Get Rowing Stronger!

“Rowing Stronger: Strength Training to Maximize Rowing Performance” is available in PDF ebook and print, with a 2024 “Five-Year Update” to the 2019 Second Edition.

 

Note: In 2025 I made all my published work available for free. I made money from “Rowing Stronger” for 10 years and don’t plan to write more with my 2024 professional change out of rowing. Thank-you to everyone who has supported my work! I hope this continues to be useful for you.

Download the Ebook (PDF)

Ebook (PDF): Go here to download or use the button below. This includes the 2024 “Five-Year Update” automatically (begins on page 153 of the file). Go down this page for more information about the book, including table of contents.

Purchase in Print ($10)

Print ($10+ship): Blurb is an international print-to-ship company, so it takes 1-3 weeks to receive your book depending on their queue and your location. Please feel free to enjoy the ebook while you wait. At least download the “Five-Year Update” supplemental PDF, as Blurb does not offer a PDF download option.

2024 "Five-Year Update" (PDF)

Five-Year Update: A ~40-page update of things that are new or different about my coaching in 2024 since the 2019 Second Edition, plus some new sample programs and training templates. Go here to download or use the button below.

Contact

Please contact me here for any questions, comments, troubleshooting

FREE DOWNLOADS

PURCHASE IN PRINT

The 2019 Second Edition

The second edition is over three times longer than the 2015 first edition, with revisions and brand new content including sample programs, guest chapters, training templates, and more.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Terms and Definitions
  • The Block Periodization System for Rowing
  • Writing a Program Step-by-Step
  • Preparing to Train: The Warm-Up
  • The Exercises: What, Why, and How
  • Strength Training for Longer Races
  • Strength Training for Lightweights
  • Strength Training for Coxswains
  • Strength Training for Masters
  • Strength Training for Juniors
  • Over-Training or Under-Recovering?
  • Movement Assessments for Rowing: Guest Chapter by Blake Gourley
  • Kettlebell Training for Rowing: Guest Chapter by Joe DeLeo
  • Mobility for Rowers
  • Mental Skills for Rowing
  • Sample Programs
  • Appendix

The Step-By-Step Comprehensive Guide to Strength Training for Rowing Performance

Learn how to:

  • Improve strength, power, and endurance for rowing

  • Reduce risk of injury by targeting specific muscles and movements

  • Tailor individual exercise selection for your training

  • Nail the end-of-season taper for peak performance

“Rowing Stronger” is an essential primer for coaches and athletes alike for addressing all of the peripheral, yet requisite elements for rowing performance and longevity. This is a must-read for coaches of every level, and I will be reviewing it every year for ways to improve my program!

Caitlin McClain, Junior/Collegiate Head Coach

 

Will Ruth makes a valuable contribution to the sport of rowing with his comprehensive guide to strength and conditioning. This is a far cry from the usual one-size-fits-all training formula. Ruth details how individual athletes can use block periodization to create a program tailored to their individual needs based on age, weight, and competitive goals. He provides abundant information on specific exercises and how they fit into an overall strength training program. Any athlete or coach interested in minimizing injury and optimizing race performance would do well to read this book.

Sarah Risser, Masters Rower

“Rowing Stronger” is my go-to book for masters strength training. Fast boats are a priority for my athletes so having this detailed approach with targeted exercises is a must. A solid strength foundation keeps Roylerowers powerful, healthy, and on top of the podium in world class events. Follow Will’s program and its guaranteed to boost your boat speed stroke by stroke. Highly recommended.

Marlene Royle, Masters Coach

About Will Ruth

I’m a former rower turned strength coach. I started coaching at Western Washington University in 2013 as the men’s team strength coach. I coached there for six years, coaching on-water as well as in the gym. I have a BS in Kinesiology from Western, an MA in Sport Coaching from the University of Denver, and an NSCA-CSCS certification. I moved to Vermont in 2019 and began coaching at the Craftsbury Sculling Center camps. In 2022, I became the strength coach for the Craftsbury Green Racing Project program (GRP). More here.

will ruth green racing project headshot