The Erg. Friend or Foe?
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 - 09:42
Ask any rower what they think of the ergometer. Friend or foe? The “erg” is a rowing machine that allows an athlete to simulate the very demanding rowing motion on the water. Like the treadmill, imagine putting in that much physically demanding exertion on an indoor rower and going absolutely nowhere! But what a full body work out! So efficient is this machine, erg testing is often used as part of fitness selection criteria for many national teams, including Team Canada, which is currently competing at the 2011 World Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia.
Today’s ergs have flywheels and digital readouts, allowing the rowers to measure strokes per minute, power output and distance covered, which are all significant components to analyzing performance and staying motivated. It’s no secret, elite rowers are amongst the most physically fit athletes in the world, as the sport demands all that the human body can physically and mentally deliver at once. And when a rower can’t be on the water, they use the erg as a training alternative. And since rowing is an incredibly effective whole body exercise, recreational fitness buffs can also benefit from the erg in various ways, and depending on their program, can have the following gains to their physical conditioning:
- Aerobic and anaerobic fitness
- Intense calorie burning
- Muscle strength
- Muscle endurance
- Resistance training
- Flexibility
- Low impact
- Coordination / Skill
The erg doesn’t lie, which is probably why it is one of the most feared pieces of equipment in the fitness world. No matter what your relationship is with the erg, nemesis or not, it in fact allows the body to train efficiently, stay focused, and develop great power and fitness all at the same time.
Contact SIRC for more information on ergometer training!
