In recent years, training in the gym has undergone a real revolution thanks to the introduction of innovative equipment designed to offer a complete fitness experience; Among these pieces of equipment, the ski erg has become increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts around the world.
But what exactly is the skierg and how is it used in the gym?
In this article, we will explore this fascinating machine and learn how to get the most benefit from it in your training program.
Index
What is skierg?
The skierg is a training device developed by the company Concept2, famous for its high quality indoor rowing machines.
This machine aims to simulate the action of cross-country skiing, a highly challenging cardiovascular exercise that involves both the upper and lower body.
The skierg is composed of a mobile bar with handles, similar to that of a cross-country ski, and a platform on which the practitioner rests his feet.
The bar's sliding movements are synchronized, allowing for a full-body workout.
How do you use the skierg?
Using the skierg may seem complicated at first, but once you learn the basic technique, you will discover how effective and engaging it is.
Here's how to use it correctly in the gym:
- Handle: grab the handles, keeping your arms relaxed. The width of the grip should be slightly wider than the shoulders.
- Movement: Start by pushing off with your legs, just like you would on a cross-country ski. Keep your torso upright and your core engaged. After fully extending your legs, begin to pull the handles back with your arms, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- Rhythm: Maintain a constant and fluid rhythm between the pushing and pulling phases. The movement should be continuous, without excessive pauses between one cycle and another.
- Breathing: coordinate your breathing with movement. Breathe deeply as you push your legs forward and exhale as you pull your arms back.
- Duration and intensity: Workout duration and intensity may vary based on your goals. You can opt for short, high-intensity sessions or longer, moderate-intensity workouts.
- Monitoring: Skierg machines come with monitors that track your distance, speed, pace, and calories burned during your workout. Use this data to track your progress.
- Cool down and stretching: At the end of your workout, be sure to do a proper cool-down and stretching to avoid injury and improve muscle flexibility.
The benefits of the skierg
Using the skierg offers numerous benefits, including:
- Full body workout: The ski erg involves both the upper and lower body, allowing you to train all major muscle groups.
- Cardiovascular training: Training on this machine improves cardiovascular endurance, helping you burn calories and improve lung capacity.
- Low impact: Unlike some other gym equipment, the skierg is low impact on joints, reducing the risk of injury.
- Variety in training: Adding the ski erg to your training program offers a variety of movements and challenges, breaking up the monotony of traditional exercises.
With the right technique and the right consistency, the skierg can become a valuable element of your gym training program.
So, if you want to improve your cardiovascular endurance and train both your upper and lower body, give the skierg a try and enjoy a new and challenging fitness experience!
If you are wondering whether between the skierg and the rower, which is better… maybe we have the answer for you here!