Indoor rowing machine adaptations for adaptive rowers

Olympic silver medallist Annie Vernon asks the experts about the different ways Concept2 rowing machines can be adapted to meet the needs of those with physical impairments

Concept2 indoor rowing machines or ergos are a great training tool for rowers with additional physical needs because they are stable yet provide a full body workout, and can be adapted to meet individual requirements. It’s a simple machine with few moving parts which makes it versatile.

The only adaptation that Concept2 themselves offer is a ‘tractor seat’, which is bigger and wider than a standard seat and has a small back.

However, as the market leader for both rowing clubs and gyms, the Concept2 ergo is so widespread that various accessories designed to fit it are available from other suppliers. Several of these allow the machine to be personalised to help anyone with a disability or impairment maximise the machine for training.
Please note, though, that Concept2 states on its website that aside from its tractor seat, altering their ergos with third party products voids their warranty.

Tom Dyson, Head of Olympic and Paralympic Performance Delivery for the GB Rowing Team, is keen to stress that individual set-up is more important than additional equipment. Lots of Para-athletes don’t adapt the ergo at all.