THE INDOOR ROWER

THE Indoor rower

Welcome to the indoor rower, a page dedicated to indoor rowing news, results, nutrition, training, coaching tips and latest information.

Whether you’re starting a health and fitness journey, competing at local races or racing on the world stage, the indoor rower will help you on your journey of health, fitness, endurance, strength, speed and knowledge on the rowing machine.

From focussing on technique to nutrition, planning of race meals, tapering, periodisation, workouts and any other topics involving indoor rowing, our aim is to get you into the fastest part of the stream.

BRIEF INDOOR ROWING HISTORY

The history of the modern day commercial rowing machine started in the 1970s with the Gjessing-Nilson ergometer from Norway. The Gjessing used a friction brake mechanism with industrial strapping applied over the broad rim of the flywheel. Weights hanging from the strap ensured that an adjustable and predictable friction could be calculated.

The Concept 2 ergometer (erg or ergo). was introduced in 1981 by the Dreissigacker brothers. The machine was created for rowers in the north-east of the United States during the frozen winter months when lakes and rivers were inaccessible. This revolutionised training for water rowing.

And so the machine’s capability of accurate measurement combined with easy transportability spawned the sport of competitive indoor rowing.

The first indoor rowing competition was held in Cambridge, Massachusetts USA in February 1982 with participation of 96 on-water rowers who called themselves the “Charles River All Star Has-Beens”, hence the acronym, “CRASH-B“.

Indoor Rowing Lastest News

TRAINING PROGRAMMES

From beginners to elite competitors, Tony’s structured indoor rowing programmes combine proven training methods with deep technical insight to help you reach your full potential on the erg.
Male athletes competing in an indoor rowing race on Concept2 RowErgs at the Australian Indoor Rowing Championships

the indoor rower podcast

Conservations, insights and stories from the world of rowing and performance coaching. Listen, learn and stay inspired – wherever you train.

video hub

Curated rowing videos from Tony’s YouTube channel – covering drills, pacing strategies and advanced training methods.

about your host

With over three decades in elite fitness and performance coaching and a Commonwealth multi-medallist, double Henley Royal Regatta winner and former World Indoor Rowing Champion, Tony Larkman brings science-backed training, hands-on experience and a passion for helping others reach their goals.


As both a certified personal trainer and rowing specialist at clubs such as Molesey Boat Club, Thames Rowing Club and Tideway Scullers, Tony bridges the gap between physical performance and last wellbeing – focussing on precision, balance and consistent progress.

Tony Larkman - Indoor Rowing Trainer

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