Noob observations (C2 vs Skillrow)
Posted: July 3rd, 2025, 4:57 am
Dear C2 forum members,
Thank you for having an excellent resource publicly accessible. Sadly, my workplace has a newly built gym with all TechnoGym equipment and I don't have access to a C2, but rather four SkillRow machines (and they all seems to be slightly different in terms of usage/maintenance). I'm surprised that they all fill up, there's a weekly leaderboard, and I've seen all kinds of antics on them in by 10-session rowing career.
Anyway, I'm here looking to confirm that I'm on the right path with a goal to enjoy rowing and become better.
Me: 48/M/6'1"/90kg. Relatively slim but after the birth of my two children, I am getting back into working out. I really enjoy running but I with by increased weight (last 10-mile race in 2019, I weighed 82kg) it's very hard on my knees. That's where rowing comes in.
Info so far:
1. I started by watching "pick" drills on DH rowing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYQEP66O9bk (and I try to do this 2-3 days/week on the machine before some other rowing).
2. I have set the drag factor on the machine down to around 120 (third screen on the machine itself).
3. I'm rowing for 5k at 18-20 s/m and around 120 watts average (with a 2:20/split) and it's comfortable and I'm working on form/breathing.
4. I'm watching the power curve (SkillRow app on a phone above the screen) ... and with the info here: https://blog.rowsandall.com/2016/11/19/ ... rce-curve/ I'm trying to see where I can improve form. It looks like the trunk is weak as are the arms. When I row as per 3, the kgf is around 50-70kgf and the curve is wide and flat.
5. I'm looking at stroke length and I am around 150-155cm when lazy/tired and 160-165cm when I lean forward and rearward at the ends of the stroke.
6. I use my old Garmin Forerunner 45 as I measure walking distance (10km/day) and HR during cycling to work/schools (120-140 bpm) but it doesn't work so well with the rowing due to bending of the wrist. I seem to stay around 100-120. I need to find a clock at the end of the workout and check this manually as it seems too low. (RHR average varies from 55-60 if no alcohol is consumed, or around 10 bpm if I have a beer or two).
Equipment differences:
1. I can't really get on a C2 easily (no space at home and this gym is where my children swim and it's a 5 min walk from the office).
2. From my reading it seems the SkillRow produces similar values to the C2 in the rowing mode (essentially an ergometer as well, but the data feedback is less convenient and it's 4x the price). In the strength mode, there's some magnet stuff that I don't use (I simply look for a df of around 120 and use mode 4/10).
Advice from anyone:
1. Could someone recommend an inexpensive HR strap that will connect to the skill row, so I can get an accurate fitness baseline? I'll check the Garmin against a clock today when I'm in the gym.
2. I think I'll continue to row like I am (4-5 times a week at 5k meters (2:20 splits at 18-20 s/m while working on form) for another month or so until looking at the beginning Pete's plan (unless there is a better option). Is this the way forward to get ready for Pete's?
Overall goal is general fitness with something I enjoy, which is current the rowing.
Many thanks for an excellent resource and have a great sunny morning.
Thank you for having an excellent resource publicly accessible. Sadly, my workplace has a newly built gym with all TechnoGym equipment and I don't have access to a C2, but rather four SkillRow machines (and they all seems to be slightly different in terms of usage/maintenance). I'm surprised that they all fill up, there's a weekly leaderboard, and I've seen all kinds of antics on them in by 10-session rowing career.
Anyway, I'm here looking to confirm that I'm on the right path with a goal to enjoy rowing and become better.
Me: 48/M/6'1"/90kg. Relatively slim but after the birth of my two children, I am getting back into working out. I really enjoy running but I with by increased weight (last 10-mile race in 2019, I weighed 82kg) it's very hard on my knees. That's where rowing comes in.
Info so far:
1. I started by watching "pick" drills on DH rowing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYQEP66O9bk (and I try to do this 2-3 days/week on the machine before some other rowing).
2. I have set the drag factor on the machine down to around 120 (third screen on the machine itself).
3. I'm rowing for 5k at 18-20 s/m and around 120 watts average (with a 2:20/split) and it's comfortable and I'm working on form/breathing.
4. I'm watching the power curve (SkillRow app on a phone above the screen) ... and with the info here: https://blog.rowsandall.com/2016/11/19/ ... rce-curve/ I'm trying to see where I can improve form. It looks like the trunk is weak as are the arms. When I row as per 3, the kgf is around 50-70kgf and the curve is wide and flat.
5. I'm looking at stroke length and I am around 150-155cm when lazy/tired and 160-165cm when I lean forward and rearward at the ends of the stroke.
6. I use my old Garmin Forerunner 45 as I measure walking distance (10km/day) and HR during cycling to work/schools (120-140 bpm) but it doesn't work so well with the rowing due to bending of the wrist. I seem to stay around 100-120. I need to find a clock at the end of the workout and check this manually as it seems too low. (RHR average varies from 55-60 if no alcohol is consumed, or around 10 bpm if I have a beer or two).
Equipment differences:
1. I can't really get on a C2 easily (no space at home and this gym is where my children swim and it's a 5 min walk from the office).
2. From my reading it seems the SkillRow produces similar values to the C2 in the rowing mode (essentially an ergometer as well, but the data feedback is less convenient and it's 4x the price). In the strength mode, there's some magnet stuff that I don't use (I simply look for a df of around 120 and use mode 4/10).
Advice from anyone:
1. Could someone recommend an inexpensive HR strap that will connect to the skill row, so I can get an accurate fitness baseline? I'll check the Garmin against a clock today when I'm in the gym.
2. I think I'll continue to row like I am (4-5 times a week at 5k meters (2:20 splits at 18-20 s/m while working on form) for another month or so until looking at the beginning Pete's plan (unless there is a better option). Is this the way forward to get ready for Pete's?
Overall goal is general fitness with something I enjoy, which is current the rowing.
Many thanks for an excellent resource and have a great sunny morning.