Total Metres

By the Watta Team · Updated

Total Metres: Total metres is the cumulative distance rowed on an ergometer, used to track training volume, set distance goals, and earn Concept2 milestone awards.

What is Total Metres?

Total metres (or total meters) is the aggregate distance a rower accumulates on the ergometer across all sessions. It serves as both a training volume metric and a motivational tool. Concept2 maintains an online logbook where rowers track lifetime metres, with milestone awards at 1 million, 5 million, 10 million, and beyond. Weekly total metres is the most common way to quantify rowing training volume — competitive rowers may log 150,000-200,000m per week, while recreational rowers typically accumulate 20,000-60,000m per week. Total metres is a straightforward volume measure but does not capture intensity — 10,000m of steady-state rowing and 10,000m of race-pace intervals represent vastly different training stimuli despite identical distance. For this reason, coaches often track both total metres and total time to get a complete picture of training load.

How Watta Uses Total Metres

Watta automatically tracks total metres from every logged workout, building a cumulative distance record over time. This data powers training volume trends, weekly summaries, and milestone achievements within the app. Total metres also feeds into the streak and achievement system, where cumulative distance badges are awarded at key milestones.

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What are total metres in rowing?
Total metres is the cumulative distance rowed across all erg sessions. It is used to measure training volume and track progress toward distance goals such as the Concept2 Million Metre Club.
How many metres per week is good for rowing?
Beginners: 15,000-30,000m. Intermediate recreational: 30,000-60,000m. Competitive club: 80,000-150,000m. Elite: 150,000-250,000m. Quality matters more than quantity — ensure 80% of metres are at low intensity.
How do I track total metres on a Concept2?
The PM5 stores workout data in its memory and can sync to the Concept2 Logbook via Bluetooth or USB. Alternatively, Watta captures your distance from each erg screen photo and maintains a running total automatically.
Do total metres measure fitness?
Total metres measure volume, not fitness directly. A rower who logs 100,000m per week at very easy pace may be less fit than someone logging 60,000m with structured intensity work. Total metres is best used alongside pace and heart rate data to assess training effectiveness.
What is the Concept2 million metre club?
Concept2 awards milestone certificates and pins for cumulative lifetime metres logged in their online logbook. The Million Metre Club is the first major milestone. Dedicated rowers can reach it in 1-3 years depending on training volume.

Related Content

Training VolumeTraining volume is the total amount of work performed in a given period, typically measured in metres rowed, minutes trained, or total sessions per week.Concept2 LogbookThe Concept2 Online Logbook is a free web-based platform where rowers manually log erg workouts, track metres, participate in challenges, and compare rankings.Progressive OverloadProgressive overload is the gradual increase in training stress over time — through volume, intensity, or frequency — to drive continued adaptation in rowing fitness.Calorie Burn CalculatorRowing Pace CalculatorSteady State Rowing GuideUT2 Training GuideFor RowersFor Beginners
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