Lightweight Training

[HeartWins]

Hey,

For the past four years of college I have been training with the heavyweights because our crew program does not have a lightweight team. I've been able to hang with the heavyweights thus far and, in some cases, have been able to give them a run for their money.

I've tried doing some searching on the forums here as well as searching on the internet for some training regiments/schedules for lightweights. The purpose is to see if there is any difference between heavyweight training and lightweight training, and, if there is, to find any way that I can increase my performance as a lightweight.

The only real difference I see between the two categories of rowers is that lightweights typically settle higher. I usually out stroke the heavyweights on tests, but so much training is based on fixed rates (i.e. 3 x 20' @ 22/24/26/28 spm every 2') that it's hard to really focus on increasing that aspect for me.

Anyone know anything on this? Curiosity killed the cat.

Thanks,

-Heart

[bloomp]

I too am a lightweight with a program that's mostly heavyweights - the other LWs are not competitive with me, and minus the three biggest guys we have I am competitive as well. Keeping your rate up is a good way to stay as fast as them on teat day, but training is where I've really found how to be strong.

Read the wolverine plan, let it really sink in as to the work you need to do to get where you want. It gives you the right mindset to focus in and deliver. Get good at low stroke ratings (pressure per stroke) and that power follows as you bring it from a 16 to 34.

http://www.concept2.com/forums/wolverine_plan.htm

Give it a read. I took almost 30 seconds off my 2k time last spring by using it, and now that I fully understand it I will be dropping even more off that time.

Good luck,
Paul