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The Nature of Rowing- Naturally Self Paced

Contrary to popular opinion, rowing - like other forms of aerobic exercise - is not a resistance based exercise.  You do not change resistance when you run, swim, cycle or cross-country ski - you can't. 

Rowing and aerobic based exercise is about intensity. You work at your desired intensity and you and your equipment move at a speed which is equal to the intensity of work being done. If you increase your intensity you go faster. The limit to your intensity is you, your physiology, your ability to reach and maintain a level of work.

This is the naturally self paced nature of rowing and aerobic sport.

When rowing, the boat does not impose a resistance on you, you impose the work on the boat. If you increase your work the boat will move faster. The limit to how fast the boat will move is you, your physiology, your ability to reach and maintain a level of work.

Ultimately, the more you put in to it, the more you'll get out of it.