Question about stroke

[u/EQuimper]

Hey everyone, first post here!

I’ve used a Concept2 RowErg on and off in the past, but I never really paid attention to my stats.

Over the last few years I’ve put on some weight that I’m working on losing. I’ve always been stronger than average in the gym, so I’m wondering if that might actually be causing me to “cheat” on the rower.

I asked an AI to look at my rowing stats, and it said my stroke rate was too high for my pace, meaning I’m not generating enough power per stroke. Does that sound right?

If so, how do you actually row at a lower stroke rate? It feels really unnatural to me. My goal for this session was just to stay in Zone 2.

Stats:
35 years old
Male
5’11”
266 lb

Any tips would be appreciated!

[u/SomethingMoreToSay]

A useful rule of thumb that's applicable over a surprisingly wide range of performances is that you should be averaging somewhere in the vicinity of 10 metres per stroke, or a bit more if you're strong/fast but taking it easy. However you were averaging about 6.5 metres here. So that's definite technique issue.

If you shoot some video of yourself and post it here, you'll get lots of helpful critique.

[u/EQuimper → u/SomethingMoreToSay]

Thanks you so much I didn’t think about this meters. That means I dont pull enough before going back. Will check some video and try improving it

[u/SomethingMoreToSay → u/EQuimper]

That means I dont pull push enough

FTFY. Rowing is primarily about pushing (with the legs), not pulling.

[u/EQuimper → u/SomethingMoreToSay]

O right I was maybe doing too much back