1st row in 16.5 years!

Andy M · Post by **Andy M** » October 6th, 2008, 8:20 pm

In 1990-1992, I used a model b regulary at my employers fitness facility. In 1992, I departed that area and pursued other training and just added a used model b to my aerobic routine and completed my assembly on Saturday, did a 5 minute row yesterday and this am completed my first row in 16.5 years. Muscle memory is a great thing and the movements came right back to me after all these years.

My output for 15 minutes was just over 3,500 meters and my avg strokes per minute was between 22 and 23. Is the stokes per minute what I should be striving for, on avg.? By the way, this site and Concept 2 customer support has awesome!

Andy M.
Delmar, NY

ridgehiker · Post by **ridgehiker** » October 8th, 2008, 7:43 pm

Andy, welcome back! I've had the pleasure of rowing the b model and must say they are bulletproof...it'll still be in service decades from now.

Can't give you much advice on stroke rate.... lots of expert help here though. My preference is steady state at 26 to 28 spm and interval work at 30/32. The lower rate that you had is normally used for developing power and strength. Your pace (approx 2:08/500m) is a great base to build from.

Keep rowing and enjoy the experience,

regards, ridgehiker

Nosmo · Post by **Nosmo** » October 8th, 2008, 8:02 pm

Depends on what you want to do and how big and strong you are. 23 spm is just fine for what you did. It is a good idea to keep it relatively low at first (anywhere from 16 to 25) until you get your technique settled. Later on you can bring it up.

Andy M · Post by **Andy M** » October 8th, 2008, 9:25 pm

Thank you both for your comments and I will bear your advice in mind going forward. Don't know how much power I can expect to produce give my relatively small frame (5'3" and 138 lbs), but I will track my progress via the on-line log book.

Input from others is greatly welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

Andy M.

Nosmo · Post by **Nosmo** » October 8th, 2008, 9:39 pm

Generally smaller lighter people will rate higher. So 23 for you is probably just about where you want it. There are some small people who don't do well on the erg and kick butt in a boat. No reason to compare your erg score to a 6'4" 220 lbs heavyweight's.