There are a vast amount of row exercises and many variations for each. A staple in our BPS system is the isometric wave row. Typically, we utilize the seated row or incline prone row apparatus. The tempo for these row exercises begins at 6-1. This means the athlete concentrically rows, and then isometrically holds at the controllable end range of motion for 6 seconds. Once the hold time is complete the athlete will perform two controlled 101 tempo reps and isometrically hold again on the second rep. This time the hold decreases to only 5 seconds. Repeat this process until the last one-second hold is complete followed by the last two reps that will finish the set.
Once a foundation of rowing strength is set this tempo can be progressed by increasing the time under tension with longer isometric holds. For example, we would keep our athletes on the same weight as used for the 6-1 tempo but increase the tempo to 8-1, 10-1 or even 12-1. This progression will quickly increase the isometric strength of the back and posterior chain. The posterior chain in this case may include the trapezius, rear deltoids, erector spinae, rhomboids, etc. Any given athlete can progress up in tempo by two seconds about every three weeks. On upper body days, keep the wave tempo to about 4 sets of rows depending on the athletes needs.
All athletes require a strong posterior chain for many reasons including sprinting arm action speed, proper posture, shoulder health and reversal strength involved in all pressing motions. To obtain row strength through the use of the wave tempo in all planes of rowing motions, you’ll need to utilize multiple variations of rowing exercises. For instance, you can apply the 6-1 wave tempo to the
DB incline row (narrow or wide grip)
Inverted row (varying the grip)
DB or band shoulder (rear, front, side)
Pull-ups (varying the grip)
**Tips for row performance: When performing all rowing exercises its important to focus all your intention on retracting the scapulae first. Follow scapulae retraction with horizontally abducting the humerous to its controllable end range of motion. At this end range of motion, execute the chosen isometric contraction time (i.e. 10-1) and visualize all the muscles in the back contracting. The arm flexors will assist with most rowing motions but try to skew your intention to the musculature of the back.