Understanding Effort in a Calm, Simple Way
Starting something new can feel a little overwhelming. This is for anyone wondering how to take it at their own pace in the BikeRowSki room. If you’ve ever asked yourself “will I be able for it?”, this will help you understand how to take every class at your own pace.
Everyone Moves at Their Own Pace
At BikeRowSki, there is no one way to do a class. Everyone who walks into the studio is there for a different reason:
- Some people want to switch off after a long day.
- Some want to build confidence.
- Some just want to move their body.
That’s why we always encourage you to do you. You don’t need to keep up with anyone else in the room. You don’t need to prove anything. Your pace is the right pace for you.
Coach-Led, Always Supported
Every class at BikeRowSki is coach-led. That means you’re never left figuring things out on your own.
Your coach is there for the full 45 minutes — guiding you, coaching you, motivating and inspiring you. We take pride in individualising the experience for every person and helping each one feel comfortable, even in a group setting. If you need to slow things down, that’s always okay.
Life outside the studio can be busy — work, family, everything in between. BikeRowSki should feel like a space where you can breathe and just focus on yourself for a while.
Using Polar Flow to Help You Pace
We use Polar Flow to track heart rates during class. It helps us understand how each individual’s body is responding in real time.
As coaches, we use this to gently guide you. If your heart rate is climbing too high, we might encourage you to ease back. If you’re cruising comfortably, we might check in and see how you feel.
It’s not about chasing numbers. It’s about understanding them. And sometimes, the numbers don’t tell the full story — that’s why we always come back to how you feel. The system supports the experience; it doesn’t control it.
Understanding the PM5 Monitor
When you feel settled in the room, we’ll help you understand the PM5 monitor. There are two simple things we focus on:
- Stroke rate/RPM (bottom left of the screen) — this helps keep everyone moving together. It keeps the class feeling connected.
- Pace (second number from the top) — this shows how much power you’re putting into each stroke. This is where pacing really comes to life.
It’s not about going as hard as you can. It’s about finding a pace you can sustain — something that feels steady and controlled. We use this number to help guide you and, just as importantly, to help you hold back when needed.
If you would like a simpler way to check in on how hard you are working, our guide to the RPE scale breaks it down, and understanding effort without fear explains why finishing exhausted was never the goal.
BikeRowSki Philosophy
At BikeRowSki, everything we do is built around helping you feel supported, confident, and comfortable at your own pace. You’re not expected to push to your limit every time you walk in. You’re encouraged to listen to your body and move in a way that feels right for you. That’s where progress really starts.
It also helps to know why we coach rate over pace and time over distance — it is the reason nobody in the room is chasing the same number on the screen.
A Gentle Reminder
If you’re ever unsure, just ask — your coach is there to help. We look forward to welcoming you into the studio. And remember, you’re never doing this alone.
Book your first class — your coach will walk you through the monitor before you even start moving.
FAQ
What does the PM5 monitor show?
Mainly two numbers: stroke rate (RPM), which keeps the class moving together, and pace, which shows how much power you’re putting into each stroke.
Do I need to hit a target pace in my first class?
No — pacing at BikeRowSki is about finding a sustainable effort, not hitting a number. Your coach will guide you based on how you’re doing, not a fixed target.
How does BikeRowSki track effort if not by pace alone?
We use Polar Flow heart rate tracking alongside the PM5 monitor, but the goal is always to understand your effort, not chase a number for its own sake.
