Newbie Question on drag factor

[Yamash]

I am a newbie to rowing for about 2 months. I have a Model B erg and enjoy it very much. I have been trying to read and learn as much as possible through this forum. I have read about adding a speed ring to the Model B to reduce the drag factor and make it more compatible with the Models C and D. I use my erg mainly to keep in shape and have no intentions to enter into any competitions. My question: is there any advantage or benefit to adding a speed ring to my erg if my intention is just to use it to stay in shape ??

Also, if i were to train for competitions, wouldn't it be more beneficial to train on an erg with a higher drag factor (resistance) and then compete on an erg with a lower drag factor ? That way wouldn't your body be used to pulling a higer resistance so when it got an erg with lower resistance you would be able to pull faster and with more power ? Or am I oversimplifying things ??

[PaulS]

I am a newbie to rowing for about 2 months. I have a Model B erg and enjoy it very much. I have been trying to read and learn as much as possible through this forum. I have read about adding a speed ring to the Model B to reduce the drag factor and make it more compatible with the Models C and D. I use my erg mainly to keep in shape and have no intentions to enter into any competitions. My question: is there any advantage or benefit to adding a speed ring to my erg if my intention is just to use it to stay in shape ??

Also, if i were to train for competitions, wouldn't it be more beneficial to train on an erg with a higher drag factor (resistance) and then compete on an erg with a lower drag factor ? That way wouldn't your body be used to pulling a higer resistance so when it got an erg with lower resistance you would be able to pull faster and with more power ? Or am I oversimplifying things ??

First answer: A model B with the vents closed and using the Large Sprocket is quite suitable for your stated purpose.

You are over simplifying it a bit, but it's not really your fault as what you are thinking would be perfectly reasonable if the resistance were similar to weightlifting.

The PM calculates the amount of energy being input into the system and accounts for the resistance with the "Drag Factor", then outputs a Pace based on that energy input by determining a value for Watts (joules/sec, where the time base is a complete stroke cycle).

Think of the flywheel as giving you a certain number of meters for every revolution and then how the DF effects that.

Low DF = less credit per rev, but a higher RPM and less rapid slowing of the flywheel on recovery.
High DF = More credit per rev, but lower RPM and more rapid slowing of the flywheel on recovery.

If one were to want a temporary boost in performance, similar to swinging a weighted bat to make the regular bat feel light, it would be to train at a low DF to improve your quickness, and then raise the DF for a time trial. The effect is rather short lived and once we enter the realm of aerobic demands it will be very fleeting indeed since the muscles will not be conditioned to the new speed of contraction.

Sorry, may have gone a bit too far in explanation, but hope it helped.

[johnlvs2run]

is there any advantage or benefit to adding a speed ring to my erg if my intention is just to use it to stay in shape ??

Definitely.

The lower the resistance, then the lighter and faster your drive. Consider if you were trying to run while carrying around a 50 pound weight. Your energy output might be the same, which is what is measured on the erg, but your speed would be less.

As your intention is fitness, yes it would be a good benefit to add a speed ring to your erg.

if i were to train for competitions, wouldn't it be more beneficial to train on an erg with a higher drag factor (resistance) and then compete on an erg with a lower drag factor ?

I think there are some good benefits to doing at least a part of one's training with a higher DF, then doing your competitive training at the same DF as your races, and/or starting at the highest DF and gradually working down in that session to your goal DF for your races and time trials.

[boatsforabillion]

Just be careful on the higher drag factors as if your not using the proper technique it can load the lower spine more than is good for it.

[starboardstroke]

This is the rule of thumb that a Coach once gave me

Lightweights 120 drag
Heavyweights 130 drag

Thats for guys at least