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Training and Music (or other sounds)

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2022 1:03 pm
by JonT
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.

Re: Training and Music (or other sounds)

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2022 2:17 pm
by Tako
Interesting observation Jon. Fits my observations.

My training sessions require close control of Rate, pace and most importantly HR. I noticed that music and especially podcasts and TV distract me from doing so efficiently.

Also I have enjoyed the mediation one gets from the RowErg sounds during a steady row session.

Maffetone recommends no music, hence I was always confused that he sells headphones but someone told me they are mainly meant to tell you about HR during the run as they also measure the HR.

Re: Training and Music (or other sounds)

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2022 6:57 am
by Claudius
my history about music and erging in a few words:
- in the begining music was essential, no music - no erging
- this led to 1) very loud music at home, other subjects (which for us are merely objects) were outraged 2) the wear of so-called sports headphones (sweat resistant - lol !!!) was enormous.
- more and more the music disappeared at erging
- this led to : a more profound erging experience- as you already mentioned: feeling the moment, hearing and feeling this whoooosh of the flywheel, in timetrials the energy in it, which obviously comes from the erger - the erger and the erging experienced as one

- this content directly correponds to the content about slides !

Re: Training and Music (or other sounds)

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2022 12:35 am
by Draggon
I can play music when rowing, but I've found that I have to really concentrate on it if I want to hear it. Therefore, I just forego music and concentrate on what I'm really there for. Or meditate. Some ever-fluid combo thereof... :)

Re: Training and Music (or other sounds)

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2022 3:52 am
by duffyoz
I'm a no music person when erging. If in a group at the rowing club then they always play music but I just tune it out anyway. Just me and the erg. There is always something to focus on, the set rate or pace or minor form changes and what happens to the rate/pace each time. The internal drama of reaching the desired session goals. Keeping tabs on HR. Doing the mental math to break down the session. In the home gym however, headphones in, Techno loud :)