We’re excited to announce the arrival of a brand new machine for Village Gyms: the Concept2 SkiErg Machine!
We know that the same workout routine, day in and day out, can get boring quickly - and that boredom could steer you off your fitness path. To keep things fresh and exciting, you can introduce new machines and workouts into your routine to switch it up, work new muscles or keep you motivated to keep on keeping on.
We can proudly say that all 33 of our locations now house a SkiErg to get you on the road to your fitness goals. To try out this new SkiErg machine for yourself, find your local Village Gym on our location finder. Read on to find out what exactly a SkiErg is and how it could work those arms and tone that stomach.
What is a SkiErg?
You might be asking yourself, what exactly is a SkiErg? We don’t blame you! We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. A SkiErg is a piece of workout equipment that works the arms, legs and core - and it’s ideal for all levels of fitness. The machine was initially designed as a cross-country skiing training tool for Nordic skiers to build and tone their bodies so they can zip through the slopes with ease. In a nutshell, a SkiErg is shorthand for ‘skiing exercise machine’ and, although initially for training purposes, the machine has been adapted to give you a full-body, low-impact workout.
This versatile and innovative machine ranges in price from £815 to £1040, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the most bang for your buck when you sign up for a gym membership at Village Gym.
Although it has been compared to rowing machines, the difference is that the SkiErg machine focuses on arms, legs, and your core. In addition, the SkiErg machine can be used with a chair for those with disabilities or those recovering from lower body injuries. Not only is this a fantastic choice for those with workout restrictions, but the seated position can provide an intense core workout for great results with continued use. With the correct position and stance, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of the workout and its pull motion. You’ll really feel the burn with this one!
Is SkiErg a Good Workout?
The SkiErg provides the opportunity to work on leg, arm and core muscles, as well as toning up as you go! It’s an excellent addition to any workout routine. For those interested in skiing, this workout is unmatched for training for the slopes as the machine’s structure is similar to using ski poles and works the same muscles in the body, helping to build up strength where you need it most. Essentially an upright row machine, the SkiErg is an efficient way to boost fat loss and improve overall endurance, strength and power with an intense, low-impact workout.
The payoff for dedicated and efficient SkiErg use is fantastic at an estimated 400 calories in just 30 minutes - that makes it equal to a 30 minutes treadmill session but with less intensity and impact. The calorie burn is really down to your routine, how hard you push yourself and other factors, but expect to burn at least 50 calories every five minutes with a fast speed and correct stance. Not bad, if you ask us! We recommend recording your time for sets as this can help track your progress and motivate you to reach your calorie goal during your SkiErg workout routine.
What Muscles Does SkiErg work?
Primarily, the SkiErg works the triceps, abdominal muscles, hip flexors and shins but can also work the quads, back, hamstrings, glutes and more. When using the correct form and stance, these muscles should work together in harmony to create a fluid, continuous and smooth motion during your pulls.
SkiErg Workouts
You might be wondering how to incorporate the SKiErg into your current routine and how best to use the machine to achieve the best results. Don’t worry, we got this one. We’ve outlined below some SkiErg workout routines to get you started:
- Short Rest Intervals
- Start off with a set of 10 of the following intervals (40 seconds hard, 20 seconds easy)
- Take a three-minute break
- Do a second set of 10 intervals
- Still got some juice left? Go for another set or two but remember, don’t push yourself without a proper warm-up and cool-down session
- Three-Minute Intervals (10 minutes)
- Ski pulls for three minutes at a comfortable pace
- Rest for two minutes with an easy interval
- Ski for another three minutes, increasing your speed and intensity
- Rest again for another two minutes
- Repeat if desired until you work up a sweat and feel the burn!
Get Started Today
Now that you have all the information you need and some workouts to get you started, you’re well on your way to incorporating the SkiErg fitness machine into your normal routine. There’s no better way to experience a full-body, heart-pumping workout for the arms, core and legs than with a session on the SkiErg! What are you waiting for? Sign up for a Village Gym membership and use of this fantastic machine and many others at our state-of-the-art gym facilities.
At Village Gym, we pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art gym equipment and always stay ahead of the curve when it comes to exciting, new machines to ensure you’re getting the very best out of your fitness experience. As a high-tech gym, we’re always looking for new innovative ways to introduce fresh workouts to your routine to help you reach your fitness goals.
Find out more about our equipment on our website, and have a look at what is included in each of our membership types, as well as exercise classes, personal trainers and more. You can find your local Village Gym on our locator. Be sure to also check out our Village Life section for more information on Village Gym and for fitness tips.
