For those that have been frequent users of the erg, how has it benefited your life?

[Cyclist2]

I started with a Model A in 1987, then a B, now a C. It was (and still primarily is) a training tool for on-the-water rowing. However, I enjoy the indoor rowing competitions as well.

During that almost 40 year span, the erg has improved my fitness immeasurably, even when I wasn't rowing OTW. I feel I get a full body workout without having to do a lot of weight lifting or other exercises. I can see the day when I won't be able to row OTW (all the boat moving logistics), but I'll never give up the erg.

[aussie nick]

for me, it's provided a way for me to train with intensity that my body can withstand. And it's provided a competitive outlet which I need. And I love the purity of it's measurability.

As a 'gift' from my sports career, I've had two knee reconstructions, major ankle surgery, have limited movement in one of my shoulders and I have a torn and bulging disc in my lower back I've slowly had to give up exercises...I can't run, I can't swim for long distances, I've had to cut out squatting, Olympic lifting and some other gym exercises as well as Crossfit. My back won't allow me to play golf and my knees won't allow me to play tennis or old man rugby or soccer.

Rowing is low impact on the joints and not particularly sapping on the muscles and I've been able to train with an intensity and volume I haven't been able to enjoy in other sports. And its totally measurable so I can compete with myself, my friends and strangers out there in the world. Which is mainly a positive thing!

[mict450]

At my age, physical improvement is a rapidly diminishing image in my rear view mirror. Mental health benefits are number one for me.

[KeithT]

Rowing has had a huge impact on my life.

I discovered it in CrossFit. Before CF I was more into powerlifting/bodybuilding workouts and one day realized how bad of cardio shape I was in. I decided to change my workouts and ended up losing 50 pounds and getting in good overall shape - but still before CF. I liked the idea of CF with it's overall range of movements and I am a competitive person and liked the idea of competing in CF which I did and did well. I found out that I was naturally good on the Row Erg and it sparked my interest - next thing you know I am doing Erg comps and studying it and even became a certified rowing instructor. Rowing became my primary form of exercise with CF and weights mixed in and I competed in large competitions including WRIC. I still like to compete and I use rowing as what it is - a great overall body workout that can be adapted to train all across the different zones. It has become part of my identity and not a day goes by at the gym where I don't get questions about it and I love helping others. Sure at time I can get frustrated with it and results but I don't see where I will ever stop rowing as long as I am able to.

[btswims]

I started rowing in September 2022 after listening to an audiobook where the author described the unique challenge of 2k compared to all other sports. I liked his description of rowers seeking the "suck" during the 2k, and the triumph of finishing one. Before that, I had always overlooked the rowing machines in the gym because they lay so low on the floor. I got my own Erg, and now rowing is part of my daily routine. I row 6 days a week and have only skipped it for three days since September due to COVID. I lost a few pounds of fat, gained some muscles, and became leaner, and I continue to see improvement in my score. I row first thing in the morning, paying as much attention to the strokes as my monkey mind can. It is not only an exercise but also a sort of meditation for me.

Do you remember the title of the book?

[EarthRower]

I started rowing in September 2022 after listening to an audiobook where the author described the unique challenge of 2k compared to all other sports. I liked his description of rowers seeking the "suck" during the 2k, and the triumph of finishing one. Before that, I had always overlooked the rowing machines in the gym because they lay so low on the floor. I got my own Erg, and now rowing is part of my daily routine. I row 6 days a week and have only skipped it for three days since September due to COVID. I lost a few pounds of fat, gained some muscles, and became leaner, and I continue to see improvement in my score. I row first thing in the morning, paying as much attention to the strokes as my monkey mind can. It is not only an exercise but also a sort of meditation for me.

Do you remember the title of the book?

It's an audiobook or a podcast interview by William B. Irvine. I forgot the name. He has several books on stoic philosophy.