Noob with a question...

[mrramsey]

No surprise there right? Enjoying my new model D and getting everything dialed in. I am looking for information on interpreting the stroke data in the log book to understand just how inefficiently I am rowing. I see a lot of anomalous spikes in the SPM presumably because I am doing something wrong. I seem to average about 20-24 SPM - Just rowing at this point to get used to the machine and rowing properly. Any tips or guidance here is appreciated!

Mike

[Cyclist2]

Welcome, Mike.

Holding a steady stroke rate when just learning is hard, so variations within 2-3 SPM between strokes are not unusual. 22-24 is a good number to shoot for. Set the drag factor around 120 (lever on the R side of the wheel about 4 on a new machine) to start with and dial it in to your preference as you get it all figured out.

Use the videos on the C2 website for technique, and all sorts of great info.

Have fun!

[jamesg]

stroke data in the log book to understand just how inefficiently I am rowing

Your Watt/kg ratio and also the Watt/Rating ratio tell all about what you are doing.
HR and sweat tell almost all about your reactions to doing it.

I reckon we can get and stay fit at between 1 and 2 W/kg body mass. If overweight, we can use an ideal weight based on height.
Watt/Rating is the work done per stroke. This depends on sex, age and size; 5 to 10 will get you fit. It needs technique.
HR below 200-Age and sweat aplenty will be enough to get fit but not stop you doing mileage. Losing 1 kg of sweat per outing is a reasonable target.

Technique is shown in the C2 video here: http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/t ... que-videos
Suggest you read the words too.

The essential in technique is a slow recovery with sequence: arms away, then swing, then slide. This is what puts us into a strong position so that we can use the legs for the catch. Engineering says Work = Length x Force, so idlers like me can do quite a lot of work by using a long stroke at low force, with that sequence. If the stroke is long and leggy, ratings 18-23 are enough to get fit. Boats don't stop, so there's never any hurry in rowing, but they do like big strokes.

PS don't worry about the spikes, it's probably an electrical phenomenon due to beat frequencies (my latest theory), and not your fault. It doesn't affect the averages.

[Carl Watts]

Just double check that the monitor is set to the right version of rower in the product ID screen, if not the spm or rating will be all over the place.

[mrramsey]

Thanks for the replies! I will keep at it until I dial it in. Going slow is harder than one would think LOL (on the return that is).

[c2jonw]

I'll add that the Force Curve screen on the PM is a very useful tool in analyzing your stroke efficiency. Read about it here: http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/t ... orce-curve
C2JonW