Simulate Hill Training with Higher Drag Factor?

[Ruin Christmas]

Today I did another, related experiment based on an idea from here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10104 as well as another thread that I can no longer find: I elevated the rear of the rower, first with a 25 lb bumper plate (~2 inches) and then with a 45 lb bumper (~4 inches). Rowed for a kilometer or so at each height.

Result: 0/10 would not recommend. Even at 4 inches, it didn't add perceptibly to either the feeling of difficulty or exertion based on HR/pace. Further the recovery felt somewhat "sped up". Imagine running downhill with someone pushing gently on the small of your back

I will not bother with further experimentation (weight vest, juggling kettlebells, replacing handle with 45 lb olympic bar, etc).

[milansanremo]

Today I did another, related experiment based on an idea from here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10104 as well as another thread that I can no longer find: I elevated the rear of the rower, first with a 25 lb bumper plate (~2 inches) and then with a 45 lb bumper (~4 inches). Rowed for a kilometer or so at each height.

Result: 0/10 would not recommend. Even at 4 inches, it didn't add perceptibly to either the feeling of difficulty or exertion based on HR/pace. Further the recovery felt somewhat "sped up". Imagine running downhill with someone pushing gently on the small of your back

I will not bother with further experimentation (weight vest, juggling kettlebells, replacing handle with 45 lb olympic bar, etc).

I'm sorry but I see absolutely zero logic in any of those bastardly mutilations to such a "fine" piece of engineering (the Concept 2).

[Dangerscouse]

I will not bother with further experimentation (weight vest, juggling kettlebells, replacing handle with 45 lb olympic bar, etc).

Haha, I could see the logic in doing this, but I've never been tempted to do anything other than increase the pace, or increase / decrease stroke rate to make things harder.

[Ombrax]

Rowing is hard enough as it is - it doesn't make any sense to me to try to modify it in any way to make some part of it more difficult. No matter who you are, if you don't find it challenging enough then you just aren't doing it right.

[JaapvanE]

Rowing is hard enough as it is - it doesn't make any sense to me to try to modify it in any way to make some part of it more difficult. No matter who you are, if you don't find it challenging enough then you just aren't doing it right.

Agreed. And to add two things:

• C2 has invested significant time in finding the optimal slope of the slide. Changing that slope only teaches you to rush the recovery, which is an extremely bad habit, nothing more.
• From a mechanical perspective, the front leg is loaded more on an angle it probably isn't designed for. Knowing C2, it'll probably survive, but there is a chance the machine will collapse underneath you

[milansanremo]

Rowing is hard enough as it is - it doesn't make any sense to me to try to modify it in any way to make some part of it more difficult. No matter who you are, if you don't find it challenging enough then you just aren't doing it right.

Agreed. And to add two things:

• C2 has invested significant time in finding the optimal slope of the slide. Changing that slope only teaches you to rush the recovery, which is an extremely bad habit, nothing more.
• From a mechanical perspective, the front leg is loaded more on an angle it probably isn't designed for. Knowing C2, it'll probably survive, but there is a chance the machine will collapse underneath you

I thought I was correct in my thinking...I just needed a genius for verification...thank you!

[Tsnor]

Today I did another, related experiment based on an idea from here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10104 as well as another thread that I can no longer find: I elevated the rear of the rower, first with a 25 lb bumper plate (~2 inches) and then with a 45 lb bumper (~4 inches). Rowed for a kilometer or so at each height.

Fun, glad you tried it. Everyone gets motivated differently. Some people play with breathing rates, SPM, front loading the drive, backloading the drive. Others play with music, video, audiobooks. Still others download the C2 log data into spreadsheets, or try to row more kms then their training partners. Very glad you did not see a competitive split advantage vs the erg as shipped.

[Ruin Christmas]

Fun, glad you tried it. Everyone gets motivated differently. Some people play with breathing rates, SPM, front loading the drive, backloading the drive. Others play with music, video, audiobooks. Still others download the C2 log data into spreadsheets, or try to row more kms then their training partners.

Yep, I enjoy most of the above for example, I like breathing only thru my nose in UT2 workouts. I come from competitive powerlifting ala Westside Barbell where we were often fiddling with bands, chains, different height board presses/box squats and other foolishness.