Concept2: The Best Low-Impact Cardio Exercise Equipment

For nearly 50 years, Concept2 Ergs have been the gold standard for low impact cardiovascular fitness equipment. The RowErg, SkiErg and BikeErg give users of all ages and abilities an efficient total body workout, while minimizing the stress of high impact exercise on their bodies. Whether you are trying to improve your cardiovascular fitness, recover from an injury, start your weight loss journey, or start a sustainable workout routine, Concept2 is sure to have the low impact cardio option you are looking for. 

Low impact cardiovascular fitness equipment is a great alternative to running, jumping or lunging. It allows you to have high intensity, effective workouts without the pounding on your knees, ankles, and joints. Concept2 Ergs are a great option if you are looking for a challenging workout without the pounding of high impact exercise. 

Benefits of Low Impact Cardio Equipment 

Weight Loss
For years, Concept2 users have started rowing, skiing, and biking to support their fitness goals, with many shedding pounds along the way. Low impact cardiovascular equipment can support weight loss goals by helping users burn calories and build endurance with sustainable workouts without the pounding. For Carolyn Watson, the repeatable workouts on her Concept2 RowErg allowed her to reach her goal body weight. She says, "By January, I had lost 40 pounds in five months, rowing 30 minutes to 50 minutes a day five days a week." 

Joint Friendly Exercise
Whether you are trying to protect your joints for longevity or trying to find a new way to get that runner's high without the pounding, Concept2 Ergs are a great way to get an effective low impact workout. For Bob J, the RowErg was a way for him to stay active, when he could no longer run. He says, "I was a distance runner for fifteen years but about two years ago I began looking for alternative exercises as a way of staying in shape and not pounding my knees, hips, and back. The RowErg has helped me lose 20 pounds and get me back on track." The RowErg, SkiErg, and BikeErg  reduce stress on the joints, making it easier to stay active, train consistently, and support long-term health and fitness. 

Use at Home or at the Gym
Low impact Concept2 Ergs can be found in gyms and homes all over the world. Whether you prefer the accountability of working out in public, or the convenience of working out at home, you are able to reap the benefits of Concept2's low impact cardio workout machines either way. If you are looking to find a Concept2 RowErg, SkiErg, or BikeErg at a local gym, use our gym finder. Or, be like Leonard, and workout at home. He says, "I am really enjoying the workout that Concept2 RowErg gives me at home. The low impact on the body is key. Easy to set up, easy to store, I can vary my workout in so many ways. This is a really wonderful, American assembled product. I am glad I chose your company's rower, as I believe it is the industry standard." 

Improves Overall Health
Low impact cardio equipment, like the RowErg, is a great way to improve your overall fitness and health, without the pounding on your body from high impact exercises like running. According to the National Library of Medicine, World Health Organization and American Heart Association, just 20-30 minutes a day of moderate intensity exercise, like rowing or cycling, leads to substantial health benefits. From heart disease, to depression, to diabetes and many cancers, your risk of developing these greatly decreases the more you are active, and low impact cardio is a great choice to stay consistent for the long haul. Diane, who rows on a Concept2 RowErg says, "Two years ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes. Both my grandmothers died from complications of diabetes and my dad and three of his sisters are diabetic so, it is rampant in my family. Rowing is my main source of exercise and I have found that it helps lower my blood sugar." 

What Low Impact Concept2 Erg is Best for You? 

Let us help you break down the options of the RowErg, SkiErg, and BikeErg when it comes to low impact cardiovascular equipment options.  

The Concept2 RowErg
The RowErg is a full body, low impact workout that not only uses your lungs and legs but also utilizes almost every single muscle in your body. Because rowing is performed seated, many people with mobility challenges can still get a great workout while minimizing stress on their joints, ligaments, and tendons. 

Explore The Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 SkiErg
The SkiErg, inspired by Nordic skiing, also offers a total body cardiovascular workout, but unlike the RowErg, is performed from a standing position. The movement pattern engages both the upper and lower body while providing a low impact training option for building endurance, strength, and stamina. 

Explore The Concept2 SkiErg

The Concept2 BikeErg
The BikeErg is a great low impact cardiovascular equipment option that is simple and safe to learn. The familiar cycling movement allows users to build endurance and train at a variety of intensities while reducing stress on joints.  

Explore The Concept2 BikeErg

All Concept2 low impact cardio Ergs have several features that you can expect to be the same, regardless of if it is the RowErg or BikeErg.  

• Adjustable flywheel damper on all Ergs – this allows more or less air flow into the flywheel cage, allowing users to affect how the flywheel feels. Think of it as easier or harder gears on a bike.  

• Heart Rate Monitoring- all Concept2 Ergs come equipped with a Performance Monitor (PM5) that allows direct heart rate connection with wearable brands like Garmin, Polar, Suunto, and more.  

• Simple and Easy PM5 Monitor- as mentioned above, all Concept2 Ergs come standard with a PM5 monitor that is simple to understand. Each PM5 is easy to see pace, elapsed time, watts, calories, and more. PM5s also come preprogrammed with workouts, making efforts simple to start. 

• Compact and Space Efficient- Concept2 Ergs were engineered and designed with small spaces in mind. The SkiErg can be wall mounted, the RowErg is able to be taken apart into two pieces in seconds for easy storage in most closets, and the BikeErg is a go-to for small spaces by users around the world.  

FAQ About Low Impact Concept2 Cardio Ergs 

Is the Concept2 RowErg a low impact cardio option?
Yes, the Concept2 RowErg is a great option for low impact cardiovascular fitness. Because you use the RowErg in a seated position with no pounding, your joints, knees, and ankles, are able to have minimal impact compared to activities like running or jumping. As every person is different, we recommend you consult your physician before embarking on an exercise regimen that is unfamiliar.  

Which Concept2 Erg is best for low impact cardio?
The best Concept2 Erg for low impact cardio depends on the individual and their goals. The RowErg delivers a total body workout while seated, while the SkiErg is able to also deliver a complete body workout while standing. The BikeErg is a familiar and simple cycling exercise. All Ergs pack an efficient low impact workout for all fitness and skill levels.  

Can Concept2 Ergs help me lose weight?
Yes, Concept2 Ergs are able to help support weight loss goals by helping users burn calories, improve cardiovascular fitness, and increase physical activity levels. When combined with a balanced diet, Concept2's RowErg, SkiErg and BikeErg can all be effective tools for weight management. We recommend consulting with your physician before starting a new exercise or diet regimen.  

Is the Concept2 RowErg a good alternative to running?
Although there is no direct equivalent to running that produces the exact same physiological adaptations, the RowErg remains an excellent alternative for cardiovascular fitness and conditioning. Rowing delivers a cardiovascular workout with far less impact on the joints and engages over 80% of the bodies' muscles; using the legs, arms, back, and core.  

Are Concept2 Ergs safe for people with joint concerns?
Yes, the BikeErg, RowErg, and SkiErg are a great choice for those looking for low impact exercise options for their joints and want to avoid repetitive pounding on their bodies associated with high impact activities. Individuals with injuries or medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before beginning a new exercise routine. 

Low-impact cardio is an effective way to improve cardiovascular fitness, support weight loss goals, and stay active while reducing stress on your joints. Whether you choose the RowErg, SkiErg, or BikeErg, each Concept2 Erg delivers a challenging workout that can be adapted to your fitness level and goals. No matter where you are on your fitness journey, Concept2 offers a sustainable path to lifelong health and fitness.