We’ve heard from many athletes that Concept2 is their trusty companion for home fitness. After weeks of social distancing and exercising alone, however, workouts can feel like a grind. There are many apps and ways that technology can add variety to your routine.
In addition to our free app, ErgData, there are a number of apps that connect with the Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) via Bluetooth and ANT+. If you have a PM3 or PM4, there still are a few options to consider which may require a cable or other additional device. (The PM2 and PM3 do not have wireless capabilities. The PM4 has wireless heart rate options.) The PM5 can also be retrofitted to all models (please check our website for availability).
While these apps are not developed, serviced or supported by Concept2, we’re excited to share these details because we know that the features and functions interest athletes of all abilities. We will continue to share our favorites via social media, so follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
This week, we’ve been using Kinomap. This video footage app is a great option if you’re looking to workout to visual scenery. Choose a video from the thousands of miles of user-generated content and train. Watch your icon progress on the map as you follow the video.
Kevin Scott, who has worked for the French Rowing Federation as an expert in indoor rowing for many years, has been using Kinomap since 2013 and creating videos for other athletes. Scott is now in Tahiti, where he is continuing his work on indoor rowing and coaching on the island paradise. He updated us on why he loves Kinomap. “It is a game changer,” he explains, “especially if you spend a lot of time on your RowErg or BikeErg.”
Scott explains why he finds Kinomap so motivating. “You can choose coached content, which will help you to improve your technique, learn drills, and add variety to your workouts. There is also full guided content, which includes warmups and cool downs. Or, you can choose short pieces and gradually build up into full sessions.”
“The GPS videos keep you stimulated during your training, and sometimes even distracted—but in a good way!” Scott says. “Most of the time, you’ll find that you were not expecting to be going that fast, but the video feels like you’re playing a game, and you go fast without even noticing it!”
There is great variety in the locations you can row, ski or ride. For rowing, you can race the Head Of The Charles Regatta®, train in Aiguebelette, France, visit Hong Kong Bay, or explore the Lagoons of French Polynesia. Cycling, you can ride stages of the Tour de France, enjoy a ride in Central Park, New York, or become the “King of the Mountain” (KOM) on famous mountain passes.
Scott finds the interactivity to be great motivation. “On every GPS video, you can compare the present effort to your previous sessions, challenge other users’ times as you race your avatars. And if you prefer to race live, you can join up randomly with others on scheduled sessions. Or even create your own.”
“Kinomap provides a great experience to increase interactivity and motivation, whether you decide to train easily or really push yourself.”
Kinomap:
- Uses fully geolocated videos and coaching videos to provide a visual workout experience.
- Is recommended for home users, coaches and functional fitness fanatics.
- Costs nothing to get started! Free videos offer no time limitations. Subscription required to access eligible content.
- Can be used for rowing, skiing or riding with the Concept2 RowErg, SkiErg and BikeErg.
- Connects wirelessly with the PM5 monitor. Connects with the PM3, PM4 and PM5 monitors. (Additional hardware required.)
- Can provide data from ANT+ FE-C, ANT+ Cycling Power, ANT+ Cycling Speed and Cadence, Bluetooth FTMS, Bluetooth Speed and Cadence, Bluetooth Cycling Power and the Concept2 Bluetooth interface.
There are many great app and software options to choose from, so find what motivates you best!
Check out more compatible apps:
asensei
KREW
