Comparing the Concept2 StrengthErg and RowErg

If you are in the market for a new Concept2 Erg, you might be questioning the type of Erg that will work best for you, specifically the StrengthErg™ or the RowErg®. Let’s tease out the main differences between Concept2’s latest innovation – the StrengthErg and the best-in-class indoor rowing machine, the RowErg. While there are some similarities between the two, the StrengthErg is a completely different device. 

The Ergs 

StrengthErg 

First and foremost, the StrengthErg is not a rowing machine. The StrengthErg is designed to build strength. It is a multi-movement strength training tool. Users can perform exercises like the leg press, chest press, and seated row, with other variations possible.  

Designed and engineered with Concept2's signature flywheel, the StrengthErg uses the power of air resistance and user generated force, providing as little as 12lb and as much as 1200lb of responsive resistance. The user pushes as hard or as light as they want, and the flywheel responds with the desired load. The unit will accurately measure and display useful and informative metrics. The StrengthErg provides a safe and approachable alternative to traditional weightlifting, as it guides you through the movements without the need to fiddle with barbells and plates. The StrengthErg also accommodates people of all sizes and shapes and can easily be adjusted between the different movements and users. With a smaller footprint than the RowErg, the StrengthErg can be a space saving alternative to cable machines and weight sets.  

RowErg 

In contrast, the RowErg is a cardio-focused machine and offers a full body cardiovascular workout. The RowErg can be used for long steady-state efforts, tempo pieces, or high-intensity intervals. On the other hand, the StrengthErg focuses on gaining strength with challenging, slower and controlled reps, or muscular endurance with lighter, and faster reps for a set amount of work. The RowErg typically provides a more endurance-based workout. Another way to think about it is that the RowErg workout is like going for a run, while the StrengthErg is more like doing squats, pushups, and pull-ups. 

Tracks Progress Over Time  

While all our ergs can utilize ErgData®, our free data tracking app, the StrengthErg tracks your movements and charts them over time in a progress table so you can see your progress for a given movement. ErgData will track every single rep you do in detail, and it makes it easy for you to compare previous results and benchmarks, so you can see exactly how you are improving. The app also makes it easy to set up workouts, follow a training plan, save your results to your Concept2 Online Logbook, and share results with a coach or a friend. Instead of showing your speed and meters like on the RowErg, the key metrics on the StrengthErg are ‘work’ and ‘force.’ To learn more about work and force on the StrengthErg, check out this blog.  

The Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) is optional on the StrengthErg. Whether you have the PM5 or not on the unit, you will still be able to connect to ErgData. On the RowErg, the PM5 comes included. 

StrengthErg & RowErg Product Comparison 

In summary, the StrengthErg is a strength training machine to help you attain your strength-building goals. Strength training can be intimidating, but the Concept2 StrengthErg removes those barriers since it is beginner friendly. It is a piece of exercise equipment for individuals of any age or fitness level. The Concept2 RowErg is a cardio based option for those who are looking for a highly effective full-body workout with low-impact making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. Whether you are looking for a cardio or strength fitness machine, Concept2 has what you are looking for, all backed by a limited 2-year and 5-year warranty, excellent customer service and a reputation for lasting a lifetime. 

To learn more about the new StrengthErg, please click here. If you are looking for our best-selling cardio machine, the RowErg, please click here to learn more.