With winter descending, most of us are heading indoors to the erg. We all know it’s a great training device, but it can also be a helpful tool for improving technique. Erging is a simplified version of rowing – no blades to worry about, no wind or chop to offset your balance, no steering necessary, no one to follow – just sit down and row – but don’t let your erging become mindless. Hand levels, rhythm and relaxation, body preparation and horizontal rowing can all be improved with time on the erg. Our goal here is to show how erging can make you faster on the water and not about how to have a fast erg. The erg measures power, and while we need power to row fast, we also need to apply that power efficiently. There are many different ergs out there, some let you practice your balance, others your grip or nesting but the majority of us are using the Concept2 erg. While it may be more basic than some, there is still a lot of technique work that can be done with it. If you have trouble with balance in the single or any small boat, chances are your hand levels are inconsistent, or perhaps your body is not staying over the keel (if sculling). Set up mirrors both in front and to the side of the erg. Check your body position, particularly with the mirror in front to make sure you’re not tilting your head or body or letting one leg lean out more than the other. Watch your hands and keep them level, follow the chain straight in and straight out. Muscle memory here can and will carry over into the boat. Read full article here. Interested in more Rowers Choice and rowing content?  Click here to learn about these rowing coaches and their rowing teams.