I went to a gym for the first time in, I dunno, a decade maybe.
We’ve got a winter membership at the local caravan park, mainly for the pool for the kids. But they’ve also got a tiny gym, sauna and steam room, so the Mrs has been popping over weekly. I’ve done bugger all for the last month and a half, literally nothing in the last 10 days and am just low on mojo. Had a diary gap so said I’d join her.
5km on the treadmill to start. Staying in my comfort zone. Then had a first ever go on a ski erg. There was a 500m competition on the board. Thought I’d go full bore see what happened. As expected, I lasted about 30 secs! . Had a 20 sec rest then cruised it in and still wasn’t last - phew
Did some moves. Had a 1km row. And that was that. Then did 15 mins in the sauna with a cold shower either side. Job done.
as you have found, if you’ve no experience of a ski-erg the it will hurt quickly. and much like the C2 rower, technique will make a big difference.
we have both at home - I find the skier a more aerobic workout than the rower
ETA: Mrs FB did a set on the skier this morning - 12 x 250m with 45 rest between each. I came home from walking the dog to be greeted by a sweaty mess of a woman!
The Mrs has wanted a treadmill for ages (doesn’t like running outside from a safety/letchy guys perspective), but we simply don’t have anywhere to put one. And I’ve always hated them.
But I’m getting soft in my old age, as I could actually see myself using it if we had somewhere to put it! Mainly linked, I think, to my overall apathy I’m currently experiencing.
That’s purely down to technique! It also helps if you’ve done some XC skiing so have the basics in place - we have done a fair bit although not for a long time now. We used it as winter training for tri as it helps develop a great aerobic base.
Oh i have no doubt. But i was doing that thing where you only have an hour, so i was just mucking about for 5 mins on different stuff! haha.
I did say i need to come up with a bit of a plan next time, and try to make the most of the 60 mins. Think our membership goes until end of Feb. So i could, theoretically, get a bit of strength work in before dialling up the tri specific stuff.
Just watched a video with Joe skipper ( he’s not really my friend)
Says he fatigued his arms so much on the ski erg that the sled pull was just “ awful”
Several techniques, with or without legs basically.
Possibly even worse than the concept 2 rower for pain and gasping for breathnesss !
Reintroduced my self to the gym treadmill as it’s dark, freezing, icy and snowy outside. Chose intervals to break things up. Think I might risk the great outdoors again. Far more fun.
. Had a 20 sec rest then cruised it in and still wasn’t last - phew 
and hip tightness but started to loosen up near end. Will adopt little and often philosophy until firing on all cylinders again