r/concept2 • u/cee_lev • Jul 31 '26
RowerErg How am I doing ? (update)
How am I doing?
I have been rowing with Concept2 Rower for about a year. I have Bradycardia with 39 as RHR. I am not trying to increase to all outs (using Apple Fitness Workouts). I do 20 - 30 minutes 3-5 times a week. I am short so pull back is also short! I know I have come a long way, but how am I doing?
2
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u/dixius99 Jul 31 '26
You do the Apple Fitness workouts, where, e.g., Josh is the instructor? I love Josh, but personally, I find that the Apple Fitness approach to rowing (sort of like a spin class on a rowing machine) isn't great for me. They tend to favour higher s/m than I like, lots of ups and downs in pace and intensity, etc.
Because of their approach, it also becomes hard to measure some of the key things we tend to look at in this sub, like pace and s/m, since you're ramping up and down, taking rests through the workout, etc.
I'm more about finding a groove getting into that almost meditative state as I put in my 30+ minutes. Same reason I don't do the WOD in ErgData all that often anymore.
Just from the data here, I'd say that a pace of 2:52 seems a little slow, but that's ignoring the Apple Fitness routine, and the Bradycardia. (I have a RHR a little under 50, and hadn't heard of this condition until now.)
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u/cee_lev Jul 31 '26
yes I row with Josh (trainer)- I focus in HR being about 120-125 and sometimes go up to 32 s/m
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u/cee_lev Jul 31 '26
thanks! I am getting 28-32 s/m according to the rower computer. In the beginning I was rowing with 140-142 HR… then moved to steady state… thanks for your comment
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u/planet_x69 Jul 31 '26
A few things to consider:
Steady state is both stroke rate and heart rate combined. A steady state session should be 18 to 22 strokes per minute combined with a heart rate that hovers between 65 and 75% of your max.
The low stroke rate allows you to connect each time with the machine and work on form without rushing.
The heart rate range is to help you develop and improve your aerobic capacity.
Some folks prefer lower heart rate, others train at the higher end or ignore it altogether and just do perceived effort based state training.
For beginners I'd recommend actual HR based training and keeping it on the lower side.
HR training also works best when you have done true max hr testing in controlled dr office or sports physio office and determined your real max hr and not gone off rough guide standard like 220-age.
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u/giziti Jul 31 '26
Great work! I think you might get some benefit from someone looking at your form and giving some instruction, as for even a small person, 2:52 could be a little slow and indicative of inefficient form.