How well does a SkiErg complement the rower and elliptical?

[dr3do]

How does the SkiErg do when thinking about boredom on longer pieces? I don't get bored on the rower, but I do on the treadmills etc.

I find it much much much easier to do a long piece on SkiErg as I find the RowErg mentally way more fatiguing.
On the SkiErg I simply have more possibilities to vary with technique, which makes it less dull/daunting/boring.

[trifona]

I'm considering adding the BikeErg to the rotation as well. Any experiences to share? Any regrets? The BikeErg board doesn't seem to get much traffic. I love the SKiErg, what a fantastic machine.

https://www.c2forum.com/viewtopic.php? ... 44#p468044

[kini62]

I'm considering adding the BikeErg to the rotation as well. Any experiences to share? Any regrets? The BikeErg board doesn't seem to get much traffic. I love the SKiErg, what a fantastic machine.

https://www.c2forum.com/viewtopic.php? ... 44#p468044

IMO unless you have back issues that prevent the use of the erg or skierg the bikeerg doesn't add anything useful. I guess it's easier to watch TV when using if you're easily bored.

[Mitch R.]

I never get bored doing daily brick workouts alternating through my machines:

Bike trainer
Rower
Ski erg
Elliptical
Treadmill
Nordic Track Skier

Each machine works different muscles and they are all good in their own way.

[trifona]

I took the plunge on the BikeErg. Seeking variety on LISS and Endurance work. Echo fan bike would be wasted on me right now.

[paullu]

I took the plunge on the BikeErg. Seeking variety on LISS and Endurance work. Echo fan bike would be wasted on me right now.

What’s your view of the BikeErg now that you’ve owned it a few months? I’m likely going to stop paying for a gym membership, and will put that money toward a SkiErg first, but I’d love to know more about the BikeErg as well.

[johnlvs2run]

I got a Skierg a year ago, and a Bikeerg a few months ago. Since then I've been using both of them every day, almost always alternating sets between them. The Bikeerg is sturdy, stable, easy to get on and off of, easy to adjust, and is quite smooth to ride. The Bikeerg has been a very nice addition to my exercise routine and I'm glad that I got it. The Skierg and Bikeerg work quite well in a complementary fashion to each other. Feel free to ask if you have any particular questions about either of them.

[RR]

Personally, I would opt for a rower and a BikeErg.
I have had ergs for about 20 years and it has always been my first choice.
I had a SkiErg for a couple of years and used it almost daily for a different challenge and got into it.
However it went in 2015when I moved to France.
Bought another Erg in 2016 and a BikeErg in September about 6 weeks ago.
I bike everyday in the afternoon and Erg 4 or 5 times a week in the morning.
I also Row on the water at least once a week.
I intend introducing sessions where I do Bike/Row/Bike/Row brick sessions for an hour doing say 2000row/4000bike straight off and try and get the same times on each.
I may get a SkiErg next year depending.

[paullu]

It sounds to me like you had more of a space issue than any kind of issue with the SkiErg, especially if you’re already thinking about getting one again.

[andylope]

I have been into Crossfit for the last 5 years. When I decided to kit out my basement it was a no brainer to get the rower. Since then I also have the BikeErg. I like to do the C2 workout of day following my Crossfit routines. Sometimes I do both and other times alternate. Never boring, usually an intensive work out and complements doing a lot of lifting etc. Now I am thinking to get the SkiErg. I think all 3 ergs are complementary using different movements and muscles. Is there anyone that has all 3 and other than the fact there is now more variety of machines find any extra benefits to this approach.

[RR]

It sounds to me like you had more of a space issue than any kind of issue with the SkiErg, especially if you’re already thinking about getting one again.

Space not an issue, just changes in lifestyle

[mromero680]

I always do the rower and skierg back-to-back. Always rower first since I’ve had that for 15 years and have expectations. Just got the skierg a couple months ago and love it. Different workout than rower but complementary. I never liked an hour long row much but I can do 30 minutes each without dreading either.

[Keef]

Was contemplating adding another torture device to my basement gym. I have a Model D with PM3, and a nice higher end Precor elliptical.

I like the rower for HIIT and the elliptical for LISS when I'm just not feeling it.

Am I going to see big differences in how the SkiErg hits me vs the rower? or am I wasting time and money?




Unrelated PS....thoughts on the benefits of upgrading the rower to a PM5? How much do used PM3's usually fetch?

trifona…hi.

Answer to first question, in my opinion the SkiErg is the perfect partner to the Rower. End Of.

I got someone to stand behind me and marker pen (not scientific I know) what they thought are the muscle groups:
triceps, abdominals, latissimus dorsi, quads, glutes, core front and lower back, calves, and hamstrings. A little bit of biceps and pecs.

’ellipitcal’ is that the weird straight arm leg thing? Never used it So cannot comment
For me, any leg work is out on the road foot and bike.

Always had a fondness for the rower as it is nice natural motion (must be used properly).
Worth a reminder here, used wrong and there is a potential for serious damage to L1-L3 . Due to poor posture and a misunderstanding of the drag factor settings.

I discovered the rower in the local gym so spent the 2017-2018 season giving it a good spanking…then they installed a SkiErg..yep wow.18-19 season mixing the two. Then 19-20 season i finally bit the bullet and bought my own SkiErg. Best move ever . certainly now the world shut down!

Same applies to SkiErg use it correctly and it will payback big time.
As always check that the drag factor is set for your weight and ability for starters. for example if you are pulling say 135-140 DF on the rower the SkiErg DF will be probably 70-85.

I use the USB stick for recording my log then upload at the end of week, I have used the Ergdata app but it glitched out on me couple times so now rely on the USB and the Concept2 Utility for uploading.

Heres a tip: I like to use the Watts display, a good indication of ‘fuel consumption’. Bit like grand prix car, you want to just get over the line with an empty tank. Easy on the gas pedal...but not easy.
Check a recent Ski session and take a look at the Watts you are holding. Use this as guide for future work.

For me for example, a 1min thrash i would hold 340w, switching to holding say 200w for a 10k. For recovery tick over anywhere between 80-120.

Have fun.