Meet US Army Veteran and Athlete Jason Smith

Jason Smith is a retired Army sergeant who served from 2009–2014 in the infantry. On July 25, 2012, while deployed to Afghanistan, he stepped on an IED. He lost both legs and sustained extensive damage to his right hand. Three months before retiring he met his wife, who, in his words, 'was able to look past his injuries and see him for who he was.' They now have two children. 

We recently reconnected with Jason at the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany, and continue to follow his athletic achievements in not only adaptive sports platforms such as the Invictus Games and Warrior Games but in his day-to-day commitment to fitness. The Warrior Games is an annual adaptive sports competition that celebrates the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran US military service members. The Invictus Games are focused on using sport as a tool for competitor recovery and rehabilitation and are a steppingstone on the recovery journey for international wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.  

When did you first hear the name Concept2 or try one of our products?

I first heard the name Concept2 when I was injured. I was in rehab and was able to use a fixed seat rowing machine. Once I retired, I was gifted a RowErg and SkiErg from the Catch A Lift Fund.  

Do you remember your first workout on a Concept2 machine? Do you remember how you felt afterwards?  

My first row was at my home. I tried doing cardio at a local gym, but they stared at me, and I was uncomfortable at that time being looked at. The first time I used my own RowErg in my home I felt like I just ran a marathon. It was an amazing experience, and I gained so much confidence within the confines of my home and was eventually able to get to the gym again.

Which Concept2 products do you use? Why have you chosen those products? How do they enhance your training?

The Concept2 products I own are the SkiErg and the RowErg. They help my cardio and endurance, and that transfers to my all-around fitness level. I have done some amazing things on Concept2 products and they’re a huge part of my life.  

How do you incorporate Concept2 equipment into your training?

I incorporate Concept2 training into my workouts by doing cardio four times a week. Whether it’s a 7/3/7/3/7 split (my favorite) or just a power minute with a two-minute rest, it is the best all-around way I can do high intensity training. I will also add it to a circuit that I have created.  

What’s your favorite/go-to workout?

My favorite go-to workout is seven minutes on and three minutes off, for a set of three (30 total minutes). It is an all-round smoke show and I feel amazing after I have completed it.

How has Concept2 equipment had a positive impact on you?

A positive moment for me and Concept2 equipment revolved around the RowErg. First, it was the first form of cardio I could do after my injury that didn’t hurt. Second, rowing has taken me to places I never thought was possible. I have been able to win six gold medals at the Warrior Games and Invictus Games. I am extremely proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish on your products and hope to use it as a springboard for many, many more competitions and possible higher levels of competition.  

What one piece of advice would you give to someone using Concept2 equipment for the first time?

A piece of advice I would give someone using Concept2 equipment is, though at first, it’s grueling, the more you learn and use it the easier and more fun it becomes. It will take you places you’ve never thought imaginable.  

What trainers or athletes do you look up to?

I don’t follow many athletes or trainers for motivation, but I watch the CrossFit Games. They’re some phenomenal athletes. My goal is to be top in my class in the world one day.  

What or who inspires you to keep going?

Being the best version of myself keeps me going daily.