But that’s why some people enjoy it so much: you can be alone with your thoughts and focus all your energy and attention on your individual performance.
But, if you’re not a member of the “lonely rowers club” or even if you are, there may be times when you need support from rowers like us, who understand your pain when your motivation wanes and you want help to get through those tough moments.
There are loads of brilliant apps for rowers. From storing and visualizing all your data to tracking your heart rate and finding good music. To help you find the best apps for you, our coaching team have tested these five apps on multiple workouts to find what each one can do for you.
Here we go! (The apps are in no particular order.)
Photo by Nadine Shaabana on Unsplash
Split Pic divides your camera into several sections with different layouts to choose from. You can choose to blend these images together creating a flawless look. Ideal for those sessions you’ve planned multiple work/rest times and saves you having multiple photos on your photo!
A rower’s metronome! If you struggle to keep the programmed rate for your session. Use sound and graphics to establish rowing cadence.
Set a stroke rate – choose a ratio – hit start. It’s as simple as that with this app.
Watch the graphics and listen to the sounds. A continuous tone on the drive, short beeps on the recovery help you know how fast to push and how slow to move back up the slide.
*Note from Coach John. This app has been one of my go-to apps since starting coaching in 2012. I cannot tell you what a time saver it is to assist you with coaching stroke rate and feeling the flow of each stroke.
The go-to for analyzing your data as you row and then storing it on your concept 2 log. Allows you to set weight class and machine type for results that will be uploaded to your online logbook. Offers a choice of two screens:
A screen similar to your Performance Monitor (showing choice of watts, calories or current pace) plus two additional pieces of data from the list below.
A second screen showing: Drive Length, Drive Time, Average Force, Peak Force, Drag Factor and Stroke Count. All great information to have on hand if you get stuck in your training and want more depth in understanding your progress.
Spotify is a digital music streaming service that gives you access to millions of songs, podcasts, and videos from artists all over the world. If you’ve ever wanted that perfect playlist to use on either a long steady row or a hard and fast interval session then Spotify allows you to create and enjoy playlists built around your musical choices.
*Note, Want to know what we’re into? Follow our playlist and get ready for the best rowing session you’ve ever had!
If you’re intent on hitting and maintaining your peak heart rate zone during exercise you’ll find a fitness friend in Polar Beat for Android and iOS
Polar Beat clearly displays your heart rate zones while you exercise. During workouts, you can see which of the five color-coded zones you’re in, as well as how long you’ve been in a specific zone. For example, red is your maximum zone (90 to 100 percent of your heart rate), and orange is “hard” (80 to 90 percent).
It’s worth noting the PolarBeat app does require a separate, $80 Polar chest strap, which beams your data to connected devices via Bluetooth. Not the end of the world but something to bear in mind when considering if this is useful for you.
And there you have it! The top 5 apps out there for indoor rowers. Used any of these before? Did we miss your favorite? Let us know your thoughts and any other apps you find useful as both an athlete and a coach.
Just discovered your website and the great selection of instructional videos.
Quick question please. I have Concept2 D. Recently bought a Polar HRM and loaded Polar Beats (iOS). I can’t see how to set up Polar Beats for indoor rowing. The only rowing option seems to be for outdoors using gps. Can you please advise?
Thanks.
No products in the cart.
3 Comments
I love u healey
The dark horse rowing … Is so inspiring. Thanks for the motivation #JHealeyNation