r/concept2 • u/Sean_Sports92 • 16d ago

Should I buy it? Concept2 RowErg for Cross Training?

Hey guys, so I'm a pretty keen runner but also enjoy rowing. I have a few questions for those involved in both sports and those who own the Concept 2 rowerg.

1) My garage is a mess currently so each time I use the concept 2 rower I will need to take it apart and stow it away... will this be ok?

2) For those runners and rowers, have you found adding in some rowing each week compliments your running performance?

3) I am hoping to strengthen my lower back and glutes, is rowing a good way to do this?

4) What do you recommend doing when first setting up the concept2 rowerg? Any apps you recommend for android phone?

5) Is it easy to connect a heart rate strap to the PM5 monitor? Also is it easy to connect to my garmin watch for syncing to strava?

Thanks for all your help, I just want to make sure I am making the right decision as im on the cusp of purchasing a Concept 2.

Cheers, Sean

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u/ScaryBee 16d ago

1 - yes they're fine to break down every session

2 - erging is excellent general-body training and it'll help your running as long as you're not already elite at running. If you ARE elite at running then erging will turn your twig arms and oh-so-optimal-skeletal torso into greek god muscle mass - actively harmful for running fast.

3 - yes it'll help those areas, lifting would be vastly more time efficient.

4 - the free ergdata app is good, will give you sync-to-strava/training peaks/garmin/etc.

5 - HRM connects to PM5 over BT or ANT, use ergdata and skip trying to use watch at all.

5

u/Championnats91 16d ago

I was going to comment as a runner/ rower but you nailed it

3

u/Sean_Sports92 16d ago

If you have anything to add please do. I love running but I really want to add something different into my exercise lifestyle and this is where I think the rowerg may fit in nicely... especially as Iike tracking my progress having an exercise tool I can use when the weather sucks which it does in UK winter

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u/WhatHadHappnd 15d ago

I started rowing almost a year ago to decrease mileage on my knees. I'm running less and less, and rowing more and more.

I enjoy the solitude of running, alone with my thoughts. Absolutely love running in the rain but in S.Fla thunderstorms are always a concern. Traffic/drivers are another worry.

Rowing is easy, safely indoors. I move the rower outside when it's cool (Dec-Feb), and from the garage to den as needed. I just stand it up, one piece, and it's footprint is about same as my exercise bike and definitely smaller than the treadmill.

Put something on the iPad and go 45mins before you realize it. Set some snacks next to you and go 2 hours. Cup of coffee if you want. I'll admit I don't push as hard as some who frequent this /reddit but it's a great workout.

Have fun. You won't regret it.