RowErg vs. SkiErg - Pros & Cons - Which to Buy in 2023?

RowErg or SkiErg? Between the two form Concept 2, which should you buy your for fitness space? Let's discuss...
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[@markricketts6957]

It doesn't matter which machine burns calories at a faster rate or precisely which muscles are targeted. The best machine is the one you actually want to use.

[@trainingtall]

That’s very true!

[@laynehansen1538]

I've done both in the gym and found I liked the SkiErg, so I bought one. I find it very versatile. You can do the basic movement, add squats, lunges, just move your arms for a great tricep workout, stand sideways and get a lat workout. Really, the possibilities are endless. 20 minutes goes by in a flash!

[@monkeyb1820]

I had both, but eventually sold my skierg. I liked to row while putting on a tv show (really loud) but you really can't watch any tv while skierging, so that aspect gets dull. It is a good piece of equipment, but I think most people like being able to 'look forward' like they can on the rowerg.

[@krasky]

Good point!

[@Radek3887]

I imagine exercising while staring into a corner ends up feeling like a punishment after a while.

[@MorganMcGrath-MRM]

I have both (actually, all three C2 Ergs!) And absolutely love both. The SkiErg is great when you want to combine it in a circuit, or do a partner workout with a friend since you can do easily jump on and off it with no adjustments or tightening straps. Also, I would say most programming and groups for rowing are SkiErg friendly - you just have to adjust any stroke rate targets. I often will do a workout on both and compare numbers! 😊

[@a.b.6705]

I am a beginner for the three machines. Can you recommend a workout, which combines the machines?

[@ludexbebe]

I would like to see more skierg content, there are not many on KZbin which is unfortunate

[@trainingtall]

I’ll make some more! Thanks for the feedback

[@desperado315]

​@@trainingtallplease do!!

[@nikitaw1982]

if i was a better son i would get a skierg for my mother whose at home all day looking after granma. just get heart rate up 10 or 20 times a day till get used to it then start mini work outs. what i like is you don't have to get on the ground or sit in something even. just walk up to it and start.

[@UAB_OG]

I have both in my garage gym. Love both.

[@stefanwolf8558]

There's 3 machines at my gym: Airdyne bike Ski Erg Rower I finish my lifting session with 10 mins of interval cardio. I randomly pick 2 machines each session and do 5 mins on each.

[@gmancolo]

Seeing the RowErg tip up to store -- Concept 2 should do a combo row/ski machine! I also just tried the Inspire Cross Rower and that works the arms both directions.

[@postlude1]

Would love more SkiErg content

[@dwcoggin]

The SkiErg is a really great option to be able to do aerobics with a lower body injury. I had a calf strain earlier this year and couldn't row, but bought a SkiErg to keep going while my leg healed. Other than swimming with a leg float there's not another good aerobic exercise that you can do with a leg injury or limitation. Seems to be a better core, or at least abdomen/hip flexor, exercise than rowing. I agree that it's a great machine.

[@nickcampbell3426]

I have both machines and use them a couple of times a week as cross training for running. Currently a typical session is 5000m on the rower, followed by just a mile, or 100 calories on the SkiErg as I rarely feel motivated to stay on it for much longer than that. I’ve completed several half marathon’s on the rower and enjoyed them, but the idea of undertaking that distance on the SkiErg doesn’t appeal. If I only had one it would be the rower without question. I always think that using the SkiErg is like doing sit-ups in a standing position so if you want to work on core strength and your ab’s it’s probably very beneficial.

[@trainingtall]

Great feedback! Keep up the great work!!

[@outsidehawaii]

Great Video. I have both ( and a Rogue Echo Assault bike), and the cross-training options are endless!

[@Matty-fl2tu]

I've been rowing 5 years now, gave up on weight bearing exercise, took up rowing and mountain running I find it really enjoyable I like the feeling and sound I find it therapeutic, best piece of kit I ever invested in, never tried skii erg but it doesn't look as fun as rowing

[@nikitaw1982]

i think if tweaked ur back the ski erg would be good.

[@sandraredmond4812]

Would love some ski erg videos !

[@vargadomi27]

Buy all of them, just to be sure. At least thats what I did 😃

[@tastas02]

I use them both regularly at my gym, makes a great setup for Mikko's triangle together with a schwinn airdyne. I really liked the rowerg from start, but the skierg is slowly growing on me. Would not want to choose, like them both. Luckily my apartment is way to small to house any cardio equipment, so I don't have to...

[@emp2291]

You can still pick up Nordic Track skiiers online for next to nothing. I'd love to see you try one out. The SkiErg doesn't look like much fun. 😀

[@klausmkl]

you never tried it.

[@renehamilton5499]

I think the reason why the SkiErg isn't more popular is because it's a much harder machine for newbies. I remember when I first started out trying the SkiErg and it was a huge effort just to get 5 minutes on the board. When I first did the RowErg, I want to say I was able to do 15 minutes right out the gate. And I see this play out all the time at my gym that has both machines. On the SkiErg, putting my times aside, 99% of the times recorded top out at 5 minutes while on the RowErg it isn't uncommon to see 10+ minutes. And personally, now that I've gotten good at both, I say the SkiErg is harder to do. Perhaps I'm doing the motion wrong but my triceps and upper back are in pain during and after a workout on that thing whereas on the RowErg, it's mostly just overcoming the mental effect of being tired.

[@andreaspiekkari9492]

I like both of them and often combine them. 2000 meter Rowing and 2000 meter Skiing and 100 reps of Burpees with Pushups was yesterdays workout for me.

[@user-rt6lt2pq8z]

The real power!!!

[@oldmanyen2749]

Any thoughts/experiences with the EnergyFit Ski-Row Air or/+Pwr? Thx!

[@user-kn9re6cw2e]

What's erg? I think one of the most attractive part of a rowing machine is the seat movement. It looks so interesting and fun. On the other hand, I really don't see any attraction with the ski machine. It doesn't look fun. It seems like a similar exercise to a rowing exercise without the interesting seat movement and being vertical. And it's the first time I saw one.

[@trainingtall]

“Erg” is an ergometer - a classic word for a machine that measures “work”! Haha.

[@kencostello5443]

Great video! Thanks! I'm 6'4" just wondering if you find the SkiErg limiting for your, "Training Tall" height? Thanks again.

[@trainingtall]

Not at all!

[@hilltopper600]

skierg for sure!

[@jakubbartosiewicz6841]

I used a ski-erg a lot few years ago when i was training crossfit. Its a great piece of equipment and can also make you suffer a lot while training on it 😂 It become popular throug crossfit, i havent seen them a lot on many ordinary fitness club. Some time ago i was wondering if i can "transfer" your Just Row trainings into ski-erg 1 to 1. Moving pattern is similar but vertical instead of horizontal. Also 3 main moving phase here. 😅

[@trainingtall]

I’d say you can probably apply most just row videos to the ski Erg! How cool!

[@stevenintexas6947]

Austin, I’m trying to decide whether to buy a Concept 2 or the Ergatta Water rower. In one of your videos you mentioned that you felt that the foot pedals on the water rower were not low enough or at the best angle as compared to the Concept 2. But I really like the resistance profile from water. What do you think about the water rower that ergatta sells?

[@trainingtall]

Tough choice my friend! Ergattas platform is great with lots of training options and a fantastic UI. Concept 2 is just such a well-built machine. I wish ergattas software worked with C2!

[@sandraredmond4812]

Get the concept 2. It’s way better. Way smoother. No comparison

[@JackCarsonite]

I'm a C2 rower fanboy. I'm surprised my local gyms don't have a skierg.

[@trainingtall]

Right??

[@slide4180]

What is the best exercise to approximate the skiing benefits of ski erg if one doesn't have access to it?

[@waggener24]

The answer is always the rower lol. The ski erg is purchased when you already have a row and bike erg and just want to complete the set.

[@DarinAllan0]

Yeah I have the rowerg and bikeerg, I'd like to get the skierg but I'd probably need to get rid of my dinner table and chairs 🤔

[@danshtr]

I can't watch Netflix while SkiErgin. Game over ;)

[@trainingtall]

Haha I get it!

[@endorfinswimmer]

I bought a stuff that go on the top of the screen of my skierg so i watch netflix and KZbin on m’y iPad

[@opencurtin]

The rower hurts my knee ..

[@monkeyb1820]

you might need to lower the feet a bit, but the knees do still bend. You should see a doctor about that.

[@texicon]

I have both. The rowing machine is much more accessible and has a lot more utility. Skierg is great for short sprint intervals for the typical user. The rowerg has a lot more to offer in terms of row along workouts and variability. I like the skierg but it’s a killer - the tower is used 3-4X a more than the skierg.

[@judyh3707]

I think the skierg would make me cry because I'd rather just be skiing 🥲

[@trainingtall]

😂