Concept2 SkiErg Review

Concept2 SkiErg Review, December 2021

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There are hundreds of fitness machines out there all offering various workouts and benefits. Today’s topic is the Concept2 SkiErg which is a new idea that is in fact proving to be one of the toughest machines out there.

This machine gained significant traction when it was featured as part of a challenge on the final day of the CrossFit Games in 2016.

If you are interested in building your home gym and getting only the best machines then Concept2 is a manufacturer that you will want to consider.

When it comes to conditioning equipment Concept2 sets the standard using their near-indestructible flywheel as the basis of their machines.

This is the same flywheel used in the most popular rowing machines on the planet, the Concept2 Model D so you can be sure this piece of equipment is going to be tough and durable. 

Concept 2 offers products in 3 main categories, Rowing, Biking, and Skiing. The Concept2 SkiErg is the Skiing variant of their machines and also utilizes the ultra-durable flywheel in the design.

Concept 2 equipment is designed especially for conditioning and the SkiErg is no different, probably offering the toughest workout of all three categories. 

What is the SkiErg?

The SkiErg is Concept2s entry into Nordic Ski training that is designed for home or gym use. Looking strikingly similar to the Model D rowing machine stood up vertically, This machine is the new standard for Nordic ski training and delivers an amazing total body workout when going through the motions of cross country skiing. 

What Muscles Does The Concept2 SkiErg Target?

Cartoon art of a man doing tricep pulls with a machine and wires

The Concept2 SkiErg is designed to mimic the movements of cross-country skiing. Cross-country skiing is a full-body workout that involves many sets of muscles, primarily targeting the core and the upper body.

The proper cross country technique will also engage the lower body, especially the upper legs such as the glutes, quads, and hamstrings.

Additionally, this machine is perfect for conditioning and cardio training and is sure to knock the wind right out of you.

The SkiErg can be used not only as a great cardio machine but as a strengthening tool as well. There are many different motions you can perform on the SkiErg, many that specifically target the abs and obliques.

A twisting motion similar to a Russian twist while pulling both handles to the same side and then alternating to the other side can lead to some fantastic definition in the abs and the adonis belt area.

This is only one motion of many that you can use to strengthen and define your arms and core. 

A Solution for Injury Rehab and Adaptive Athletes

One of the more overlooked benefits of the SkiErg is that it is perfect for Injury rehab. Being a low-impact exercise that is easy on the knees and ankles, the SkiErg serves as a great solution for those with lower leg injuries.

Injured athletes are able to kneel or even sit to perform the exercise, reducing any discomfort. 

The SkiErg is a great tool for adaptive athletes as well. As mentioned above, the exercise can be performed at normal intensities while seated and is another great alternative cardio workout not requiring input from your legs.

SkiErg Specs and Details

Comprising an ultradurable Flywheel, High Strength Drive Cords, and Powerful PM5 Performance Monitor, the SkiErg is built to last and deliver the results you are after. Let’s take a closer look at some specific details and see how the SkiErg measures up.

Assembly

The SkiErg is easy to assemble, comes with all the tools, and can be either freestanding using a floor stand or wall-mounted. Wall mounting provides the most compact and convenient option, however, that is fairly permanent and difficult to relocate. The other option is the Floor stand which allows for significantly more mobility. 

Dimensions, Weight, Materials, And Space Recommendations

For wall-mounted units: Materials: Aluminum
Width at bottom - 19”
Finish: Powder Coat - Black
Width at Top - 20.5”, Depth - 16”, Height - 85”
For Floor Stand units: 23.5’ x 50” x 85 “
Machine Weight: SkiErg - 46 lbs, Floor Stand - 36 lbs
Materials: Aluminum
Finish: Powder Coat - Black
Shipping Dimensions: Unit - 21” x 19” x 49” - 61 lbs, Stand - 5” x 26” x 53” - 38 lbs
Warranty: 5-years on frame, 2-years on monitor and moving parts

Performance Monitor

The only piece of electronic equipment on this machine is the PM5 monitor. This monitor is tried and true, offering a sophisticated yet easy-to-use interface.

This is the same but updated monitor used on the Model D rowing machine so it is sure to provide accurate and reliable results and can stand the test of time. 

The updated monitor allows you to track the standard calories, time, distance, pace, etc but also includes 5 preset workouts, customizable workouts, workout games, and storage via USB drive.

Additionally, the monitor is compatible with heart rate monitors using both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity. This is truly a top-of-the-line fitness monitor and it rarely ever hears any complaints. 

Who Should Use The SkiErg?

Although this machine may seem specialized and intimidating, it is not only the elite ski athletes that can benefit from this incredible machine.

Everyday regular people would find great benefit in using the SkiErg for condition work.

The cardio workout is more unique in comparison to other workouts. When was the last time you used an upper-body dominant exercise to get some hardcore cardio done?

Upper body cardio work can be a lot more comfortable for many people to start exercising and can be a great leap forward into conditioning one’s self. 

The motion of the exercise targets all major muscles in your arms and hit your core just as hard. The core has to stabilize your body as your arms move against the resistance of the machine.

Upon immediate thought, skiers would greatly benefit from the SKiErg in the offseason. But further consideration other upper body heavy sports athletes such as Swimmers, Tennis players, and Golfers may find a lot of use out of the specific motion of the cardio workout. 

Heavy cardio use is not this machine's only function, as elderly or those with achy joints or bad hips can still use this machine at a light pace to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

As mentioned before the machine is adaptive athlete-friendly, meaning it can be used by somebody with disabilities or in a wheelchair. This makes it a great option for those injured, rehabbing, or who otherwise don’t have use of their legs. 

Should You Get The SkiErg For Your Home Gym?

If you are starting to plan your home gym or just looking to add some more cardio to an existing one then I highly recommend that you consider purchasing a Concept2 machine.

I say this because Concept2 is definitely considered a gold standard when it comes to conditioning equipment and deserves to have space and use in your home gym. 

I know I am spouting a lot of great things about this product but it is difficult to find anything wrong with it. The few complaints I have heard have been with broken delivery equipment and early malfunction. 

These are rare and are often easily resolved. So if you are looking for a piece of cardio equipment consider the Concept2 machines, and specifically the SKiErg if you are looking to add some unique alternatives to your cardio or are a seasoned athlete looking for training in the offseason.

It’s built like a tank and designed to handle the toughest athletes on the planet, you can’t go wrong buying a piece of equipment like this. 

Where to Buy The SkiErg

The SkirErg costs a hefty $770 dollars but you have to keep in mind you are buying the most popular and battle-tested ski conditioning machine out there.

Not only that but the components themselves are all the same as the Model D rowing machine, proving how durable the machine is. 

As with most cases, if you are in the US or Canada I always recommend purchasing the machine directly from the Rogue website.

Buying directly from Rogue fitness ensures you are receiving the real product and not a knockoff as well as not marking up the prices. 

There are several retailers that will carry Concept2 products however Concept2 does not guarantee any pricing. 

Shipping the SkiErg to anywhere in the Continental US costs $45 for the wall-mounted version and $60 for the Floor Stand version.

Alaska and Hawaii are both $130 and $260 respectively. Shipping to Canada costs $65 for the wall-mounted version and $130 for the Floor Stand version.

Denver Matheson
 

I spend a lot of time at the gym and even more time in the kitchen giving my body what it needs to repair itself and grow stronger. The third most important place for any athlete is their research zone. That's exactly why this site exists, to help me share all of the information I've learned throughout the years just like people did for me in the first place!

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