Indoor Rowing Thread
Discussion
There is an old rowing thread but it's in 'Sports' and me sitting on my arse in the office on my C2 is hardly a sport!
I'm genuinely looking at doing a coaching course - not because I'm any good, but I'd love to get other 50+ folk active. Possibly buy a few machines and hire a room in the town hall (hopefully get some local companies to sponsor). With the caveat I have lots of flash-in-the-pan ideas!
I row a lot - slowly. 2million+ metres a year for the last 3. Go through phases of trying a bit harder and got my 2k down to 7:12.9 last year and my 5k 18:56.6, both pretty decent for a tubby bloke in his fifties. Would be miles off those at the moment. Generally the rowing sticks, even when the diet does not.
I've just re-started the Pete Plan so maybe I'll do a weekly update. I know there are other people who use ergs, and also some on the "what training" thread, but it's my one and only piece of equipment.
My only target at the moment is to complete each exercise, no time expectations.
31st after an indulgent few weeks I rowed 2 lots of 5k (this is my go-to when I'm off the boil). I'm not 100% of my plan 'bests' only I've if I've made a note.
1st Jan 8x500/3:30r ~1:54.5 (PB 1:44.2)
2nd 30r20 - no target other than rate discipline 7063m then a 5k (PB 7528)
3rd 5x1500/5r 1:56.6 (PB 1:52.5)
Today a gentle 10k. I'd like it in one sitting, but more likely 2 x 5k.
Tomorrow supposed to be a 'hard' distance - not sure I'm there yet so will just chalk up some metres.
Feel free to join in with your rowing experiences/goals etc.
I'm genuinely looking at doing a coaching course - not because I'm any good, but I'd love to get other 50+ folk active. Possibly buy a few machines and hire a room in the town hall (hopefully get some local companies to sponsor). With the caveat I have lots of flash-in-the-pan ideas!
I row a lot - slowly. 2million+ metres a year for the last 3. Go through phases of trying a bit harder and got my 2k down to 7:12.9 last year and my 5k 18:56.6, both pretty decent for a tubby bloke in his fifties. Would be miles off those at the moment. Generally the rowing sticks, even when the diet does not.
I've just re-started the Pete Plan so maybe I'll do a weekly update. I know there are other people who use ergs, and also some on the "what training" thread, but it's my one and only piece of equipment.
My only target at the moment is to complete each exercise, no time expectations.
31st after an indulgent few weeks I rowed 2 lots of 5k (this is my go-to when I'm off the boil). I'm not 100% of my plan 'bests' only I've if I've made a note.
1st Jan 8x500/3:30r ~1:54.5 (PB 1:44.2)
2nd 30r20 - no target other than rate discipline 7063m then a 5k (PB 7528)
3rd 5x1500/5r 1:56.6 (PB 1:52.5)
Today a gentle 10k. I'd like it in one sitting, but more likely 2 x 5k.
Tomorrow supposed to be a 'hard' distance - not sure I'm there yet so will just chalk up some metres.
Feel free to join in with your rowing experiences/goals etc.
Have you tried the WOD (workout of the day) in the concept 2 app? They have a good variety of mainly short intervals/ sessions lasting up to 30mins or so.
I’ve been doing these for the last 18 months and has proved really good to get my times improved, although they don’t set 500m / 2000m targets, or a regular test session.
I’ve been doing these for the last 18 months and has proved really good to get my times improved, although they don’t set 500m / 2000m targets, or a regular test session.
22 said:
There is an old rowing thread but it's in 'Sports' and me sitting on my arse in the office on my C2 is hardly a sport!
I'm genuinely looking at doing a coaching course - not because I'm any good, but I'd love to get other 50+ folk active. Possibly buy a few machines and hire a room in the town hall (hopefully get some local companies to sponsor). With the caveat I have lots of flash-in-the-pan ideas!
I row a lot - slowly. 2million+ metres a year for the last 3. Go through phases of trying a bit harder and got my 2k down to 7:12.9 last year and my 5k 18:56.6, both pretty decent for a tubby bloke in his fifties. Would be miles off those at the moment. Generally the rowing sticks, even when the diet does not.
I've just re-started the Pete Plan so maybe I'll do a weekly update. I know there are other people who use ergs, and also some on the "what training" thread, but it's my one and only piece of equipment.
My only target at the moment is to complete each exercise, no time expectations.
31st after an indulgent few weeks I rowed 2 lots of 5k (this is my go-to when I'm off the boil). I'm not 100% of my plan 'bests' only I've if I've made a note.
1st Jan 8x500/3:30r ~1:54.5 (PB 1:44.2)
2nd 30r20 - no target other than rate discipline 7063m then a 5k (PB 7528)
3rd 5x1500/5r 1:56.6 (PB 1:52.5)
Today a gentle 10k. I'd like it in one sitting, but more likely 2 x 5k.
Tomorrow supposed to be a 'hard' distance - not sure I'm there yet so will just chalk up some metres.
Feel free to join in with your rowing experiences/goals etc.
I took up indoor rowing to partner a chap whose rowing partner died indoor rowing. He had enormous legs, competed internationally, died on the erg on his 60th birthday.I'm genuinely looking at doing a coaching course - not because I'm any good, but I'd love to get other 50+ folk active. Possibly buy a few machines and hire a room in the town hall (hopefully get some local companies to sponsor). With the caveat I have lots of flash-in-the-pan ideas!
I row a lot - slowly. 2million+ metres a year for the last 3. Go through phases of trying a bit harder and got my 2k down to 7:12.9 last year and my 5k 18:56.6, both pretty decent for a tubby bloke in his fifties. Would be miles off those at the moment. Generally the rowing sticks, even when the diet does not.
I've just re-started the Pete Plan so maybe I'll do a weekly update. I know there are other people who use ergs, and also some on the "what training" thread, but it's my one and only piece of equipment.
My only target at the moment is to complete each exercise, no time expectations.
31st after an indulgent few weeks I rowed 2 lots of 5k (this is my go-to when I'm off the boil). I'm not 100% of my plan 'bests' only I've if I've made a note.
1st Jan 8x500/3:30r ~1:54.5 (PB 1:44.2)
2nd 30r20 - no target other than rate discipline 7063m then a 5k (PB 7528)
3rd 5x1500/5r 1:56.6 (PB 1:52.5)
Today a gentle 10k. I'd like it in one sitting, but more likely 2 x 5k.
Tomorrow supposed to be a 'hard' distance - not sure I'm there yet so will just chalk up some metres.
Feel free to join in with your rowing experiences/goals etc.
In the pursuit of ever better times (in my 50s) I put stresses on my body that I don't think were healthy.
The chap I started to row with no longer rows, and I do very rarely.
But I wish you the very best of luck!
Ah, Concept2.
I first started using one in 1987, model B. Before that I used the model A in the boathouse, but my 1st session on the B was a life-altering moment. I’ve owned models B, C and D and I now have a SkiErg and BikeErg in the pain cave. I must have done dozens of millions of metres down the years and my PhD thesis actually involved the C2 as well.
I think (genuinely) that it is the greatest invention and tool in all of human history. Dick and Peter are geniuses. The fact they can still rack up decent numbers in their 80’s tells you everything.
Concept 2 is the greatest of all USA companies and I will fight and die on that hill.
I first started using one in 1987, model B. Before that I used the model A in the boathouse, but my 1st session on the B was a life-altering moment. I’ve owned models B, C and D and I now have a SkiErg and BikeErg in the pain cave. I must have done dozens of millions of metres down the years and my PhD thesis actually involved the C2 as well.
I think (genuinely) that it is the greatest invention and tool in all of human history. Dick and Peter are geniuses. The fact they can still rack up decent numbers in their 80’s tells you everything.
Concept 2 is the greatest of all USA companies and I will fight and die on that hill.
I have a Ski Erg at home and a Row Erg at work. I usually tack the C2 WOD onto the end of my normal lifting sessions as a finisher and a bit of dedicated cardio. I've been using the C2 rower on and off for about 20 years, and have set some decent times in the past, but these days I tend not to push it too hard.
Last year I did a half-marathon in 1h35, and 100m in 16.5 sec, so quite a range of efforts.
Last year I did a half-marathon in 1h35, and 100m in 16.5 sec, so quite a range of efforts.

I've got a well-used model D with PM3 sat unused in my office. Bought it second hand just before the first lock down, and credit it with keeping me tolerably sane. We'd also just moved from a Legoland estate to somewhere with proper countryside views - so the rower on the deck, overlooking fields, trees and with noise of river in the middle distance was bearable.
It's not getting any use now, cos gym. If anyone would like it and can collect from Newbury they are more than welcome to it. It's far from pristine, but worked fine last time I put it together.
It's not getting any use now, cos gym. If anyone would like it and can collect from Newbury they are more than welcome to it. It's far from pristine, but worked fine last time I put it together.
A few years ago I set myself the goal of rowing along with the London marathon while it was on TV. I found a training plan which I printed off and stuck to the kitchen wall. Ticking off each activity was very addictive to the point this scrappy bit of A4 is now a treasured possession. My "cross" training was typically cycling.


alock said:
A few years ago I set myself the goal of rowing along with the London marathon while it was on TV. I found a training plan which I printed off and stuck to the kitchen wall. Ticking off each activity was very addictive to the point this scrappy bit of A4 is now a treasured possession. My "cross" training was typically cycling.


Good effort. When I did my 'half' I required regular rotation of pillows and foam pads. Can't imagine doing double the time on that seat!I think I've only tried a half-marathon twice - possibly surprising for someone who plods distance metres. Last May was 1:28:27 / 2:05.7 Can't imagine surviving a full marathon.
I joined an online rowing group - there are hundreds based on geography, age, ability, randomness and beyond. We have an 'internal' challenge each month and the HM was one. Did it on ErgZone with some very supportive (and much better) group members, some of whom finished massively ahead of me (I was last other than a chap who bailed part-way - miles ahead at the time).
We also do the Concept Cross Team Challenge https://insideindoor.com/ctc-challenge/ Although I've not done either for a few months.
I used to try the workout of the day - but prefer the Pete Plan as the progress is rewarding (when put the metres in).
I joined an online rowing group - there are hundreds based on geography, age, ability, randomness and beyond. We have an 'internal' challenge each month and the HM was one. Did it on ErgZone with some very supportive (and much better) group members, some of whom finished massively ahead of me (I was last other than a chap who bailed part-way - miles ahead at the time).
We also do the Concept Cross Team Challenge https://insideindoor.com/ctc-challenge/ Although I've not done either for a few months.
I used to try the workout of the day - but prefer the Pete Plan as the progress is rewarding (when put the metres in).
WH16 said:
Is anyone interested in a PH virtual rowing team - for some of the C2 team challenges?
The problem many teams have is you need heavy weights (easy enough), light weights and a female rower to fill a qualifying 'boat' (which is where many fall short). I'm happy to have an organised session if there's interest (ErgZone is excellent for that even though I use ErgData 99% of the time), but I'm part of a very supportive group of 300+ folk, some who compete (water & indoor) or have represented their countries (so everyone would likely need their own).
Pete Plan Week 2 Day 1 today. A spicy (for my current shape) 2k warm up at 1:57.7 and then a pyramid.
250m metres @ 1:42.0 1:30 rest
500m @ 1:50.5 3:00 rest
750m @ 1:52.8 4:30r
1,000m @ 1:53.9 6r
750m @ 1:53.4 4:30r
500m @ 1:50.5 3r
250m @ 1:41.8
Average 1:51.2. PB (that I can find) 1:46.4 from July 25. That was absolutely all I had today.
4,179 rest metres taking my total (with warm-up) to 10k for the day. Relaxed distance tomorrow then 4 x 2000m Friday (5mins rest).
22 said:
The problem many teams have is you need heavy weights (easy enough), light weights and a female rower to fill a qualifying 'boat' (which is where many fall short).
I'm happy to have an organised session if there's interest (ErgZone is excellent for that even though I use ErgData 99% of the time), but I'm part of a very supportive group of 300+ folk, some who compete (water & indoor) or have represented their countries (so everyone would likely need their own).
Pete Plan Week 2 Day 1 today. A spicy (for my current shape) 2k warm up at 1:57.7 and then a pyramid.
250m metres @ 1:42.0 1:30 rest
500m @ 1:50.5 3:00 rest
750m @ 1:52.8 4:30r
1,000m @ 1:53.9 6r
750m @ 1:53.4 4:30r
500m @ 1:50.5 3r
250m @ 1:41.8
Average 1:51.2. PB (that I can find) 1:46.4 from July 25. That was absolutely all I had today.
4,179 rest metres taking my total (with warm-up) to 10k for the day. Relaxed distance tomorrow then 4 x 2000m Friday (5mins rest).
Fair enough, I hadn't realised the teams needed to meet certain requirements.I'm happy to have an organised session if there's interest (ErgZone is excellent for that even though I use ErgData 99% of the time), but I'm part of a very supportive group of 300+ folk, some who compete (water & indoor) or have represented their countries (so everyone would likely need their own).
Pete Plan Week 2 Day 1 today. A spicy (for my current shape) 2k warm up at 1:57.7 and then a pyramid.
250m metres @ 1:42.0 1:30 rest
500m @ 1:50.5 3:00 rest
750m @ 1:52.8 4:30r
1,000m @ 1:53.9 6r
750m @ 1:53.4 4:30r
500m @ 1:50.5 3r
250m @ 1:41.8
Average 1:51.2. PB (that I can find) 1:46.4 from July 25. That was absolutely all I had today.
4,179 rest metres taking my total (with warm-up) to 10k for the day. Relaxed distance tomorrow then 4 x 2000m Friday (5mins rest).
I did the C2 WOD yesterday, managed 317m in the last minute which I was quite happy with. I do like the sprints as I have higher than average muscle mass, and lower than average cardio fitness.

Glad to see so many people enjoying rowing!
I've rowed since I was at school and am 42 now. I used to be a pretty fast rower - low 1:20s for 500m and 16 seconds for 100m.
I now do mostly long pieces (5-8k), although all my recent times are on a Water Rower (which I vastly prefer to Concept 2) and so meaningless for comparison purposes. Controversially, I have never rated Concept 2 rowers at all.
I have started doing some 500m and 250m sprint sessions because I am shifting a lot of steady state cardio onto a bike to save my shoulders / elbows all the wear and tear of lots of pulling.
I've rowed since I was at school and am 42 now. I used to be a pretty fast rower - low 1:20s for 500m and 16 seconds for 100m.
I now do mostly long pieces (5-8k), although all my recent times are on a Water Rower (which I vastly prefer to Concept 2) and so meaningless for comparison purposes. Controversially, I have never rated Concept 2 rowers at all.
I have started doing some 500m and 250m sprint sessions because I am shifting a lot of steady state cardio onto a bike to save my shoulders / elbows all the wear and tear of lots of pulling.
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