We've heard from many customers over the years who have used the Concept2 Indoor Rower to rehabilitate an injury, as well as recuperate from and even prepare for surgery. When rehabilitating an injury or coming back from a surgery, it's important to work at a pace instructed by your medical professionals. Since the indoor rower puts you in control of your resistance, it is especially well-suited to working at the appropriate pace compared to other machines where resistance is a "set-it-and-forget-it" proposition. You also have the freedom to use partial or no leg compression, if needed.
We are not medical professionals, and as every person's situation differs, we recommend you consult with your doctor before embarking on an exercise regime. Also, improper form and/or technique can cause or exacerbate injuries. If you have any questions about this, consult with a qualified professional before using the Concept2 Indoor Rower, or you can use our technique videos, to review good form and technique. You may also want to talk to your doctor about using the Concept2 SkiErg. The SkiErg offers the same flexibility as the indoor rower in terms of pace and leg compression, and additionally, can be used with a stool to limit the movement to upper body only.
Workouts
Before trying these workouts, please read our liability disclaimer.
These workouts were sent to us by customers who began using the indoor rower following an injury or to prep for surgery; click their names to read their full stories:
- Workout 1: Row 35 minutes a day. Amy Vander Stoep Karraker did this as part of a pre-surgery exercise program. Two days after having a total knee replacement, she was walking without crutches; after 10 days, she was driving.
- Workout 2: Row 10,000m daily. This is the regime Stan Brierly uses to keep a painful shoulder problem at bay.
- Workout 3: Daily steady-state rowing of 10,000m or longer. Brian Richards follows this plan to average 70,000m plus a week. Despite having a prosthesis in his left shoulder and needing to wear a knee brace, his consistent exercise keeps him fit for his annual 26.2 mile fundraising walk.
- Workout 4: Row three 10,000m pieces weekly. Robert Platts began this program after wearing out his knees from running. In addition to helping his knees, his MS has been in remission for five years.