Indoor rowing

emmab0902

Hi everyone

I am predominantly a swimmer but keen to start using the indoor rower as it is something I dodge due to finding it tough!! I have had over a week off all exercise due to a serious chest infection and yesterday was first day back so decided that was a good time as any to start

Is it generally best to build up some endurance on the rower (long slower sessions) before getting into interval work? Yesterday I did 4km in 20 minutes (yes I know that is horribly slow lol) and am planning to row maybe 3x per week prior to my swim sessions (I usually swim around 3km) and maybe run x2 a week on other days.

Any tips, links or rowing friends welcome!!

PS I am a nearly 43 year old not overly fit female lol

froeschli

I used to love rowing when I had access to a machine.
As for the intervals, the way I understand it, you're supposed to work up to a decent aerobic base before you do intervals (that's what I read in respect to running - I assume rowing would hold to the same principle though)....

jwdieter

You'll want to ease into rowing. Get your butt and hips used to it. Otherwise you can end up in a lot of pain.

BrianSharpe

Build your base first, much like running, and then work on speed.

I've been rowing, consistently, for a couple of years and was ecstatic when I set a new pb of 21:29.2 for 5K last week (last season the average for my AG was 21:07 so i felt like Homer Simpson....."Wohooo....I'm almost average! :laugh: )

When I did a HM distance row a while ago my butt was killing me for the last 5,000m or so.

Give yourself time to adapt & have fun (you can find a variety of workouts on the Concept2 website)

DavPul

intervals are done at a very high level of effort and it doesn't sound like you're ready for that yet. work your way up to being proficient with the machine first

skcardiog

Start slow - work on good form - try 2000 m as a short term goal best time.

When you have the form down pat, gradually add more metres to your workout.

Shoot for 5000 m workout as your ultimate goal ,

I use a Water Rower daily - addicted to the damn thing.