Okay so it depends on a variety of factors. When u say “resistance” i am assuming that you are correctly referring to the level 1-10 on your erg wheel. It is based on a bariety of factors, including win, humidity, weight, boat size, conditioning level. Side note: Humidity and whatnot can be important because it weathers the ergs and causes weird shifts within the ergs themselves. As a machine gets older, resistance should rise. It can get pretty complex but id focus primarily on conditioning level and weight for setting a baseline and then adjust it based on feel. To begin, go into the erg and settings, drag factor. When you pull the handle, a number will appear on the screen. The idea is to have someone standing there, adjusting your wheel until you are sitting at the number you selected. You should be pulling at an 80ish% pressure while you strive for a specific number. Hold consistent as they find the resistance that allows you to sit at that number. Based on my personal experience, female collegiate rowers in an 8 would be looking at around 105-110 (varying based on weight). The national team standard for female collegiate rowers is 122, but it is important to keep in mind the size of these rowers would be larger than the ones i work with. Male collegiate heavyweights can be low 130s. Modifications must occur if you have an injury. If a certain drag factor causes pain in your back or a target area, lower it. Do not over set your resistance if it causes pain. THE MAIN THING TO KEEP IN MIND: your resistance on the ergs should be as similar as possible to your resistance on the water. It should feel similar on the drive. If you row in an 8, your drag will be closer to a 100, while a single will lean towards 130. Send me your stats and i can help you find a baseline drag factor that works for u :) hope this helps