Concept2 Rower: Apps for Data, Immersion, and Coaching

What App to Use with Concept2 Rower?

For Concept2 rower users, the optimal app choice depends on individual goals, ranging from fundamental data tracking and official logging to immersive virtual experiences, technique coaching, or social fitness integration. While Concept2's own ErgData app is foundational for all users, popular third-party options like Zwift, EXR, and Asensei offer diverse training environments and advanced features.

Understanding Concept2 Connectivity

The heart of app integration with your Concept2 rower lies in its Performance Monitor 5 (PM5). The PM5 is equipped with Bluetooth Smart (BLE) and ANT+ connectivity, allowing it to wirelessly transmit real-time workout data to a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. This data includes critical metrics such as stroke rate, pace, power, distance, and calories burned.

To ensure seamless connectivity and access to the latest features, it is crucial to keep your PM5 firmware updated. Regular updates enhance compatibility and can introduce new functionalities, ensuring your rower communicates effectively with the latest app versions.

The Official Choice: ErgData

ErgData is Concept2's free, proprietary app, and it is universally recommended as the starting point for any Concept2 rower user.

• Overview: Developed by Concept2, ErgData is designed for seamless integration with the PM5.
• Key Features:
  • Real-time Data Display: Shows essential metrics during your workout.
  • Workout Logging: Automatically saves all your workout data.
  • Concept2 Logbook Sync: Directly uploads your workouts to your online Concept2 Logbook, which is essential for official rankings, challenges, and tracking progress over time.
  • PM5 Control: Allows you to control certain PM5 functions from your device.
  • Heart Rate Connectivity: Displays heart rate data from compatible monitors connected to the PM5.
• Pros:
  • Seamless Integration: Designed specifically for Concept2, ensuring perfect data accuracy and reliability.
  • Essential for Official Records: The only way to automatically upload verified results to the Concept2 Logbook.
  • Free: No subscription cost.
  • Simple & Reliable: Focuses on core data logging without unnecessary complexity.
• Cons:
  • Basic Interface: Lacks the sophisticated graphics and interactive elements of third-party apps.
  • No Guided Workouts or Virtual Routes: Does not offer structured programs or immersive training environments.

Immersive Training & Virtual Worlds

For those seeking more engagement and motivation, several apps offer virtual environments and gamified experiences.

• Zwift:
  • Overview: Primarily known for cycling and running, Zwift has expanded to include rowing. It offers a virtual world where you can train, race, and interact with other users.
  • Key Features: Gamified workouts, structured training plans, group rides/runs/rows, virtual races, social interaction.
  • Pros: Highly engaging, large global community, adds a fun, competitive element to indoor rowing.
  • Cons: Subscription required, rowing is not its primary focus (though well-implemented), can sometimes prioritize game mechanics over pure rowing technique focus.
• EXR:
  • Overview: A virtual rowing app dedicated solely to the indoor rowing experience. It offers a variety of virtual environments and structured workouts.
  • Key Features: Realistic virtual water environments, guided workouts, custom workout builder, challenges, multiplayer mode.
  • Pros: Rowing-specific focus, realistic physics, excellent data integration, good for both casual and serious rowers.
  • Cons: Subscription required, newer to the market compared to Zwift.
• Kinomap:
  • Overview: Provides interactive video content, allowing you to row along real-world routes filmed by users. The app adjusts video speed based on your rowing pace.
  • Key Features: Thousands of geolocated videos, structured workouts, multiplayer mode, scenic routes.
  • Pros: Highly immersive, makes indoor rowing feel like outdoor exploration, good for motivation and breaking monotony.
  • Cons: Subscription required, the interactive resistance feature isn't directly applicable to the Concept2 damper setting but the video speed sync is effective.

Data Analysis & Performance Tracking Beyond ErgData

While ErgData is excellent for logging, some users may want to integrate their rowing data into a broader fitness ecosystem.

• Strava:
  • Overview: A widely popular social fitness tracking app for athletes.
  • Key Features: Log workouts (including rowing), connect with friends, share activities, segment analysis (more for outdoor activities but can track overall fitness).
  • Pros: Large community, good for overall fitness tracking, can import workouts from ErgData (either manually or via third-party sync services).
  • Cons: Not rowing-specific, limited direct PM5 integration (primarily for uploading completed workouts).
• TrainingPeaks:
  • Overview: A comprehensive training platform for endurance athletes, often used by coaches and serious athletes.
  • Key Features: Detailed performance metrics, structured training plan creation, coach-athlete communication, performance management charts.
  • Pros: In-depth analysis capabilities, ideal for structured training and long-term athletic development.
  • Cons: Subscription for advanced features, can be complex for casual users, requires manual data import or third-party sync from ErgData.

Structured Training & Coaching Platforms

For those looking to improve technique or follow specific training programs, certain apps offer guided coaching.

• Asensei:
  • Overview: An AI-powered personal coaching app specifically for rowing. It provides real-time feedback on your technique and guides you through structured programs.
  • Key Features: Real-time stroke analysis (e.g., drive length, power curve), personalized coaching cues, structured programs from elite coaches, technique drills.
  • Pros: Focus on technique improvement, personalized guidance, highly interactive, can significantly enhance rowing form.
  • Cons: Subscription required, currently iOS-only.
• Regatta:
  • Overview: Offers a library of coach-led workouts, challenges, and virtual races for indoor rowing.
  • Key Features: On-demand classes, live classes, virtual races, progress tracking, diverse workout styles.
  • Pros: Good for motivation and variety, access to professional coaching, community features.
  • Cons: Subscription required.

Choosing the Right App for Your Goals

Selecting the best app depends heavily on your primary objectives:

• For Fundamental Data Logging & Official Records: ErgData is indispensable. It's the official gateway to the Concept2 Logbook and provides reliable data.
• For Motivation, Immersion, and Fun: Consider Zwift or EXR for virtual worlds, or Kinomap for real-world video experiences. These transform indoor rowing into an engaging adventure.
• For Technique Improvement & Personalized Coaching: Asensei stands out with its AI-driven feedback, helping you refine your stroke.
• For Comprehensive Fitness Tracking & Social Sharing: Strava is an excellent choice for integrating your rowing into your broader fitness profile, especially if you engage in other sports.
• For Advanced Performance Analysis & Structured Training: TrainingPeaks offers the depth required by serious athletes and coaches.

Considerations:

• Cost: Many advanced apps require a monthly or annual subscription. ErgData is free.
• Device Compatibility: Check if the app supports your smartphone (iOS/Android), tablet, or computer.
• Workout Style: Do you prefer guided workouts, free rowing, competitive races, or technique drills?

Optimizing Your App Experience

To get the most out of your Concept2 rower and chosen apps:

• Keep PM5 Firmware Updated: Regularly check the Concept2 website for the latest firmware and update your PM5.
• Ensure Stable Connectivity: Use a stable Bluetooth or ANT+ connection. Close other apps that might interfere with wireless signals.
• Manage Battery Life: Ensure your connecting device (phone/tablet) has sufficient battery, especially for longer workouts.
• Leverage Dual-App Usage: Many users run ErgData in the background to log their workout to the Concept2 Logbook, while simultaneously using a more interactive app like Zwift or EXR on another device for the immersive experience. The PM5 can broadcast data to multiple devices concurrently.

Conclusion: A Synergistic Approach

There isn't a single "best" app for every Concept2 rower user. Instead, the most effective approach often involves a synergistic combination of applications tailored to your specific training goals. ErgData should be considered the foundational app for its essential data logging and official record-keeping capabilities. From there, layer on immersive platforms, coaching tools, or social fitness trackers based on whether you seek motivation, technique refinement, or broader fitness integration. By strategically selecting and utilizing these tools, you can unlock the full potential of your Concept2 rower and elevate your training experience.