Crew Question

[usnahopeful09]

For anyone currently on the crew team/has knowledge about crew... I have a relatively weird question that I haven't been able to find the answer to online:

Do people who do crew develop imbalances/asymmetries in the body composition, since you race/train with single-sided rowing? If so, do the coaches do anything to counter-act this? (e.g. switching sides that you train on, postural exercises, etc...)

Just curious

 

[VelveteenR]

There can be muscle imbalances for those who row exclusively port or starboard as well as lower-limb imbalances due to incorrect use of the erg. Also, "concave chest" is something elite rowers avoid by cross-training, especially weight lifting. If you Google "rowing asymetries," you will get some good info. Good coaches ensure the health of their rowers through observation, proper use of equipment, and appropriate cross-training.

 

[ProudUSNAParent20]

There can be muscle imbalances for those who row exclusively port or starboard as well as lower-limb imbalances due to incorrect use of the erg. Also, "concave chest" is something elite rowers avoid by cross-training, especially weight lifting. If you Google "rowing asymetries," you will get some good info. Good coaches ensure the health of their rowers through observation, proper use of equipment, and appropriate cross-training.

Does anyone know if the coaches at Navy do any of these imbalance correction protocols?

 

[Capt MJ]

Does anyone know if the coaches at Navy do any of these imbalance correction protocols?

It’s Div I, and it would be counter-productive to omit training that would ensure mids stay healthy and fit for commissioning. I did some research on the coaching staff, see link below, and I believe there is sufficient professional expertise there to address these common challenges.

I do recall one of the mids on the women’s basketball team, played center, was also varsity crew, and she had all kinds of interesting regimens to transition her body between sports, and keep various muscle groups in balance.

http://m.navysports.com/m/ot/navy-coaches.html#a19

 

[momofmod]

My son is currently on the Varsity HWT team. He's been rowing for years and I have never heard of any of these issues. The coaching staff at USNA is among the best in the country. That said, the health and well being of their rowers is paramount.