New Equipment Spotlight: SkiErg
In these dog days of summer, do you find yourself dreaming of pristine snowy landscapes? Transport yourself to a cross-country ski course (though with admittedly less epic scenery) with MINT’s new Concept2 SkiErg.
What is a ski erg?
The ski erg is a piece of gym equipment that activates the upper body, core, lower body, and cardiovascular system through movements that simulate cross-country, or Nordic, skiing. Originally designed as a training tool for skiers, it has since crossed over to the broader fitness world, embraced for its ability to offer a total-body, low impact workout.
How do I use it?
Similar to a traditional rowing machine, the ski erg uses a wind-resistance flywheel to create a feeling of flow or drag. Unlike a rowing erg, however, the ski erg is used standing upright – similar to the stance you’d take to Nordic ski. To set up, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart on the machine’s base, facing the flywheel and monitor. Reach up to grab the handles, which are located at the top of the erg. While holding one in each hand, hinge slightly at the hips and engage your core. To begin the exercise, drive your hands straight down towards your thighs; the effort should come more from your upper body and core stabilization than from a squat or leg movement. Then, move your hands back to their starting position above your head while extending your back. This motion should be fluid and continuous.
The monitor on the machine will track time, distance, pace, and watts. It also allows you to create different works based on each spec. Difficulty is effort-based; like with a rowing erg, the harder or faster your pull, the more resistance you will encounter, increasing difficulty. Start slowly, and build up effort through consistency.
Why should I try it?
The ski erg is an excellent tool for someone looking for an efficient, low impact, total body workout. The pulling movement engages upper body muscles including lats, triceps, shoulders, and pecs. Stabilization requires engagement of the core, as well as glutes and thigh muscles to drive down with each stroke. The continuous, fluid motion builds both strength and endurance. And, because you control the difficulty and resistance based on your own effort, it is a safe and effective workout for people of all fitness levels, abilities, and ages. The low impact nature of the exercise makes it especially gentle on knees and ankles. It can even be a great recovery tool for those healing from an injury or needing more adaptive exercise equipment. While most commonly used while standing, it can also be used from a seated or kneeling position.
Whether you’re getting in shape for the upcoming ski season, or just looking for a really good full body workout, give the new ski erg a try and let us know what you think!
