The Carson Concept

Born and raised with an athletic upbringing in Long Beach, New York, Rob Carson spent much of his time competing in ice hockey. He also had a background in swimming and running. After a serious injury on the job as a New York City police officer, Rob found himself retired at the age of 31, but he still had the itch to compete. He began to row, and quickly found that rowing fulfilled his need to be competitive. He also saw the crossover benefits that rowing had on other sports such as ice hockey, functional fitness and many others.

Rob Carson and his wife Lizzy own and operate Concept Fitness in Oceanside, New York. Aside from being the head fitness programmer for adults and kids, Rob is the founder of Engine by Carson, an online endurance-building program, and the endurance coach of Underdogs Athletics. His aerobic-building program has been used by many top level CrossFit athletes. He’s the head coach of the varsity ice hockey team, and rowing coach, at Long Beach High School. His certifications include CrossFit Level 1 coach, certified rowing coach and USA Level 4 hockey coach.

How did you first find Concept2? 
While on the job as a New York City police officer I sustained a major hip injury. A friend of mine who owned a CrossFit gym, suggested I come in and work out with him as part of my recovery. Knowing I couldn’t do much in terms of impact, I gravitated towards the Concept2 RowErg.  

Do you remember your first workout on a Concept2 machine?  
After my rehab my first workout was a 2k and I got a time of 7:25. After the 7:25 I thought, "Wow. I think with some training I could get sub 7 minutes." (ed. note: Rob's PR is 6:24.9.)

Which Concept2 products do you use? Which one is your favorite and why?
I use all of them. The BikeErg, SkiErg, RowErg, Concept2 Slide and oars. The RowErg will always be my favorite.  

What types of athletes do you primarily work with?
I work with all athletes. I write the endurance program for Underdogs Athletics. This targets the CrossFit competitor. I also write an online program called Engine by Carson that targets the indoor rowing community. My clients include top level CrossFit athletes, world record holders on the RowErg, triathletes, as well as everyday fitness enthusiasts. 

 How do you see first responders benefiting from Concept2 equipment?  
Being a first responder for 10 years, I know the importance of building aerobic capacity for success in the job, your safety, as well as the safety of your partners. In my opinion, there is no better equipment to build an aerobic capacity and mental fortitude than the Concept2 brand of machines. 

What’s your favorite/go-to workout?  
3 x 10 minutes on and three minutes off, increasing stroke rate 20-22-24.

We’d love to hear a quick story that involves Concept2 equipment, something motivational, funny, or a learning moment.  
In 2015 while scrolling through Instagram, I saw my now wife Lizzy rowing. I sent her a DM asking if she would be interested in some technique work. I met her at her CrossFit gym for a one-hour row (her choice). I taught her so much she married me. 

How have you expanded or changed your use of our equipment over the years?  
I first started using the Concept2 RowErg. My wife had a SkiErg, so I started using that after we met. When the BikeErg was released, I purchased it as a birthday present for Lizzy. We opened the gym shortly after and began rowing on the water, so we purchased Concept2 oars. My next purchase was the Slide after my wife hurt her back. We used them for her recovery. 

Tell us a bit more about how/why you started rowing on water. 
We have water access at our gym. And I always wanted to row on the water. I grew up surfing and paddling, and every now and then I’d see a sculler and think that one day I would buy my own shell.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone hopping on Concept2 equipment for the first time?  
Find yourself a coach that teaches proper form and mechanics. 

What trainers or athletes do you look up to?  
Hamish Bond, and Marc Megna. Hamish because of his achievements in rowing as well as cycling. And Marc—we are good friends and I am inspired by him daily. Not just because of his athletic achievements, but because of the person he is. He’s a successful gym owner and a great family man. He is my biggest mentor.

What or who inspires you to keep going?  
My wife, Lizzy. Seeing her train everyday inspires me to try and keep up. (ed. note: Lizzy Carson is a competitive masters athlete with several fitness accreditations, and holds multiple world records on the Concept2 RowErg. Follow Lizzy on Instagram.)

Follow Rob on Instagram.