How Concept2 revolutionized indoor rowing

Who hasn't seen them, the powerful athletes rowing at CrossFit competitions with seemingly inexhaustible strength. And no, we're not talking about rowing in the water. We're talking about rowing on endurance machines such as the Concept2 - the machine that still reigns supreme today with its robust construction and best price-performance ratio. There is hardly a gym today without a Concept2 rowing machine. Even schools, physiotherapy centers and private households are equipped with the Concept2. 

From water to land

We have known about rowing since ancient times - even if no one would have thought that we would one day be rowing without water. For a long time, the activity was not considered a sport, but rather a practical means of moving forward on the water without wind. Several centuries had to pass before the first attempts were made to develop rowing machines for indoor use at the end of the 19th century. But it was not until 1981 that a "suitable" rowing machine was developed and indoor rowing was given a face: Concept2 started its history. 

Technically sophisticated and intuitive to use

These popular devices are no longer comparable to their original versions, but the idea behind them remains the same: Rowing for indoor use. The Concept2 rowing machines work with air resistance. The harder the handle is pulled, the greater the resistance and therefore the greater the effort. Thanks to the intuitive adjustment of the resistance, interval training (HIIT) is just as possible as moderate endurance training. 

While the seat of the Concept2 glides smoothly and comfortably on a stainless steel rail, the foot position at the front can be adjusted to suit your own needs. A screen is built in to monitor progress and performance and, like the device itself, is characterized by simple operation 

Tips for using the Concept 2 rowing machine

When rowing, it is important to find your own regular breathing pattern. It is all too easy to forget to breathe properly and it is important to supply the body with enough oxygen, especially during exertion. There is no single breathing rule, as every user is too different, but a good guide is to take one breath per stroke (pull and roll) at moderate intensity.

Another important point is that the torso must be tensed during the entire exercise, as this is the only way to ensure correct posture and therefore a healthy exercise. There are countless videos on the internet on how to do this correctly.

The last tip - hand on heart: it's important not to be too hard on yourself at the beginning. Rowing is a sport that works the entire body and can become very intense after a short time. Therefore, start slowly and comfortably and only increase the intensity from time to time.

SkiErg and BikeErg - not only rowing has been reinvented

While rowers row on the machine in winter, cross-country skiers and skiers improve their skills in the gym in summer. The SkiErg is based on the same concept as the Concept2 rowing machine. Only the movement is different: This is similar to the movement used in cross-country skiing. The handle is pulled downwards from above with resistance, either with both hands simultaneously or alternately. 

The name already says what the BikeErg is. Again using the same principle of air resistance, this device simulates intensive stretches on a bicycle. Concept2 equipment guarantees high-quality and healthy training.

4 reasons to start indoor rowing today

1. indoor rowing trains the whole body and therefore burns more fat.

2. the intensity can be adjusted quickly thanks to intuitive operation.

3. strength and endurance are trained simultaneously. 

4. indoor rowing reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.