Concept 2

Interestingly there was never a Concept1 but a few models prior to the most successful Concept 2 rowing machine. The Concept2 company now has a range of models including Model D and the later Model E. These machines have very advanced computerised displays and heart rate monitors. You can track your performance over many months and download the information to your computer. The power to download to the computer gives the potential to hook up virtually with other rowers through the World Wide Web and have a race!

Concept 2 have truly cornered the market by brining together Olympic rowers and 90 year old grandfathers to race together at regional, national and international indoor rowing events. In Birmingham, UK every November you, an Olympic rower and me can enter the Concept 2 British Indoor Rowing Championships. For those who truly think their fit this is the ultimate test. Very often you will see specialist indoor rowers beating professional outdoor rowers which adds to the excitement.

The biggest downside to the Concept 2 rowing machine is the significant price tag. At the time of writing the starting model (Model D) cost £939 rising to £1115 for the more advanced Model E.

The biggest upside of the Concept 2 rowing machine is its status as the world’s best rowing machine; endorsed and used by current and past Olympic rowers.