Pace Explained: Rowing Machine, BikeErg, and SkiErg (Beginner Guide)

Pace is one of the first numbers you see on an indoor rowing machine, BikeErg, or SkiErg.

But what does it actually mean?

In simple terms, pace tells you how fast you are moving by showing how long it would take you to cover a fixed distance at your current effort. This beginner-friendly guide explains pace on each machine separately—without jargon and without brand dependency.

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What Is Pace on an Indoor Erg?

Pace is displayed as time per distance:

• Rowing machine: time per 500 meters

• SkiErg: time per 500 meters

• BikeErg: time per 1000 meters

The key rule is simple:

👉 Lower pace = faster speed

👉 Higher pace = slower speed

Example:

• 2:30 / 500m is faster than 2:45 / 500m

• 2:10 / 1000m is faster than 2:30 / 1000m

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Rowing Machine Pace Explained (500m Pace)

On an indoor rowing machine, pace is shown as time per 500 meters.

If the monitor shows 2:40 / 500m, it means:

At your current effort, you would row 500 meters in 2 minutes and 40 seconds.

As a beginner, your pace will likely be higher at first—and that’s perfectly fine. Focus on:

• Good technique

• Smooth strokes

• Consistent effort

As your fitness improves, your pace will naturally become faster.

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SkiErg Pace Explained (500m Pace)

The SkiErg uses the same pace format as rowing: time per 500 meters.

A pace of 3:00 / 500m means:

You would ski 500 meters in 3 minutes at that effort.

Because the SkiErg uses different muscles, your pace may feel harder or slower compared to rowing—and that’s normal. Always compare:

• Your SkiErg pace to your own previous SkiErg workouts

• Not directly to rowing or biking

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BikeErg Pace Explained (1000m Pace)

The BikeErg shows pace as time per 1000 meters (1 km).

If you see 2:20 / 1000m, it means:

You would ride 1 kilometer in 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

The BikeErg uses 1000m instead of 500m because cycling speeds are higher. The idea is the same:

• Lower number = faster pace

• Higher number = easier pace

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Why Pace Matters

Pace helps you:

• Control workout intensity

• Train consistently

• Track progress over time

• Follow structured workouts

Even small improvements—like dropping 5 seconds from your pace—are meaningful progress.

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Beginner Tips for Using Pace

• Don’t chase fast numbers early

• Prioritize technique and consistency

• Use pace as a guide, not a test

• Compare pace only on the same machine

• Progress slowly and steadily

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Final Thoughts

Understanding pace makes indoor rowing, skiing, and biking much less confusing. Once you know what the numbers mean, you can train smarter, pace your workouts better, and clearly see your progress over time.

If you’re new: start easy, stay consistent, and let your pace improve naturally.

 

 

“Looking for inspiring workouts you can train at your own pace? Check out our workout collection – click here.”