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Tag: recreation

6th PE Blog Post

November 28, 2020 / / 0 Comments

The calluses on my hands are getting better!

I think my hands have started getting used to rowing because my calluses have gotten much better.

 

I have been doing 20 minute sessions on the rowing machine this week, this was the first one I tired following along with 

 

 

I didn’t like it very much because it didn’t give me much to work towards.

This next video was a bit nicer to follow along with. I normally take a short break every ten minutes but for this week I have been rowing straight for the 20 minutes so the intervals have been a useful way for me to stay on the machine while having some lower intensity movements. 

 

 

Next I tried a 20 minute workout with a stroke rate (SR) ladder. How it works is that you start for one minute at 16 SR, next minute is 17 SR, next minute is 18 SR, and minute ten goes up to SR 25 and stays there for 2 minutes. Minute twelve we start going back down in SR to 24, then the next minute is 23, and so on back to 16 SR. Here is a link to that video

 

I actually liked this workout so much that I think I’ll do it again today to finish off my four 20 minute workouts this week. It was oddly calming in its own way, and I think it will be a nice way to finish off this crazy week. Also with the shorter 20 minute workout I’ll have a bit more time to walk my dog in the sunshine today.

 

Until next time!

I cannot believe that is it November 20th!

November 20, 2020 / / 0 Comments

This term has absolutely flown by! I am generally not much of a journal/blogger so writing all the posts for my various classes has been a bit strange but it might be nice to look back on and relive my experiences.

Enough about the constant march of time, and more about getting out of this chair and on to a much smaller seat on a rail. Because rowing machine!

I am still really enjoying every chance I get to hop onto the rowing machine but its been harder and harder to fit it into my schedule these days. Lately I had been using rowing workouts from YouTube but this past week I have just been going for 30 mins in 10 min set. I take about a one min break between each set of 10 mins. I might have to do this next week as well because I find it can be nice to sort of check out with an audio book or podcast while I row. I typically like to have the coaching aspect from the YouTube videos but for now I really need some time where I don’t need to be paying attention to anything. Or if I am paying attention it isn’t information I need to retain.

The audiobook I have been listening to is called The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin.
https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Left-Hand-of-Darkness-Audiobook/B071VM1Y82?qid=1605932578&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=b278ed0a-c3b2-4491-808c-7cb2190a487c&pf_rd_r=TZZVC6C14XAM5YTPNGC0

When I am looking for something a bit lighter I like to listen to The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week podcast by Popular Science.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week/id1377843908
This podcast usually pretty entertaining and the time fits well with my stretching and workout so I feel like I got some brain “down time” and energized my body with the workout.

Until next time!

Following an exercise plan

October 27, 2020 / / 0 Comments

I had been rowing for a few weeks when I decided that I should try something more structured than the 30 mins (10 min intervals with a 2 min rest) of rowing at a moderate pace of 23 strokes per minute (spm). I started using one of the workout routines from concept2.com to add more interest into the workout because it had started to become pretty boring. Having some set times and spm to aim for throughout the workout added some dynamics that helped keep me focused and engaged while rowing.

 

Here is a sample of one of the routines from the concept2 website

  • 3 minutes at 20 strokes per minute (spm), comfortable effort; 1 minute rest.
  • 3 minutes at 22 spm, harder effort; 1 minute rest.
  • 3 minutes at 24 spm, comfortable effort; 1 minute rest.
  • 3 minutes at 24 spm, harder effort; 1 minute rest.
  • 10 minutes steady state rowing at your choice of power and stroke rate. Make note of what pace you settle on, because you will use it in your next workout.

I liked how the site gave 5 workouts to do and repeat. It also has you track the resistance you use and your stroke rate which I hadn’t been doing at first. I knew I was going faster than when I first started but writing it down has been a good exercise to see exactly how or when I am improving. 

 

Stretching is your friend.

 

I have found that doing some dynamic stretching before and after rowing has helped me avoid pain or injury so far. But I will say that my hands still hurt after most sessions so I’ll have to try and relax my grip somehow. I also do some stretching in my rests between rowing intervals which I think has been helpful. I also sometimes jump on the rowing machine for 5-10 mins to give myself a brain break during the day. I can definitely see the benefit of these small sessions to help get resettled with better focus.

 

I’ve been thinking about doing some follow along rowing video workouts but that will have to wait until I’ve done a few rounds of the exercise plan I’m working on.

 

Until next time!

PE Blog #1

October 23, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Learning to row

 

Since the pandemic restrictions were put in place last spring I have been spending much more time at home and, mostly, sitting at a desk or computer. So when I found out that my 310 class would have us try out a new recreation activity I was pretty excited to have more motivation to get moving. One of my housemates got a rowing machine in the summer and since it is in a common area they told all of us we could use it if we wanted to try it out. I had initially been hesitant to use the rowing machine, but I figured that this was the perfect excuse to try it out. 

 

Before I started on the rowing machine I checked out a few videos on proper form and techniques, my housemate also gave me a few helpful tips to get me started. They also warned me about starting out too fast. Originally I had thought I could sort of jump in and go for 30 mins but they suggested to start with 10 mins the first time and work my way up from there and am I happy I did. I normally get exercise by biking so my legs had no issues with the rowing but my upper body was a whole other story. After my first 10 mins I felt pretty good, but later that night there was some pain in my back and arms. The next day I felt good so I went for another 10 mins and continued doing just 10 mins the first week and managed to get 4 days on the rower.

 

I had some back and arm pains but nothing that didn’t feel better in one or two days.

 

Until next time!

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