row2k Features
Training the Core
January 11, 2017
Joseph DeLeo, Leo Training

What's the function of the core?
It would be very easy to start off this article describing what muscles you need to train and more than likely I would lose you right after this sentence. This is not an anatomy lesson!

It is more valuable for you, the reader and rower, to understand the purpose of the core. Dr. Stuart McGill provides a simple and easy explanation for the role and function of the core in the human body. The primary purpose of the core musculature is to stiffen the torso and prevent motion. (1,2)

When the muscles of the torso co-contract, the torso stiffens and the result is that all of these muscles become synergists. This simply means they help generate movement. The stiffening of the torso enables greater power and velocity to be generated at the shoulders and hips and thus transmitted through the core musculature. Greater power and velocity at the shoulders and hips translates to generating more power in your rowing stroke as well as preventing injuries.

The different classes of core training
World renowned strength coach, Mike Boyle, breaks core training into 3 different classes:

  • Antiextension
  • Antilateral flexion
  • Antirotation

Boyle makes a paramount point in his new book, New Functional Training For Sports, “ The key to understanding core training is realizing that the respiration is not passive but active.” (3) This means that any exercise you do must begin with the breath. Breathing is the most fundamental layer of every movement we do.

3 core exercises for rowers

  • The Deadbug (antiextension)
  • The Side Plank and Side Plank Row (antilateral flexion)
  • The Paloff Press (antirotation)

    Recommendations

    The Deadbug
    Begin with the bodyweight progression and start at 5 reps on each side. Build out to doing 3 sets of 8,10,and 12 reps. Once you have demonstrated control progress to the more difficult version with mini-band and counterweight. The key for this exercise is to improve your endurance without sacrificing your position. As you fatigue make sure you do not move into lumbar hyperextension.

    Deadbug & Paloff Press

    The Side Plank and Side Plank Row - Begin with the bodyweight progression first (Side Plank). Build to 6 sets of 10 second holds on each side. Once you can do that with ease and control, progress to doing the Side Plank Row for 3 sets of 8 reps on each side. Each week add 2 reps.

    How to Side Bridge

    Side Plank Row

    The Paloff Press - Hold for 6 sets of 10 seconds on each side. For this exercise I prefer to increase the time and will progress to 6 sets of 20 seconds, then 30 seconds and eventually a minute. Note: An alternative for increasing the intensity of this exercise is to have the time remain constant and either a) use a heavier band or b) increase the weight on a cable machine.

    References
    1. McGill, Dr. Stuart. Core Training: Evidence Translating to Better Performance and Injury Prevention.Strength & Conditioning Journal. June 2010 – Volume 32 – Issue 3 – pp 33-46. 2. McGill, Dr. Stuart. Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance, 5th Edition. 2014. Print. 3. Boyle, Michael. New Functional Training for Sports, 2nd Edition. 2016. Print. 4. Gentilcore, Tony. "Exercises you should be doing: Deadbug with Extension + Reach." TonyGentilcore.com. Published 8/2016. Accessed 11.27/2016.

  • SUPPORT ROW2K
    If you enjoy and rely on row2k, we need your help to be able to keep doing all this. Though row2k sometimes looks like a big, outside-funded operation, it mainly runs on enthusiasm and grit. Help us keep it coming, thank you! Learn more.


    Comments

    Log in to comment
    There are no Comments yet

    Rowing Features
    Rowing Headlines
    ADVERTISEMENT
    row2k media is not responsible for external ad content
    Get our Newsletter!

    Support row2k!

    Tremendous thanks to our
    row2k supporters!

    Get Social with row2k!
    Like row2k on Facebook Follow row2k on Twitter Follow row2k on Instagram Follow row2k on Youtube Connect with row2k on LinkedIn

    Get the row2k app!

    row2k rowing store!

    Get our Newsletter!
    Enter your email address to receive our weekly newsletter.

    Support row2k!


    Advertiser Index
    Advertise on row2k