7 Concept2 Myths Busted

Myth #1: Rowing is only an upper body workout.

Rowing involves every large muscle group in the body. The legs are the primary driver on each stroke, followed by the core and finishing with the arms. The sliding seat allows the athlete to horizontally “jump” on each stroke, using the large muscles of the legs. Rowing is a high calorie burner because so many muscle groups are involved.

Myth #2: Rowing is hard.

Rowing is as easy or as hard as you like! While there is some technique to learn, we provide plenty of resources to get you started. Intensity is created by the user. The harder you row, the more wind resistance is generated, and the more resistance you feel. Rowing is a great sport for everyone!

Myth #3: A damper setting of 10 gives the best workout.

A damper setting between three and five is likely to give you the best workout. The challenge is to accelerate the flywheel at a lower damper setting, where power must be applied quickly such as in a sleek, fast rowing shell. Learn more about damper setting.

Myth #4: Competitive on-water athletes use a damper between three and five.

The damper adjusts the drag factor. Viewing drag factor is a much more precise way to make sure the damper is set at the level you prefer, because it takes into account local conditions. Indoor rowers adjusted to the same drag factors will feel similar, regardless of what damper setting is used to achieve that drag. Yes, damper settings are often between three and five, but the Olympians we interviewed discuss drag factor as driving the decision of where they set their damper.

Myth #5: Concept2 has been making the same Model D since 2003.

The Model D is the bestselling indoor rower in the world. While Concept2 has been selling the Model D since 2003, we are constantly improving our products. Small and subtle changes are incorporated as we innovate better designs. Some of these changes have been cosmetic such as color (light blue, gray and black). Other small changes include improved durability of our chain and improved footstretcher designs. The Model D included the PM3 (standard) or PM4 (upgrade) until 2014, when the PM5 was introduced. The PM5 now comes standard with every Model D. We don’t wait to launch a new model to give our customers the best value.

Myth #6: The Dynamic gives a better workout.

The Concept2 Dynamic Indoor Rower was created specifically for on water athletes looking to improve their timing and stroke sequence to maximize their speed on water. It is the same stroke and same workout on the Dynamic, Model D and Model E. If you're a competitive on water athlete, the Dynamic may be helpful tool. For general fitness, the Model D and Model E are recommended. The Models D and E provide all the benefits of rowing at the best price.

Myth #7: Concept2 equipment is made only for commercial facilities.

All Concept2 indoor equipment is commercial-grade, ready for the demands of an environment where they will be rigorously used: gyms, health clubs, boathouses, hospitals, schools. The same commercial-grade equipment is what we also sell to home users. We sell factory direct, which means that we are the manufacturers and sell directly to our customers. Whether you’re looking to set up a home gym or outfit a new facility, you can buy directly from Concept2.