Rowing Questions

[GqArtguy]

For you rowers out there, Im doing machine rowing for my cardio (using HIIT principles) but I want to know: Do you inhale when you lean forward and exhale during the pull or vice versa? Also is your back allowed to bend, or must it stay arched throughout the row? Also, when the pull is executed, should my torso be perpendicular to the machine or should I be leaning back?
If anyone has a link, or detailed description as to hoe to row correctly, please send it my way. I just want to avoid injury in the future.

Thanks!

[bryanc]

What kind of rowing machine are you using? It is a hydraulic one or a Concept II? Either way, you can check out concept2.com. There's sections there to show you how to row properly. You do want to have some lean back at the end of your stroke. Your back should be straight throughout the rowing (no hunching at the catch when you're closest to the machine, and no scrunching down at the release when you're furthest away from the flywheel).

Lots of rowers have different breathing patterns. I used to take two breaths per cycle. Inhale before my leg drive, exhale throughout to the end of the stroke, inhale on the recovery and exhale at the catch. Some rowers inhale on the recover, exhale on the drive (I don't have the lung capacity to do this). Most rowers don't inhale during the leg drive.

[GqArtguy]

Thanks for the response! I did them today and felt no back strain. Ill look at the rower type the next time I go. Its an air resistance rower and has a lever with the numbers 1-10 (my guess being the intensity).