Concept2 is about to launch a new product that delivers strength training in an efficient and safe way
At the end of a year that’s been a big hit for strength training, performance equipment manufacturer Concept2® brings us the finale with a plethora of innovative equipment to support the model.
In late fall, the brand announced the launch of StrengthErg™, a concentric training machine that uses air resistance to facilitate strength training without the need for plates, racks, or barbells. Like other Concept2 products, StrengthErg uses adjustable flywheel technology and a performance monitoring system to deliver a safe and adaptable workout experience.
“It’s a different and unique way of strength training,” said Alex Dunne, a member of the group. Concept 2training team. “StrengthErg’s ability to combine maximum effort, safety and detailed performance tracking makes it suitable for home gyms, health clubs, rehab centers and elite training facilities. This is strength training reimagined.”
Although the product isn’t expected to be officially released until early 2025, its launch and some early testing have already generated significant interest, mainly focusing on its ability to cater to different fitness consumers and the benefits its concentric properties bring.
Unique, efficient and safe
StrengthErg allows users to perform concentric-only movements, and the device enables high-end strength training while allowing for efficient recovery.
Concentric movements lengthen the muscle when producing force, unlike eccentric movements, which lengthen the muscle under tension and take longer to recover. Because the StrengthErg is only concentric, it helps users break a sweat faster and then break a sweat faster than most fitness equipment.
“Unlike traditional weight lifting equipment, you don’t have a preset amount of weight to lift,” explains Jameson Halnon, Concept2’s social media director. “Whether performing a chest press, seated row, or leg press, the user simply performs the movement and the machine responds to their efforts. By eliminating the eccentric phase, recovery time is shorter.”
StrengthErg also allows users to push their limits without sacrificing safety. When using StrengthErg, no observers, workers, or anyone other than the user are required. Doing so brings comfort to users and operators of 24/7 facilities.
“Its design is fail-safe – there’s no risk of being ‘stuck’ by heavy objects – and it allows maximum force to be applied at every position of movement,” Dunn said. “We developed StrengthErg to answer the need for a safe, effective and intelligent strength training tool.”
Made for everyone
Adaptability is at the heart of StrengthErg’s uniqueness. Thanks to its flywheel adjustable damper settings, users can tailor the speed and feel of the movement to their liking. Users simply push or pull, and the machine reacts based on your strength level.
For novice users, this means there’s no need to guess ahead of time how much you can lift. New exercises create an instant and accurate starting point in their fitness journey because the machine conforms to your abilities and resists only the effort you exert.
“This makes it ideal for a wide range of users, from beginners to elite athletes,” Hanon said. “This feature also makes it ideal for rehabilitation, as users can safely perform exercises without overexerting themselves.”
By integrating key data like speed, drive length and drive velocity, StrengthErg also appeals to ambitious athletes who rely on these metrics to quantify their progress. Tracking capabilities can be used for “return-to-play” testing, talent identification, or simply tracking data during complex strength training regimens. It provides anyone willing to push themselves to their limits with the means to do so.
“It also supports a variety of training styles, from low-rep, high-intensity strength training to high-rep endurance training,” Dunn said. “This flexibility means athletes of all levels can effectively challenge themselves, whether they are pursuing strength, power or endurance.”
StrengthErg is amorphous, much like water. No matter what kind of athlete uses it, it will flex to fit them and their needs.
When asked if versatility was a focus of StrengthErg’s design, Halnon added: “Absolutely.” “Versatility is at the heart of StrengthErg’s design—as it is at the heart of all of our products.”
Provide personalized service
This data also enables StrengthErg to bring the level of personalization that modern exercisers are beginning to demand at a more consistent rate.
Through Performance Monitor or Concept2’s free app ErgData (which connects to StrengthErg), users can log reps, monitor their strength output and analyze their performance over time. The data also allows users to see trends, not just in overall strength, but also in individual movements.
This provides users with key areas of focus and creates a customized workout experience for pursuing personal goals. Personalization not only makes users happy, but also helps operators retain users.
“Monitoring performance and the motivation that comes from tracking data over time is at the core of the Concept2 experience,” said Dunne. “It’s not just about knowing you’re getting stronger, but seeing tangible evidence of your progress. This data-driven approach motivates users and keeps them engaged in their training journey.”
“These features, coupled with the StrengthErg’s fail-safe design and ability to support maximum effort on every repetition, set it apart from traditional weightlifting equipment,” Halnon concluded.
