Who knows about rowing?

[MegCleary]

DH and I have invested in a water rower. I am managing to row about 4k in 23 mins. My stroke rate is about 25-26. I feel fairly puffed after and my recovery is getting quicker (few mins as opposed to 5-7).

I am not sure if I am doing it right. I breathe out on the pull back stroke and try and tense my abs (if I have any....)
Does this sound right?
Is doing any exercise going to help get fit and lose weight even if doing it wrong?

I would recommend that you look at some you tube videos which demonstrate a proper rowing stroke. To give you a crude idea, when you pull back you need to focus on a nice strong back and driving with the legs. You should roughly take twice as long going back up the slide (recovery phase) as you do on the 'rowing' phase. It can feel quite odd to start with, but you need to feel like you are floating back up the slide. This gives you time to breathe back in and prepare for the next stroke. I would also suggest that you reduce your stroke rate but try to increase the power of your leg drive. Also, don't have the resistance set too high. Something in the middle would be good (equivalent to about a 5 on a traditional erg rowing machine).
HTH

Really helps its a water rower so I can't change the resistance. I am going to concentrate on the stroke again. I am only 5' so my stroke is quicker DH says.

Ah you'll be glued to the stats come Boat Race time!

Remember your thigh muscles are the biggest in your body. Don't over-reach. You could research a plan combining some sprinting (high stroke rate) and some power work.

I thought you could simply put less water in the drum to alter the resistance?

I have just asked DH about that and he said its at the highest resistance it can be!