Strength & Conditioning for rowers: Why it’s essential

For Competitive Rowers

• Increased Power: Strength training enhances the power output needed for competitive performance.
• Injury Prevention: Conditioning helps prevent common rowing injuries by strengthening muscles and improving joint stability.
• Technique Correction: Proper weight training can help correct bad habits and reinforce good technique.

For Recreational Rowers

• Injury Prevention: Just as for competitive rowers, conditioning helps prevent injuries.
• Technique Improvement: Weight training can address and correct bad rowing habits, leading to more enjoyable and safer rowing sessions.

For Beginners

• Muscle Activation: “Waking up” the necessary muscles improves technique and helps avoid bad habits.
• Boat Balance: Proper conditioning aids in balancing the boat, a critical skill for new rowers.
• Muscle Memory: Understanding how to engage the right muscles using weights helps in transferring those movements to the boat.

For Returning Rowers

• Muscle Reawakening: After a break, reactivating muscles and core strength is crucial.
• Injury Prevention: Strengthening muscles again can help avoid injuries as you resume rowing.
• Technique Reinforcement: Conditioning boosts confidence and helps you pick up where you left off with better technique.

Incorporating a structured strength and conditioning programme into your rowing routine can significantly enhance performance, prevent injuries, and aid proprioception to improve overall technique – whether you’re a competitive rower, a recreational rower, a beginner, or someone returning to the sport after a break.

For more information on MAABC rowing club, go here