Repeat the Work. See the Results.

We're going to tell you something you might not want to hear. Progress often requires less variety, and we'll say it, a little bit of boredom. Now hear us out. We've all been there. You hit a plateau in your fitness, and it seems you are just, well, stuck. The answer may not be that you are doing too little; it probably is that you are changing too much. 

While the fitness world and social media might be encouraging you to constantly try new workouts, science shows that the human body adapts best with repeatable, consistent training over time. 

Concept2 users know this better than most. From on water rowers repeating a 2k RowErg test, to checking your average watts over 30 minutes on the BikeErg, testing your 2000 Kg-m leg press effort on the StrengthErg, or doing your tried-and-true interval session on the SkiErg, benchmarking performance and tracking measurable data is what drives long term fitness gains. Using our free tools like ErgData and the Online Logbook also make it that much easier to see your progress overtime. While simple might not be the most exciting, let us show you how progressive improvements with your Concept2 Erg will lead to long term fitness progress. 

Sticking to an exercise routine can be tough. Starting a routine that you also don't like, or is unmanageable, is almost a guarantee that you'll stop shortly after you start. The best exercise program is simply one that you will actually do. Here's our advice: 

Choose an Erg that you enjoy using. Because Concept2 Ergs can be used at home, it also makes it more likely that you'll stick with a routine, even if your schedule goes sideways. 

Keep your training days the same and do the same workouts on each day of the week. If you need some guidance, check out our training plan section.  

When training is predictable and sustainable, that is when transformation begins.

Now that you've figured out your schedule, you might be wondering why repeating the same workouts gradually helps you to get better. The reason why is because the human body adapts through repetition. Every time you do the same workout, your body is able to master the basics but also gradually becomes more efficient.  

Think of doing rowing drills, mastering your SkiErg technique, or pushing through the pain during an interval on the BikeErg. Doing the same workouts also allows you to create benchmarks to compare back to and see how you have improved over time. If you are constantly changing the workouts you do, you are unable to know when to push, when to back off, and if you are getting more fit. Repetition and benchmarks lead to measurable progress over time.  

While repeating the same workouts is good for physical adaption, knowing what is about to be endured mentally is also crucial. We all live busy lives and having to decide what workout to do can sometimes feel overwhelming. Less decision fatigue means less stress and more predictability. Using the "Favorite Workout" feature in ErgData also makes this that much easier for you. With a single click, repeat workouts you do often with minimal effort and thought. This allows you to focus on what matters most, which is crushing those 1k repeats and 30-minute pieces.  

Repetition also helps you mentally form habits. Eventually, the habit becomes effortless and nonnegotiable. This also creates consistency, which helps you create a neural and behavioral pathway that makes what you are doing not only automatic, but a part of what you do and who you are. 

While some training plans might sell transformation and a quick fix, what they don't tell you is that those large gains aren't attainable long term. Change takes small, incremental improvements over a long period of time. It is also rarely linear. Benchmarks and repeating similar workouts are important to highlight these improvements because it reinforces your behavior. It almost becomes addicting to chase those little wins. It also proves that what you are doing is making a difference. Second by second, rep by rep. It all adds up. Patience and perseverance pay dividends over quick fixes.

At Concept2 we know that fitness can't be found with a single, magical workout; we know it is earned through consistent, methodical work. Concept2 Ergs make this process simple by allowing you to repeat workouts, track benchmarks, and see measurable progress overtime using tools like ErgData and the Online Logbook. While it might be a bit mundane, we know that each workout adds up, and the results will eventually speak for themselves.