SkiErg

Pull both handles down like driving with ski poles, hinging at the hips; long powerful strokes.

SkiErg, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Stand tall facing the machine, handles overhead at arm's length; core set.

Steps

  1. Drive the handles down in a long stroke, hinging at the hips.
  2. Finish with the hands past the thighs.
  3. Ride the return up and repeat in rhythm.

Common mistakes

Arms-only strokes: the lats and hip hinge make the power; bend at the hips. Hunching the back: hinge, don't curl. Short choppy pulls: long strokes score better and cost less.

Breathing

Exhale on the downstroke, inhale on the way up.