Rest during Intervals

dot520 · Post by **dot520** » November 26th, 2006, 4:48 pm

I'm a runner but new to indoor rowing. What is the definition of rest during intervals on the erg? Is the rest easy rowing, or am I stopping for a prescribed amount of time. When I do running intervals, I jog easily in between repeats until my HR lowers.

Dot

Pete Marston · Post by **Pete Marston** » November 26th, 2006, 6:17 pm

Interval training on the rowing machine is based on the same principles as interval training on the track. Different people have different ideas about what to do during the rest period, whether to rest actively (ie row easily) or passively (ie sit still and don't do anything). Generally either way we would set a predetermined time for this rest period, whichever rest type we choose. Resting until the HR gets to a predetermined level is of course another option, but not something I've ever tried doing.

Personally I like to do a slow paddle during most of the rest periods when interval training.

Pete

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » November 26th, 2006, 7:36 pm

Same as for running.

dot520 · Post by **dot520** » November 27th, 2006, 10:51 pm

Thanks for the replies. Today I did Repeats....3 x 7' which I set up on my PM4. During the 2 minute rest interval I was rowing along lightly and no meterage was occurring. I bet it's set up for just sitting there until the next 7' time comes up.

I think I'll just mix it up a bit and do what feels right.

Dot

Dreadnought · Post by **Dreadnought** » November 28th, 2006, 1:45 pm

My personal prefernce is to stop completely between intervals. this allows for a better recovery, which results in more intense intervals.

I do the same for running and cycling.

TabbRows · Post by **TabbRows** » November 28th, 2006, 5:01 pm

Dot520,

If you're using a PM4, you should find that the rest meters are counted in the total when you review your workout.

My rests usually incorporate some rowing. If the rest interval is less than 2 minutes, I may not row at all except to start building back up to speed about 10 seconds before the workout interval starts. If 5 minutes or longer, I usually stop, wipe my brow, get a drink and then paddle again for the remainder of the rest interval. but I know rowers who get completely off the erg and walk around until nearly time to start again.
One trainer at my gym used to cycle his clients through with a hard 2 minutes at damper level 10, followed by ab work (crunches et. al.)-3 to 5 sets,only break was getting on and off the erg. Not my idea of "rest". and I never saw any of the clients use the erg at other times.

dot520 · Post by **dot520** » November 28th, 2006, 7:03 pm

Yes, you are right! I just checked on the logcard and underneath the repeats on the summary by date screen is the little 'r' with the meters.

thanks,

Dot