Concept2: Integrating with Strava for Enhanced Fitness Tracking

How do I add Concept2 to Strava?

Integrating your Concept2 performance monitor data with Strava is a straightforward process primarily managed through the Concept2 Logbook, allowing you to centralize your training data and share your achievements with a broader fitness community.

Understanding the Integration

Connecting your Concept2 workouts to Strava enables you to consolidate your training data from various disciplines into a single, comprehensive platform. While Concept2's Performance Monitors (PMs) do not directly connect to Strava, the integration is seamlessly facilitated via your Concept2 Online Logbook, which acts as the intermediary. This setup ensures that your rowing, skiing, or cycling data, rich with metrics like power, pace, and distance, contributes to your overall training load and progress tracking on Strava.

Prerequisites for Seamless Integration

Before you begin the integration process, ensure you have the following in place:

• A Concept2 Performance Monitor (PM5 recommended): Your workout data is recorded directly on the monitor. While older PMs can transfer data, the PM5 offers the most streamlined experience, especially when paired with the ErgData app.
• A Concept2 Online Logbook Account: This is the essential hub for your Concept2 workout data. If you don't have one, you can create it for free on the Concept2 website.
• A Strava Account: Your destination for consolidated fitness data. If you're new to Strava, registration is quick and free.
• Internet Connection: Required for syncing data from your monitor to the Logbook and from the Logbook to Strava.
• Concept2 ErgData App (Optional but Recommended): This free app for iOS and Android simplifies the process of transferring workouts from your PM5 to your online Logbook via Bluetooth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Linking Concept2 to Strava

Follow these steps to ensure your Concept2 workouts appear on your Strava feed:

Step 1: Record Your Workout on Your Concept2 Monitor

• Perform your workout as usual on your Concept2 RowErg, SkiErg, or BikeErg.
• Ensure the workout is properly saved on your monitor's memory. For PM5s, workouts are automatically stored.

Step 2: Sync Your Workout to Your Concept2 Online Logbook

This is the crucial step that gets your data from the monitor to the online platform.

• Using the Concept2 ErgData App (Recommended for PM5 users):
  • Ensure your PM5 is updated to the latest firmware.
  • Download and open the ErgData app on your smartphone.
  • Connect the app to your PM5 via Bluetooth (the app will guide you).
  • As you row/ski/bike, your data will stream live to the app.
  • At the end of your workout, the app will automatically prompt you to upload the session to your Concept2 Online Logbook. Confirm the upload.
• Manually Uploading via USB (for PM3/PM4/PM5 without ErgData):
  • Using a USB flash drive, transfer your workout data from your monitor to the drive. Instructions are available on the Concept2 website.
  • Log in to your Concept2 Online Logbook account on a computer.
  • Navigate to the "Upload" section and follow the prompts to upload the workout file from your USB drive.

Step 3: Connect Your Concept2 Logbook to Strava

This is a one-time setup process:

• Log in to your Concept2 Online Logbook account (log.concept2.com) on a web browser.
• From your dashboard or profile settings, look for a section related to "Connections," "Applications," or "Linked Accounts."
• Locate the Strava option.
• Click on the "Connect to Strava" or similar button.
• You will be redirected to the Strava website, where you'll be prompted to authorize Concept2 to access your Strava account. Review the permissions requested and click "Authorize" or "Accept."
• Once authorized, you will be redirected back to your Concept2 Logbook, confirming the successful connection.

Step 4: Verify Data Transfer on Strava

• After the connection is established, any new workouts uploaded to your Concept2 Online Logbook will automatically sync to your Strava account.
• Log in to your Strava account (either via the app or website) and check your activities feed. Your Concept2 workouts should appear as new activities.
• You can retroactively upload past workouts from your Logbook to Strava by going to your Logbook's "Activities" section and selecting the option to "Export to Strava" for individual workouts, if they haven't already synced.

Optimizing Your Data on Strava

Once integrated, your Concept2 workouts will appear on Strava with relevant metrics.

• Activity Type: Workouts from the RowErg will typically appear as "Rowing," SkiErg as "Nordic Ski" or "Cross-Country Ski," and BikeErg as "Cycling." You can edit the activity type on Strava if needed.
• Data Fields: Strava will display key metrics such as distance, time, average power (watts), average pace (split), and calories, providing a comprehensive overview of your session.
• Privacy Settings: Remember to review the privacy settings for your uploaded activities on Strava to control who can view your workouts.

Troubleshooting Common Integration Issues

While the process is generally smooth, you might encounter minor issues:

• Workout Not Appearing on Strava:
  • Check Logbook Sync: Ensure the workout has successfully uploaded from your monitor to your Concept2 Online Logbook.
  • Refresh Connection: On your Concept2 Logbook, disconnect and then re-connect the Strava integration.
  • Time Delay: Sometimes there can be a slight delay in data transfer. Wait a few minutes and refresh Strava.
• Duplicate Workouts on Strava:
  • This usually happens if you're using multiple methods to upload the same workout (e.g., ErgData and a third-party app also connected to Strava). Ensure only one pathway is active for Concept2 data to Strava.
• Incorrect Data:
  • Ensure your PM5 firmware is up-to-date and that your monitor is calibrated correctly, especially if using a BikeErg.
• "Error Syncing" Message:
  • This often indicates an issue with the authorization token. Disconnect Strava from your Concept2 Logbook and then reconnect it, re-authorizing access.

Benefits of Integrating Your Concept2 Workouts with Strava

Beyond simply getting your data onto another platform, this integration offers significant advantages for your training and motivation:

• Centralized Data: Keep all your diverse fitness activities—running, cycling, swimming, and Concept2 workouts—in one place for holistic performance tracking.
• Community and Motivation: Share your Concept2 efforts with friends, coaches, and the broader Strava community, fostering motivation through kudos, comments, and segment challenges.
• Performance Analysis: Leverage Strava's analytical tools to review your Concept2 performance over time, identify trends, and track your progress towards fitness goals.
• Training Consistency: Seeing your Concept2 workouts alongside other activities helps maintain consistency across all aspects of your training regimen, providing a clear visual representation of your dedication.

Conclusion

Connecting your Concept2 workouts to Strava is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your fitness tracking and engagement. By following the outlined steps, you can seamlessly integrate your indoor rowing, skiing, or cycling data into your comprehensive training log, leveraging the analytical and social features of Strava to deepen your understanding of your performance and stay motivated on your fitness journey. Consistent data tracking is a cornerstone of effective training, and this integration streamlines that process for Concept2 enthusiasts.