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Measure distance to measure progress

This is an excerpt from Indoor Rowing by Caley Crawford & Michelle Parolini.

Distance is the most basic measurement on a rower. Measuring distance on the rowing machine is an important metric for several reasons:

1. Performance tracking: Distance measurement allows rowers to track their progress and performance over time. By recording the distance covered during each rowing session, you can see if you are improving or if you need to adjust your training regimen. It provides a tangible and simple measurement of your efforts and helps you set future goals.
2. Training intensity: Distance is often used to gauge the intensity of a rowing workout. Rowing machines typically display the time taken to cover a specific distance, allowing you to compare your performance against previous sessions or established benchmarks. You may want to monitor your training intensity and adjust your pace accordingly.
3. Training programs: Many rowing training programs and workouts are designed based on specific distances. For example, some programs may prescribe rowing intervals or workouts that involve rowing a certain distance at varying intensities. Measuring distance ensures that you can accurately follow these programs and achieve the desired training stimulus.
4. Competition preparation: Rowers who participate in indoor rowing competitions or use rowing machines as part of their training for outdoor rowing events often need to track their performance in terms of distance. In these scenarios, distance measurement is crucial for assessing competitiveness, setting personal records, and comparing your performance against other athletes.
5. Motivation and accountability: Having a distance measurement on the rowing machine can provide motivation and accountability. Seeing progress in terms of the distance covered can be highly motivating, pushing you to surpass your previous achievements. It also allows for friendly competition among rowers, encouraging each person to strive for higher distances and better performances.

Especially if you’re new to rowing, distance measurements on a rowing machine help provide basic yet valuable feedback. You may want to track your distance with each workout and take notes about how the workout felt or when you reach a new PR for distance.

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