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Tag: rowing

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!

PE rowing post #4

November 13, 2020 / / 0 Comments

I have been making good progress with rowing but lately  I have only been able to do it three times in a week. The end of term is fast approaching so I aim to keep up my three, or more, days of rowing but I’m worried that assignments will pile up. For now I am focusing on what I can do with the time left in term. 

 

I have found the “row with me” videos on YouTube really fun. However, I can’t always keep up and usually pause for a 2 minute break in the middle of the 25-30 minute workout. I don’t see this as too much of a problem since I am still starting out. 

I’ve have used this work out a few times now and it’s been good

 

Lately I have been switching between the previous video and this one

They each have some challenges and I like how the second one has stretches at the end that I can do while sitting on the rowing machine. 

That’s all for this update.

Until next time!

Third workout blog

October 30, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Blog Post #3

 

Starting this yesterday I have switched from using a written exercise plan (I was using one from the concept 2 website, which was great but got a bit repetitive) to watching videos and following along. I am typically able to get on the rowing machine three times a week and I’m always really thankful when I take the time to do it. After my sessions on the machine I am able to focus on my assignments and generally just feel better. However, I have been developing some pretty thick calluses on the palm of my hands so after a session sometimes my hands feel a bit stiff and sore. 

 

For my rowing sessions I have just started following along with YouTube videos from Dark Horse Rowing

This is only a 20 min workout but it is for beginners so I was happy to start here and try other videos throughout November

 

For my new stretching routine I use with this video but I’ve had to find a work around for the last stretch because I don’t have a band like they use in the video

 

Then after my workout I follow this video for cool down stretches

 

The stretching has been great for my flexibility so I’m happy that I started doing it both before and after workouts.

 

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!

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