Fitness Components for Rowing
In addition to the high level of skill required to be a rower, to be successful you need, among other things, good aerobic fitness, strength and power, and be mentally strong! However, which of these are more important? Below is a discussion about the fitness requirements for rowing, which can help with developing training programs for this sport, and for interpreting fitness testing results and determining the relative strengths and weaknesses of a rower.
You just need to be flexible
Our first poll on this subject asked what you thought was The most important physical attribute for success in rowing? Out of seven options, muscular enurance (41%) and cardiovascular endurance (32%) were the most common responses.
You Need Great Endurance
A follow-up poll added a few more options about the component of fitness most important for success in rowing. Out of the options of Body Size and Composition, Muscle Strength, Muscular Endurance, Power, Speed / Quickness, Agility, Flexibility, Balance and Coordination, and Cardiovascular Endurance, the factors which are considered most important by the readers of this site again were muscular endurance and cardiovascular (aerobic) endurance. You can add your vote too, and see the latest results.
sculling rower in trainingYou need to have good aerobic endurance and be switched on
In a similar poll, we have asked people to rate the 12 factors of success for sports. Visitors to this site have rated each of these factors for the sport of rowing, and the most important according to them are: aerobic endurance and skill/technique, motivation and coping with pressure are also rating highly, demonstrating the importance the mental side of performance in rowing. You can also add your ratings of Which Factors Make Successful Rowers, and see the latest results.
Most Important Factors for Success in Order of Importance (data from 2018)
4.6 Aerobic Endurance
4.5 Skill and Technique
4.4 Motivation & Self Confidence
4.3 Coping with Pressure Situations
4.2 Strength & Power
3.7 Body Size and Composition
3.6 Balance & Coordination
3.5 Flexibility
3.2 Speed / Quickness
3.0 Analytic & Tactical Ability
2.8 Reaction Time
2.6 Agility
Are You an Expert?
I have found that asking all site visitors for their opinion, while it is interesting, does not always lead to accurate results. We want to know what the experts think. If you consider yourself an expert in rowing, go here to add your opinion.
Related Pages
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Current Events