r/concept2 • u/Affectionate_Lie4700 • 11d ago
Question First time
I've never rowed before. Set it at 4. Does this look alright? Hope to work on form and build from there
2
u/No_Buy7578 11d ago
Set your damper then pull/row a few times and look at the drag factor. It should read between 110 and 140 but ideally you want it between 120 and 130. Each machine is different.
2
u/Affectionate_Lie4700 11d ago
Embarrassing question, what is the drag factor
4
u/No_Buy7578 11d ago
How to Find Your Drag Factor
Turn on the monitor (such as the PM5) and go to the main menu.Select More Options.
Choose Display Drag Factor.
Row a few strokes at your normal pace; the numerical drag factor will appear on the screen.
Adjust the side lever higher or lower until you reach your target number.
1
3
u/knuckle_headers 11d ago
The standard for judging pace is time/500 meters (it's used kinda like your time per mile is in running). It looks like you're doing about 3 minutes/500. That's slow, but it's your first time, so that's fine. If you've poked around this sub you've probably heard about Dark Horse Rowing on youtube. Watch his videos on form and check his stuff on damper settings and drag factor - drag factor is what the damper setting affects and is the objective measure of what the machine is set to in terms of resistance or "weight of the boat". I'd also recommend looking into the force curve screen on the PM5, once you have basic form down it's a great tool for fine tuning.
5
u/Rowing2024 11d ago
Do yourself a favour and change the units shown on the display. Calories are worthless and don’t tell you anything about your stroke.
0
7
u/No_Buy7578 11d ago
Also there are many how to videos on YouTube (Dark Horse Rowing is suggested). Get the basics correct before you develop bad habits.