Seeking guidance

[DiscePati]

Hey folks,
I'm new to erging. Fell in love with it at 24 hour fitness a few years back and recently took the plunge and got my own model D (black of course). I have a bit if weight to lose and am using the machine to help facilitate that. I started last week with a dismal time on my 2k (I had to rest if you could imagine), but I've been shaving time off each day. Yesterday I did 8:35.4. It's not a good time, but 6 minutes faster than my first. My question is "how can I get good at this?" I row 6 days a week and try to get the best time I can, but I'd like to hear any suggestions you all have for a newbie. Thanks

[Bob S.]

Hey folks,
I'm new to erging. Fell in love with it at 24 hour fitness a few years back and recently took the plunge and got my own model D (black of course). I have a bit if weight to lose and am using the machine to help facilitate that. I started last week with a dismal time on my 2k (I had to rest if you could imagine), but I've been shaving time off each day. Yesterday I did 8:35.4. It's not a good time, but 6 minutes faster than my first. My question is "how can I get good at this?" I row 6 days a week and try to get the best time I can, but I'd like to hear any suggestions you all have for a newbie. Thanks

To start with, it helps to know some of the jargon. This is a bit out-dated, but still useful:

http://www.c2forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=38

Next, learn about the damper setting and the drag factor:

http://concept2.co.uk/training/guide/damper_lever
(Note that there is one error there. The lowest damper setting is not 1, it can be moved to one mark below that to an unlabelled zero.)

Finally, work on technique and keep at it indefinitely. There are many good videos around and this is one of the best:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqVmMd7FdAA

Even better is to get advice from a competent rowing coach (not a fitness center instructor, although there are some out there that know about rowing). Failing that, have a side view video made of yourself on the erg and send it to this forum for a critique.

Bob S.

[DiscePati]

Wow, great suggestions Bob. I'll get started. Thanks so much.