Concept2 Prioritizes Versatility & Recovery with New StrengthErg
Partnership
Sponsored By Concept2
Concept2 has a new product ready for rollout that delivers strength training in an efficient and safe manner
At the tail end of a year captivated by strength training, spurring an abundance of innovative equipment launches to support the modality, Concept2®, the high-performance equipment manufacturer, is giving us our grand finale.
In late Autumn, the brand announced the launch of its StrengthErg™, a concentric training machine that uses air resistance to facilitate strength training without plates, racks, or barbells. Like Concept2’s other products, the StrengthErg features adjustable flywheel technology and a performance monitoring system to present this safe and adaptable workout experience.
“It is a different and unique take on strength training,” said Alex Dunne, a member of Concept2’s Training Team. “The StrengthErg has the ability to combine maximum effort, safety and detailed performance tracking — making it suitable for home gyms, health clubs, rehabilitation centers and elite training facilities. It is strength training reimagined.”
Although the product isn’t scheduled for an official release until early 2025, its announcement and some early testing have already generated significant buzz, mainly centered around its ability to cater to different fitness consumers and the advantages that come with its concentric nature.
Unique, Productive, and Safe
With the StrengthErg subjecting users to concentric-only movement, the equipment enables high-end strength training while also enabling efficient recovery.
Concentric movement lengthens muscles as they produce force, unlike eccentric movement, which lengthens muscles under tension and takes much longer to recover from. With the StrengthErg being concentric-only, it helps users to get a sweat in, and then another, faster than most exercise equipment allows.
“Unlike traditional weightlifting equipment, you don’t need to preset the amount of weight you’ll lift,” explained Concept2’s Social Media Director Jameson Halnon. “Whether performing a chest press, seated row or leg press, the user simply performs the movement and the machine responds to their effort. By eliminating the eccentric phase, recovery times are shorter.”
The StrengthErg also allows users to push their limits without sacrificing safety. There’s no need for spotters, staff or anyone other than the user when using the StrengthErg. Doing so applies comfort for both users and operators of 24/7 facilities.
“It’s fail-safe by design — there’s no risk of being ‘stuck’ under a weight — and it allows maximum force to be applied in every position of the movement,” said Dunne. “We developed the StrengthErg to address the demand for safe, effective, and smart strength training tools.”
Built for All
Adaptability lies at the heart of what makes the StrengthErg special. Thanks to its flywheel adjustable damper setting, users can tailor the speed and feel of their movements to their exact liking. Users simply push or pull and the machine reacts to your strength level.
For novice users, that means there’s no need to guess how much you can lift ahead of time. New exercises establish an immediate and accurate starting point in their fitness journeys as the machine conforms to your capabilities and only resists the effort you apply.
“This makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of users, from beginners to elite athletes,” said Halnon. “This feature also makes it ideal for rehabilitation, as users can perform movements safely without overexerting themselves.”
By incorporating key data, such as velocity, drive length and drive speed, the StrengthErg also appeals to ambitious athletes who rely on those metrics to quantify their progress. The tracking capabilities can be used for “return to play” testing, talent identification, or simply tracking data in a complex strength training regimen. It gives anyone willing to push themselves to the max the means to do so.
“It also supports a wide range of training modalities, from low-rep, high-force strength work to high-rep endurance sessions,” said Dunne. “This flexibility means athletes of all levels can challenge themselves effectively, whether they’re chasing strength, power, or endurance.”
The StrengthErg is amorphous, much like water. No matter what kind of athlete uses it, it bends to fit around them and their needs.
“Absolutely,” added Halnon when asked if versatility was a focal point in the StrengthErg’s design. “Versatility was at the heart of the StrengthErg’s design — just as it is for all of our products.”
Personalization Delivered
This data also allows the StrengthErg to bring a level of personalization the modern exerciser is beginning to demand at a more consistent rate.
With the Performance Monitor or Concept2’s free app, ErgData, connected to the StrengthErg, users can log reps, monitor their force output and analyze their work over time. The data also allows users to see trends, not only in overall strength, but from movement to movement.
This presents users with key focus areas and creates a tailored workout experience for pursuing individual goals. The personalization not only leads to satisfied users but also helps operators with retention.
“Monitoring performance, and the motivation that comes from tracking your data over time, is at the heart of the Concept2 experience,” said Dunne. “It is not just about knowing you are getting stronger — it is about seeing tangible proof of your progress. This data-driven approach motivates users and keeps them engaged in their training journey.”
“These features, combined with the StrengthErg’s fail-safe design and ability to support maximum effort in every rep, set it apart from traditional weightlifting equipment,” Halnon concluded.