Product test

Time to pull up my socks

24.11.2018

Translation: Eva Francis

I have to get ready and train hard. In December, I’ll go rowing on Lake Zurich. And in January, I’m competing in the Swiss Rowing Indoors in Zug. Why do I always agree to such crazy adventures?

I’m into silly challenges. Rowing on Lake Zurich in December is one of them. Air temperature? 2°C. Water temperature? 9°C. And I’ve never ever sat in a rowing boat before. In other words: if I get out of the water with dry feet, I’ve reached my first goal.

At the end of January, I’m facing the real challenge. 26 January 2019 is the day when the «Swiss Rowing Indoors», the Swiss Indoor Rowing Championships, take place in Zug. I’ve heard a few scary stories from this event. Of people rowing until they actually and physically couldn’t keep going.

Just for fun

I want to find out more about rowing, so I hop onto an indoor rowing machine in the gym and keep going until I’ve reached the 2 km mark. It takes me 8:54 minutes. To put things in perspective: last year's best time in the men’s category was 5:52 minutes. The guy who came last in this category needed seven minutes.

It’s time to start training

Looks like there’s no way around training. After all, I don’t fancy dropping into ice-cold water like a dead fly when I go rowing on Lake Zurich in December. And I’m not too keen on making a fool of myself in January and finishing two minutes after everyone else either. Those two minutes in the limelight just seem too awkward. Luckily, my local gym is equipped with Concept2’s «Model E». Almost every decent gym has such an indoor rowing machine.

Rowing machines

Concept2 Model E with PM5 monitor

And rightly so. Ergometers are great for a full-body workout that’s easy on the joints. With a seat height of 50 centimetres, the Model E offers easier on-and-off for those with tired knees or mobility considerations. Its finish – in black or grey – protects against scratches. What also great is that it features a nickel-plated chain, which requires less-frequent oiling. All Concept2 fitness equipment is equipped with an air-resistance system, which simulates rowing on the water.

The second challenge

I’ve set myself another goal: finishing the 2,000-metre race on 26 January in Zug on the rowing ergometer in under eight minutes. So I need to speed up by about a minute. And I have a bit more than two months left to do so. I’d say that's a realistic goal.

To be continued...

Check out all Concept2 products on Galaxus. Want to see which other crazy challenges I’ve been on?

9 people like this article

Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.

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