Concept2 Forum

While I have been able to consistently row 3X to 5X per week since taking up the erg 4+ years ago, I’m seeking guidance for a close friend who is about to take the C2 plunge. I have already given him my advice: Have a monthly workout plan/goal; pick and stick to a regular time of day; and the helpful practice (for me): Always have your gear laid out in advance.

What other practices, secrets, and tricks have proven useful to sticking with the erg?

Make sure you have fun, don't blame yourself if you don't achieve what you wanted and celebrate success, regardless how small.

Gorow wrote: ↑

October 25th, 2022, 2:19 pm

I have already given him my advice: Have a monthly workout plan/goal; pick and stick to a regular time of day; and the helpful practice (for me): Always have your gear laid out in advance.

Personally, I think whether or not strict routines like ^^^ this ^^^ work depends on the personality of the individual in question. Some people thrive on routine and find that it really helps them get things done. Others find it too constricting, and prefer more flexibility in their life. It all depends on what works for your friend.

IMO the best thing is to say "This is what works for me. In your case, you may find that something else is more appropriate. Try various options, see what you prefer and what is most likely to keep you motivated. Track your progress. Good Luck."

Ombrax wrote: ↑

October 25th, 2022, 7:20 pm

IMO the best thing is to say "This is what works for me. In your case, you may find that something else is more appropriate. Try various options, see what you prefer and what is most likely to keep you motivated. Track your progress. Good Luck."

Exactly. That being said, years ago I did the BPP

https://thepeteplan.wordpress.com/beginner-training/

to hold myself accountable, I regularly posted my workout results in a thread like this one.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=190911&start=255

Now, I'm doing the same thing with the SkiErg. It's working for me.

What other practices, secrets, and tricks have proven useful to sticking with the erg?

As with all machinery, read the instructions first:

https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/ ... que-videos

While learning how it's done, keep the rating low with plenty of rest between strokes, on low drag.

To start with enjoy the consistent improvements, but very quickly focus on enjoying the process. The improvements will plateau, and when they do far too many people lose interest.

Don't compare yourself to others. Don't let your ego dictate your decisions. Don't think it's too hard: it's because it's hard that it's worthwhile.

I agree with Ombrax, as there can all too easily be a bias towards what works for me must be the best option. In reality, it may be, or it may be a disaster for someone else. I've seen so many variations from different people, and all gaining great results, that I'm a massive advocate of understanding what works for you personally.

Years ago, I thought I'd found what worked best for me, but when I fundamentally changed it, the progress was remarkable. I never questioned there could be something better, and my lack of progress was assumed to be just me reaching my theoretical limit.

Rowing is tough and esoteric, that's why gym ergs are usually left alone or only used as a warm up, but there does seem to be a misguided assumption that you can't row slowly, controlled or at a low drag, whereas it's acceptable to jog slowly and controlled, especially as a beginner.

Dangerscouse wrote: ↑

October 26th, 2022, 4:05 am

.....

Rowing is tough and esoteric, that's why gym ergs are usually left alone or only used as a warm up, but there does seem to be a misguided assumption that you can't row slowly, controlled or at a low drag, whereas it's acceptable to jog slowly and controlled, especially as a beginner.

Spot on!

Whilst it can be good to learn from what others are doing don't let them try and apply their blueprint on you. More than one way to skin a kitty.

It helps me to consider what else I'm going to do while I'm rowing. I usually row in the afternoon right after I get home from work, so I most often decide that morning what workout I'm going to do (5k / 10k / 30min / 60min / slow / fast) and if I'm going to listen to music, listen to a podcast, audio book, watch TV, etc.

I already have a good idea of today's plan; a slow 10k while I continue my rewatch of The Expanse.

Dangerscouse wrote: ↑

October 26th, 2022, 4:05 am

Don't compare yourself to others. Don't let your ego dictate your decisions. Don't think it's too hard: it's because it's hard that it's worthwhile.

This ^^^^^

It is easy to get sucke dinto looking at others times for a give ndistance, and getting dispirited.

It is important to realise that using a C2 links you with everyone worldwide who also has and uses a C2, including olympic rowers and world record holders if they choose to publicise their data.

On the other hand, there's people who aren't interested in competing, just getting and keeping fit.

There is a place for all, but best, at least in mho in the firs tinstance' to compare your results week to week with your previous performances.

If you are competitive and turn out to be the best in the world for your age, etc go for it.

it's acceptable to jog slowly and controlled,

Right, it's hard anyway, so works ok even at half speed, lifting ourselves off the ground against gravity and then absorbing the impact every single step. Like skipping.

Rowing and cycling slowly need almost no power at all, thanks to the cube law. But at half power, sufficient for training, speed is still around 80%, and all the technical abilities are needed even to go slow.

I think having an idea of what is wanted to be achieved at the beginning is important - and being accepting of the baseline startpoint too.

The only way (imo) that a person keeps at a given activity - exercise or otherwise - is through enjoyment.

I know I really do not like HIIT/interval training, so for me something that follows that as a plan is likely to reduce my enjoyment and thus reduce getting on the erg. (I do accept that I may *have* to do those sessions if I get to the point where I want to be competitive in my age group, but atm I'm so far from that it's a non-issue.)

I do enjoy it when I beat my pb's - but I would not enjoy it if every session I did that was my aim - so I have a crack at them every couple of months or so - in between I'm trying to do UT2 session with some music as I find it relaxing after work - that's my best time for exercise too.

The only concession I make to planning, is to make sure that I've fuelled myself properly during the day - I've tried rowing, even at low outputs, without it and it wasn't productive. Mentally & physically, it was a bit of a waste of time.