We're here to tell you why you STILL shouldn't lift your heels why you're on the machine! Is it generally accepted to lift your heels in the sport of rowing: yes. Can you lift your heels and still perform the rowing movement properly: yes.
Is is appropriate to lift your heels when you're teaching someone for the first time how to use the rowing machine: NO.
Why? Because the minute that you allow someone to lift their heels, the hips slide underneath the shoulders. The minute you put someone's heels down, you eliminate the possibility of them putting their hips behind the shoulders. Does it shorten the stroke? Sometimes. BUT, we're teaching them good movement.
Heels down teaches them how to press through the entire foot and how to press through the heel and engage the posterior chain. It doesn't dominate the posterior chain, but it helps overcome one of the biggest learning hurdles to the machine: the catch.
By teaching good movement patterns, you can improve over time when flexibility increases, or they lose weight, or they get more range of motion. But good movement practices MUST BE ESTABLISHED FIRST.
Once someone commits to the technique and understands how to press through the entire foot, then we'll allow them to flash the heel with a purpose. Not just "because" rowing says so.
For greater detail, coaching cues, and points of performance, train with us at http://www.darkhorserowing.com
Dark Horse Rowing is built for indoor rowers and gyms who want to use the rowing machine as a tool for their training, workouts, weight loss, and recovering from injury.
You'll get workouts, coaching, and support all around the Concept 2 rowing machine. This is THE place to get great workouts and understand the rowing machine.
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