Work and Force with the Concept2 StrengthErg

The Concept2 StrengthErg tracks two key metrics—force and work—to measure your effort and monitor progress through ErgData. These metrics offer valuable insights into your strength, endurance, and output over time. 

Force on the StrengthErg 
Force = Mass × Acceleration 

Force is the effort you apply to move an object. Force can be measured in pounds or kilograms on the PM5 and with ErgData. For example, as low as 5kgs or up to 1500lbs of force. The StrengthErg generates a resistance force from the flywheel – this is most apparent on the first push or pull as the flywheel is at rest. Unlike traditional weights, which remain fixed, the StrengthErg’s air-based resistance dynamically responds to your effort.

• Push harder and faster → Greater force → More resistance 
• Push slower and with less effort → Lower force → Less resistance 

This means you control the intensity of every rep, allowing for adaptive and scalable training. 

Work on the StrengthErg 
Work = Force × Distance 

Work is the force applied over a distance. On the StrengthErg, Work is measured in kilogram-meters. For example, you will see 50kg-m if you move 10 kilograms over 5 meters. Work is a combination of: 

• The average force you apply during each rep multiplied by how far you move the handle or footplate. 

Real-World Work: Lifting and Moving a Heavy Box 
Imagine lifting a heavy box from the floor and moving it to another room. 

• If you struggle and cannot lift the box, you are applying force but not doing work. 
• If you repeatedly lift lighter boxes and carry them to another room equal distance away, you can achieve the same total work but with less force per lift. For example, moving a 10 kg box, 10 meters away is 100 kg-m of Work. You would need to do this 10 times to perform the same amount of work to carry a 100 kg box the same distance. 
• If you successfully lift the box and carry it to another room, you have applied force over a distance and performed work. For example, moving a 100 kg box, 10 meters away is 1,000 kg-m of Work. 

This is exactly how the StrengthErg works. You can complete the same amount of work in different ways by varying force, distance, and reps. 

Why Force and Work Matter on the StrengthErg 
Unlike traditional weights, where progress is measured by increasing weight or reps, the StrengthErg also allows you to measure progress with the following metrics: 

•  Work per rep, set, and session 
•  Speed and force application per movement 
•  Time required to complete a set amount of work 

On high-intensity days, your goal might be to complete more work in less time by increasing speed. On lower-intensity days, you might take more time to complete the same amount of work, emphasizing endurance and consistency. 

By tracking force and work with ErgData, the StrengthErg provides a data-driven, scalable approach to strength training—helping you train smarter and perform better.