How to read EXR’s Head-Up Display (HUD)
EXR's Head-Up Display (HUD) shows your rowing performance data in real time, including your split, stroke rate, distance, power output and heart rate. Whether you're rowing freely in Just Row mode or following a structured workout in Training Mode, the HUD helps you track your progress and improve your indoor rowing performance.
The information displayed depends on your rowing mode and personal interface settings. Learn what each metric means and how to customize your HUD below.
You can customize the size of your HUD and choose which workout data to display via EXR's interface settings.
How to read the HUD in Just Row mode
In Just Row mode, you can row freely at your own pace while tracking your performance in real time. The HUD provides information about your current session, helping you monitor your progress and stay motivated.
Default rowing metrics in Just Row
The following workout data is displayed by default:
- General performance stats: Track your elapsed rowing time, total distance, current speed and calories burned during your session.
- Stroke rate (SPM): See how many strokes you complete per minute. Your stroke rate helps you monitor your rowing rhythm and maintain a consistent pace.
- Split (/500m) and power (watts): Your split shows how long it would take you to row 500 meters at your current pace. A lower split means you're rowing faster. Power output, measured in watts, indicates how much power you're generating. You can switch between split and watts or display both in your gameplay settings.
- Minimap: Follow your position along the virtual rowing route, track completed laps and spot other rowers and upcoming sprint segments.
Additional HUD metrics in Just Row
You can enable the following additional workout metrics in EXR's interface settings:
- Session target: Set a personal distance, calorie or time goal before starting your rowing session and track your progress towards it.
- Heart rate zones: Monitor your heart rate and training intensity when a compatible heart rate monitor is connected. You can adjust your maximum heart rate in your EXR web profile.
- Time of day: Display a clock on your HUD to keep track of the current time during your workout.
- Force curve: Visualize how force is applied throughout your rowing stroke. This can help you analyze your rowing technique. The force curve is available for compatible Concept2 and RP3 rowing machines connected via Bluetooth.
- Stroke length: View the distance over which you apply force during each rowing stroke.
How to read the HUD in Training Mode
In Training Mode, the EXR HUD helps you follow structured rowing workouts by displaying your current performance, upcoming intervals and training targets.
Unlike Just Row mode, Training Mode includes additional visual guidance to help you maintain the recommended pace, power output and stroke rate throughout your workout.
Default rowing metrics in Training Mode
The following workout information is displayed by default:
- General performance stats: Track your elapsed workout time, distance, current speed, average heart rate when available and calories burned.
- Training timeline: Follow your progress through the workout and see upcoming training intervals. Blue sections indicate intervals below your FTP (Functional Threshold Power), green sections represent intervals around your FTP and red sections indicate higher-intensity intervals above your FTP.
- Up next block: Preview the upcoming training interval so you can prepare for changes in intensity or stroke rate.
- Target instructions: See the recommended pace and stroke rate for your current interval, along with your progress towards completing it.
- Stroke rate and tempo: Follow the on-screen rowing animation to synchronize your strokes with the recommended stroke rate.
- Split, power and feedback: Compare your current rowing performance with the target intensity. Use the visual feedback to adjust your pace or power output and stay within the recommended zone.
- Heart rate zones: Monitor your heart rate and training intensity when a compatible heart rate monitor is connected. You can adjust your maximum heart rate in your EXR web profile.
- Minimap: Track your position on the virtual rowing route, monitor completed laps and spot other rowers and upcoming sprint segments.
Additional HUD metrics in Training Mode
You can also enable the following workout metrics in your interface settings:
- Time of day: Display a clock to keep track of the current time while training.
- Force curve: Analyze how force is applied throughout your rowing stroke to better understand your technique. Available for compatible Concept2 and RP3 rowing machines connected via Bluetooth.
- Stroke length: Monitor the distance over which you apply force during each rowing stroke.
How to customize your EXR HUD
EXR allows you to personalize the Head-Up Display to focus on the rowing data that matters most to you.
You can change the HUD's size and select which additional performance metrics to display through EXR's interface settings.
- Open EXR and navigate to the interface settings.
- Find the HUD customization options.
- Adjust the HUD size to your preference.
- Choose which additional workout metrics you want to display.
- Return to your rowing session with your preferred HUD configuration.
You can also access HUD-related options through the in-session overlay menu, allowing you to adjust your display without leaving your workout.
Some HUD metrics require additional hardware or specific rowing machines. For example, heart rate data requires a connected heart rate monitor, while the force curve is available only for supported rowing machine configurations.
Frequently asked questions about the EXR HUD
Can I customize which rowing metrics appear on my EXR HUD?
Yes. You can customize the size of your HUD and enable additional workout metrics through EXR's interface settings. Available options include heart rate zones, force curve, stroke length and the time of day.
Can I display both split and watts in EXR?
Yes. EXR allows you to display your rowing split (/500m), power output in watts or both. You can adjust your preferred display in the gameplay settings.
Why can't I see my heart rate zones in EXR?
Heart rate information requires a compatible heart rate monitor connected to EXR. If your heart rate or heart rate zones aren't visible, check your heart rate monitor connection and make sure the relevant HUD display options are enabled.
You can also review your maximum heart rate in your EXR account settings.