JTX Ignite AirX Cross Country Ski-Erg Machine
JTX Ignite AirX Skier helps train for cross-country skiing in your home.
The JTX Ignite AirX Skier SkiErg machine helps you train for cross-country skiing in your home
And as well as getting fit for the ski season the Air X Skier is great for HYROX SkiErg training in fact it's nigh on exactly the same as the Concept2 used in Hyrox but a much more economic purchaseAir Resistance Training which replicates classic cross-country skiing
It's well known that cross-country skiing is widely accepted as one of the best cardiovascular exercises as cross-country skiing uses a large percentage of your muscle mass, and is more efficient and effective than activities using just your legs or arms on their own. It's a total body workout, and can generate a very high heart rate depending on how hard you go at it!
The low-impact nature of cross-country is really beneficial and knee-friendly when compared to running.
I am a 67-year-old 80kg male, who, after years of running, which has taken a toll on my knees, and worst of all, Plantar Fasciitis, which results in a painful heel, can still cross-country ski relatively pain free.
But it is the intense workout that cross-country can give you which increases your cardiac output (your heart's ability to pump blood) and increases your oxygen carrying capacity which is similar to VO2 max in cycling and running, and has to be said even more so when combined with altitude, and in simple layman's speak there is no better way to get fit!
I know this only too well, as always, my first handful of cross-country skating sorties at the beginning of the season are extremely tough, and my average heart rate is always way higher than running, though as one's technique gets better so your heart rate might reduce while still maintaining the same power (speed) levels.
In fact, this was my first real test of the season a few days ago when I generated an Av Hr of 150 for just under an hour.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16737854507
There's no surprise then that the ever-popular HYROX events, which combine both running and functional workout stations, feature what is known as SkiErg,
What exactly is SkiErg?
The SkiErg is a training machine that is designed to simulate the motion of cross-country skiing, promoting both cardiovascular endurance and strength. As well as being a prime training aid for cross-country skiers, it's also beneficial for swimmers as it uses some of the muscles required for front crawl, as well as helping overall technique in terms of power and timing.
Within Hyrox, the SkiErg is used by competing athletes at the very first station to cover a distance of 1000m. The dynamic air resistance system, similar to Concept2's rowing machines, can be adjusted according to the cadence and speed of the athlete's movement, so again in layman's terms, the more power you put in, and more effort, should result in the distance being achieved in a faster time than someone putting less effort in.
HYROX competitors at the SkiErg station
Photo by sportograf.com
The first HYROX workout station is 1000m on the SkiErg. This erg predominantly targets the arm, shoulder and core muscles; however, when done efficiently, it also involves muscles in the lower body – making the SkiErg a full body workout.
So how does the Ignite AirX Ski Machine complement actual cross-country skiing?
I know, as I'm sitting typing this, what muscles are aching after a severe beasting. yesterday.
The great thing about cross-country skiing is that it is a full-on body workout, working nearly all the major multiple muscle groups, legs, core, arms and back, as well as the most important one of the lot, the heart.
Cross-country skiing is actually split between two disciplines, Skating and Classic, where Skating is precisely that, which you can see in the image below and in the video, in that you use a skating motion with your legs and then use your poles to help propel yourself more. In fact, on flatter terrain you practise the Skating technique without poles, and then introduce the poles later. It really is very much like swimming front crawl where good technique can surpass brute strength and fitness.
And then Classic skiing is where you push yourself along in the tracks/grooves/rails that you can see on the side of the cross-country piste. For most it's very much an upper body core workout, though those with a good technique using the legs to almost skip along in the rails can go just as quick as an intermediate skater as I know only too well :)
So the upper body workout when using the ski machine is very similar to that employed in Classic skiing, as it's working the upper body muscle groups of the biceps and triceps, which produce the power behind each push. Similarly, with skaters, when we use the double-pole/V2 technique, a myriad of core muscles, including the pectoralis major, deltoids, and latissimus dorsi, are used to the point that you can feel lactic acid building.
And then there is the caloric burn rate, as cross-country skiing is often cited as the sport that tops all others when it comes to burning calories.
I've actually looked at my Strava for the last 10km I 'raced' earlier this year, 49:05 and 714 calories, which was quick for someone of my vintage. I had nothing left in my tank and was well into the 'red zone' compared to a non-race workout, which still burnt 875 calories.
If you look at the video below, which at the start shows XC Skating, you'll see the whole body movement which the Ignite AirX Skier gives you, and a description of the workout.
In the images below are of Classic cross-country skiing, you'll see the similarities. This is a link to the actual video that the stills are taken from.
Like all state of the art fitness machines there is a console with real-time feedback on time, distance, calories, watts, strokes per minute, and drag factor, connecting seamlessly to the Polar H10 chest strap for accurate heart rate readings and zone training.
The machine can be freestanding or wall-mounted, and comes with a two-year in-home repair warranty that includes all parts and labour.
The price is £749 for floor-standing and £645 for wall-mounted, compared to the Concept2 SkiErg with floor Stand which is £1,050.
If you quote STYLE10 you'll also be able to obtain 10% discount across the whole range of JTX Ignite AirX Range | Air Resistance Machines
For more details and FAQs, such as whether it needs electricity (no) and pricing, check here.
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