Review of Ergometer Testing for Rowers on the Toes to the Edge blog – we’ve selected the most complimentary parts to reproduce here go to the link for the chapter-by-chapter full review.

This is a review of a new ebook I purchased from Row Perfect called Ergometer Testing for Rowers by Walter Martindale.

The Basic Physiology for Coaches and Athletes section does a nice job of outlining the energy systems in the context of a 2K erg piece. He shines in the Warming Up section by providing the what is probably the best description of what happens when you warm up, and why it is imperative to do so, that I have seen to date.

I feel I received my money’s worth for [the] purchase price with this section.

Doing the Test provides coaching on execution of your race plan and practical tips. This contains the most amusing line in the book, regarding people falling to the floor and writhing in pain after a 2K:

-sure they’re tired and everything hurts, but a lot more people fall off the ergometers than fall out of boats at the end of a really hard 2000m race.

Technique During and Ergometer Test talks about people modifying their technique off the water vs. on the water. It also includes a very interesting chart of ergometer test profiles from some univesirty testing in New Zealand.

Summary

This is a short ebook that shines in its explanation of the physiological aspects of preparing, rowing, and recovering from a 2K ergometer test. I found it a good value for the £5.00 (~$8.00 USD) price and would recommend it for anyone, regardless of experience, that is serious about their body and performance on the 2K.