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James Stewart’s 2008 Factory Works Transformx TX-IV that starts out as a Concept2 Model E indoor rower.

There’s never a waiting list for the rowing machine. But if you use the right form and regimen, this floor skimmer can torch more calories than a treadmill, build your upper and lower body into a motocross machine, and injury-proof your lower back. The rower is under utilized at most gyms, according to Greg Hammond, Concept2 Motor/Action Sports Training Customer Service Rep., “Because most casual gym users don’t understand the full body workout that the Concept2 Rower provides. Most people jump on the stairmaster or stationary bike because frankly they are easier to do than the rowing machine.” But if you are serious about your motocross training or health in general, the rower is pound for pound the best workout you can do. You don’t have to look very hard in motocross or other action sports industries to see that word is catching on. In motocross, James Stewart recently started using his custom designed rower to prepare for the upcoming season as well as Ben Townley, MotoGP Champion Nicky Hayden, some guy named Travis Pastrana, all of the Monster Energy/Kawasaki Xtreme Team Green amateur riders, Millsaps training facility, and the recently retired Ricky Carmichael used the Concept2 throughout his reign as the G.O.A.T. Other sports with their athletes deep into rowing include Snowcross, NASCAR, the Indy Racing League, Freestyle Motocross, Ultimate Fighting (Mixed Martial Arts) and the WORCS motocross series.

If you are new to rowing, you may want to preview this article to get the scoop on proper row technique. Like motocross, technique is very important to getting all you can out of each stroke. Greg says to avoid the most common mistake of hunching your shoulders and leaning too far back, which diminishes your pulling power and strains your back. The Workouts

What the Experts Are Saying About Rowing

Team Green Xtreme rider, PJ Larson uses the rower to warm up before races.

With so many of the top trainer and experts in the motocross industry using the rower, Virtual Trainer emailed a few of them to get their opinion on why they use the rower. Aldon Baker, James Stewart’s new trainer says, “I like the combination with the physical training and the Cardio and adding another form of training. Rowing has its own unique way of challenging the body and muscles with similarities to motorcycle racing.”

Trainers Charles Dao and Randy Lawrence have joined teams and according to Charles, “ Concept 2 rowers are amazingly reliable, yet challenging and are second to none. In fact, Concept 2 rowers are one of my favorite muscular endurance training mechanisms that I use with all my athletes, no matter what sport they’re competing in. As far as motorsports, what better machine incorporates the entire body, maximizes power output, increases base and interval training capacities, as well as reduces any jolting impact to the joints. All athletes needs to be training on a Concept 2 Rower, otherwise their wasting their time and might as well sit their sorry asses on the sofa and stuff their mouths with bon bons. But if you take you’re fitness and strength training seriously, Concept 2 Rowers is a must…”