How To Turn On CONCEPT 2 Rowing Machine? (AVOID Doing This!)

After finally having the Concept2 rower on your home gym set up, you probably wondering how to run the machine for your first time.

Well, you are in the right place. The process is so easy and only takes less than a minute.

Follow this step by step guide on how to turn on Concept 2 rowing machine and successfully start using it for the first time.

Without further ado, let’s get right into it!

How To Turn On Concept 2 Rowing Machine? Step -By-Step

concept2 rowing machine picture from a commercial gym

There is no external power source needed in order to power on the Concept2 rowing machine. The rower’s monitor is powered by 2 D-cell batteries.

First things to do when you are trying to turn on this machine is:

1. Set The Damper Settings On The Flywheel

The damper setting is like bicycle gearing. It affects the feel of the rowing but does not directly affect the resistance.

With a little experimentation, you will find the damper setting that gives you the best workout and results.

It is recommended to set the damper setting to 3-5 for the best aerobic workout. This is the setting that feels most like a sleek, fast boat on the water.

Higher settings feel more like a bigger, slower boat.

It can also be detrimental to your training program because it may refine your output and increase your risk of injury.

The lower setting requires you to be a little quicker in applying your power which, in the end, gives you a better workout.

What really affects the resistance you get is the way you row.

The harder you pull, the more resistance you will feel. This is because the Concept2 Indoor Rower uses wind resistance, which is generated by the spinning flywheel.

The faster you get the wheel spinning, the more resistance there will be.

And you can row as hard or as easy as you wish. The machine will not force you to row at any set intensity level. It is all up to you.

2. Set The Flex Foot

The next step is going to be setting the Flex Foot. Here is how to do it:

Pull the toe piece toward you to release the flex foot from the two pegs.

Slide the toe piece up or down to achieve the proper setting, then press the toe piece back down onto the pegs.

As you gain familiarity with the Indoor Rower, you may choose to raise or lower the Flex Foot a notch for reasons of flexibility or general comfort.

Optimal setting permits the knee, lower leg and ankle to be perpendicular to the floor at the catch.

3. Adjust the Performance Monitor Arm

Here is how to adjust the viewing angle of the Concept2 PM monitor:

Loosen the nuts on the Performance Monitor arm joints and adjust the monitor till you get the desired viewing.
After you get the desired viewing position, tighten the arm joints back.

4. Start Rowing

a trainer exercising on a concept2 rowing machine

The rowing stroke can be divided into two parts: the drive and the recovery.

The drive is in the work portion of the strokes, while the recovery is the rest portion that prepares you for the next drive.

These are the rowing phases:

The Catch

This is when you slide the seat forward until your knees are almost touching your chest.

The Drive

The pushing backward movement with your legs. But try to lean back slightly at the hips (not at the waist), keeping your back straight.

As you straighten your legs, pull the row bar toward your chest, and keep your elbows outward.

The Finish

This is the last phase where your legs should be nearly straight. Try to continue pulling the row bar until your hands are even with your chest.

After this phase, extend your arms forward and pull the seat forward using your legs.

Try to repeat this sequence, moving through all three phases with a smooth, fluid motion. Remember to breathe normally as you row, never hold your breath.

How To Fold Concept 2 Rower?

Move into folded position

This is how to fold and store CONCEPT 2 rower:

First slide the seat to the rear of the rail .
Press the monitor all the way down.

Hold and lift the frame handle and the rail handle, and tip the rower forward onto the shields and the storage feet.
Pull the rail handle inward until the folding clamp engages the bar on the stabilizer.

Move into unfolded position

To unfold the CONCEPT 2 rowing machine:

Place your foot on a stabilizer foot and pull the rail handle outward to disengage the folding clamp.
Hold the rail handle and the frame handle, then pull the rail handle outward, and lower the machine rail to the floor.

Make sure you are not holding or pulling on the console when moving the rower.

Button Line

As you can see, it is such an easy process to go through in order to safely and successfully turn on a CONCEPT 2 rower.

All you need to do is set the damper settings on the flywheel to 3-5 for the best aerobic workout, set and adjust the machine flex foot and monitor viewing angle to how you like it to be, and then you should be able to start rowing using this machine without any issues.