Slide Guide - Three Models
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Hyperextension leads to various kinds of injury and knee pain. Our Slide Guide was designed to correct bad habits that might otherwise lead to hyperextension and injury.
To prevent hyperextension, the Slide Guide is set where the athlete achieves the catch position (when shins are perpendicular). It is an adjustable front stop that is easy to assemble and affix to the erg’s monorail (Models C, D and E). No tools are required. Simply slide the guide up against the seat roller and note the location on the accompanying scale. Once you know your number, setting the Slide Guide will become as automatic as setting the heel height and the drag factor, when you get on the erg.
The Slide Guide is produced in three different configurations:
Models 1, 2 and 3. |
 Model 1 has low profile adjusting knobs and is the least expensive at $19. |
| Model 2 This version has extended adjusting knobs that also function as calf supports, to limit hyperextension of the knee. There are two sets of mounting holes to adjust the location of the calf supports. If you remove the calf supports, Model 2 will function as a Model 1. Model 2 sells for $29. And should you like to upgrade your Model 1 into a Model 2, the calf supports are available for $10. |
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| Model 3 Women tend to have longer shins than men, so this model has an extension to place the calf supports closer to the ‘bow’ of the erg. This model also uses the smaller knobs to adjust the location and lock in place, without the use of tools. Model 3 is available for $39. |  |
As you are most likely aware, the Concept 2 ergometers do not come equipped with a front stop.
Why is one required?
I. Technique Issues
Proper power application and timing call for the rower's shins to be perpendicular at the catch. Anything beyond perpendicular is bio-mechanically less powerful, adversely effects catch posture and may lead to injury. Uncoached rowers tend to over-compress, because it may 'feel' more powerful.
The Slide Guide:
- Eliminates inefficient over-compression that leads to checking down the boat.
- Eliminates rocking into the catch that leads to a poor catch angle and power application.
- Promotes a disciplined technique when the rower is fatigued.
- Hitting the front stop is certainly annoying. The Slide Guide compels rowers to develop some sense of slide control coming to the front end - no more rushing!
II. Potential Injuries
As a front stop, the Slide Guide prevents the more flexible and less muscled athlete from impacting and injuring their Achilles tendon with the sliding seat.
Over-compression may either be the culprit or a contributing factor in the high incidence of patellofemoral syndrome, especially among more flexible women rowers.
The adjusting handles also function to support the rower's calves at the release, to prevent injuries due to repetitive knee hyper-extension. Patent Pending Fits all Concept 2 Models C, D & E.