Inverted Bodyweight Row Variations: Will Ruth

Motivation & Long-Term Rowing Success: Blake Gourley

Rowing Throughout Pregnancy: Joe DeLeo

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Activation of spinal stabilizers and shoulder complex muscles during an inverted row using a portable pull-up device and body weight resistance. Youdas, J., Keith, J., Nonn, D., Squires, A., & Hollman, J. (2016). Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(7).

Researchers studied the muscle activation levels of 13 men and 13 women performing four different variations of the inverted bodyweight row exercise. They found high overall muscle activation in the back, shoulders, and arms in all variations, with a few differences. The inverted bodyweight row offers numerous benefits for rowers as a low-equipment exercise to strengthen the back, shoulder, and arm muscles with low loading on the lumbar spine.

Patterns of achievement-motivated behavior and performance as predictors for future success in rowing: A person-oriented study. Schmid, M., Conzelmann, A., & Zuber, C. (2020). International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching.

Researchers examined motivation behaviors and their impact on the long-term success of 65 high-level youth rowers. Over the course of two and a half years researchers found that the highly motivated rowers were more likely to possess better erg times and to participate in higher levels of competition. Researchers found that the ambitionless and unmotivated rowers participated in lower levels of competition or had quit the sport by the end of the study. A rowers’ motivation level may be associated with long-term success in the sport of rowing. These findings should encourage coaches to utilize a flexible coaching style that adjusts to best fit the individual. 

Free Bonus Content! Interview with coach Frank Clayton

Rowers’ self-reported behaviors, attitudes, and safety concerns related to exercise, training, and competition during pregnancy. Franklin, A., Mishtal, J., Johnson, T., & Simms-Cendan, J. (2017). Cureus, 9(8)

Researchers analyzed a qualitative survey of 224 female rowers regarding pregnancy and rowing to understand safety concerns and training during pregnancy. They found that pregnant rowers were above average in physical activity when compared to other pregnant women of their age groups, but rowers face unique team and environmental challenges. This review provides training recommendations for pregnant women to implement during each trimester of their pregnancy and a three-guest podcast discussion covering key perspectives from a coach, athlete, mother, and physician.

Free Bonus Content! Panel discussion with Brannon Johnson, Sara Lombardi, and Dr. Kathryn Ackerman

About Science of Rowing

“Science of Rowing” is a monthly publication created by three dual rowing-strength coaches, Will Ruth, Blake, Gourley, and Joe DeLeo. Our goal is to move research into practice for coaches and rowers of all ages, types, and levels. We are entirely member-funded and do not promote products or sell advertisements. Members receive one issue each month containing three reviews of recent and applicable research in rowing training, strength training for rowing, and other relevant performance areas like psychology, injury analysis, technology, and more. Each issue includes video and graphic content to help move the knowledge into practice, as well as a podcast episode of the three of us discussing the takeaways and our experiences. Membership includes access to all prior issues, so join us for one month and get access to every issue. We also offer discounted annual and team memberships, as well as gift memberships for a special rower or coach in your life.

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