Rowing Benchmark

Rowing Benchmark: A rowing benchmark is a standardised test piece (2K, 5K, 500m) used to measure current fitness, set training paces, and track performance improvement over time.

What is Rowing Benchmark?

Benchmarks are standardised test pieces performed under consistent conditions to track fitness over time. The most common rowing benchmarks: 500m (peak anaerobic power, 1:15-2:00), 2K (VO2 max and race fitness, 6:00-8:30), 5K (lactate threshold and aerobic endurance, 17:00-25:00), 30-minute distance (aerobic capacity), and max watts (single stroke peak power). Benchmarks should be performed after a standardised warm-up, on the same erg if possible, and at regular intervals (6-8 weeks). Results are used to calculate training paces: 2K split sets interval paces, 2K + 15-25s sets steady state pace. Tracking benchmarks over months reveals the effectiveness of your training programme and guides adjustments.

How Watta Uses Rowing Benchmark

Watta logs benchmark results with full Effort Score data, creating a longitudinal record of performance development. Comparing Effort Scores across benchmark tests shows whether improvements come from better fitness, better pacing, or both.

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