Concept2 Forum

I struggle with keeping a steady stroke rate and therefor on longer rows, I struggle with keeping steady pace. I like listening to music while I row. Does anyone have a good Spotify playlist they can share or music suggestions? I like all kinds of music with the exception of anything really heavy (metal, rap) so any suggestions would be so helpful. Any other suggestions (besides the MetROWnome app) would also be welcomed.

This is my first time posting here and I'm relatively new to rowing so I'm not sure what (if any) information I should share about myself. I also need to do some research on the acronyms you use around here! I row 4-5 times a week (got an erg for my bday!) either at home or at a gym. I also do other workouts. I average a 2:15 split and for my longer steady workouts I usually feel comfortable at 26 S/M. I would love to row a HM in 2:20 or less, which is a goal I've set for myself in a few weeks. I'm a 51YO female.

Thanks all!

Welcome to the forum. If you're still a newbie to rowing, I'd suggest that just practice is all that is really required, as it does get easier the more used to the stroke that you get.

I can't really help with a playlist, but aren't they automatically suggested? Good luck with the HM

I'm afraid I don't use music when I am rowing so can't help on the playlist either. Personally i just adjust my stroke rate to what is most comfortable for the workout in progress. i find that the work i do with each stroke varies depending on the tiredness of my muscles, so for my slow rows I vary from 15 to 18 SPM. Not sure how you could achieve that if rowing to music.

I would say that R26 is higher than most use for longer training workouts although appropriate to a TT even if 21,097m long! You might like to add some slower rows into your training as 2:15 is pretty quick. Ideally for at least half your workouts you should be able to talk comfortably while rowing. Congratulations to making a great start.

- Iain

Dark Horse rowing has playlists on Spotify. Search by "stroke rate", they are called e.g. Stroke rate 25 - Dark Horse Rowing.
I have used them a few times, but they just contained too many songs/bands I don't like. So I have made my own with songs that make me happy, because in the end that's the only thing which keeps me rowing steady and motivated. It ended up very eclectic

I'm a fan of the early 70s funk stations on Google Music (Blaxploitation Groove, The Big Payback, 70s Latino Funk Groove, etc..). The 80s Nigerian and Afro pop stations are good mixes, as well.

All good for 18-22spm chugging away.

I always listen to music but never try and time it to stroke rate. I also find while I enjoy music it often becomes "white noise" and I barely remember it or hear it if I am concentrating on the monitor. There are lots of playlist - you can go to YouTube and find "Best Of" playlist for different genres and/or artist - I do that often.

When I do a long row (long for me is 10K or greater), I like to listen to something I have an emotional connection with so that I sort of get lost in the music and let the rowing take care of itself. For me, Keith Jarrett solo concerts: Paris, Koln and Bremen/Lausanne are among the best in my book.

Or a prog/rock album like The Wall, Lamb Lies Down on Broadway etc. work too