The Only 5 Rowing Tips Beginners Need

[@caseyb.6979]

Thank you, again! I bought a C2 and started rowing last year based on one of your older starter videos. Completely changed my life, mentally and physically. I will hit 1.4 million meters tomorrow!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

That’s incredible!

[@danorrell]

I just started this week and your comment is very motivational for a true beginner!

[@caseyb.6979]

@@danorrell good luck! Those first few sessions are the hardest, but well worth the growing pains on a journey to fitness.

[@tobiasbrandl8917]

for me its very similar. got almost 2 years on my c2. as you said it changes you a lot

[@christophermin8292]

@@tobiasbrandl8917i just bought a c2 yesterday. I haven’t been consistently active for about 4-5 years and really want to get back and get good cardio vascular workouts and figured rowing would do that while keeping my joints in good shape. How did it change you mentally and physically?

[@nomisukeindustries]

I learned more in 15 minutes watching this video than I did over 20 different 2-minute videos. I will always use it as my go-to for making sure I am doing everything right.

[@markwilder7427]

61 yr old man here. Sculled while in grad school at UCSD years ago. Left it behind when I moved back to the Midwest. Just bought C2 for myself and my wife. Love this video and your others to help refresh my knowledge and teach my wife, who’s never done anything like this. She walks with me while I ruck, but I wanted to add rowing out of my love for it, and to give us something else to do that is different but fun. Thank you for your succinct clarity in explaining this process. You’re an outstanding teacher. Heart and knowledge.

[@Vluxuation]

I received my first rower this week and this video helped immensely. I've used rowers before in the past but in a gym setting and no one to really show me proper form. I just went and did a 10min workout focusing on this form and I felt more muscles engaging than my previous experiences on a rower. I look forward to watching more of your videos as I row my way to a healthy life.

[@nancykleck1221]

Love your videos. 68 yr old female. Am in my 3rd week of building stamina and form. My energy has improved noticeably. Thank you!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Exactly what I'm hoping for!

[@mcrivers16]

48 years young & just started rowing this week (finally pulled trigger on a C2) and binging/studing all your videos constantly to keep me both motivated & informed. Appreciate all your virtual help!

[@kenlane663]

Thanks very much. This 73 yr male needs all the assistance it can get. Swam competitively in my youth, long military career, with rucking early in retirement, so it is time to give the knees a rest. Started indoor cycling and this rowing thing 01 Jan 2025.

[@JDBoelter]

I was on a collegiate rowing team for a year. and always missed it after I graduated. This is the first video I've seen that addresses what it "really" takes to row properly. In fact, this coaching is BETTER than what I got from the two guys who ran the team (nothing against them, they were great people and I might not have been mature enough to pay proper attention at that point). 5 stars! *****

[@johnhopkins1059]

Thanks!

[@dani-jeanstuart7242]

Been wild swimming all summer but the water's getting cold! My first rowing machine is arriving in a few days. Thank you so much for this as I am an absolute beginner. Looking forward to progressing, slowly, with your vids. Btw, just turned 65, have arthritis in my feet and really need nearly no weight bearing to exercise.

[@gabbyrose1685]

I love your videos. That’s how I got in to rowing. three years ago and I love it thank you.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Amazing. So glad you're still here.

[@Loke718]

Thanks for the tips! This is a great consolidation of your prior KZbin Rowing Machine Basic videos. I continue to do your beginner technique drills as warmups. I find they help reinforce technique before I start any workout. Your explanations are so concise and clear. I really appreciate it!

[@mickglover1714]

Awesome content - mate of mine recommended. Watched this video last night (and couple others). This morning went into the gym and ran through it again while on a machine. Finished it off and then did ~1500 more to finish on 3kms. Haven’t rowed that distance in quite a while now, but felt good at the finish (max stroke rate 16). No idea how long the final 1500 took but, the instant improvement in technique that your training provides translates to immediate benefit. Thanks again ✌️

[@cv2306]

Sometimes I feel insecure, not fit at all and, best of all, in 7 months I'll become a dad for the first time. Three good reasons to start with a sport / cardio and take care of my body. A rowing machine looks like one of the best ways to build some muscles, definition and lose some fat. Now I am on a holiday and I just bought a Focus Fitness Row 3. Might not be a professional machine, but it got lots of good reviews in The Netherlands. When I get home I can use the rowing machine, so hopefully your videos will be a great way to keep me motivated during my rowing journey.😊

[@Revlo-64]

You got this!

[@pally8868]

I bought a C2 four years ago and have been home rowing since. I find your videos inspiring. Not heard from you in a while so good to see you back. Oddly my most challenging issue has been stomach acid related and how this affects my breathing whilst doing my 5k rows. Important to not not to take antacids (like Rennie) over long periods of time as it changes your blood chemistry (apparently) which can lead to a truck load of other issues. Anyway just thought id say my bit to see if it helps anyone else.

[@Dadzgrl5529]

Thank you for the refresher. I did crew in college and have found after being lazy for 20yrs, I've rediscovered my love for rowing. ♥️ So much so it has helped in my 40's and being newly 50 im rocking it now. ♥️

[@LauraDeCarlo-jq9wm]

Luckily found your videos 2 yrs ago when training for Spartan deka mile and fell in love with rowing after watching as many of your beginner videos I could find! I tell anyone and everyone about your channel who is looking for rowing instructional videos! I can row for an hour straight now and go to a very calm place in my head!Thank you for putting them out there!

[@TurtleSauceGaming]

The way i was taught to engage the lats was they took us outside the boathouse to the sea wall and had us hang off the fence like we wanted to pull it down. Coach said "feel that? That's how you should feel every stroke."

[@darkphoton_15keV]

Really nice and informative video! The information density is so high that this video is worth rewatching at least 10 times for any beginner. One more tip for the beginners: set up a phone or camera to record your workouts then compare your recording with all the key points in this video one by one and repeat this process every week until you cannot spot anything off. For a beginner, it is so easy to forget half of the checklist items after watching this video and only execute half of what you remember when on the machine.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Couldn't agree more! The real goal here is to get ONLY the important starter points so you can use it to watch over and over exactly as you mentioned.

[@rau777]

oiled up my C2 after 2 years, currently 3 weeks into a plan. Thanks for the video. This is a great reminder of technique.......Keep pumping the videos.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Yes! Keep on keeping on. You joining us on the app anytime soon?

[@frankrin2411]

Hello from China. I bought my C2 2 months ago and have been watching your videos which helped a lot. Thank you！Happy to see this fresh video😊

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Great to hear! We're back baby!

[@Jennz131]

Great to hear from you! I’ve been rowing with you/your videos, the past 4 yrs- and I’m still learning! Rowing became critical to my healing and recovery from a TBI. You’ve been missed- but “recovery” in life is important too! Glad you realized that and took the time off! Thank you for all you do for us! Love the humor and music too!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

WE'RE BACK! Glad your'e still here with me

[@Agnaevi]

Perfect timing! I just decided to start rowing as it’s low impact on joints and I have RA. I got an old basic hand me down rowing machine and I’m trying to learn the proper technique with you! So thank you! Today I can feel it in my legs so I definitely did better than yesterday 😂 Trying to do 20 min a day for now. So far loving it 👍

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Yes! Just build that confidence over time. No rush, just keep steadily improving.

[@woodfloorsjohnny]

Just started this Am…my first goal…30 days straight..👍🏼

[@rbonn3880]

Very instructive, even for this veteran erg-meister. The whole stroke is so elegant, but to make it so, you need to get every part working in sync. Thanks again, Shane!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Always appreciate you Bonn

[@Vipster842]

Thanks Shane!! I’ve re-learnt how to row from your videos. All the drills have helped me put the stroke together. This video sums it all up so well and I still learnt something new from it today. Really appreciate what you do for us.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

You’re very welcome and I’m so glad to hear this hit the mark!

[@carolinemechele9199]

I love rowing! Thanks to you i do it consistent and the correct way. We were 2nd in a rowing contest this summer.I just started last year in november. 😊

[@solemar5443]

I am brand new to rowing and this has been the best video for getting my bearings and feeling confident starting this type of exercise. Thank you!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Amazing hearing that. That's the goal!

[@mmflouter]

Whoop! Just revieved my machine over the weekend, ready to get some strokes in. Found your vid at the perfect moment. Many thanks from The Netherlands!

[@susmitadey9816]

Thank you dark horse. I am learning how to row by watching your beginners rowing video. ❤

[@DarkHorseRowing]

You're very welcome!

[@Wright00000]

Just bought a rower. This is an excellent intro and it's great to have the drills. Excited to put this to work!

[@TheTom265]

This. Is. Brilliant. 👏🏼

[@aliriver3440]

Thanks brilliant, clear explanation which has been very helpful.

[@venchejensen]

Hi from Kristiansand, Norway. I am 76 and follow your videos. 😊

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Love it! Norway is perhaps my favorite country so I'm thrilled you're here.

[@eldbjrgnordvang8104]

A fellow Norwegian in Oslo, also following your videos😊

[@BigBoyJay_69]

Your videos have been the best instructional videos I've come across! Thanks.

[@malagaestatesandluxuryhome8684]

Thanks Shane, I learnt a lot since I started rowing in July 2022 as a way of recovery after a severe stroke.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Wow, I hope it’s helped to continue progress for you?

[@malagaestatesandluxuryhome8684]

Physical shape is better than ever, that is a good base for the rest.

[@ruthlobner8114]

This video truly deserves a million viewers! I can proudly report to be number 3.000. My rowing machine will arrive the day after tomorrow and I am so grateful you gave me the feeling of being prepared...-ish. Thanks!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Yes, time to become a Dark Horse!

[@ruthlobner8114]

@@DarkHorseRowing I guess ...

[@ruthlobner8114]

@@DarkHorseRowing I'm recovering from two broken knees. Turns out: getting on and off the machine is the hardest part of rowing, haha!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

@@ruthlobner8114 that means the rowing is easy then!

[@ruthlobner8114]

@@DarkHorseRowing It's pain-free and it's fun. What more could one ask for?

[@theeanonymouscollector2932]

This is great, I only wish the last minute or two was showing the row from start to finish. I now know what proper parts of a row looks like but I don’t know what it looks like in one fluid motion. On my way to the gym right now to try it out. Thank you.

[@rough_road]

Thank you so much for your videos, made a great impact on my health.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

You're very welcome! Hope they continue to help.

[@game09time]

For those that lift weights rowing has helped me with muscle recovery! Instead of being all tight in the morning after rowing I’m a lot more flexible ❤ Rowing has to be the best pre or post workout outside of swimming ❤

[@ricktilbury9690]

I've been rowing since 2001; and, I found this very helpful.

[@seantheboy64]

Thanks Shane, been watching your videos for the last 4 years since I got into using a C2 and have found them great for teaching me the basics keep up the great content

[@DarkHorseRowing]

You've very welcome. Thank you for the note and glad you're still here!

[@rkpunjabi]

Welcome back! Missed your absence and appreciate your advice. Started rowing using your previous videos and rowing machine became my must go to at the gym

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Thank you! Happy to be back.

[@SathvikBatte]

Never before have I seen such a clear explanation, kudos to you!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you

[@matthewbowen6163]

I just added the peloton rower as I have other peloton equipment and I love it an your videos have helped me get started in a good way. Thank you.

[@elizabethscremin4374]

Hi, I really like your instructions, so clear! I had to stop rowing (with you- was doing 15 min daily) had a very bad prolapse bladder. Now I’m on manageable stage and want to start to rowing again. Could you make a video for this specific situation? Many thanks you are a big star!!!

[@janeholsclaw4232]

Thank you for this very helpful video. I’ve just started rowing at my gym and plan to purchase my own rower in about 6 months - No room for one currently! I appreciate all your help and advice. I would love to get the playlist of songs - but the link won’t open in Spotify. If have Apple Music , but just need the list of songs and I will make a rowing playlist.

[@Wikky33]

For beginners please, please talk about what to do even BEFORE sitting down and how to properly set the Damper setting. Every time I go to the gym, all 3 machines are pinned at '10'. Please inform people that '10' is NOT always the best setting in regards to resistance / water drag.

[@gracevandenbergen]

Please explain!!!! Beginner here.

[@narelletaylor183]

25/10/24. Oh dear, ive been doing your workouts since early 2020. Wish I'd watched this. Many tips. Will be watching on repeat. 🏖

[@nicholis]

Glad to see you getting back into videos !

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Me too!

[@hannahgosselin8977]

Excellent!! This is super helpful and key information. Thank you! ✨

[@sandybellanger7911]

I'm 53 and overweight. I've been watching your videos and rowing consistently for 2.5 weeks, I've been rowing for over a year but just rowing, no training. I think I have the form down right but do have a little problem because my belly is not small. Id like to make sure I'm doing it right and like to know if you have videos training someone my size. I love rowing and love your videos !!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Absolutely, but also think about having someone look over your technique to help give you the confidence to start training .

[@butch5451]

I now understand what i'm doing wrong. Thanks for the great little video.

[@VetaHatcher]

Lfg 1 million views guys this man deserves it

[@beardy7124]

Nice. Now I need an inexpensive beginners rowing machine.

[@tamonood1]

Love the way you taught 😊

[@79code]

Thanks, I just stumbled on this video. NOW I have to unlearn many bad habits😊😊

[@DarkHorseRowing]

It's ok, it will take time, but it will be worth it.

[@WeylinBurlingame]

Great Video. I've been using an Ergatta for a couple of years and still enjoy the clarity of your teaching. Thanks! One question @darkhorserowing -- what shoes are you wearing? They look great and I'd love to find a pair.

[@davidorr7891]

Possibly 521 view on your way to 1 million, good luck. And, your videos are always great. That said, for beginners feeling the "Catch" at the catch phase is important. The couple of kids I have shown how to row (and I have included your videos for more detailed and correct info) I have them keep one foot on the ground and pull back quickly and feel it "catch." Without the "catch" you are just spinning.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

What did you think of the band drill at the end of the video to help with the catch feeling?

[@davidorr7891]

​@@DarkHorseRowing Okay, I just tried it, and it works very well, but to clarify, my band is only 46 inches, and I couldn't get a full stroke. To make sure I am doing it correctly (I have only rowed on Concept II, and with no instruction beyond your videos, plus a few others), I aim for a clear, very clear, "catch," and for me, it has made a lot of difference. Anyway, thank you for the videos they are always helpful, informative, and motivating.

[@irish7395]

I bought My Concept2 2yrs ago and watched as many of your videos as possible. Your videos are great for helping me achieve my fitness goals. 🎉🎉

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Keep it up, it’s so nice to hear that it’s all helping

[@DaveNeve]

Hello. If it helps anyone to understand what it means to "hang from the handle", go to a traction (pull up) bar and just hang from it with both hands if you are able to. The only difference when hanging from a bar is that you need to firmly wrap your hands around the bar rather than your fingers, as your fingers are not strong enough normally to keep hold of the bar. But the feeling you get from hanging from a traction bar is similar to what you should feel on your rower when you "hang from the handle" If you can't hang from a bar due to lack of hand strength, then support some of your weight on your toes and hang. Hope that makes sense.

[@dmitrygodin]

Just leaving comment to help you with KZbin algorithms 😊

[@DarkHorseRowing]

😂 I’ll take it!

[@rolandpinette9946]

Capturing broadside video of one's technique is a good way to analyze form. We may think we have great form but it's only when we see ourselves from the side that we realize form could be improved. There, now you have your next video idea, Shane.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Writing these scripts for me!

[@jeffcauthen6434]

Just started 2 days ago. Thanks for the video.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

You got this! Welcome to the party

[@jeffcauthen6434]

@@DarkHorseRowing First week went well. I took it slow and focussed on form. Now I'm up to 5000 m daily in about 30 min. Thanks again!

[@teddyperera8531]

very helpful Thank you

[@Jmon808]

Thanks for putting this information out there! do you have any videos on rowing & lower back pain? It’s the only thing holding me back from doing longer cardio sessions on the rower .. I can only go 10 minutes before my lower back is smoked

[@giorgosntouvalis565]

hello and thanks for the useful information. do you think that rowing ergometer exercise can help a person with sciatica. Thank you!!!

[@ritaclardy7356]

I am 61 and just purchased my first rowing machine! I have watched your video on 5 most important tips, but I’d like to watch other videos in order…what’s the best way to do that? Thank you!!

[@ErezRikin]

Thank you, that was very informative and helpful ! Can you give me a link or description where can I get this band assist? THX

[@LeeDowningKeat]

How do you get a decent catch position with bad ankle mobility, my shin isn't vertical more like 45 degree so hard to lean over much and get the shoulders in front of the hips

[@rongurney48]

Superb teaching. Thank you.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

You are very welcome, and thank you!

[@coreytyler6066]

I learned through your videos. Matter of fact, I just got off the rower a few minutes. I'm still sweaty.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

As it should be!

[@chriscampos7217]

Dam, I've been doing like a deadlift the whole time. Thanks needed this tutorial 👍👌😁

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Yeah, too many coaches teach it as a horizontal deadlift...which it is not. There are cues that crossover between the two but they are distinctly different movements

[@lumiereimul]

Do you have any tips on how far to extend legs? I know you're supposed to push out fully but I'm afraid of overextending and locking my knees. When I see you row I notice your legs are pretty straight, are your knees locked locked or slightly bent?

[@rahulgeorge]

Perrrrfect timing.. thank you kind sir 🎉😊😅

[@DarkHorseRowing]

I knew you were needing it so I whipped it up just for you

[@ATLRMM]

The band sounds like a great way to reinforce correct technique. Does anyone know where a band of that length can be purchased?

[@TrueWren]

So do you have a rowing background or just a crossfit background?

[@bobvandervliet6394]

Hello, I have been rowing for a while now and I never use the straps on my feet. Is that a good thing?

[@ddowns509]

The Sleep powder is new - didn't know they had this one. Just went and switched from the Momentus Sleep Bundle (pills) to this new product. Great video as always, Shane.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Wait...did I say powder?

[@ddowns509]

@@DarkHorseRowing “Sleep Powder” does feel questionable 🤣

[@DarkHorseRowing]

@@ddowns509 😂

[@ddowns509]

@@DarkHorseRowing figured out my confusion: The package for Sleep & Cognitive Support looks just like Momentous' creatine and collagen packaging (which is powder). The Sleep product your recommended arrived today and low and behold, there are individual packets of pills inside. I know you will sleep better knowing my confusion is all straighten out. 😂

[@DarkHorseRowing]

@@ddowns509 I have been so confused until now 😂

[@shanemaraalencar1327]

Hi Shane! You answered so many questions I had in the back of my mind. Your videos have guided me a lot and I appreciate what you do. I am right-handed and my biceps have been developing differently. The left side looks bigger! 😅 what am I doing wrong?

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Probably just a grip issue whereby one hand is over-gripping and causing that arm to break and pull first.

[@tephrosisOfficial]

I will try these out. I struggle a lot with neck and back pain, and bad technique was making it worse.

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Slow things down. Try not to progress too fast and hammer the basics of the movement before moving forward with more.

[@tephrosisOfficial]

@@DarkHorseRowing Thanks. I'm doing a few 15 min sessions a week now to focus on technique

[@yosemitesamiam]

here we are starting today

[@NicoOrtiz-wo1ey]

Another good one

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thunder-dad42]

Can you recommend some sneakers. My running Hoka's don't seem suited to this activity. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Really anything that doesn't have running cushion will be good. You want more a flat soled training shoe rather than a running shoe. Nike, rebook, TYR, Strike Movement, they all make great training options

[@thunder-dad42]

Thanks ​@@DarkHorseRowing

[@qalih]

Video idea: how does one do some rowing with one knee that is fucked. Had ACL reconstruction and have been rowing with one leg off and using a plastic slidey thing to row. Would be good to get your thoughts on how to make it optimal.

[@toby9999]

In my case, it's my right foot, my left knee, my right wrist, and my back :(

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Did you catch this short I posted yesterday? kzbin.infonvXXY2MKf6g?si=Y0XPoR4E9UlQas3u.

[@qalih]

@@DarkHorseRowing oh wow ha amazing. Cheers!

[@qalih]

@@toby9999 erm what, were you sky diving and forgot to pull the shoot??

[@MCGPeaches]

VID's always make better rowers so THANK YOU!

[@An7orcha]

Great video!!!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Thank you!!

[@oldman9154]

Have rowing machine and watch you all the time 66 old here

[@DarkHorseRowing]

YES! What's been the most helpful video?

[@josephpoole7236]

I like to put my thumbs on top of the handle when I grip the handle.

[@jeffjohanson3830]

Just bought a new Concept2 erg high leg. I have a strength imbalance between my right and left leg from a disk herniation 10 months ago. Pain no longer an issue but motor strength and leg buckling has resulted most likely from nerve compression. All my sports I love have been severely impacted.or I can’t do at all now. Trail running and mountain running, hiking, mtb biking, skiing both downhill and XC. My fitness has gone to hell with this injury. Always wanted a rower and this rehab is the excuse to buy one. Long winded story sorry. Recommendations for using the rower with leg strength imbalances and how to strengthen that weaker leg please. Gonna check out all your videos now thank you!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Single leg rowing is a great way to work on those imbalances. You can place the strong leg on the floor. If you really want to isolate the leg otherwise you can just keep it in the foot stretcher, but just don’t push as much with that leg.

[@jeffjohanson3830]

Ok thanks, Good to know simple solutions 👍 Now I first have to recover from an avulsion fracture in that weak leg foot. I lost a battle with some stairs. Been a tough 10 months.

[@nonasings]

I have an issue with the rower I chose - I couldn't afford a concept 2, so I purchased an affordable magnetic rower. The problem I'm finding is that the handle rest is RIGHT above the pedals, so I can't get the desired 1:00 position at the catch, like you obviously can with the great Concept 2. Being short, and an absolute beginner, I thought this rower would be a good place to start, and I love it, but I'm now concerned about form related to this design issue. Any suggestions?

[@cozyhomemakingvibes]

Nice. Thank you

[@DarkHorseRowing]

You’re very welcome

[@boricua77]

How about the rower number?. I use 6. Im 248, 5’10” (super out of shape for 6 years due shoulder surgery. Im doing 5k y 24min. Your video is just perfect, I row the way your show here. Before I fk my rhomboid for that rowing technic (7 years ago). My only question is the rowing number from 1 to 10, which one?

[@puresorna]

On the Recovery, when do the shoulders move forward again to the starting position? Is it at the same time as when the hips close? Thank you!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Yeah, basically the shoulders move as a result of the hips closing, so the hip swing drives the shoulder movement before the legs bend.

[@garycarnivore833]

Do you recommend getting a foam seat pad, been finding lower back pain, coccyx area on most rows, tried different techniques, different row positions , not helping, any ideas, thanks

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Not usually. The seat pad is good for longer rows, but in all honesty when you're getting pain at your tailbone, it usually means your pelvis is in a posterior tilt and so that bone is driving down in in to the seat causing discomfort. Work to pull your butt checks back like I talk about in the video (another way to think of it is trying to show your back pockets to anyone behind you) and see how that fares.

[@ctwith3]

I bought a Concept 2 rower and follow your technique but I can’t get above 17 SPM. What am I doing wrong?

[@Revlo-64]

What is the rubber hook on the top of the computer?

[@jellis8000]

A phone holder-Vapor Fitness or he might sell one. I run the videos on my phone and log my rows on my iPad.

[@TamiLovesRioSamba]

Do I row with, or without music? I can’t seen to row past 17-18 spm. Is this not good? Please help!

[@touchstar68]

0:36 shows exactly why your the coach.

[@courtlandcreekmore1421]

My only rowing coach, and I still remember him torturing me on 2K tests....row, hate, love!

[@DarkHorseRowing]

Courtland, you were here for the origin story