EXCLUSIVE: Learning with the best
Shakila Barabhuiya • Published 3 Feb 2012 10:30
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SOME people might feel daunted about going on an rowing machine for only the second time in their life in front of a four-time Olympic gold medallist.
But my feeling was, if you're going to do it, then you should do it properly so I decided to take on the challenge for the Nation on Trial initiative where Sir Matthew Pincent put me through my paces for 10 nerve-racking minutes.
So, sandwiched in between Reading Rowing Club coach Chris Heemskerk and the ten-time World Champion, I was taught how to actually do a proper rowing stroke.
And like many people, my only experience to date has been on a machine in the gym so I was surprised to learn how many components there
were to a rowing stroke.
There were plenty of things I had never even thought about, such as not leaning back, keeping my arms straight for as long as possible and, one of the most useful tips, to move the bar forwards until it is over the knees before you even think of sliding forwards so it puts less strain on the knees and keeps you more balanced.
Pincent's attentions started with another journalist to his right so Heemskerk got me going with the basics and I was doing ok until Pincent started to focus on me.
At this point, I started to feel slightly self conscious and lost my rhythm a bit.
But I soon started to feel at ease and even got some encouragement from him. His top tip was to maintain the pressure on the foot pads throughout the stroke, rather than pushing quite hard at the beginning and losing that momentum when sliding back - easier said than done I must say.
Overall, I was quite pleased with my workout. I rowed 1k and for the little time that I was able to put together all the components and get into a rhythm, I felt a surge of accomplishment and enjoyment.
Now I can't wait to put those top tips into action on my next foray on the ergo.
Every week for the next four weeks I will be writing a column detailing my progress with the ergo as part of the Nation On Trial initiative.
Get involved at www.nationontrial.org
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 02 Feb 12
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