Concept2 ERG

Post by **Day** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:28 pm

I got a Concept2 rowing machine (ERG) about a week ago. It provides a killer good workout. I couldn't be happier with how things are going so far. For those of us that find it hard to schedule sufficient exercise time during the short days of winter it's extremely convenient to just roll out of bed, have a cup of coffee, then get on the machine.

The biggest challenge for me is to contain my enthusiasm. I'm sure it's important to lay down a foundation of fitness before one goes at it too hard in order to avoid injury. Have no doubt, you can work out on these machines at whatever level you desire.

Post by **dmw** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:34 pm

I spent many hours on that Ergometer in high school for when the river was too gnarly for the team to row. They are indeed a good workout, but I have seen lots of people use improper technique, which can really screw up your lower back....

Post by **pawilkes** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:39 pm

they just seem really boring, i tend to use other stuff at the gym but i suppose they work out the upper and lower body nicely

Post by **dmw** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:59 pm

they are less boring when your coach is screaming down your neck POWER TEN!

Post by **Day** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:06 pm

Good technique is certainly important. The training DVD that comes with the machine provides excellent instruction, so there's no reason to hurt your back. I'm more concerned about working up to high mileages too quickly and ending up with sore knees. Patience.

Boring? So what aerobic exercise isn't. You could always crank up the stereo, or earn your boob tube time by working out while you watch TV. Really, the ERG is most attractive when it's dark and cold outside and your workout options are limited.

Post by **pawilkes** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:10 pm

right, fair enough. but i work out at a gym and get a better view of women running around the track from the elliptical cross trainer, it helps the time pass quickly

Post by **charlie** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:10 pm

I guess I'm a freak but I actually enjoy trying to break an aerobic machine. Turn up the tunes, focus on the movement and meditate. It's some of the most productive "private" time I get.

Oh yeah, the Y got some new machines too so I'm pretty jazzed!

Post by **Yasmeen** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:22 pm

Day wrote:Boring? So what aerobic exercise isn't. You could always crank up the stereo, or earn your boob tube time by working out while you watch TV. Really, the ERG is most attractive when it's dark and cold outside and your workout options are limited.

I'm with you, Larry. I bought a spinning bike this winter, and it was worth every dollar. I can get up before going to work and log almost an hour of exercise, all while getting to listen to CDs from years ago that I don't otherwise hear anymore.

Post by **the lurkist** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:31 pm

Yeah, they are boring. I began to develop a taste for the pain. Watching the meters click by...
You get addicted to trying to get your times faster and faster.
Do you register your times on the concept 2 web site. It is kind of geeky, but it lets you know how you are progressing and how many meters you have logged.
I have said it before- absolutely the BEST cross training for climbing. Two months on an erg and you will break through to the next level.

Post by **Day** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 4:34 pm

Gyms are good, especially the girl watching part. I just don't have the time for the round trip commute. It would add almost an hour of dead time to every workout. That's time that I just don't have to waste. Also, it's frustrating to stand around at the gymn waiting for an occupied station to become available.

Just like charlie and the lurkist, the dark side of the erg also appeals to me. There's something about the heroic effort of man against machine that takes you to a place where you can find out what you're made of. You know, John Henry, and all that stuff.

I haven't been registering my times on the concept2 website. I'm just too prideful to display my weakness for all to see. But the monitor on my machine logs every workout so that I can watch my progress.