Concept2 is excited to offer Nordic skiers a new way to train without snow: the Concept2 SkiErg.
Similar to the Concept2 Indoor Rower, the Concept2 SkiErg is designed to help athletes build strength and endurance in a sport-specific motion. Although no machine can duplicate all the subtleties of Nordic skiing, the SkiErg enables you to train using the motion that is essential to all techniques of skate and classic skiing. It’s a convenient and safe alternative to rollerskiing, a nice option when the weather is bad or you’re short on time.
Concept2 is better known for rowing, but the company founders, brothers Peter and Dick Dreissigacker, have been competing in Nordic skiing since they started the company in an abandoned dairy barn over thirty years ago. “We first played with the idea of making ski training equipment in 1982, using parts from the Model A Indoor Rower,” explains Founder Dick Dreissigacker. “We have fine-tuned our designs for skiing, and are excited to bring this technology to skiers.” Pictures of some of these early contraptions can be found on the website.
An ergometer, or “erg”, is a device that measures work. This is what sets the SkiErg apart from most other ski training devices. Every SkiErg includes a Performance Monitor that gives skiers immediate, accurate, comparable feedback. This allows skiers to measure output, monitor progress, and compare scores with others. “The launch of the SkiErg is exciting,” says Peter Dreissigacker, “because it gives skiers the tools that rowers have had for years – the ability to measure and improve their fitness in a way that is not impacted by terrain or snow conditions.”
The SkiErg is available with either the PM3 or PM4 monitor; a comparison of these options is available at . http://www.concept2.com/us/indoorrowers/monitors/pm3_pm4_compare.asp.
Although SkiErging may appear to be focused on the upper body and core, the legs are very much involved. In a maximum effort 2k piece, the legs, core and upper body all get an intense workout. Concept2 plans to collect, post, and share best times and rank individuals in future editions of their Online Logbook – just as they do with rowing.
A note on comparing skiing 2k’s with rowing 2k’s: a 2k score score will not be as high as in rowing since the skier is supporting and raising body weight (as opposed to rowing where body weight moves horizontally).
Concept2 expects SkiErg 2k scores will be about a minute slower than rowing, and is eager for men to post competitive scores under 7 minutes, and women to break 8 minutes. So far, skiers have submitted best scores of 8:37 (women) and 7:07 (men).
Even for non-competitive skiers, the SkiErg offers terrific exercise for the entire body. Each pull engages the legs, arms, shoulders and core in a downwards “crunch,” using body weight to help accelerate the handles. Each pull finishes by extending the arms down along the hips with knees partly bent.
Recovering from injury? The motion on the SkiErg can also be easily adapted to athletes with lower leg injuries, either by sitting on a stool, or just limiting the leg involvement.
The SkiErg with PM3 (wall-mounted version) retails for $730 plus shipping; the optional floor stand ($200 plus shipping) makes it a free-standing unit. Order by calling (800) 245-5676. More information is available at concept2.com/ski.
Concept2 was founded by Dick and Peter Dreissigacker in 1976. The two brothers first designed and manufactured carbon fiber racing oars, then went on to create the world’s first air¬resistance indoor rower. The Concept2 Indoor Rower revolutionized the world of rowing when it was introduced in 1981 as a training tool for competitive rowers. It quickly became the world’s best-selling rowing machine.
The SkiErg builds upon Concept’s years of experience in designing and manufacturing high-performance training equipment. Concept2 still manufactures composite racing oars, which were used by about 2/3 of the rowing competitors at the Beijing Olympics. For more information about Concept2, visit concept2.com.
