Re: CII rower ( was Strength Training for a 800m runner In Season)

[Guest guest]

--- Mark wrote:

> Ralph,

> Thanks for your latest post on the subject- the

> explanation of fiber typing and conversion was very

> interesting and relevent to this discussion.

>

> Here's a question- would strength training by

> rowing on a rowing ergometer such as the Concept II

> promote a better fiber typing profile. Back in my

> racing days I used the rower successfully( I think)

> in place of some of the weightlifting. It most

> certainly promotes strength in the glutes,

> hamstrings, low back, upper back and arms. I also

> used it to train through achilles injuries with

> minimally slower racing times- taking 2-3 races to

> get back to form.

>

> This would eliminate some of the risks of

> weightlifting as the racing season moves forward,

> and training with a Tabata protocol on a rower would

> be a nice way to produce some serious lactate!

>

> I would still back off on the lifting/strength

> training as the season progresses and use that time

> for recovery for the maximal racing efforts at the

> big meets.

>

> Mark , MS, ATC, CSCS

> Camillus, NY

In my opinion the Concept II rower is an excellent

training tool for the endurance athlete in the

offseason. I began using one 3 years ago when our

local Y hired a former rower as a trainer.

It puts particular emphasis on VO2 max and taxes the

cardio-respiratory system. Depending on the type of

work it can be used for high intensity interval work

such as the Tabata protocol or it can be used to build

a strong endurance base. It is great for the runner

or the cyclist because the bulk of the work is done

by the lower extremities.

I would definitely recommend the Concept II rower for

any runner as a good off season training tool.

Ralph Giarnella MD

Southington Ct USA