Cross-Training for Rowing

Cross-Training for Rowing: Cross-training is supplementary exercise (cycling, swimming, strength training) performed alongside rowing to build balanced fitness and reduce overuse injury risk.

What is Cross-Training for Rowing?

Cross-training for rowers involves incorporating non-rowing exercises to develop overall fitness, prevent overuse injuries, and maintain motivation. Common cross-training modalities: cycling/BikeErg (builds leg power without back stress), SkiErg (develops lats and core), swimming (active recovery, full-body with zero impact), strength training (builds power and injury resilience), and running (builds bone density and aerobic capacity). The ideal cross-training programme complements rowing: it should target weaknesses, provide variety, and allow recovery of rowing-specific muscles. For most rowers, 1-2 cross-training sessions per week replacing rowing sessions provides optimal benefit without compromising rowing-specific adaptation.

How Watta Uses Cross-Training for Rowing

Watta tracks erg sessions across Concept2 machines (RowErg, BikeErg, SkiErg), providing Effort Scores for cross-training sessions on any Concept2 equipment. This gives a unified view of training load across modalities.

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