Training and Music (or other sounds)
Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2022 1:03 pm
I'm having an interesting experience, trying out rowing some of my usual workouts but without listening to anything through earphones. Like many, I would normally listen to music or a podcast whilst rowing. I often match the entertainment to the nature of the row with podcasts for slower rows, general music for faster training pieces, and very upbeat, high-tempo stuff for set pieces or other hard sessions.
But a few weeks back I was careless and let the batteries on my earphones run out. I pulled them out mid-piece and continued. I was surprised that my pace increased. I have tried this a number of times now and each time I am rowing "more effectively" with nothing stuck in my ear. This is a surprise, because various coaches I have worked with and a number of articles I have read all suggest that high-tempo music improves performance.
My theory is that the sound of the C2 fan, combined with no distractions and therefore just my form and activity to focus on is resulting in a more effective performance.
Taking this even further, I have also started to do "steady state" rows while using the piece as a form of mindfulness meditation. How log do you think you can row while just thinking about your stroke action without getting distracted by other thoughts? Just like in meditation, the answer is a surprisingly short amount of time.
But a few weeks back I was careless and let the batteries on my earphones run out. I pulled them out mid-piece and continued. I was surprised that my pace increased. I have tried this a number of times now and each time I am rowing "more effectively" with nothing stuck in my ear. This is a surprise, because various coaches I have worked with and a number of articles I have read all suggest that high-tempo music improves performance.
My theory is that the sound of the C2 fan, combined with no distractions and therefore just my form and activity to focus on is resulting in a more effective performance.
Taking this even further, I have also started to do "steady state" rows while using the piece as a form of mindfulness meditation. How log do you think you can row while just thinking about your stroke action without getting distracted by other thoughts? Just like in meditation, the answer is a surprisingly short amount of time.