speech - getting more people interested in Concept2 rowing

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » July 18th, 2008, 9:12 pm

I've been wanting to get more people interested in Concept2 rowing in this area, and have been wondering how to do this.

My brother and his wife visited a month ago, I got them to try it and at first their movements were all over the place. I kept giving them cues and encouragement as they traded places a few times and improved quite rapidly. Then we left while my brother kept rowing for another 20 or 30 minutes, where he would bring the pace down, back off in between and then do it again. He was around 4:00 pace at the start, but rapidly improved and was getting consistently to 1:52, which is very good for the first time he's been on a rowing machine.

Yesterday I took my modelD and gave a 7 minute speech to 20 people at a meeting. Almost all of them sent written comments to me that they enjoyed the demonstration, and that C2 should hire me as a salesman. At least 6 of them got on and tested the machine afterwards, while I was encouraging them, giving cues, talking and getting more people to try it. Some of the people had to leave right away and didn't have a chance to get on.

A couple of the people wrote that they want one in their home. One fellow said he's already ordered one, it should be arriving any day, and his wife is the one who suggested they get it. Another fellow rowed with a crew team for several years and said he has spent many hours on the erg, though it was quite a few years ago. Two others are going to try it at other locations. Overall this was a very good and positive response. This presentation has shown me that a lot of people from communities would be interested in the Concept2, if they only had the chance and opportunity to see and try it in person.

paul s · Post by **paul s** » July 18th, 2008, 9:44 pm

I am constantly amazed at how few people I meet, who have ever heard of the Concept2 indoor rowers. In the almost 11 years I have had my Model "C", I have met one person who was very familiar with it.

Great job John, of exposing people to this marvelous piece of eqiuipment.

Paul Salata

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » July 21st, 2008, 1:35 pm

Thanks, Paul.

I was thinking of taking the erg to a picnic this weekend, but it was good that I didn't. There were about 30 people there, but mostly they were eating and sitting around doing nothing. A setting like last Thursday is much better.

It seems to me that most gyms, though okay for introducing rowing, are not good for getting people to buy one. Gyms in general want people using the gym equipment, not having their own, and people go to gyms to use the equipment that is there.

I'm wondering what other places I might go, to make a presentation to a group, and where some might be interested to purchase an erg of their own. It would be nice to get more people interested in this community.

paul s · Post by **paul s** » July 21st, 2008, 2:51 pm

I'm wondering what other places I might go, to make a presentation to a group, and where some might be interested to purchase an erg of their own. It would be nice to get more people interested in this community.

An interesting question. It seems to me that Concept is happy with just word-of-mouth. Most everbody on this site seems to have run across them at health clubs or used them in college or other rowing clubs. I myself first saw one when I was in Cardiac Rehab. Perhaps Concept is happy with sales as they are and see no need for a big advertising push.

Paul Salata

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » July 21st, 2008, 3:53 pm

paul s wrote:An interesting question. It seems to me that Concept is happy with just word-of-mouth.

Yes I'm sure they are quite satisfied with things as they are.

Getting more people interested in the community is a personal interest of mine.

My experience with the presentation a few days ago shows me a lot of people would be interested
to use a concept2 rowing machine, if only they'd have the chance to see one in person.

paul s · Post by **paul s** » July 21st, 2008, 4:52 pm

Getting more people interested in the community is a personal interest of mine.

I can't imagine one other single piece of cardiovascular equipment that would have the community that is built around the Concept2 rower. I wonder how many members there are on this forum, and of course the UK's.

Paul Salata

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » July 21st, 2008, 5:04 pm

John Rupp wrote: My experience with the presentation a few days ago shows me a lot of people would be interested to use a concept2 rowing machine, if only they'd have the chance to see one in person.

Indeed, isn't that why we keep them in our living rooms? How else are you going to get others to try it when they visit and ask, "What's that?"?

Joanvb · Post by **Joanvb** » August 6th, 2008, 11:33 pm

I've been working to raise the awareness level of indoor rowing for physical education programs.
Do you know if any of the schools have C2's where you live? You might consider contacting the physical education departments at your local high schools or middle schools. You could offer to show the machine to the physical education teachers, and share the health benefits of indoor rowing for students with the teachers. (Get the physical education teachers to try it, with your instruction.)
For reference...Concept 2 recently became a corporate sponsor of California's physical education professional organization, the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (CAHPERD). Physical Education teachers who stay current with the profession should be aware of indoor rowing...but it is likely many are not. Link to CAHPERD's list of sponsors: http://cahperd.org/links_resources/corp ... mbers.html
With increasing focus on childhood obesity and the related health risks, progressive physical education departments are developing fitness centers for physical education classes (not just weight rooms for athletic teams), and many are including spin bikes, expensive treadmills, etc. C2's are more durable and provide a better exercise (with proper teacher training!).
Try contacting the physical education teachers.

Another option is to contact health clubs and ask if they offer indoor rowing classes (similar to spin classes). Health clubs in select areas around the country offer these kinds of classes...In southern California, in addition to Xeno's Iron Oarsman, I'm aware of two businesses that offer instruction/classes at health clubs...IndoRow and Rowbics. Perhaps you could start something in your local health clubs? Concept 2 offers certification for trainers.

rwj0j0 · Post by **rwj0j0** » August 20th, 2008, 12:02 pm

Rowpro for the Wii would be a great way to get more people into it!
Exergaming/exertainment are totally the way to tap the interest of the young.