Rowerg vs skierg?

[emilysmith]

Hello,
I'm glad when joining this forum. Currently, I have the bikerg and looking to get either the rower or skierg. I want to increase my VO2 max and overall fitness, what should I consider when making a selection. Any recommendations?

[Dangerscouse]

I don't think that there's any 'better' erg for increasing VO2max as they're both excellent.

Without meaning to sound flippant, the best one to get is the one that you'll use the most, but as you've got a bikeerg it might make a very small benefit more to get a skierg as it's more upper body dominant.

[Sakly]

I don't think that there's any 'better' erg for increasing VO2max as they're both excellent.

Without meaning to sound flippant, the best one to get is the one that you'll use the most, but as you've got a bikeerg it might make a very small benefit more to get a skierg as it's more upper body dominant.

Agree to the first abstract, but not necessarily to the second one regarding upper body dominance for the skierg compared to the rowerg.
I'm using both machines regularly, but skierg for shorter distances, as I can access it only in the gym.
If you go hard on both machines, the skierg is absolutely hard on your legs, as the rowErg is. On both machines upper body needs a high amount of stability to transfer the power, on the skierg probably a bit more load on the lats, definitely on triceps (but not that much at all) from upper body point of view.
Skierg is definitely harder on the abs during the drive, less stressing the back. RowErg is the opposite, harder on your back, less on the abs to stabilize the lean back.

I would go the rowErg route again every time, if I need to choose. But that's mainly as it gives me more fun. Several times I thought of buying a skierg, so the "distance of joy from the rowErg" is not so big as it probably sounds

[MudSweatAndYears]

As always, the answer ends up to be "it depends...". You want to acquire the machine that *for you* best complements the BikeErg. Hence, a personal choice...

I have all three concept2 ergs, and although I train mainly to improve my on-the-water rowing performance, of the three machines I mostly use the SkiErg. I love to exercise while standing up, and also I need to restrict the load on my knees (meniscus problems). The SkiErg is ideal for that. Also I cycle a lot (in winters on the BikeErg, during summers on the road), and I experience the SkiERg as more upper-body oriented and therefore highly complementary to the bike.

One reason that could make the RowErg the best next C2 machine for you is if you want an erg that allows you to compete online and in real life. There simply are so many more RowErgs and so many more RowErg users in the world (the SKiErg community dwarfs in comparison) and hence much more opportunities to compete.

Having said this, if you like the BikeErg, I think you can't go wrong with either machine... What I would advise you to do, is to try and find a CrossFit Gym near to you where you can try both machines. You probably will quickly discover which one you like most.

[emilysmith]

As always, the answer ends up to be "it depends...". You want to acquire the machine that *for you* best complements the BikeErg. Hence, a personal choice...

I have all three concept2 ergs, and although I train mainly to improve my on-the-water rowing performance, of the three machines I mostly use the SkiErg. I love to exercise while standing up, and also I need to restrict the load on my knees (meniscus problems). The SkiErg is ideal for that. Also I cycle a lot (in winters on the BikeErg, during summers on the road), and I experience the SkiERg as more upper-body oriented and therefore highly complementary to the bike.

One reason that could make the RowErg the best next C2 machine for you is if you want an erg that allows you to compete online and in real life. There simply are so many more RowErgs and so many more RowErg users in the world (the SKiErg community dwarfs in comparison) and hence much more opportunities to compete.

Having said this, if you like the BikeErg, I think you can't go wrong with either machine... What I would advise you to do, is to try and find a CrossFit Gym near to you where you can try both machines. You probably will quickly discover which one you like most.

Thanks for your answer. I got it.

[jamesg]

I've rowed almost all my life, the last 20 years with a C2 Rowerg; no injuries.

Haven't seen any complaints about the skierg, but I don't like wrist angles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0lIgT5PHc8

Ski-sticks have straps that bypass the wrists, if used correctly, when hill-walking too.

[istro]

Do you have a chance to try them? Maybe even side-by-side?

If you have a crossfit gym nearby, there's a good chance they would have both machines. You could call them and find out if you could do drop-in during their "open gym" time.

Let us know what you end up deciding!

[HornetMaX]

Without meaning to sound flippant, the best one to get is the one that you'll use the most, but as you've got a bikeerg it might make a very small benefit more to get a skierg as it's more upper body dominant.

It was the reason I added the SkiErg to my RowErg. Plus the fact I hate pedalling

I agree the SkiErg is "more legs than it looks", but it feels like it covers different muscle groups more evenly compared to the RowErg (that is really a lot of legs).

Just posted that too : viewtopic.php?f=3&t=208877&p=586225#p586225

[Spinal]

I own all three machines and TBH they each play a role in my overall fitness. I go through periods of using each machine to achieve various goals and targets. If I had to choose only one though it would be the SkiErg as I spend too much time seated at work and at home.

The SkiErg works the major muscles in the legs, trunk, and core, offers a low-impact workout, and can bring sweat and tears if needed

[Jerome]

I also have all three, but have to confess that I hardly use the skierg. Apparently most people find the skierg easier on the back than the rower. However, for me the skierg seems to put a greater strain on my lower back, opposed to rowing. Maybe my technique is off.