Walking to improve rowing

[elvistcb3577]

I have a walking desk treadmill I use for work as I am on computer most of day. Slow days I get 10,000 steps. Extensive days I get 35,000+ I am usually running on the low end of HR zone for these 50%-60%. Sometimes I will put on a weighted vest that can get that close to the 60%+ range. I know this is on the low end of cardiovascular stress even though I am burning more calories then sitting.

On average I get about 3-5 rowing sessions a week. About 20,000 to 60,000 meters depending on my mood.

My questions is. Will any of this walking contribute to better cardio capacity on the rower? I now it is the lowest zone. Or is it it really not much impactful beyond the effort I put into the current rowing regime?

What about more intense walking? Say in the 65%+ range? Does non rowing cardio activities translate to improved cardio capacity in rowing?

[Tsnor]

My questions is. Will any of this walking contribute to better cardio capacity on the rower?

Yes, absolutely. Slow walking, fast walking all build cardio. Accumulating low intensity hours helps you perform better. Walking is one way to accumulate time. And your use of desk time for walking is a large step up -- walking is much better than sitting. Google will find a 1000 references all saying the same thing, e.g. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-life ... t-20046261

What about more intense walking? Say in the 65%+ range? Does non rowing cardio activities translate to improved cardio capacity in rowing?

Many rowers use cycling and other (more back friendly) training mixed in with rowing. Stronger cardio from walking, running, cycling etc all help rowing, and visa versa. The reigning world speed skating champ spends more time cycling than skating. In your case, transforming sitting time into walking time is a clear winner.

[Dangerscouse]

I do agree with Tsnor, but one word of warning is that whilst you will improve your cardio capacity, don't let this lull you into a false of security that you also don't need to put in the metres on the erg too.

Rowing is a very specific movement, and there are very few of us that have transferable fitness, say from running to erging. Ime, if you want to improve on the erg you need to erg as much as possible.

[jamesg]

Will any of this walking contribute to better cardio capacity on the rower?

Walking is a necessary activity, even on the flat, to avoid osteoporosis. We sit on the erg, so leg gravity loads there are zero.

The erg gets us aerobically fit, and gives some strength no doubt, if we pull hard enough. But basically we're only using existing leg strength to overload CV.

So walking is essential. If anything it will be your erg fitness that helps you walk, especially on hills.

I row year round, about 1Mm, 120-140W, rate 20-22. If I put in any effort, in recent years this has let me climb at about 500m/hour, after a few days specific. This at 90kg all up is about 120W. Needless to say there are some as go twice that rate.