The split are teh pace per 500 meters on the rowing machine monitor. It works as a speedometer to tell you how fast you are rowing on the exercise equipment. Many peoples who is just getting started on rowing machines dont have a strong understanding of how the split works on the monitor.
However, it is essential to understand how the split works because it will dictate how you use your energy. If you pull the handle with maximum strength without a plan, you will use up all of your energy during your rowing sessions. The split will always be a measurement of the pace at which you row, no matter the distance.
How to Use the Split on a Rowing Machine
Many rowers makes the mistake of focusing on achieving a fast split during the beginning of their rowing session. If they achieve a fast split at the start of their session, they will use up all of their anaerobic energy reserves. Using all of your anaerobic energy reserves too fast will result in a physical crash.
This is known as a positive split. Depending on the distance that you will row, you can use different strategies to manage your energy. Even splits involves maintaining the same pace throughout your rowing session.
This strategy is beneficial for beginners. More experienced athletes will use a negative split strategy, which involves starting with a slower pace and rowing at an increased pace towards the end of your session. The most elite rowers will use a parabolic approach to row, where they sprint at the beginning and the end of their session while maintaining an even pace in the middle of their session.
A 2,000 meter row will require you to manage your split through four different segment. You should complete the first 500 meters with a controlled level of aggression. You should row the middle 1,000 meters with the maintenance of your rowing form, even if it is with difficulty due to the need for intense physical exertion.
The last 500 meters will test your willpower. However, if you have maintained a good pace throughout your session, you will be able to increase your stroke rate for this last segment to even further decrease your split time for the 2,000 meter distance. Power is another measurement of your rowing machine that displays the raw power that you are generating while rowing.
This does not take into consideration your split rate. It is possible to achieve a specific split with very fast arm movements. However, this isnt an efficient way to row.
Power comes from your drive, or your legs explosive push in generating the power for your rowing session. Monitoring the raw watts will show you if you are becoming stronger on the rowing machine. Rowing machine consistency require the performance of specific habits.
Your body needs to warm up before rowing and needs time to recover after intense rowing sessions. If you do not warm up before you start rowing, your splits will be erratic. Erratic splits will place more stress on your body and could lead to injuries.
Your body also needs time to recover after performing intense sets of rowing. If you do not allow your body time to recover from intense sets, your body will not be able to fully rebuild itself. Consequently, your next rowing session will require more effort from your body.
Finally, the monitor will dictate the effort that you put into your rowing machine. Do not fight the numbers. Work with them to dictate your rowing session.
When you can hold a specific split for your rowing session, you will no longer guess at the effort that you should of put in. Rowing with calculation will significantly enhance your experience on the rowing machine.
