Rest Day 4/17/14: 5min SlowMo Rowing – Where does the stroke end?

Where does the stroke end?

What daily drills do you utilize to be more efficient?

What daily drills do you utilize to be more efficient?

When thinking about the stroke should there be any stops or starts?  Does the handle and seat ever stop moving?  If so where is it ok?

Ideally the rowing stroke is a cyclical motion that is fluid and dynamic without end.  When thinking of the finish you should be thinking of releasing the pressure on the handle and smoothly changing directions quick and clean.  The only time the seat should pause is when you have pushed the legs down and are finishing the stroke.  A stable base is needed to swing the arms and body through with power and rhythm.  However, even as you swing forward to recover the seat will move a little bit as you push the hips backwards to prepare your body for the next catch.

If you have time today, take 5 minutes to row in super slow motion feeling and thinking about the timing of the seat and hands.  Your goal in developing an efficient stroke should be smooth, continuous motion without pause or hesitation.

Rest Day 4/13/14: Do you have a gym or boathouse pet? Share!

Rest Day:

Meatball!

Meatball!

Do you have a fun companion that hangs around the gym or boathouse?  They can help make everyone smile, laugh, and stay positive.  Always a good thing during tough workouts!

Share your gym or boathouse pet!

Rest Day 3/23/14: What does your stroke look like and what can you improve?

Working the skill of Suspension with athletes from MSCF!

Working the skill of Suspension with athletes from MSCF!

Thank You MSCF!

Yesterday I had an awesome afternoon at Mountain Strength CrossFit in Winchester, MA.  We put on a Renegade Rowing Workshop and helped 10 participants improve their rowing  technique and knowledge.  Everyone had a blast, rowed well, and walked away with some solid drills and experiences to put into play this week.

Every participant got a copy of the Renegade Rowing Stroke Tool to critique their stroke via video review.  If you’d like a copy or some help with your stroke please shoot me an email and we’ll get you on the right track.

7 Ergs in a Subaru … Who's got 8?

7 Ergs in a Subaru … Who’s got 8?

It’s been a fun weekend of firsts.  First time that rowing has been included in the CrossFit Games Open and the first time I’ve fit seven ergs into my car.  Previously my record was four and yesterday we found a way to make it seven.

I hope everyone has a relaxing Sunday and is getting ready for the last week of the Renegade Rowing Training cycle.  7×1 Strength Days coming up!

Rest Day 3/16/14: Happy St. Patrick’s Day Weekend! – Hope you enjoy it!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Weekend everyone!  I hope you get a chance to watch some awesome parades, wear green, and celebrate with friends.  Imagine if Boston dyed the Charles River Green for us to row on tomorrow….

c/o rowing.uchicago.edu

c/o rowing.uchicago.edu

Rest Day 3/9/14: Who wants to Row, Run, WOD, Run, Row? – Check the RRL1k!

Rowing on the Water!  Can't wait for the ice to melt!

Rowing on the Water! Can’t wait for the ice to melt!

Want to Row, Run, Race a 1k on the Concept2, Run, and Row again?

Renegade Rowing is going to kick off the Summer Masters Rowing season by hosting a Renegade Rowing League 1k Race at CrossFit Boston.  Masters crews from across the Northeast are invited to join us for a friendly event that involves Rowing 2k on the water from Community Rowing Inc., Running a mile to CrossFit Boston, Competing to PR your 1k on the Concept2 Ergometer, Running a mile back to the Charles River, and Rowing 2k back to CRI.  If you’d like to join us please sign up here and Coach Pat will get you all of the details!  The date of the 2014 RRL 1k is Saturday, May 31st.

Do you have what it takes?

It will look something like this …