I have always found rowing exercises challenging. I often struggle to get comfortable on the rowing machines, and sometimes I feel discomfort in one of my shoulders afterward.
Currently, the rowing exercises that feel best for me are inverted rows (I feel a great stretch with them), followed by DB Rows.
Inverted Rows are still pretty challenging for me in the 20-rep range, but since I can’t add weight, I’m unsure if they’re a sustainable long-term solution.
Do you think inverted rows are as effective as other rowing exercises or should I consider other rowing exercises?
For my back I’m doing (split into two days per week):
Pullups
Chinups
Inverted Rows
DB Rows
Hell I can’t get the angle right for inverted rows.
Personally the only back work I’ve been doing lately is deadlifts, shrugs, and some stuff on the gymnastics rings. Chinning & rowing have become a problem for my right bicep/shoulder. I do need to re introduce something for external rotation though.
I don’t use rowing machines due to the same issues you mentioned. I typically avoid upper body machines in general, across various lifts. They usually don’t seem to mesh with my leverages.
You can load inverted rows as mentioned in posts above, and I recommend exploring various barbell, dumbbell and cable rowing variations.
Yes! These would be great to compliment the other movements you’re doing. As @marine77 points out, a weight vest is a great investment if this is your route. Also, doing sets of rows, push ups, and squats with a weight vest is simply an awesome training session.
Yes. I did them for a long time at my old gym with gymnastic rings, a dip/chin belt with load hanging in back of me, and a plyo box tall enough to avoid plates hitting the floor.
I’ve not experienced any pain during or after deadlifts. The issue I’m experiencing has been really tough to troubleshoot and describe actually. The solution (albeit probably temporary) has been a wide reduction in my exercise selection.
Honestly, besides deadlifts, walking lunges, back extensions, ring work and some basic GPP & wrestling training - I seem to be tip toeing through anything else that I do for fear of the inevitable locking up of my right shoulder.
Pronated only cuz I don’t have a seal row set up and have to DIY it with a bench and several yoga steps. I guess I could do neutral grip with a trap bar. I might just try that.
For me, inverted rows are an occasional accessory exercise. I prefer one-arm rows, Kroc rows, seated cables and lying face down on a slightly inverted bench using a heavily weighted Smith machine, which I find easier to use than a seal row and which allows you to play with the variable of how far apart your hands are.
They are still a great alternative, and far better than not rowing at all. Since rowing does not (yet) bother my shoulders, I’m going to encourage you; not knock what works for you.
