30+ minute workouts?

[Dpoleit89]

Hi, all..

Looking at purchase of a SkiErg and am wondering if 30+ minute workouts on this machine are typical or even that common?

What do you all do? Is this more of a short-duration machine, or something that is typically used in longer (30+ minute) workouts? (Watching a lot of videos I got the overall impression it's great for short durations but am wondering how realistic it would be to plan to use it for 30+ minute cardio sessions)..

I've been doing 45+ minutes of cardio almost every single day for 40+ years, but my knees are starting to give out (lots of degeneration/arthritis, meniscus tear, etc) so am looking for something to complement the Precor elliptical and Spin Bike that we currently own. Have been alternating between those every other day for the past 5 years or so, then just the Elliptical for a good 20 before that. Prior to the Precors, did a variety of things like the old wooden NordicTrack skiier.

I also have some upper body limitations (torn rotator cuff - ugh..body is starting to give out at 60 YO) so was a little iffy on whether this would be a good choice for me or not. But I also can't think of any other upper body cardio options so that I can start to take some of the wear and tear off my knees..

I did notice that a lot of the videos show people really engaging their shoulders and even knees..but then came across this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVvoLcCyfL8 video of an instructor who seems to have a more traditional XC skiing form that might go easier on knees and shoulders..really liked how she's using the machine.

Would appreciate any pointers/insight..

Thx..

Hello CardioGuy!

I have bought my Skierg in April '24 and since then i'm using it 2 times/week to improve my double poling for xc long distance racing.
Well, atm my workouts are ranging from easy 60' to half marathon (once i did a full marathon), going throught many types of intervals (medium-long), so very feasible to do distance on it.
I'm watching something on my phone to don't stare at pm5 all the time and it works very well.
About knee and shoulder injures, don't worry, i have a tendinopathy on my knee cap and also have a torn labrum (healed) in my right shoulder.
If i push towards 5k pace or less, I will get a bit sore on my right shoulder but nothing to be worried BUT you need a very good form or XC skiing form. You should hinge at hip and not at knees,keeping 90 degree elbows and finishing the stroke at your tights without extending the arms (max 120° degrees).
References stroke/minute on 6/7 damper (no more):
- easy 46/52
- fm/hm 50/55
- 10k/5k 54/60
- 2k 58+
Of course, if you use a lower setting on damper, more frequency will be needed to reach same pace and viceversa.
Just my 2 cents.
Hope to help.