Concept 2 SkiErg is a machine that can be used at home and mimics Nordic Skiing. The machine can be used either for double pole or the classic technique of alternating arm. As described by Concept 2, the SkiErg was created as an alternative to the sport – skiing which is quite a demanding sport.
The SkiErg makes use of the similar flywheel resistance as well as the electronic monitoring systems used by the indoor rowers of the brand Concept2. The machine is quite durable, reliable and along with being well-built.
It is quite a sophisticated machine that has an advanced monitor that gives instant and accurate information on your performance. You can read more about the SkiErg in the Concept2 Skierg review 2021. Irrespective of whether you are a top skier who wishes to improve on your polling power.
A person who wants to gear up for skiing season or you are just someone who wants a good workout. The Concept2 SkiErg is definitely the machine that will help in achieving your fitness goals. You can check out some of the concept2 skierg exercises to ensure your fitness goals are achieved.
Best Suited for Whom?
A look at the machine might make you assume that this fitness machine is best suited for the top skiers. However, the reality is that any person can benefit from using the Concept 2 SkiErg. This machine gives the user a different form of workout in contrast to other machines that focus on leg workouts.
Be it the treadmill, elliptical, exercise bikes, or steppers give the user good leg exercises. Concept2 SkiErg is a machine that can give you a tough workout and focuses on exercising your arms, legs, and core.
The SkiErg alternative is a pretty good option in case you want a different kind of workout. This machine focuses on your upper body. It focuses on the muscles of your arm along with your core while you use the machine.
The core muscles will be stabilizing your body when your arms move against the resistance which forms a good core workout as well. Some of the concept2 skierg exercises will ensure that you make the best use of your SkiErg.
Definitely, the rowing machine will be the best option for the elite as well as the recreational skiers if they wish to train during the off-season or even indoors. The Concept 2 SkiErg machine helps in improving the power and endurance with respect to your poling.
Swimmers could also benefit from training with this machine, considering it is good at increasing the strength and power of an individual. This machine would be helpful to the elite as well as recreational swimmers for cross-training workouts.
The best part about the Skierg Machine is the ability to customize it. You can workout using this machine from a standing or sitting position. This means that those who are in a wheelchair can use this machine easily and workout sitting on their chair itself.
In addition, people with aches in the knees or the hip area could sit and workout on this machine. In short, anyone could benefit from the Skierg as it offers great workouts which can be done either standing, sitting, lunges or squatting!
Concept2 SkiErg Rowing Machine Assembly, Design & Build Quality
Assembly
When you purchase the Concept 2 SkiErg Machine, the package includes the following:
- The Performance Monitor PM5 with a Quick Start Guide
- The SkiErg Product Manual
- The required tools along with an illustrated assembly instruction
Assembling the Concept2 Skierg is quite simple. Many of the users assemble the machine by themselves within approximately 30-60 minutes. The instructions are simple and quite easy to follow. It is recommended to use one’s own wrenches along with the socket wrench rather than the tool which has been included, for efficiency.
The design of the Concept2 Skierg is such that it can either be mounted to a wall and all the required hardware for the same is included. If wall mounting is not what you want, get yourself a Concept2 SkiErg Floor stand which would cost you an additional $200 approximately.
So, in case you have decided to buy the SkiErg, along with the machine, you will also get a product manual, a performance monitor along with a Quick Start Guide, tools and instructions for assembling the machine. Assembling the SkiErg is quite simple and it has just 12 screws that have to be put in the right place.
In case you wish to buy additional accessories for your machine like the heart rate monitor or the floor stand, you can have a look at the Concept2 Skierg floor stand. You can check out some of the best heart rate monitors under 100$.
The SkiErg on the website of Concept 2 comes at an approximate range of $700-800. This is inclusive of the PM5 Performance Monitor. In case you wish to buy a floor stand, it is a rowing machine available for about $150-300.
Design & Build Quality
Concept 2 SkiErg’s frame is made of aluminum and has a powder-coated black finish which makes the machine quite durable and reliable. The weight of the machine is about 46 pounds, and the weight of the floor stand is around 35 pounds.
Users are left with the choice of either mounting the machine to a wall or let it stand on the floor. If the SkiErg is installed along with a floor stand, the dimensions of the product would be 19″ x 16″ x 83.5″.
If the SkiErg gets mounted onto a wall, the dimensions of the product would be a 5” width at the top, a width of 19” at the bottom, a depth of about 16” and a height of 5”. You can check out the Concept2 SkiErg floor stand in case you want to purchase one for your machine.
The Concept2 SkiErg is a standing machine and it depends on the resistance of the flywheel. This brings the SkiErg on the lines of the Concept 2 Indoor Rower. The flywheel is located near the floor, i.e., at the bottom end of the SkiErg. The SkiErg then stretches in the upward direction wherein it gets divided in the “Y” shape.
At the top, a dual-pulley with handles can be noticed which is to be used by the individual. This pulley has to be pulled in the downward direction in order to move the flywheel.
Concept2 SkiErg Rowing Machine Features
Performance Monitor
The Performance Monitor definitely is the differentiating factor of the Concept2 SkiErg in comparison to various training devices. Though sophisticated it is quite easy and simple to use. Concept2 SkiErg includes the most advanced Performance Monitor 5 (PM5).
This monitor has been used in the Concept 2 indoor rowing machines as well. This device keeps a track of calories, distance, pace, time, etc. In addition to this, it also consists of the following:
It has 5 preset workouts
- Workouts can be customized
- Workout games are available
- It turns on automatically when you start the machine
- You can use a USB Drive to store all the workout data
This monitor works well with heart rate monitors that make use of either ANT+ or Bluetooth. If you own a heart rate monitor that is compatible with the machine, the monitor will display your heart rate while you work out.
The Concept2 rowing machines are the best indoor rowing machines and the PM5 is the benchmark for fitness monitors of other brands.There are no complaints regarding the PM5 as it is of the best quality.
The Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity enable you to connect your gadgets like your fitness devices and applications, your heart rate monitor, etc. with the machine’s PM5 monitor.
A free application – Concept2 ErgData is available which enables you to keep track of your workouts.
Also lets you sync up with the Concept2 Online Logbook. A lot of third-party apps are available which offer many features to keep motivating you. You can check out some of the best Bluetooth heart rate monitors in case you wish to purchase one.
Ergonomic Handles
The Concept2 Skierg has handles that are strapless, ergonomic, and very comfortable and give you a secure grip. The handle design is such that they stay dry.
This ensures that you do not lose your grip during the high-intensity workouts where your hands begin to sweat.The handles are of universal size, hence any kind of adjustments are not required.
Free Standing or Wall Mounted
You can either mount the Concept2 SkiErg machine onto a wall or you can use it with a floor stand. Wall mounting makes it quite a compact choice.
Whereas the floor stand makes the machine quite mobile with the deck being anti-skid and having caster wheels. Both the ways, the machine is quite easy to assemble and all the required tools are included.
Strong Drive Cords
The Concept2 SkiErg depends on the high-strength cords that are in its drive system. Though these cords are much stronger than even steel, they are very lightweight, thus making the system responsive as well as smooth. Keep reading the Concept2 SkiErg Review to know about the best features of the SkiErg.
Flywheel and Damper
The Concept2 Skierg makes use of the air resistance system which is used by the well-known Concept 2 rowing machines. In this mechanism, when you pull on the handles of the SkiErg, a fan spins, and the air it hits while spinning gives you the resistance.
This is quite a brilliant system due to the infinite resistance it provides. If you pull the handles harder, the fan spins faster thereby giving you more resistance. This system also has a damper which changes the feel of the movement.
If you adjust the spiral damper, it will lead to either an increase or decrease in the airflow to the fan, which in turn will increase or decrease the resistance that is initially felt. This lets you play around with the overall feel while you workout. The SkiErg acknowledges and responds to your requirements.
Durable Construction and Easy to Maintain
The machines of Concept2 are quite famous for their reliability, durability and quality construction. The machines are quite tough and are designed to last a lifetime.
Due to which they can withstand rough and regular use in the Nordic ski centers, or in living rooms, or in health clubs as well as in military bases across the globe. The machines are quite easy to take care of.
Concept2 SkiErg Rowing Machine Warranty
The 30-day money-back is guaranteed by Concept2 on its SkiErg machine, irrespective of the reason for return. However, in order to avail of this facility, the machine must be purchased from the company directly. In case you purchase it via Amazon, you will not be able to get this benefit.
This SkiErg machine’s frame has a 5-years warranty and the PM5 monitor, as well as moving parts, have a 2-year warranty. A similar warranty is offered on the Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine.
You can check out the Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine Reviews for all the details on the product. The support services of Concept 2 are quite good and they offer immediate assistance through the live chat system.
Concept2 SkiErg Rowing Machine Pros and Cons
Pros
- It offers the best workout for the upper body
- It is quite reasonable in contrast to other cardio machines
- It offers low-impact workouts
- The machine is good for workouts of both low as well as high-intensity
- It comes with the advanced performance monitor (PM5)
- The machine is also good for people having injuries or those on the wheelchair
- It has an excellent warranty on the frame and parts
- The machine is durable and sturdy
- The handles are ergonomic and offer a secure grip
- The user has the option to mount it or to use it with a floor stand
- It gives the best simulation of polling movements
Cons
- Once mounted, it is tough to dismantle and store the machine
- If the user wishes to use it in standing mode, he/she might have to spend an additional amount on the floor stand
- The 30day money-back guarantee is available only on purchases made directly from the company
Verdict
The SkiErg machine is a workout machine that is ideal for people of all levels of fitness. Whether you are suffering from an injury or are temporarily using a wheelchair, this machine is there to give you a full-body workout with the focus being on the arms, the core and mostly the upper body.
The SkiErg ensures your triceps, biceps, calves, lower back, glutes, hamstrings, abdominals get a good workout. The Concept2 SkiErg machine has a lot of features that make it quite a unique workout machine in contrast to other cardio machines.
It includes the advanced performance monitor – PM5, which tracks the calories burnt, the pace, the time, etc. Users also have the opportunity to connect the PM5 to the application of Concept 2- the Concept2 ErgData application, which helps users to track their workouts.
If you are looking for affordable rowing machine, then the Concept2 SkiErg is definitely the right choice for you.
