When it comes to finding a rowing program, one of the best and fastest-growing options out there is an app called EXR. Often referred to as the Zwift for rowers, EXR is easily one of the most feature-packed rowing apps available.
EXR Rowing App Video
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EXR Split
One of the things that makes EXR truly unique is that it is the only rowing app that creates a more accurate and level playing field by adjusting your pacing split into what they call the EXR split. This takes into account the type of rower you are on because, for example, if I row on a Concept 2 rower against someone on a water rower, it’s not a one-to-one comparison because the split times will read differently. EXR takes the differences between rowers into account and adjusts according to the rower you are on.
The EXR Split also takes into account your body weight, similar to Zwift, because in real life, the heavier you are, the more the weight will slow you down a bit in the water. With the EXR Split adjusting for this, you really get the purest, most level playing field that most accurately reflects your rowing ability.
Competitive racing
Of course, one of the best reasons to use the EXR split is to be able to race and see how you compare with others. Last year, EXR added Competitive Racing as one of their options in which you can race both live components or ghosts of others in either a 500m, 1000m, or 2000m race. Or even build a custom race if you prefer. It’s a very fun way to test out and push yourself to see how much you are improving.
Even when not racing, and you’re going for an Open Row, each course has several segments within it that you can try and set a new record in if and when you are feeling up for a little sprint.
Group rides
If competition isn’t your jam, but you still want to jump in with a group, EXR has also recently introduced Group Rides, where you can jump in with a huge group of other rowers, which I think is a really fun way to stay motivated and get in maybe some of the longer row sessions.
Power zone training
One of my favorite parts about rowing with EXR is that all of the workouts are based on power zone training. Power zone training is similar to heart rate training but based entirely on your own metrics and power output based on what’s called an FTP test. There are a ton of workouts here to choose from no matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s a quick 10-minute break or an hour+ long endurance ride.
Programs
What’s new to EXR is now they also have fully built-out programs that you can follow along with and are very useful to give you guidance on what you should be doing next. These programs are very well built, so you don’t need to worry if you are or are not doing enough or if you are doing the wrong things. These programs will absolutely put you on the right path towards becoming a better rower.
Workout editor
If having a ton of programs and workouts to choose from isn’t enough, there is one of the best custom workout editors I have ever seen made for a rower here. With the ability to adjust everything from the interval lengths to the power output goals, you can save your workouts to take again in the future, so it is a well-thought-out and feature-complete system.
Data
For some of us, it is important to be able to easily export our workout data to other platforms, like Strava, Logbook, or Training Peaks. EXR does a great job allowing for workouts to be synced to any of these. You can also choose if you want the workout to be private or public.
Gamification
In EXR, you collect coins, level up, complete challenges, and more to earn new customization options. This gamification really goes a long way to help keep you working towards a goal, and sticking to a routine. I really appreciate the depth of what they have here and can’t wait to someday deck my character out with all the best stuff (though that will take a LOT of rowing!)
Price
EXR might just be the most affordable, feature-packed rowing app out there. Currently, it costs $9.99 USD if you pay month to month, but there are also 6 and 12-month options which drops the price to as low as $7.99. When compared to pretty much anything else out there, this is very generously priced.
EXR also currently has a free 14-day trial, so make sure to check it out!
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