Strength Training Reimagined: The Concept2 Strengtherg Advantage

A smarter, safer and space-saving strength solution, the Concept2 StrengthErg brings precision and versatility to every level of training

Everyone’s chasing strength these days – and rightfully so. With benefits ranging from bone density and fat loss to longevity and mental clarity, it’s no surprise that gym-goers are prioritizing resistance-based workouts more than ever. But in a landscape full of barbells, racks and weight stacks, one new machine is redefining the strength experience.

Enter the Concept2 ®StrengthErg, a plate-free and compact machine smartly engineered to bring precision, performance and accessibility to modern strength training.

Unlike traditional strength machines, the StrengthErg uses air resistance generated by Concept2’s signature flywheel to offer concentric-only training, facilitating all the benefits of exertion without the strain of eccentric loading. This results in less soreness, faster recovery and more frequent, effective training sessions.

“Being concentric-only tends to reduce recovery time,” says Greg Hammond, Training Lead at Concept2. “That allows the StrengthErg to be used multiple days in a row.”

Its responsive resistance model also means safer use for all levels – no dropping weights, no spotters required and minimal setup.

“There is very little to nothing that needs to be adjusted between users,” says Concept2 co-founder Peter Dreissigacker. “I can set up a circuit that includes the StrengthErg and any group of users can cycle through at their own potential with zero time for set up between stations.”

credit: Concept2

Another benefit is what the StrengthErg measures. Using the PM5 performance monitor and the free ErgData® app, users can track two key metrics – force and work – alongside advanced performance indicators like drive length, time under tension and rep cadence.

“Seeing progress is the key to motivation,” says Dreissigacker.

Where typical strength training tracks only reps and weights, the StrengthErg offers:

• Work per rep, set and session
• Force output and peak force
• Speed and cadence across movements
• Drive metrics like length and duration

Additional real-time metrics captured via the ErgData app include:

• Drive Length – chain/rope distance pulled during the movement
• Drive Time – flywheel acceleration time (effort phase)
• Drive Speed – distance divided by time (power output)
• Time Under Tension – total muscular load time per rep
• Peak & Average Force – force tracking within each drive
  

The monitor also features a rep counter and cadence timer, and when paired with a heart rate strap, displays live HR metrics — ideal for interval or circuit formats. All workout data can also be stored and visualized through the Concept2 Online Logbook, making it easy to track client progress across sessions—whether in person or remote.

“ErgData takes the guesswork out of the ‘am I getting stronger?’ question,” says Hammond. “When someone is paying for a gym or a trainer to make them stronger, it’s nice to be able to show proof.”

It also supports remote coaching. If a client trains at home and lists their trainer as a partner in ErgData, the trainer can view sessions and work done in real time.

credit: Concept2

No Plates, No Limits

With no external weights to manage and no need for racks or spotters, the StrengthErg makes strength training safer, simpler, and faster to set up. With a footprint smaller than most strength equipment, the StrengthErg also eliminates the need for racks, plates, dumbbells and accessories —  a huge win for space-conscious clubs.

Despite its compact, 90-pound frame, the StrengthErg can absorb over 1,500 pounds of force, supporting elite-level effort without heavy hardware.

“The StrengthErg fulfills a multitude of needs for me, especially the space-saving aspect,” says personal trainer, Molly Lauridsen. “It’s great for clients who might be intimidated by traditional lifting – and the ease of use means I can run fresh, engaging group sessions without skipping a beat.”

At Norwich University, Director of Strength & Conditioning Scott Caulfield is already seeing the StrengthErg redefine his programming.

“For longevity in strength training or starting at a later age, it’s an excellent tool to teach movement patterns – squat, push, pull – without creating significant soreness or requiring much experience,” he says. “It allows people to safely and effectively train more frequently and with good mechanics.”

Built for Every Body

Early adopters of the StrengthErg span from strength gyms and college facilities to physical therapy clinics, country clubs and boutique studios.

“It really depends on the application,” Hammond explains. “We use it for new client evaluations, people who are intimidated by traditional equipment and even experienced lifters. It’s great for those with balance issues or undergoing rehab.”

From endurance athletes seeking peak power to active agers who need strength without soreness, the StrengthErg is suited for a wide spectrum of fitness levels and goals. It also supports therapy clients requiring low-risk, high-reward strength protocols and new lifters not yet comfortable with traditional barbells and dumbbells.

Athletes across the lifespan, from youth to aging populations are embracing the StrengthErg for its ease of use, functional versatility and low risk of injury. It accommodates a full range of body types, strength levels and training goals.

The machine’s consistent, guided resistance makes it an ideal tool for teaching foundational movement patterns like squats, rows and presses without high impact or joint strain. This makes it invaluable for rehab, reconditioning and skill development, especially in schools, clinics or small studios.

And when it comes to versatility on the gym floor, the StrengthErg can’t be beat. It fits into circuit training, EMOMs, or hybrid strength/cardio formats.

“Using the Concept2 StrengthErg in combination with any of our cardio ergs is the perfect solution for people with little time or space to work out,” says Hammond. “You can plug it into any circuit and keep members moving.”

Sample training blocks include:

• 1 minute Row/Ski/Bike
• 1 minute StrengthErg Chest Press
• Repeat with Seated Row or Leg Press

With no setup time between users, it’s easy to cycle through strength exercises like:

• Leg Press – targeting quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves
• Chest Press – hitting pecs, delts, and triceps
• Seated Row – activating lats, traps, rhomboids, and biceps

And thanks to Concept2’s air resistance system, the machine automatically adjusts to each user’s output. The harder you push, the more resistance you get — making it both scalable and challenging.

credit: Concept2

StrengthErg in Action: Circuit Training for Modern Gyms

Traditional weights force you to train at the limit of your weakest point in the lift. With the StrengthErg’s variable resistance, muscles are challenged evenly throughout the movement, delivering smarter strength adaptation without compromise. Users can rotate through without adjusting weights, making it ideal for small group settings.

For gyms running small group sessions or bootcamps, the StrengthErg easily pairs with free weights for a full-body strength circuit — no racks or weight changes required. Try this 7-station format for 3 – 4 rounds:

• Chest Press (StrengthErg)
• Dumbbell Overhead Press
• Leg Press (StrengthErg)
• Dumbbell Deadlifts
• Seated Row (StrengthErg)
• Biceps Curls
• Abmat Sit-ups or Crunches
  

Trainer Tip: Have members select a pair of dumbbells at the start. All work can be performed in a tight radius—no station reset needed. It’s efficient, scalable, and space-smart.

For clubs or studios with limited space or budgets, the StrengthErg offers a complete strength solution in one machine. With adjustable positions for leg press, chest press, and row variations, trainers can program full-body workouts without a single plate or dumbbell.

And it doesn’t just pair well with other Concept2 equipment.

“The StrengthErg can be plugged into any circuit that suits the other equipment at the gym,” says Dreissigacker. “It’s not just about building fitness – it’s about building capacity.”

In a world flooded with strength tools, the StrengthErg stands out as a piece of equipment that’s not just different – it’s smarter. “It’s a tool that can help athletes stay healthy, develop power and move better,” says Caulfield. “It’s rare to find something that works for everyone, but this does.”

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