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Talk about the ski ergometer and training tool from Concept2
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Dreadnought
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Post by Dreadnought » October 30th, 2009, 7:39 am

I was glad to see that someone had the idea to make an ergometer to simulate xc skiing. Previous xc machines like the nordic track didn't measure watts and didn't feel right.
The problem I have with the C2 skierg is that it only does the upper body (and possibly some core) and really doesn't work the legs. If they can find a way to integrate both actions (upper and lower body) I would buy one.

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David Hart
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Post by David Hart » November 6th, 2009, 10:10 am

Hi,

If you have a look at the SkiErg in action (there's a technique video here: http://www.skierg.com/training/technique-video and some footage on YouTube of two Concept2 employees racing each other over 500m here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLmFLzYk1Gk) you'll see that the legs have to raise the body weight each stroke, much as they do when skiing on snow. A maximum effort is going to leave the legs at least as fatigued as the upper body.

Best,

David Hart
Concept2

Nosmo
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Post by Nosmo » November 10th, 2009, 2:29 pm

I tried one briefly and really loved it. It is a great machine.
At some point I will get one. Yes your legs do get tired.

Skate Skier
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Post by Skate Skier » November 19th, 2009, 12:43 pm

We purchased a SkiErg a couple of weeks ago. You would be surprised how much core body you use with this machine. You could just stand their and pull with your arms, but in reality that is not proper technique even when skiing. You work the arms, core and the legs, just as you do while skiing.

I am a long distance ultra runner, mountain biker and kayaker, getting into the 'zone' with this machine is easy.... and feels great!

hammer_223
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Working the Legs

Post by hammer_223 » December 30th, 2009, 4:39 pm

Not to refute previous posts about the SkiErg providing plenty of work for the legs, but here are some other suggestions for mixing it up a bit:

- Offset your stance to the left of center, and simulate an old-fashioned "marathon skate" technique to the right. After X minutes, offset your stance to the right of center and skate to the left. I find this gets my heart rate higher than the standard technique and works my legs a bit more.
- Ski barefoot and standing on balance disks. This will develop proprioception and greater core strength, and theoretically will translate to a steadier ski on snow.
- Wear a weighted vest such as the X-Vest when skiing.
- Do the above in combination: Weighted vest, left foot on a balance disk, marathon skate to the right. When returning the right leg to center, bring it up and across the body for greater hip flexor work (think of bringing the right knee toward the left shoulder, then "skate" back to the right). After X minutes, switch to the other side.
- Alternate SkiErg intervals with some more leg-specific intervals such as weighted step-ups.

Believe me, the SkiErg is plenty challenging for the entire body "straight up", but the above suggestions add some variety. Anyone else incorporate other techniques into their SkiErging?
Have fun!

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