Concept2 Forum

Hey there, somewhat new to the erg, but I'm loving it so far. Watched plenty of videos and read the technique descriptions. I could use some help with analyzing my form - based on my force curve, what needs to be improved?

I took what I believe to be a typical stroke, at the end of a workout where I was a little tired.

https://ibb.co/Nj4MmNv

Based on what a force curve “should” look like, I’d say yours looks pretty good. I personally see no glaring issues. The little dent on the left slope of the curve- if it’s present in all of your force curves- could indicate a slight break in leg power after starting your stroke. And your force curve is not as long (L to R) in the graph as mine is… but that could just mean you naturally have a shorter drive length than I do (I’m 5’9” btw). Finally, I don’t know what the school of thought is here regarding symmetric vs. asymmetric force curves. I personally try and shoot for symmetric force curves and try to maximize my drive length while sticking to proper rowing form. The larger the area in your force curve, the better your stroke… hope this helps!

P.S. I’ll try and post a link to a video of some of my force curves in the next day or so.

Thanks for this - I'm 5'8, so your comment about having a longer force curve might be explained in part by the 1" difference in height.
I was wondering about the 1 o'clock position on the curve, if that was indicative of a potential form improvement. I adjusted my form this morning, and noticed both my drive length and drive speed increased.

I didn't check the form curve - still somewhat new to this, and fiddling with ergData. Too bad the online logbook doesn't upload all the metrics, but the app is terrific.

Thanks for the feedback.

Not everything shows up in the force curve, so if you are brave I recommend posting a short video from the side of you rowing for a better analysis.

I never look at the force curve, but I know it's recommended to look like a haystack if that's any help.

Aegle wrote: ↑

March 18th, 2024, 6:48 am

Thanks for this - I'm 5'8, so your comment about having a longer force curve might be explained in part by the 1" difference in height.
I was wondering about the 1 o'clock position on the curve, if that was indicative of a potential form improvement. I adjusted my form this morning, and noticed both my drive length and drive speed increased.

I didn't check the form curve - still somewhat new to this, and fiddling with ergData. Too bad the online logbook doesn't upload all the metrics, but the app is terrific.

Thanks for the feedback.

Great to hear about your improved drive length and speed! And I have the force curve display up on my PM5 during all of my rows, but I’m certainly not staring at it the entire time. More than anything it’s there to verify I’m sticking to good form, regardless of how easy or hard I might row. Anyway, keep up the good work… I’ll try and get that video of my force curves uploaded to YouTube sometime tomorrow.

P.S. If you aren’t already doing it, make sure you pull the rowing handle back to your upper body at the end of your stroke with a little extra force on it… that might also help your drive length.

Dangerscouse wrote: ↑

March 18th, 2024, 11:20 am

I never look at the force curve, but I know it's recommended to look like a haystack if that's any help.

Glad you mentioned the haystack, I’ve heard that mentioned too- I think on one of the coaching videos I watched. I think it looks like the top part of a sine wave… maybe a bit broader at the top.