During the winter season, we drop the workload volume from spring/fall season of 4.5 hours + summer activities to just 2.5-3 hours. That gives you about at least 1.5-2 hours of less work volume per week. Per month, it accumulates to even greater numbers. So here is an interesting thing. Usually what I am observing every year, is that at the beginning of the winter season, let's say for the first month or MAYBE two, everyone usually starts to do better scores on the erg. And then we run out of our cardio reserves that we had built up over the summer. At that moment ergs start to feel surprisingly harder. Or sometimes we are not hitting the same numbers.
My advice is to use the other days when you don't train in the club for your cardio training. The duration should be around 60min. You can always mix up, let's say, bike / elliptical machine and treadmill in the gym. Stay for 20min on each station. Or you can do 20min of cardio load, 10 min weights, then repeat the same cycle. OR simply choose your favourite activity that you like and try to keep up with that cardio load.
So if we have about 2 hours of cardio deficit per week, use your other two days for cardio load (for those who has a bit more time and opportunity to do so). If you can't then try to go in the gym for at least one extra session. Believe me, it will make a big difference.
I know that quite few people are doing spin/cycling classes. There are lots of interval training that have the same effect that we do during the practice. Again, Longer duration - Lower intensity cardio load will improve your aerobic base and you will start seeing numbers improving for your erg scores.
