Concept2 Forum

I am a cyclist and ride about 3500 miles per year. I live in Minnesota where the cycling season runs from mid March to late November (if we're lucky). During the winter months I turn into a slug with my main form of exercise being a long walk. I have a Concept2 Model D rower that I use on occasion, but not on a regular basis. I plan on using it regularly this winter.

My question is this: Do you people who cross train find that rowing helps maintain conditioning for cycling? Thanks in advance.

Hi,

There are a lot of cyclists that use the rower in the winter. Most of them hang out on the forum of the Rowing Company in the UK. You can post your question there and you'll probably get some good responses.

Here is the link to the forums: http://therowingcompany.com/forum/

Personal findings: if I row and don't cycle for a while, when I start riding again I suck for a while, because my body isn't specifically conditioned for cycling. Specificity does matter. But, since rowing is also a CV endurance activity with a leg strength component, I improve quickly, and within 2 or 3 weeks I'm up to speed, and I can do my 30 minutes' rowing wattage for 60-90 minutes on my bike when pushing myself to an equal degree. The fact that the rowing keeps my back relatively strong, particularly my lower back, helps as well.

It doesn't do enough for core & chest strength by itself though, so if long rides are your style, doing pushups and core work will help make your transition back to the cycling season a lot more comfortable. It also doesn't do anything for keeping your butt used to your bike saddle, and there's really nothing you can do about that except get a bike trainer and spin indoors during your off season.

Thanks for the responses. I will check out the other forum.

It looks like the cycling season here may be over unless we get an Indian Summer. I started on the rower a few weeks ago and have been doing it regularly. My plan is to row 8000 meters at least four times per week and as the cycling season approaches I will start spinning on my Lemond spin cycle. I don't enjoy the spin cycle as much as I do the rower. I consider it a necessary evil because I'd rather be outside on my bike, but whatever it takes.