New Article: Modern Rowing Strength Training Key Concepts

Four key concepts for applying strength training to modern rowing training, performance demands, and injury risks

This new article grew out of my “Five-Year Update to ‘Rowing Stronger’” supplemental PDF that I published earlier this month. Catch up here if you missed that. It’s about 40 pages long going into detail on things that are new or different about my coaching in 2024 versus 2019, plus several new training programs and templates. This is included in all new book purchases and available for $5 on its own.

This would probably be an introduction or early chapter of a future full-length book. I tried to synthesize my big ideas about strength training for the modern rower. My goal is that anyone reading any of my other work can understand where I’m coming from and see why I choose or don’t choose to use certain specific methods. This meant explaining some historical and social context of why rowing changed so significantly in the 1980s and 1990s, and why I believe that many training methods from before these watershed changes don’t apply much to modern rowing. From there, we discuss specifics of the role of strength training for the modern rower and how to achieve this in the big picture of training and performance.

Pair this article with my recent methods-focused articles from last February, “Strength Training Program Priorities,” or this January, “Basic Strength Training for Any Rower,” and you’re well on your way. As always, I’d love to hear what you think via a direct reply or comment.

Read on at RowingStronger: https://rowingstronger.com/2024/02/24/modern-rowing-strength-training-key-concepts/

Table of Contents:

• Strength Training is Transferable, NOT Identical

• Strength, Coordination, Muscle Mass, Power, and Injury Prevention

• Force is the Ceiling, Endurance is the Floor

• Organize (Periodize) Rowing and Strength Training

• Where to Find More Information