I just spotted an announcement by the manufacturers of my indoor rower, launching their newest piece of equipment… the StrengthErg.
I know strength training is really important as you get older, specifically for women, although I never fancied going to the gym and doing the weights kind of thing.
I do know some of us are doing that, so it would be great to hear about their experience.
But for, when I think gym based weights, I see in my mind burly, muscley strong men. I don’t see, over 50s, middle-age spread, thyroid challenged women. Basically, I can’t imagine myself using some of those cross-fit strength training metal cage contraptions or gym based, huge-looking weights. It also looks so dangerous in terms of pulling my back.
So when I saw this video review of the newest addition to a range of fitness equipment, focussing on safe strength, , I paid attention. It is a unique one, without any equivalence.
(And I should note, I’m not endorsing it in any way, I just haven’t seen a machine like this before)
Shane Farmer at Dark Horse Rowing did a 15 min review:
Not that I can afford it, or have the space for it, but I do think that manufacturers are on to something here, considering that I can very well imagine myself on that machine.
So why is that? I think here are the reasons:
1) it looks safer to use
2) it looks like it will protect my back more
3) it looks like I could use metrics and data (via PM5 monitor) to measure my progress, providing that tickbox-delighting motivation
4) it looks like it is in the concept2 universe, probably being able to connect to online challenges, as part of teams, collectives, nations or individuals (as usual with the Concept2 online logbook, where I can filter achievements by gender, age, nationality)
5) it potentially has digital-virtual ‘mashup’ connectivity, e.g. having the PM5 monitor should allow me to connect to third party apps, like ErgZone, ErgData, and even virtual apps, perhaps.
It all sounds too good to be true, right? There are some dissenting voices, though, that highlight the limited flexibility in choices of movement, or the likely lack of focus on eccentric movement. (E.g. in a curl, the slow downward movement)
Now I just want to find a gym that has one of these and try it out.
Their own 1-minute announcement video can be found online.
All that sounds good. What is more challenging is to find the cash and the space to put it next to my indoor rower!
What do others think?
How have you managed to integrate strength training into your routines?
And what strength equipment do you use in the gym?
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But for, when I think gym based weights, I see in my mind burly, muscley strong men. I don’t see, over 50s, middle-age spread, thyroid challenged women. Basically, I can’t imagine myself using some of those cross-fit strength training metal cage contraptions or gym based, huge-looking weights. It also looks so dangerous in terms of pulling my back.
Can I just stick up for gyms a bit here? My local council gym where I go is full of all sorts of shapes and sizes, including middle aged women with a bit of spread! .Its friendly. There’s no judgement. You choose your own weight so it’s right for you. With a bit of instruction on form (which you often get as an induction or someone who works there can help you) and the right weight, there’s no reason why it should be dangerous.
Your feelings are totally valid but I wouldn’t want anyone to think that all gyms are like this-that’s not my experience at all.
Interesting, but I am with MissUnderstanding on this... I have limited experience of gyms...but the experience I have had, has been really different to your perception of them.
A specifically designed plan for the individual, and a really thorough, pre plan assessment was my experience.. and not just because I was 73, the first time I went. Supportive and all inclusive and a high level of protection against over exertion.
I feel, as if with many things, it may look difficult and dauting, until we actually try it out... a lot of gyms have free taster days... and again, my gym is very careful on what they offer on those days!
We all have our own pre-conceived ideas... if anyone had told the younger me, I would in my life, have climbed some of the highest and difficult rock climbing routes in N Wales... I would have been shocked... but I have !
It will be interesting to read other opinions here
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold• in reply toOldfloss
Fab!!! Yes, definitely.👍🏽 💯 👏👏👏
And my images in my head are obviously my own personal one… out of experience also of having gone to gyms … more in the past but also here and there in recent years.
But as you say, gyms differ immensely.
But what do you think will a piece of equipment like the StrengthErg change in terms of preconceived images?
I think it can only improve the perceptions, as well as increase take-up of strength training by a wider range of gym goers and home-fitness people who in their varied physical challenges still want to do strength training?
Time of day that you can go can make a difference to the gym experience too. On the rare occasion that I can go after 9am, or even 8.30am, it is very quiet, with mostly mature nonstereotypical gym types there.
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold• in reply toKirst13
That’s great advice. Thank you. In the past I only managed ever to go regularly after work when everyone goes. And a few Sat mornings here and there.
What I found great is that the rowing machines were almost always available 😃😄 (but as I found out last year, so were the curved treadmills and I’ve fallen for them as well…. I just now need to fall for more weights - strengths training equipment … 😆🏋🏽♂️)
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A couple of strength workouts to do at home with minimal equipment 😊
Strength exercises for running - without weight bearing foot flexion!