Erg users - what muscles are you squeezing?

[Anonymous]

Hopping back on the erg after years. I’m seeing a lot of squeeze lats and squeeze abs and I don’t recall doing this in the past.

Was I always off? Is this a new technique?

[Anonymous]

I've never heard of squeezing lats or abs on the erg. I've always used this video to remind me of the right technique.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ82RYIFLN8

[Anonymous]

I don’t recall any “squeezing” of anything, but I suppose if you have proper form you’re just doing it as a matter of fact? I think a lot of people just don’t have form right so need to be coached on using their full bodies to avoid quick fatigue — and injury.

[Anonymous]

I mostly focus on squeezing gluts, then abs--both on the lay back and at the start.

[Anonymous]

I definitely squeeze abs at top of sequence. I don’t think I do lays. Maybe I should! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

The leg drive is primarily quads, a little glutes - so if thinking squeeze helps you activate them, great. Once the leg drive is done, you lean back and only when that’s done do you engage the arms and upper back. Yes, squeeze the lats at that point.

-Former competitive rower

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The leg drive is primarily quads, a little glutes - so if thinking squeeze helps you activate them, great. Once the leg drive is done, you lean back and only when that’s done do you engage the arms and upper back. Yes, squeeze the lats at that point.

-Former competitive rower

I think it’s less about squeezing the lats and more about the fact that if you can feel it in your lats, it indicates proper form. The lats are supposed to provide connection between your legs and the handle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The leg drive is primarily quads, a little glutes - so if thinking squeeze helps you activate them, great. Once the leg drive is done, you lean back and only when that’s done do you engage the arms and upper back. Yes, squeeze the lats at that point.

-Former competitive rower

I think it’s less about squeezing the lats and more about the fact that if you can feel it in your lats, it indicates proper form. The lats are supposed to provide connection between your legs and the handle.

Huh. Multiple coaches referenced squeezing the lats - which is how you engage them - and how you finish the stroke. I don’t think it’s incorrect to tell someone new to think about squeezing the lats, if you’re trying to teach them proper technique. Different turns of phrase resonate with different people, but if you’re not pulling with your lats towards the end of the drive, you’re not rowing correctly.

[Anonymous]

The main thing is to not rush the slide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

-Former competitive rower

What's your best 2k time?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

-Former competitive rower

What's your best 2k time?

7 and change (I’m a woman). 7:16, maybe? I’ve medaled at HOCR, Club Nationals, Masters Nationals. Some of my coaches were USMNT members or Olympians from other countries.