Apr 10: 25 Min Row — The RPE Scale, Intervals & Why Low Is the Foundation

Last one of the week — and I actually had some rowing thoughts to share today rather than just rambling. Well, I rambled too. But there was a plan.This is Friday's 5K row with a 1K cool-down, sitting right around 25 minutes. I keep it low intensity, 20 strokes a minute, and I'd love you to row along at whatever pace suits you.I start with a quick technique run-through — drive sequence, backswing timing, handle to sternum height — and then spend most of the session talking through why these low-intensity morning rows are doing more than they might feel like. I go through the RPE scale properly, from the walk-to-the-kitchen end all the way through climbing Ben Lomond steps and on to where these rows actually sit, and why that zone is where aerobic conditioning gets built and stroke technique gets grooved in.Then there's the honest bit. Yesterday I did eight times two minutes at close to my 2K pace, and I stopped in the seventh interval. Not because my body gave out — my body was fine. It was my brain that pulled the handle down. I talk through what that means, why it's actually useful information, and how interval structure is a better tool for building mental tenacity than long hard rows, because you get a reset rather than a complete collapse. I also pick up the thread from earlier in the week about how I'm going to weave proper 2K training sessions into what's already a fairly full schedule.There's also a quick thought on AI training plans — where they're useful and where they fall short — and a plug for the leaderboard community if you want somewhere to log your rows.Want a shorter session? Stop at 20 minutes — any rowing counts.CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro & machine setup 3:07 We're rowing 4:12 Community leaderboard — perfect week 6:16 Technique headlines 10:43 The RPE scale — what low intensity really means 23:54 2K training, intervals & the seventh rep 30:23 Cool-down stretchesFind more indoor rowing workouts, training plans, and rowing technique guides at rowalong.comWatch the full video versions on YouTube: youtube.com/@rowalong Join the community: facebook.com/groups/rowalongInstagram: @rowalong_workouts RowAlong is a free follow-along rowing workout podcast for indoor rowers of all levels. Every session is time-based and works on any rowing machine — Concept2, WaterRower, Hydrow, NordicTrack, or any gym rower. Press play. Strap in. Let's RowAlong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.