VO2 Max (Rowing)
What is VO2 Max (Rowing)?
VO2 max represents the upper limit of your body's ability to transport and use oxygen during exercise. In rowing, it is the most important physiological predictor of 2K performance. Elite male rowers typically have VO2 max values of 60-75 mL/kg/min, while elite females measure 50-65 mL/kg/min. VO2 max is developed through a combination of high-volume steady state training and specific VO2 max intervals (typically 3-8 minute pieces at 90-100% of maximum heart rate). The 2K erg test is essentially a VO2 max test — athletes sustain 95-100% of their VO2 max for the duration. While VO2 max sets the ceiling, rowing economy and lactate threshold determine how close to that ceiling you can sustain.
How Watta Uses VO2 Max (Rowing)
While Watta does not directly measure VO2 max, the Cardiac Load component of the Effort Score (40% weight) captures the cardiovascular demand that correlates with VO2 max effort. Sessions at 90%+ heart rate reserve approximate VO2 max training, which the non-linear scaling in the algorithm appropriately weights.
Further Reading
- Concept2 Training Resources — Official training guides and workout plans from Concept2.
- Concept2 RowErg Specifications — Technical specifications and performance monitor details.
- World Rowing — The international governing body for the sport of rowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Content
Every erg counts.
Download Watta and start turning your erg sessions into data-driven training.
