If I could only have 5 pieces of equipment in my gym, the Concept 2 rower would be one of them. Fortunately, I don't have to make this choice, but several of my friends and clients who have asked for my advice on setting up their home gyms do. I always recommend that they include a C2 on their shopping list. And I am emphatic about that brand specifically. There are knock-offs and variations on the theme, but none can compare to the contribution that a genuine C2 will make to your fitness. Don't even think about another brand.

Apart from some custom pieces, my C2s are the most expensive items in the gym, but that's not saying much since most of the equipment you'll ever need for the work of authentic fitness is pretty unsophisticated and inexpensive stuff. By comparison, you could nicely equip a home gym capable of world-class work - including a C2 - for the price off one Sears treadmill.

So what makes the C2 such a "must have" item? Anyone who's ever learned proper form and rowed themselves to failure knows the answer to that question. It's the quality of the work: whole-body and intense. That is, if you do it right. Remember, easily 95% of the people you will ever see use a rower in a typical health club environment are exhibiting highly inefficient technique. Don't base your form on observing anyone you don't know. Get coached by an experienced and knowledgeable person.

A large contributor to the efficacy of the work is in the rare and wonderful opportunity you have with a C2 to measure your performance in real time and at a very finite level. This is something that is impossible in just about any other worthwhile activity. This real-time performance tracking keeps us right on the edge of our capacity envelope; a beautiful place to be for maximum efficiency and results.

If you have access to a C2 or want a beautiful addition to your home gym, learn how to use one and make if a regular part of your workouts. If you need help with that last part, come to Gravity Janes.

Labels: equipment