Hard or fast ?

Cayenne · Post by **Cayenne** » January 18th, 2007, 3:22 pm

Several months ago, I received some guidance here about lowering stroke rate. I enjoy erging this way.

In training intervals, if my goal is to rack up the most meters for a given time, is it better to pull hard ( low stroke rate, ) or fast ( high stroke rate,) or is this simply a matter of individual personal experimentation ?

Thanks

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » January 18th, 2007, 5:44 pm

Tough question, but it nearly contains the answer.

Hard and fast, is what you are looking for.

Principles of progressive resistance and overloading, to attain adaptation are fairly immutable.

dg1951 · Post by **dg1951** » January 19th, 2007, 4:18 pm

Hi Cayenne,

From my own personal experience and from trying to help others new to the sport, it seems the least improvement to be realized is in trying to increase the stroke per minute. It's like each of us has a max that we reach and gaining more spm's requires a herculian effort for modest gain. Whereas, getting more distance (meters per stroke) appears to take longer to top out. The risk of injury is greater when increasing the meters per stroke, so attention to form is critical.

Dan

Cayenne · Post by **Cayenne** » January 19th, 2007, 10:59 pm

Paul & DG,

I feel fortunate to have the benefit of a couple excellent answers...too bad I'm even more confused now

Thanks guys ( Sincerely, even though it may read like I'm being a wise guy.)

I'll just keep pulling and see what experience teaches me.

Best,

Eddie

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » January 20th, 2007, 1:18 pm

Cayenne wrote:Paul & DG,

I feel fortunate to have the benefit of a couple excellent answers...too bad I'm even more confused now

Thanks guys ( Sincerely, even though it may read like I'm being a wise guy.)

I'll just keep pulling and see what experience teaches me.

Best,

Eddie

Overall it's about balancing the rate and pace to work within a ratio that is sustainable.

You can fix the ratio of your stroke by trying to keep the Distance per Stroke (DPS) constant. I would suggest 10m, as it is quite easy to implement, but it also has been my experience to be right about where most folks end up anyway. Also get teh Drag Factor into the 100-115 range and see how that goes for you.

That said, do whatever keeps you coming back for more.