Why Concept2 is an Option for Military Fitness Testing

If you have any questions about Concept2 equipment for government or state agencies, please contact our GSA sales representative.

An ergometer is a device that measures work, and this is the foundation of the training equipment that Concept2 makes. When Concept2 founders Peter and Dick Dreissigacker designed the original Model A rowing ergometer, it was important to them that the device be able to reliably measure work output and performance, so that rowers could measure their speed and distance as if they were on the water, and track their progress. The reliable measurement also allowed rowers to compare their own times across different machines and compete with others.

All Concept2 training equipment (current Models are the Model D and Model E RowErgs, the BikeErg, the SkiErg and the Dynamic RowErg) comes standard with our most advanced Performance Monitor, the PM5. The PM5 is calibrated to work with the Concept2 adjustable, air-resistance flywheel to reliably and consistently measure performance.

This ability to reliably measure results makes the family of Concept2 ergometers ideal for physical fitness tests and training for organizations that require a cardiovascular testing component. We are proud that our Model D RowErg is included as an option, meeting the physical fitness testing protocols, for all branches of the military.

• The Marine Corps is making changes to its Physical Fitness Test (PFT), allowing Marines to replace the three-mile running portion of the PFT with a 5000 meter row. Rowing standards and preparation for the PFT.
• Starting in the second half of 2020, the US Navy Physical Readiness Testing (PRT) will allow a 2000 meter row in place of the 1.5 mile run. The Navy cancelled the Spring 2020 PRT Fitness Assessment Cycle, and encourages continued training to maintain cardiovascular fitness in preparation for testing. Read more.
• Air Force job-specific testing rolled out in 2018 includes a 1,000 meter row in its Tier II fitness assessment.
• The Army Combat Fitness test (ACFT) will become the test of record by October 1, 2020. This test will include a 5000 meter row and a 12,000 meter ride (recently changed from 15,000) on a stationary bike as alternatives to the 2 mile run. More details on the ACFT.

Concept2 RowErg (indoor rower/rowing machine) Specifications

• Includes an easy-to-use performance monitor, with electronic display, that allows for consistent, reliable measurement.
  • The monitors can be set for the test distances, ensuring accurate test set-up.
  • Display shows time, distance and drag factor.
  • Monitor automatically calibrates with the flywheel on every stroke run-down.
• Each rowing ergometer has a small footprint, allowing for both training and testing to happen almost anywhere.
• Adjustable flywheel damper changes drag factor.

Learn more about the Concept2 Model D RowErg >

Concept2 BikeErg (stationary exercise bike) Specifications

• Includes an easy-to-use performance monitor, with electronic display, that allows for consistent, reliable measurement.
  • The monitor can be set for specific distances, ensuring accurate test set-up.
  • Display shows time, distance and drag factor.
  • User can choose units: watts, Calories, meters.
  • Monitor prompts for calibration when required.
• The BikeErg handlebars can be adjusted two ways (vertically and horizontally) and have three grip options. The seat can be adjusted up and down, and horizontally if needed.
• Pedals come standard as flats; optional toe clips can be added.
• Adjustable flywheel damper changes drag factor.

Learn more about the Concept2 BikeErg >

Concept2 is honored that our equipment is considered of quality and standard for all of the new PT testing protocols. We look forward to further supporting the new standards by ensuring users of Concept2 ergometers have the necessary training resources to train for success.

If you have any questions about Concept2 equipment for government or state agencies, please contact our GSA sales representative.

April 2, 2012.
U.S. Air Force photo by Charles Haymond
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.