According to Concept2’s (“C2”) website, “the SkiErg offers a total body exercise that builds strength and endurance using the motions of cross-country skiing.” That description belies its true nature as a cardio weakness exposing piece of machinery fully equipped to make your lungs, core, and legs burrrrrn. When I started working on the Finance team at C2 a year ago, I tried it out once and was totally intimidated.
Then I asked around and got some advice about how to actually approach the technique and challenge of this machine. Much like running, the secret sauce is about your breathing pattern. From there, leveraging your weight and gravity with a hip-hinging motion unlocks more efficiency and allows you to better recover after each downward stroke. There are plenty of helpful resources on technique for SkiErg-ing on the internet, and if you’re interested, you should check out C2’s Instagram.
I recently decided to compete in the virtual SkiErg World Sprints Challenge and followed this 6-week training plan to prepare. When I did the first time trial, I set my goal to complete the 1,000 meters on the SkiErg in under 4 minutes. It was lofty, and I stuck to the training plan but felt like I was actually getting worse… Then, on November 7th, I completed the sprint with other enthusiastic C2 colleagues at the work gym. It was a painful push, but after following the training plan and with a great crew coaching/cheering, I was able to reach my goal! I put up a 3:57.9 and came in 42nd out of 1,131 women who participated in the challenge globally. Check out all the results here (isn’t that first place finish of 3:27.3 impressive!?).
Thanks to C2 for creating this virtual world challenge and providing an effective training plan to follow!