An Exploratory Case Series Investigating Concurrent Aerobic and Resistance Training in Young, Highly Trained Rowers

This study examined the longitudinal patterns of concurrent aerobic and resistance training in young elite rowers to address the limited understanding of how training volume, modality, and periodisation interact across a season, and to introduce a novel rowing-specific resistance training classification. A retrospective design was used to analyse group training data over 36 weeks (n = 9; 20.6 ± 0.5 years), and individual case studies over 55 weeks (n = 4; 21.6 ± 0.4 years). Aerobic loads, resistance training tonnage, and ergometer performance (power output) were tracked, with resistance exercises categorised as rowing-specific, upper accessory, lower accessory, or core. Weekly aerobic volume averaged 14.0 ± 5.0 h, and rowing-specific resistance accounted for 48–57% of total tonnage (14.13 × 103 ± 7.41 × 103 kg). Exploratory analyses suggested an inverse relationship between aerobic, and resistance loads across training phases and trends toward improved ergometer power in three of four case athletes. High concurrent loads also appeared to coincide with occasional missed or modified sessions in several cases. These findings highlight the importance of managing concurrent loads to support consistent training while offering a practical resistance training classification that may enhance monitoring and decision-making for developing rowers.