Rowing machine - PT not fixing bad form - is this a sign of things to come?
Vetticus_3
Posts: 78 Member
Hello,
I've just joined a gym. I'm gong to get help starting with the stronglifts 5x5 on Monday - in the meantime, I've just been doing my own thang on the rowing machine, bicycle, and pool.
I used to row on water. I know the correct form. I still do the correct form on the machine. It works a lot more muscles and often requires a lower damper setting... but it so much better for you.
This morning, as I was on my rower (seriously loving every second of it)... the PT that I'm seeing on Monday (to help with SL 5x5) was setting up a program for a middle-aged man. But, the guy did the wrong form. He was shooting his seat. His seat moved, his legs moved (but not fully), and nothing else ... and quick quick quick.
Now, I've seen this a lot before. I even tried to help a lady who I got to know at my old gym years ago... but she went back to the old form (another seat shooter) because doing it properly was too hard (BECAUSE YOU KEEP PUTTING THE DAMPER ON FULL YOU NUTTER... but I don't want to be on number 3, I want it on 10).
Anyway... Is there a reason why PTs don't correct form on a rower?
Should I be worried that he's not going to correct me if I start lifting incorrectly?
I've just joined a gym. I'm gong to get help starting with the stronglifts 5x5 on Monday - in the meantime, I've just been doing my own thang on the rowing machine, bicycle, and pool.
I used to row on water. I know the correct form. I still do the correct form on the machine. It works a lot more muscles and often requires a lower damper setting... but it so much better for you.
This morning, as I was on my rower (seriously loving every second of it)... the PT that I'm seeing on Monday (to help with SL 5x5) was setting up a program for a middle-aged man. But, the guy did the wrong form. He was shooting his seat. His seat moved, his legs moved (but not fully), and nothing else ... and quick quick quick.
Now, I've seen this a lot before. I even tried to help a lady who I got to know at my old gym years ago... but she went back to the old form (another seat shooter) because doing it properly was too hard (BECAUSE YOU KEEP PUTTING THE DAMPER ON FULL YOU NUTTER... but I don't want to be on number 3, I want it on 10).
Anyway... Is there a reason why PTs don't correct form on a rower?
Should I be worried that he's not going to correct me if I start lifting incorrectly?
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Replies
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Vetticus_3 wrote: »Anyway... Is there a reason why PTs don't correct form on a rower?
Should I be worried that he's not going to correct me if I start lifting incorrectly?
Incorrect form on the rower isn't necessarily an injury risk.. so maybe the trainer was just happy the guy was moving.
Or maybe rowing isn't the trainer's specialty.
Or maybe the trainer is incompetent all-around.
Or maybe he was just chatting with a stranger, not actually training him.
What are the trainer's credentials?
And why are you doing Stronglifts, instead of letting the trainer customize a workout for you, which could potentially be superior?0 -
It's good of you to be observant like that. First, check the trainer's credentials and experience. When you meet with them on Monday just get a feel for it. If you get into a conversation about your rowing experience (which will likely happen because they will probably ask you what other exercises you do) you might possibly ask them, in a non-confrontational way if they are particular about form on all the machines and lifts because it's important to you to learn proper form and avoid injury. I'd see how you feel about they way they treat you before drawing a conclusion. Hope it goes well!0
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IMO, worry about your own business. You have no idea what the other person's goals, limitations, experience, etc are, so leave them alone and focus on your own workout.
If PT isn't doing what you want them to do FOR YOU, then find another one. Don't worry about what they are or aren't doing for other people.0 -
Our dampers go to 11.0
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Damper? Seat shooter? Is this English? He probably just isn't familiar with rower. I wouldn't hold it against him unless his cert is in rowing. Or he's teaching a rowing class0
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Vetticus_3 wrote: »Hello,
I've just joined a gym. I'm gong to get help starting with the stronglifts 5x5 on Monday - in the meantime, I've just been doing my own thang on the rowing machine, bicycle, and pool.
I used to row on water. I know the correct form. I still do the correct form on the machine. It works a lot more muscles and often requires a lower damper setting... but it so much better for you.
This morning, as I was on my rower (seriously loving every second of it)... the PT that I'm seeing on Monday (to help with SL 5x5) was setting up a program for a middle-aged man. But, the guy did the wrong form. He was shooting his seat. His seat moved, his legs moved (but not fully), and nothing else ... and quick quick quick.
Now, I've seen this a lot before. I even tried to help a lady who I got to know at my old gym years ago... but she went back to the old form (another seat shooter) because doing it properly was too hard (BECAUSE YOU KEEP PUTTING THE DAMPER ON FULL YOU NUTTER... but I don't want to be on number 3, I want it on 10).
Anyway... Is there a reason why PTs don't correct form on a rower?
Should I be worried that he's not going to correct me if I start lifting incorrectly?
Not knowing rower form is not the same as not knowing lifting form. If you are really wondering, you can just ask him.
Bonus points for "seat shooter".0 -
IMO, worry about your own business. You have no idea what the other person's goals, limitations, experience, etc are, so leave them alone and focus on your own workout.
If PT isn't doing what you want them to do FOR YOU, then find another one. Don't worry about what they are or aren't doing for other people.
It's not like there are a number of different ways to row. I don't of anyone who ever stated that one of their workout goals is: "I want to have *kitten* form on the rowing machine. Please teach me THAT way."
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IMO, worry about your own business. You have no idea what the other person's goals, limitations, experience, etc are, so leave them alone and focus on your own workout.
If PT isn't doing what you want them to do FOR YOU, then find another one. Don't worry about what they are or aren't doing for other people.
It's not like there are a number of different ways to row. I don't of anyone who ever stated that one of their workout goals is: "I want to have *kitten* form on the rowing machine. Please teach me THAT way."
YOU DON'T KNOW MY LIFE!0 -
IMO, worry about your own business. You have no idea what the other person's goals, limitations, experience, etc are, so leave them alone and focus on your own workout.
If PT isn't doing what you want them to do FOR YOU, then find another one. Don't worry about what they are or aren't doing for other people.
It's not like there are a number of different ways to row. I don't of anyone who ever stated that one of their workout goals is: "I want to have *kitten* form on the rowing machine. Please teach me THAT way."
You are 2 for 2 on this thread.0 -
arditarose wrote: »IMO, worry about your own business. You have no idea what the other person's goals, limitations, experience, etc are, so leave them alone and focus on your own workout.
If PT isn't doing what you want them to do FOR YOU, then find another one. Don't worry about what they are or aren't doing for other people.
It's not like there are a number of different ways to row. I don't of anyone who ever stated that one of their workout goals is: "I want to have *kitten* form on the rowing machine. Please teach me THAT way."
You are 2 for 2 on this thread.
That's his 3rd post tho.....0 -
arditarose wrote: »IMO, worry about your own business. You have no idea what the other person's goals, limitations, experience, etc are, so leave them alone and focus on your own workout.
If PT isn't doing what you want them to do FOR YOU, then find another one. Don't worry about what they are or aren't doing for other people.
It's not like there are a number of different ways to row. I don't of anyone who ever stated that one of their workout goals is: "I want to have *kitten* form on the rowing machine. Please teach me THAT way."
You are 2 for 2 on this thread.
That's his 3rd post tho.....
Dammit. I don't math good.0 -
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IMO, worry about your own business. You have no idea what the other person's goals, limitations, experience, etc are, so leave them alone and focus on your own workout.
If PT isn't doing what you want them to do FOR YOU, then find another one. Don't worry about what they are or aren't doing for other people.
If the PT isn't using the right form on the rower what makes you confident that he knows the correct form on a lift? Further as someone who is asking to be taught correct form how will the OP know that the trainer is teaching bad lifting form?
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IMO, worry about your own business. You have no idea what the other person's goals, limitations, experience, etc are, so leave them alone and focus on your own workout.
If PT isn't doing what you want them to do FOR YOU, then find another one. Don't worry about what they are or aren't doing for other people.
If the PT isn't using the right form on the rower what makes you confident that he knows the correct form on a lift? Further as someone who is asking to be taught correct form how will the OP know that the trainer is teaching bad lifting form?
If your doctor isn't skilled at dental surgery, what makes you think they're a good doctor?
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As someone who is just getting into using a rowing machine I would be very upset if I had paid a trainer to teach me, and then discovered, by going to the Concept II site, that I was not getting the full benefit of the work out.
If on the other hand he was just a general trainer/attendant, I would expect him to explain to me that this wasn't his forte, that is what my weights class instructor explained to me when I asked her to show me the correct form.
I ended up just studying the form on the Concept II site.
@Vetticus_3 I would have loved you to have given me a few pointers. If you can, ask him about it.
Cheers, h.1 -
Mm. I was in a rowing class once and the instructor seemed to nitpick my every move in the name of good form. Honestly I would have rather she'd just maybe given me a couple pointers and shut the heck up. I don't have to get it all in one day, and I'm moving, so0
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Meh. I think incorrect form on an erg (ergometer, that's a rowing machine) makes zero difference if all you want to do is raise the heart rate and burn some calories. I've seen literally hundreds of people with poor form on an erg and it has done no one any harm. It only starts to matter when you want to get maximum efficiency from the stroke OR you want to learn how to row on water, but in terms of getting a general workout, I'd leave it well alone.
Incorrect form in a racing shell on water will get messed up for sure.
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Cherimoose wrote: »IMO, worry about your own business. You have no idea what the other person's goals, limitations, experience, etc are, so leave them alone and focus on your own workout.
If PT isn't doing what you want them to do FOR YOU, then find another one. Don't worry about what they are or aren't doing for other people.
If the PT isn't using the right form on the rower what makes you confident that he knows the correct form on a lift? Further as someone who is asking to be taught correct form how will the OP know that the trainer is teaching bad lifting form?
If your doctor isn't skilled at dental surgery, what makes you think they're a good doctor?
Sorry, but I have to point out. Dentists are not doctors, like car mechanics are not mechanical engineers.
(there is a huge difference in the duration and depth of the education).
Sorry again!0 -
Meh. I think incorrect form on an erg (ergometer, that's a rowing machine) makes zero difference if all you want to do is raise the heart rate and burn some calories. I've seen literally hundreds of people with poor form on an erg and it has done no one any harm. It only starts to matter when you want to get maximum efficiency from the stroke OR you want to learn how to row on water, but in terms of getting a general workout, I'd leave it well alone.
Incorrect form in a racing shell on water will get messed up for sure.
Yes! She said this over and over again - she was just wanting to help me be an efficient rower. Well, when you're looking to burn some calories, isn't inefficient better? :bigsmile:Cherimoose wrote: »IMO, worry about your own business. You have no idea what the other person's goals, limitations, experience, etc are, so leave them alone and focus on your own workout.
If PT isn't doing what you want them to do FOR YOU, then find another one. Don't worry about what they are or aren't doing for other people.
If the PT isn't using the right form on the rower what makes you confident that he knows the correct form on a lift? Further as someone who is asking to be taught correct form how will the OP know that the trainer is teaching bad lifting form?
If your doctor isn't skilled at dental surgery, what makes you think they're a good doctor?
Sorry, but I have to point out. Dentists are not doctors, like car mechanics are not mechanical engineers.
(there is a huge difference in the duration and depth of the education).
Sorry again!
I should also hope said hypothetical Doctor isn't attempting dental surgery, else yes he would be judged on his performance and called a poor doctor! :laugh:0 -
Cherimoose wrote: »IMO, worry about your own business. You have no idea what the other person's goals, limitations, experience, etc are, so leave them alone and focus on your own workout.
If PT isn't doing what you want them to do FOR YOU, then find another one. Don't worry about what they are or aren't doing for other people.
If the PT isn't using the right form on the rower what makes you confident that he knows the correct form on a lift? Further as someone who is asking to be taught correct form how will the OP know that the trainer is teaching bad lifting form?
If your doctor isn't skilled at dental surgery, what makes you think they're a good doctor?
Well that doctor shouldn't be doing dental surgery then. Again, how does the OP know if the PT is teaching the correct lifting form?
Normally the OP would have no idea if this PT is a stickler for form but in this case there is an element of luck and the OP has a great opportunity to question the PT's qualifications.0 -
Sorry, but I have to point out. Dentists are not doctors, like car mechanics are not mechanical engineers.Cherimoose wrote: »If your doctor isn't skilled at dental surgery, what makes you think they're a good doctor?
(there is a huge difference in the duration and depth of the education).
Most trainer certifications do not teach how to use the rower. It's a self-taught skill for most trainers. And generally speaking, the more a trainer is into powerlifting, the less interest they have in the nuances of cardio. If you want to know if they're qualified to teach powerlifting, ask their credentials, and speak to former clients.
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Cherimoose wrote: »IMO, worry about your own business. You have no idea what the other person's goals, limitations, experience, etc are, so leave them alone and focus on your own workout.
If PT isn't doing what you want them to do FOR YOU, then find another one. Don't worry about what they are or aren't doing for other people.
If the PT isn't using the right form on the rower what makes you confident that he knows the correct form on a lift? Further as someone who is asking to be taught correct form how will the OP know that the trainer is teaching bad lifting form?
If your doctor isn't skilled at dental surgery, what makes you think they're a good doctor?
Well that doctor shouldn't be doing dental surgery then. Again, how does the OP know if the PT is teaching the correct lifting form?
Normally the OP would have no idea if this PT is a stickler for form but in this case there is an element of luck and the OP has a great opportunity to question the PT's qualifications.
and how do we know they aren't? if I was entering the gym parking lot and saw the PT jaywalking, should that also give me reason to doubt his/her ability to teach me to deadlift properly? knowledge of rowing and knowledge of lifting are completely separate things and one does not indicate the other0
Why not just make 10 that much higher 
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