The ergometer, or erg, is a piece of fitness equipment used to simulate the strokes and movements used by competitive rowers in racing. It can commonly be found in fitness facilities all over the world and gives athletes and non-athletes of every sport and ability level the opportunity to experience the benefits of the rowing action workout previously enjoyed only by the outdoor rowing enthusiast. It also provides a means for bona-fide rowers to work out during the off season.
The earliest versions of the ergometer consisted of a large, heavy wheel with a brake on it. The off season rower could somewhat inaccurately simulate the muscle movements involved in rowing in an artificial environment with none of the pleasures of the outdoor, fresh air, real life experience. For rowers using the ergometer at this time the practice was considered to be a necessary evil. It helped them to stay in shape when they couldn't actually practice outdoors using their boat, but the experience was much more one of torture than of pleasure and enjoyment. The early years of the ergometer were not pleasant times for the off season rower.
In the 1980's a newer style of ergometer hit the market. This version utilized a wheel which acted against air resistance. In 1988 an ergometer with a hydraulic flywheel made its way onto the market. Finally, there was an ergometer with the comfort and flexibility to allow the athlete to enjoy his workout, stay in shape and cross train.
In fact, the more recent machines have made indoor rowing a sport all on its own. No longer is the ergometer just a means to an end for rowers trying to maintain their stamina and endurance between racing seasons. Thanks to electronic readouts and LED displays of speed and strokes, indoor erg enthusiasts can track their progress and work at improving their abilities. Often individual rowers or teams of rowers compete indoors, having each ergometer tied in to the machines of other team members. The measured distance and stroke rates are averaged to produce a team score.
There is even an official competition, the National Ergometer Championship, in which rowers from the world over participate. The ergometer, always an important, yet often despised, part of the year-round training program for competitive rowers, has come into its own realm as a legitimate training routine and sport. The only thing missing is the fresh air and the beautiful scenery that is the pleasure of the outdoor rower.
In spite of the progress made in the design of this machine, the one shortcoming in the ergometer is still its inability to identify and improve weaknesses in technique for the rower. It is a useful training tool and an exciting sport for other athletes, but it cannot take the place of knowing good technique and it cannot teach proper techniques where they are lacking. And so, the love/hate relationship of the rower and the ergometer continues.