Will Ruth’s guide to strength training, Rowing Stronger, is impressively comprehensive–valuable for
Rowing Stronger strength training for rowing
rowers of all ages and levels and a welcome (much needed!) resource for coaches.
Ruth breaks the year down into four specific training blocks. Each individual block focuses on a primary skill/attribute to develop in addition to a secondary skill/attribute to maintain, ensuring continuity and steady progress throughout the year. Ruth provides ample information which allows individual rowers to tailor a plan specific to their goals and abilities and leaves virtually no gaps.
Ruth provides specific information for 2k vs. head races, lightweight rowers, and different time constraints. Ruth provides detail on the most beneficial lifts and exercises for rowers along with an ideal number of sets and reps to perform for optimal results specific to each block in addition to recommendations for on-the-water/erg training. He provides links to supplemental videos. He explains the importance of strength training to injury prevention.
As a masters rower I’ve had six years of coaching with virtually no guidance on strength training or periodization. This is an outstanding resource that should be on every rower and every coach’s shelf.
