Ergdata

[bob01]

Hi... I am relatively new.


A few questions of a similar nature

I am using ergdata and was wondering how to compare the parameters it provides... stroke length... peak average power etc. either personally or against others

I also usually use the force graph and has anyone any thoughts how to utilize the graph with ergdata data

I also endeavour to achieve a graph similar to the one shown on C2 page but I notice occasionally that as the graph rises there is sometimes a little blip it flattens or even dips slightly for a small % of the graph.

Thanks

Anyone have any ideas on how to achieve the 'perfect' stroke .... if there is such an animal

Initiate Drive with heels up??

[Dangerscouse]

I don't think that there's much to compare data with others, but I might be wrong.

My stroke length changes for the type of session that I'm doing e.g. a TT of 5k or less I'll generally stroke at about 1.36-1.39 but for a SS session it will be 1.42-1.51.

It will be relative to different rowers some world class rowers will have short strokes (I think i read that Eric Murray has a clipped stroke) and some will have bigger strokes

[bob01]

Hi. Mine is a bit shorter than yours.... yes some seem very short at the catch!!

I am sure some on here would have studied and used ergdata forensically

[gregsmith01748]

Hi Bob,

There are a lot of us that use data about peak force, and stroke length and force curves to improve rowing.

At the first level, these parameters are effected greatly by your physical dimensions. How tall you are, and how long your legs are have a huge effect of stroke length and that means that those folks can hit faster splits with lower peak power. But it makes a ton of sense to do work to achieve the most efficient stroke for who you are and what your body is shaped like.

For my personal situation, I am not all that tall, about 5'11'', and my legs are short for my height. I have to row with a bit more body swing to get a reasonable amount of stroke length. Tracking my stroke length let's me make sure that I am not doing something like shortening up when I get tired.

Ergdata does a great job at showing those parameters live, but it doesn't save them so you can analyze improvement over time. I use a different app, call painsled which saves the data to analyze after the fact. I use a website call rowsandall to do that. One of the cool things you can do with this combination is look at how consistent you are in your rowing.

As for the force curve, that immediate feedback is really good. If you see a flat spot or a dip, that means that the way that you are sequencing your legs, body and arms during the drive is inconsistent. A good thing to try is to set up a mirror next to the erg and watch what you are doing and the force curve to see how changing to your stroke (like opening your body earlier or later) effects the way the force curve looks. Again, the size and shape of your body will change what an ideal curve looks like, but a smooth and consistent shape means that your stroke is basically right.

[GJS]

To add a little to Greg's thoughts on the force curve:

Mine used to be ok looking but rather flat on the second half. Nothing disastrous but annoying. I've been deadlifting in earnest over the last three or four months (and throwing in some back/hip extension work too) and my curve is noticeably plumper over the second half.

And, sure enough, that larger area under the curve represents a quicker pace: my standard warm up piece of 1k which used to be done at 20spm and c 2.02 is now done at 20spm c 1.59 (with, I believe, very similar efforts applied. No TTs as yet).

A dodgy curve may point to weakness.

[Dangerscouse]

I have started deadlifts and single leg squats again very recently so I'm hoping to see some benefit eventually.

My lower back has always been a concern but it's a lot better than it ever used to be.

[bob01]

Thanks, lads for your input.

I am 6ft 77kg... Normal length leg

I tend to row df and accelerate.

The x-axis is time so graph short ... Pity it ent the full stroke.

The info is there. Pity it is not utilized... I suspect we will have to wait until the next pm us a tablet ...ala wattbike ,

[RayOfSunshine]

Ergdata does a great job at showing those parameters live, but it doesn't save them so you can analyze improvement over time. I use a different app, call painsled which saves the data to analyze after the fact. I use a website call rowsandall to do that. One of the cool things you can do with this combination is look at how consistent you are in your rowing.

As for the force curve, that immediate feedback is really good. If you see a flat spot or a dip, that means that the way that you are sequencing your legs, body and arms during the drive is inconsistent. A good thing to try is to set up a mirror next to the erg and watch what you are doing and the force curve to see how changing to your stroke (like opening your body earlier or later) effects the way the force curve looks. Again, the size and shape of your body will change what an ideal curve looks like, but a smooth and consistent shape means that your stroke is basically right.

Thanks Greg, I'm going to check this app & website out. I'm also going to set up a mirror (or a few). Very helpful post.