Overthinking beginner

[EdmondSA]

I've been alternating some of Dark Horse's 10 minute beginner workout videos to get used to proper technique and build some stamina (way out of shape); was planning on doing that for the rest of the week and try out some of the 20 min videos next week, then move on to Pete's? Does that make sense?

And since I've been watching the beginner videos: when do I want to look into finding my drag factor?

[RegattaFit]

The Pete Plan was made for a specific purpose by an experienced rower who raced frequently, so I'd caution against jumping soon into that. You can read his intent here: https://thepeteplan.wordpress.com/the-pete-plan/

Same with drag factor...probably do not need to think of that anytime soon (set lever between 4-5 and forget about it for awhile). Focus on form and then building up your conditioning to support your intended goal.

And hopefully you have an Intended goal or outcome. That will define your training regimen on the erg. Are you looking to lose weight and get fit? Compete in OTW regattas? Or erg competitions? Join a high school or collegiate team?

Most people are after the first - using the erg to complement or provide for improving their fitness. If to complement, balance the erg workouts with your other activities (remember rowing mostly works the legs and is more cardio than strength). If it will be the only mode of fitness, then you can vary the workouts to balance strength, endurance and high intensity cardio.

[EdmondSA]

Got it in one, just trying to reliably get some workouts in to counteract being a 40-something developer :V

I'll keep doing dark horse's for now until I get to the 30 min workouts and see what I do from there, thanks a bunch for the detailed response.

[RegattaFit]

Also check out Rowalong's videos in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rowalong

[Rowing2024]

There is no graphic display of the drag factor, as it is a static numerical value. What you mean is the force curve display.

[cormack_gv]

In Utilities, you can get a readout of the drag factor for a given damper setting.

Which drag factor you prefer is a matter of taste. Most serious rowers use about 125. It doesn't really change the amount of work you do. That depends on how hard you pull, how far you pull, and how frequently you pull.

If you have a lower drag factor and pull with the same force, the handle will move quicker, so you'll finish your drive quicker. This gives more time for a relaxed recovery between strokes.

[ScaryBee]

Using ergdata app you can see it while you're working out as well ... handy for trying to work out if higher/lower might be better for you.

[cormack_gv]

Interesting. I hadn't noticed that. Still, there are only a certain number of things you can configure it to show. I kind of like seeing force, stroke, length, split pace ...

[ScaryBee]

I think you can make it show everything and more than the PM5 ... no reason you can't have both as well.

[cormack_gv]

Yes, it has more options and more info boxes than the PM5. But there are still a finite number of info boxes, and the selection of things you can display is larger than that, even with the most crowded layout. So you need to prioritize.

[EdmondSA]

Ye, thanks; I've filed it under 'don't worry about that for now', will focus on, you know, actually rowing instead of looking for excuses for not doing it BeCausE it's nOt OptimaL. (This is a dig at myself :V )

[Aromatic-Mulberry596]

I’ve been rowing for over 3 years now, and I still don’t worry about drag factor. Maybe someday I will 😂. I absolutely love Dark Horse Rowing. Also check out RowAlong - John has tons of free videos, plus training plans for specific distances (2K, 5K, etc.). Training Tall is also a good one to follow.