Resistance Setting for predetermined Workouts

[stephen9189]

Hi,

I'm new to both the C2 and this forum, I'm using LiveRowing and their predefined workouts, particularly the C2 workout of the day. There is a "5 x 750m / 2 min easy" workout, but it doesn't say anything about resistance setting. They have leaderboard, but how can the leaderboard be accurate if people are using different resistance settings, its hardly a level playing field if someone is training on 5 against someone on 2, or am I missing something obvious?

Any advice gratefully received

S

[OtwSL]

Hi,

I'm new to both the C2 and this forum, I'm using LiveRowing and their predefined workouts, particularly the C2 workout of the day. There is a "5 x 750m / 2 min easy" workout, but it doesn't say anything about resistance setting. They have leaderboard, but how can the leaderboard be accurate if people are using different resistance settings, its hardly a level playing field if someone is training on 5 against someone on 2, or am I missing something obvious?

Any advice gratefully received

S

Resistance should not effect how fast someone can go on the erg as long as they have it set at the right setting for them. Everyone is different so some people will prefer to row at 5 and go faster at that setting than if they were at 2. Whereas someone else could go faster rowing at a resistance of 2 rather than 5. It is all a matter of preference rather than cheating. There is no specific resistance set for world records either as this would be unfair.

[c2jonw]

Read this:

http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/t ... etting-101

C2JonW

[Rod]

Hi,

I'm new to both the C2 and this forum, I'm using LiveRowing and their predefined workouts, particularly the C2 workout of the day. There is a "5 x 750m / 2 min easy" workout, but it doesn't say anything about resistance setting. They have leaderboard, but how can the leaderboard be accurate if people are using different resistance settings, its hardly a level playing field if someone is training on 5 against someone on 2, or am I missing something obvious?

Any advice gratefully received

S

You wouldn't tell a cyclist what gear to ride in, you don't tell an erger what Drag factor to use!


If the damper lever is on 4 (for example) on one machine it could have a very different level of resistance to 4 on another as they all vary depending on how much dust is accumulated in the fan cage so the way to know the resistance is ...the ''Drag Factor'' which is a measure of the speed at which the flywheel slows down. To set it.... On the monitor press ''More Options''.....then press ...''Display Drag Factor'' a box will come up with a number in it…that’s the drag factor...row some strokes raising or lowering the lever to adjust it. Raising the lever raises the number...lowering the lever lowers it. I'd suggest starting at 110 then experiment from there to find what suits you best, here's some useful info;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Uc2HQILJhU

[JerekKruger]

You wouldn't tell a cyclist what gear to ride in, you don't tell an erger what Drag factor to use!

This. Ultimately the machine measures the power you're putting into it directly and that's what it uses to determine your speed. Drag factor/damper setting is ultimately a question of personal preference: do you prefer rowing at a high rate with relatively light feeling strokes or at a lower rate with stronger, heavier strokes.

[jamesg]

Any advice gratefully received

Drag is personal. However at all Work and Power levels has to be low enough avoid injury, but allow a high number of full and fast strokes pulled against a moving load, as required in rowing.

If you need high drag, you could probably refine your technique. Rowing is about maximizing stroke Work at all stages of training, with an ideal combination of stroke force and length.

5 x 750 2' is not a race, it's training at TR level (such as 5x3', see the Interactives), close to race pace and ratings. A flat 2k would be a race, though somewhat daunting for non-oarsmen.

[Rod]

What do you think now then stephen9189 ?

[hjs]

Any advice gratefully received

Drag is personal. However at all Work and Power levels has to be low enough avoid injury, but allow a high number of full and fast strokes pulled against a moving load, as required in rowing.

If you need high drag, you could probably refine your technique. Rowing is about maximizing stroke Work at all stages of training, with an ideal combination of stroke force and length.

5 x 750 2' is not a race, it's training at TR level (such as 5x3', see the Interactives), close to race pace and ratings. A flat 2k would be a race, though somewhat daunting for non-oarsmen.

In this case its a race, not training. C2 users outside the rowing world much less look at 2k only.

[gooseflight]

To the OP.

As you may already have figured, the title of your thread is based on a false premise. The lever setting does not determine resistance. It's a damper setting that controls the rate at which the flywheel decelerates.

The machine measures work, hence "ergometer". 200W at any drag factor* results in a 2:00 500m split. It is not harder to pull 200W at lever 10 than it is to pull 200W at lever 1.


*or indeed at any stroke rate