Have you ever wondered why interval training is such a crucial part of rowing preparation? As your reliable source of rowing wisdom, let’s delve into this topic together.
Interval training, a technique involving alternating periods of high-intensity effort and lower-intensity recovery, is not just a passing fitness trend. It’s a scientifically backed method that can significantly boost your rowing performance.
This approach helps to build both endurance and speed, two essential components for any rower aiming to glide through the water more efficiently.
So, grab your oars (and maybe a notebook), as we explore the benefits of interval training for rowing and why it could be the game-changer in your training regimen.
You can spend hours of your life on the internet researching the latest in HIIT workouts that will work your aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. However, finding the right workout that also allows you to progress as a rower can be a challenge.
In this article I want to put together a guide that will help you to be able to:
- Understand the science behind the energy needed for intervals.
- Discuss the different types of intervals.
- Show you how intervals can help you judge the efficiency of your training.
The Science of intervals
High-intensity-interval-training or HIIT for short is a training format that forces your body to go through a number of max-effort sprints. Between each sprint, you have a short time to recover and then you go at full effort again… and again… and again. People with a high level of maximal power will be able to use high amounts of energy phosphates at a quick rate.
Our bodies are able to hold on to roughly 25mmol/kg in dry muscle of ATP. ATP is Adenosine Triphosphate and is what your body uses for quick energy during max effort exercise. If you exercise at a maximal level, it will use up around 15mmol/kg in just 1 or 2 seconds. So really maximal effort is dictated by the efficiency in which Adenosine Triphosphate is hydrolysed and synthesised.
Roughly speaking you will use up around 45% of your ATP in a 30-second sprint. Somewhere between 10% and 30% will have been used in just the first 10 seconds. When we start to break down ATP during exercise, a number of metabolic systems jump into action to re-synthesize the ATP to try to maintain the highest rate that ATP can be used.
As we try to recover in between the intervals, our body attempts to fill back up our stores. The amount that your body is able to re-synthesize ATP, is very much a determining factor in its ability to perform at a high level on your next sprint interval.
The energy systems that are involved in this process are the Phosphocreatine (PCr), anaerobic glycolysis, and the aerobic systems.
PCr
In our muscles, we have around 80mmol/kg of PCr. That is three times the amount of ATP. PCr has a usage rate of 9mmol.kg/sec, this means that your PCr is used up in the first ten seconds of your first interval. However, this is the amazing bit. Your PCr system also has the quickest recovery rate. Approximately 85% of your PCr is back ready to use again after 2 minutes of rest. After 4 minutes, you have 90% back, and after 8 minutes 100%.
Aerobic Glycolysis
As we use up our PCr, our body switches to the next best option. Which are your aerobic glycolysis and glycogenolysis systems. Your glycolysis systems deals with the breakdown of glycolysis in your bloodstream. Your glycogenolysis system deals with the breakdown of glycogen in your cytoplasm. In your muscles, you keep a store of 400mmol/kg. This means that repeated sprints are probably not going to impact of its ability to provide ATP. Research shows that it is more likely that it will be your metabolic environment that will be impacted.
Types of Interval training
So how can we use HIIT to improve our aerobic capacity and muscular endurance? This table below shows us four of the most popular training systems. The aim of these systems is to improve on aerobic fitness.
| Training session | Protocol | Training intensity | Pre to post-training VO2 Max |
| 15/15 intervals | 15x15secs at 90-95% HRmax. 45 secs rest | High | 60.6 ml/kg/min to 64.4 ml/kg/min |
| PCr training | 6-12 rds of 30secs at 85-90% HRmax. 60sec rest | High | 55.5 ml/kg/min to 56.8 ml/kg/min |
| Anaerobic Glycolysis | Max intensity 30sec intervals. 4mins rest | High | 59.6 ml/kg/min to 60.8 ml/kg/min |
| Muscle buffer capacity | Repeat bouts (up to 6) of 30-60sec intervals with a 1:1 work-rest ratio. | Mod | 55.5 ml/kg/min to 60.4 ml/kg/min |
So what does it mean? These studies have used VO2 max as the premier determinant of training protocol performance. This makes complete sense to us seeing as it has such an important role in ATP re-synthesis.
Most RSA based studies have all used VO2 max as a major determinant of training protocols performance – no surprise given its role in ATP resynthesis and the contribution it makes as intervals extend. As with any training system it has to be tested over time. You cannot just jump into it and expect it to make an immediate impact.
How to start using intervals
If you are not used to HIIT it can have a significant impact on your body as a whole. Depending on the type of exercise you can have sore muscles and joints that can impact your overall training. For that reason, training should be slowly started. I would recommend that you do not do more than one session of HIIT per week to start off with. Then as your body gets used to it you can increase.
Do remember to take some baseline tests when you first get started. If you are doing it to help with your rowing I would recommend doing a 2km erg as a baseline. If you want to use the sprint intervals to help with your running then you will want to have 1km time trial as well as a 2km.
High-intensity interval training is a great training system to be used alongside other methodologies that challenge your physical abilities. Remember to do what is best for you and your body.
Conclusion
We’ve journeyed together through the dynamic world of interval training, uncovering its essential role in enhancing your rowing performance. From building endurance to boosting speed, we’ve discovered that interval training isn’t just a fitness fad; it’s a key component that can propel you towards your rowing goals.
Remember, interval training is more than alternating between high and low-intensity efforts. It’s about understanding your body, knowing when to push harder, and recognizing when to allow recovery. And while it may be challenging at first, the rewards are well worth the effort.
Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, it’s time to integrate interval training into your regimen. Start slow, listen to your body, and gradually increase the intensity as your fitness level improves. Remember, rowing is a journey, not a destination. So enjoy every moment on the water, and here’s to smoother, faster, and more efficient rowing sessions ahead!
Happy rowing, and remember – every stroke brings you closer to your goal.