah depending on what you are doing...so if you are doing CrossFit or doing like fast intervals, like a max out 500m or something then you can pull like a mad man...I think these pro level rowers are never rowing for that short and max effort, so the longer you have to go the more you need technique. At least that is what I am thinking.

[@MerBlack]

Grateful for our concept2... been a huge blessing! Lost 30+lbs via endurance and sprint work... I swam through high school and was a runner but rowing is my favorite of all. Challenging workout with rewards the heart needs

[@DJ_TRON]

If you lost 30+lbs it wasn't because of a row machine only. Most of that was probably because you changed your nutrition.

[@caseyclausen2627]

@@DJ_TRON It may well be from only rowing. I've averaged 27 minutes rowing and 500 calories burned per day since February. 500 calories per day reduction equates to a 1 lb loss per week, assuming one is eating at maintenance calories. The rowing, in addition to daily biking, I'm down quite a bit in weight as well. It's calories in and calories out.

[@DJ_TRON]

@@caseyclausen2627 So like I said. It's your nutrition, not the row machine. You could rowing for 6 hours a day but if your nutrition is bad, it means nothing. You can't out train a bad diet. Calories in, calories out as you stated. You are doing a better job of managing your calorie intake.

[@blanco7179]

@@DJ_TRON wait 500 calories by 27 minutes rowing? are you sure about that? 🥵

[@bernardettea9046]

The six months I rowed I was in the best shape of my life. But Jesus Christ, it's the hardest workout I've ever done.

[@TigOlBitties0000]

Oh no! Da debbil gon’ git ya

[@jnrmack6269]

@Christina Reynolds AMEN TO THAT

[@Death_Incarnate]

Chokwe whether you believe in Jesus Christ’s miracles or not, he was an actual person that is in history books.

[@TruFlyFox]

Ha ha ha ha ha. Someone trying to force their belief on someone else. Fuck your God and his strange clone/rape baby.

[@13rdp]

6 months rowing? you must be far away then!

[@trentmeidinger6160]

Great video - thank you for posting it. I appreciate that in addition to proper form, you addressed fan setting and a suggested time for beginners (like me). Very helpful overall.

[@anoopsamohan]

The rowers look a different kind of strong 💪🏻

[@blanco7179]

yes they don’t look weak 🤯

[@TheMarajade0303]

Hey, thanks for tips. I fight with multiple sclerosis and rowing is good way.

[@neonstream6935]

LOVE the row machine. First time I used it, wasn’t aware of the settings 1-10, I found out later that I was gunning it at 10 for weeks, doing 10 minutes each time. Now that I know better to stay around 5-6, it’s literally like I’m doing nothing 😂 wish I owned one of these, and that the tension went higher hahaha.

[@NathanielDowell]

The thing about the Concept2 is that your drive determines the resistance, just like in water. Think of moving your hand through water in a pool. Move your hand slowly, and it moves easily. Drive your hand as hard and fast as possible, and you'll feel a ton of resistance. On the rower, remember that the drive and the recovery shouldn't be the same speed. Your drive should be fast and explosive, giving you the higher resistance you're looking for, and your recovery should be slow and easy.

[@haricv5723]

Thanks for getting the Olympians to give some tips 👍

[@stopcheatingconsumers9779]

Yeah, I can tell that dude was psyched to do this piece assigned to him by Deadspin 😂

[@rkoehler28]

I just bought a rowing machine and this was an amazing video! What a great interview along with an “how to”. I really appreciated this

[@askthecco7133]

It's all fun and games until you enter the pain cave at 1,500 meters, then you're in hell trying to overcome your mind. Enjoy.

[@IStMl]

I see you know the 2k well

[@V4D2]

hihihihi.... True story! .. It's all downhill from there. Smiling and solid breathing turn into smudges.. :P But it still is.. brilliant.

[@khadijajordan1197]

Dang I entered a 10k challenge at the gym lol I guess ima die there

[@xanthippus3190]

I'm aroused

[@j.bernard752]

Best video about rowing I found. Thanks mate!

[@bjb0808]

Very nice little video. I really enjoyed hearing from rowing athletes. I so wish I could get out on the water somewhere.

[@jebediahwolf1205]

This is extremely helpful. Thanks very much.

[@Peace_Love_Fitness]

Excellent video . Thank you!

[@roberthertzberg4421]

Thanks for the tips. I've had a concept 2 for years. I want to make sure I'm doing it right.

[@jcoats1203]

Answers to several important questions I had. Thanks!

[@normanoro206]

I trained briefly in college a long time ago as a member of the men's crew at UCLA; and this is a really good overview of how to use an ergometer. As far as damper settings go, what really matters is something called drag factor. I usually set the drag factor to somewhere around 130-140, which provides a decent balance between a cardiovascular and strength workout. By the way, I love the clips they cut to at the end after he says rowing is a great exercise anyone can enjoy.

[@stevehash158]

But i train at 10 restiance for 5000m run is that bad?? Also how to train for 5000m? i mean everytime i row i always row full speed trying to beat my time heheh but that cant be good and how you`re supposed to train for 5KM row?? I am well trained but it has beren long since i done conditon at this lvl at least cause its hard on on the lungs!!

[@amberhawke]

@@stevehash158 RowingWOD has an excellent tutorial on how to get ready for a 2k, it runs about a half hour, but it's worth it, the last portion of the vid he actually does a 2k and explains the technique for each step of a 2k race. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGbCZaimps2Mm7M He also has a tutorial video for a 5k, that is shorter, but there he references the 2k video and teaches what changes need to be made to do a 5k.

[@caseyclausen2627]

@@stevehash158 Hey Steve, If you see this, I'm curious how many strokes per minute you were doing when you were at 10 for damper setting? I have mine set to 5 and am at about 30-32 strokes per minute. I'd think with the setting at 10, you'd cover more distance per stroke.

[@zekewatson2633]

I've been rowing for 4 years now and I'm on my high school's crew team. I highly recommend trying out rowing. You won't regret it.

[@obviouslyafakeaccount1504]

Guys do not listen to him he is lying this sport is pure torture do NOT row

[@romascopa8461]

Glad they took the time to give you this info. Good stuff!

[@trishakatecambal8602]

I always watch this on my saved videos before using the rowing machine to the gym to remind me how to do it right., Extremely helpful.

[@WEPS101]

Thanks for the video, I’ve always wanted to know how to row properly. I’ll try this at gym tomorrow.

[@stavrosk.2868]

This video is gold. Thank you.

[@GamerzZone0212]

Rowing machines are awesome. I tried it at my gym and fell in love now I want to go on the water 😂

[@helenm4853]

This is such a great video! Other bad vids clutter the internet, too much “influencer” nonsense out there with cartoon-like instructions and wrong form. I’m really happy I found this… respectable Olympians giving rowing advice is all a simpleton like me could ask for. Just got my rower and very excited to learn proper form, build endurance and get strong. Thank you so much for this video!

[@monroe2245]

Thanks for the vid, well done!

[@Lawtasaj]

This is definitely the best intro video on rowing on KZbin

[@babooshka6211]

This was really awesome, thanks for this!

[@ssubramanian605]

Great tips, thank you !!

[@Veslanjejezivot]

Great video. Thank you

[@OarBoard-SUPRower]

Great tips from great athletes. Thanks!

[@fikriwahyudi3680]

Just the video and info i need. Thank you.

[@hanedoggy]

I own a Concept 2 and this video is great promo for the product :). Glad I chose what I did.

[@GrumpyFinch]

Please keep making videos like this!

[@kumaschwerer9020]

Just tried my new concept ergrow with you and loved it! Thank you for going into detail on technique. Subbed!

[@Moviefan9719]

Just getting into rowing and this is a great helpful vid. 👏

[@henrytuttle]

I can't imagine that these Olympic athletes are dry heaving at the end. How hard are they going???

[@margaretdowling4200]

It’s pain in every muscle

[@starmc26]

During a race, it's anerobic activity, which creates lots of lactic acid.... It makes your muscles very very painful, and it is one of (if not THE most) intense workout you could ever do, period.

[@MTG776]

Yeah, I used to Row state level, one level before National & we often dry heaved and on occasion blew chunks...

[@maximkokorev1706]

I'm currently a member of a rowing association at my university. We sometimes joke around that if you're not puking/passing out after an ergo session, then you haven't worked hard enough... There is even this competition once per year where participants try to set the best 2k max time. There are 3 rooms full of rowingmachines. One for warming up, one for the actual race, and the last one for cooling down. In between the 2nd and 3rd room there is a small intermidiate room with bathrooms and trashcans for puking :/

[@timdowney6721]

Flat out, absolutely flat out.

[@aliciabrillante]

This is so helpful and they have perfect form!

[@christauchman4708]

Their technique is horrendous. They high pull every sweep. That's awful technique.

[@ronduncan7731]

Great video. Very informative

[@djdadbod]

I started rowing at the gym and I’m really enjoying the work out snd the full body engagement

[@aileens488]

the dread you feel when 2k day is coming

[@pope400]

shiiiit. The dread you feel with 15K day coming lol.

[@camdogfall6264]

2k... upgrade, 6k... upgrade, hour of power... OH FUCK GO BACK

[@IStMl]

@Jack Daly 2K is worse. If not, you're doing it wrong

[@leasrealitys]

@@camdogfall6264 im in highschool and i know that exact feeling when were on the ergs on a rainy day 😬😬

[@leasrealitys]

@@jonnytownsend10 😭😭😭

[@antoniophx99]

Awesome! Just the video I was looking for! thank!!

[@alfs3]

excellent tips and exactly what I've been wanting to verify - ty!

[@jimshaw6254]

Well done. Thank you.

[@NatHarwood]

Well shit. That's a year and a half worth of rowing I've been doing like a complete fucktrumpet - starting with the 10 setting. Yeesh

[@n1qualifiedman]

look up drag factor as it relates to indoor rowing, and you'll learn quite a bit. 120ish for men and 110ish for women seems to be rule of thumb, but there's definitely room for personal preference

[@Vpmatt]

"Fucktrumpet". Good word.

[@CptLainey]

This is a really well done video thanks!

[@Seahorse.302]

Great info, thanks!

[@waltblackadar4690]

Good video. For anyone looking to row, get the same machine seen in the video - the Concept 2. There really is no substitute and I can't stress this enough. It will run you a grand and there are cheaper machines but nothing with the smooth action, durability and computer monitor as the C2. I own one and it's indestructible. I've rowed on others and they just don't compare.

[@waltblackadar4690]

Nice! I don't know if my comment helped but if it did I'm glad. Enjoy your C2 (I was on mine this morning).

[@cemalgan]

Love my concept 2, it’s the only way to go in my opinion, however I do like the vintage looking machines that has the fan in water sitting parallel to the ground made out of wood(walnut if I’m not mistaken) , they look so awesome, never used one so I’m not sure if it would be as durable and efficient as concept 2, but as a part of my home gym, I wouldn’t mind mixing up the high tech equipment with vintage

[@manuelrocha9762]

Walt Blackadar Wow! I was wondering about the best performing machine to buy. Thank you for the insight.

[@benjaminrose2138]

tried out an RP3 dynamic erg a few months ago, and oh boy is that thing smooth. too bad its triple the price of a c2.

[@bliztix2]

Walt Blackadar one of my good friends was almost killed by one of these Serbian death machines youu speak so highly of. Who is paying you? My Paps always said follow the money

[@adelgadoccb]

thank, very good explaining

[@bradleycheng2158]

great tips, thanks!

[@pouyanebrahimbabaie5811]

Excellent video

[@Succubusisis]

Give the presenter an espresso before the interview

[@joejoe570]

You had one, why don't you take a presentation ?

[@kungfuman82]

I think they slipped a couple of Ambien into his coffee.

[@ryanm.mclaren9543]

not everything needs to be so youtube hyped up. I appreciate people who aren't acting like everything is the most exciting thing they have ever done in their entire life.

[@GiotheGhreat]

@@ryanm.mclaren9543 For real man! the issue is that Americans are like that!!! OVERLY excited about nothing! is part of their culture. Sometimes I am like please shut the fuck up!

[@maciejrodak3590]

He was really ok. I don't think it was necessary🙂

[@thebunnygirl]

Awesome topic! I’m doing this tomo!

[@blackjaguarlord]

Loved the video!

[@BobFlisser]

I sometimes see the Princeton team rowing when I'm kayaking on Carnegie Lake, where this was filmed. Watching them helps my form on the water rower at Orangetheory.

[@brindlebot]

Think of rowing like riding a bike so watch the videos and put the time in to get technique right - probably only an hour or two altogether. You don't get it from the first minute but once you get it you get it. I'd say only 1 person in 50 can actually use the concept 2 properly in the gym (and that took me a year to make that observation as they are used so little). It's really the best piece of aerobic equipment (forget the treadmill) - although the airdyne is pretty good. I'm nothing amazing or even good and row 2 minute 500s but this and outdoor cycling is my go to.

[@angieeatslifestyle1739]

Awesome video!

[@azureavocado5195]

great video!!

[@natepinto444]

Great video

[@Nightbird.]

*Matt Miller is absolutely gorgeous!* 😜 *Thank you for giving us the best info I have seen yet on how to row correctly in under 5 minutes!* 😉

[@georgehornsby2075]

Everyone should watch this given the frankly appalling technique at my gym. The erg is by far the most misused piece of equipment there.

[@monstamossie]

You ever heard of a squat rack pal

[@jamesb9088]

monstamossie smh youre one of those people who do squats in the curl rack

[@monstamossie]

i do curls in the squat rack cos the weights aren't heavy enough boiiii

[@jdstarek]

James B Well played.

[@IStMl]

@@monstamossie Oh boy you're cringe...

[@yin9647]

I’m on our high school rowing team and I love this sport because it’s so hard and makes you so sore but it’s low impact (i have pretty bad ankles and wrists) and the team aspect makes it so good :)

[@n1qualifiedman]

concept 2 has quite a few good short videos on rowing technique - recommend you check those out if you're interested in the sport

[@DKH83]

Great video.

[@JohnSmith-dq4dx]

Fuck what a revolution in training. Tried a rowing machine for the first time today. You people have helped a champion. Thank you.

[@shanicee.w]

I did the wrong machine at the gym the other night when I got home I felt like I wanted to pass out this machine is no joke

[@chipdouglas3565]

That seems to be a quite a beautiful place where those guys are training.

[@StellarFella]

Great tips.

[@astrobot702]

This was very cool!!

[@brandonparra9153]

Good vid, been looking to try different forms of cardio. I been using the bike too much

[@ludviglila1407]

Great tips, I'm the guy that crancks it up to ten and go hard for 5x4, but I'll will try to lower and go for longers sets instead! Rowing was my biggest fear but now it's my default workout!

[@robertdavis7355]

Rowed on Lake Quinsigmond in Worcester, MA many years ago...Memories

[@ET-cj8jo]

Great advice from Olympic rowers. I rowed at university (Western Australia) at (eventually) stroke position, for several years in the 1970s. It is a great sport, particularly as everyone has to work together. I coxed too. I am still good friends with the rower at the other end of the boat, bow position. I would love to row again but no opportunities where I live, however, I will soon get a rowing machine ! Best wishes from Japan

[@seabass3104]

She’s great.

[@ezmooney2190]

Great info. I’ll use on my rowing machine.

[@mozart8142]

I've watched a couple of videos over the last days. This one, I believe, is my favourite because it keeps it simple and to the point. thanks!

[@Melvin420x12]

We have the exact same rowing machine in our gym and I didn't even know the fan had a setting. Great video!

[@vegarosa69]

Seriously? lol. When I used the same machine at my gym and the first time I didn't noticed because I was just trying it out. But the second time I actually looked for the difficulty level.

[@sivini]

very good, thanks.

[@No_Frills_Carnivore]

Good stuff 🙏🏿❤️

[@oscarmaldonado7067]

I've been leaning way too far back, going to work on proper technique tomorrow

[@TanyaOwens]

I am so distracted by the extremely handsome redheaded man that I only heard half of what he said

[@TimeVigil]

@a random kid who likes pineapples people can still find him attractive whether he's married or not

[@johnh8705]

The fact he's married make them wet. Women don't care, just ask any married man.

[@bensimmons6149]

He’s ugly as

[@KAVO3]

Sehr gut. Danke

[@cupittlove]

로잉머신 공부하러 이곳까지 왔습니다. 팁 정말 짧막짧막하이 핵심만 쏙쏙 가르쳐주네요 ~ 감사합니다.

[@davidstaffoli7970]

I did rowing in Mantova and it's fantastic sport

[@stylus2253]

Rowing becomes anaerobic, especially in the last 1/4 mile. You are working at an oxygen deficit. It's like distance running or wrestling. I remember my workouts: going 10 miles and having coach turn us around for a workout, after running from campus to the boathouse and running stadium steps which get steeper, the higher you go and your legs shake and you feel like throwing up after doing 10. And then there's the ERG. And the butterflies before races. I rowed from 6th grade through college and loved it. Rowed with Olympians.

[@Birramannen]

Thanks ALOT for this is bought a row machine ”not sure oftare techincal term” 1 month ago and have been doing maybe 10 sets now combined with other workouts and i have Been doing SO MUCH WRONG 😂 Home today and start doing it right ❤️👍

[@LifeOfTheParty323]

Why is this in my recommendations? I'm not Lori Laughlin.

[@jacquir8331]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣