When BikeRowSki launched in August 2018, the goal was simple: create a barrier-free, inclusive fitness experience using the three Concept2 ergs — the BikeErg, RowErg and SkiErg — while building a strong community around movement.
What began as a new fitness concept has grown into eight studios and a thriving community.
Our programming, playlists, lighting and equipment all play a role in the experience, but the real driving force behind BikeRowSki has always been the people who walk through our doors every day.
Over the years, our members have become our greatest teachers. Their feedback, experiences and personal journeys have helped shape how we coach, program and grow.
Here are some of the biggest lessons we’ve learned since opening our doors.
1. Community Is the Real Engine
When BikeRowSki first launched, the focus was on the effectiveness of combining the BikeErg, RowErg and SkiErg.
What we didn’t fully anticipate was just how powerful the community element would become.
Members often tell us that what keeps them coming back isn’t just the workout — it’s how they feel before, during and after each class.
It’s the coaches who know their names.
It’s the accountability partners showing up for the 5:45 a.m. class.
It’s the shared high-fives after a rewarding 45-minute workout.
Heart rate awards and metres matter — but human connection matters more.
When people feel supported, welcomed and included, consistency naturally follows.
And consistency is where transformation happens.
2. Low Impact Doesn’t Mean Low Intensity
One of BikeRowSki’s founding principles was focusing on low-impact training using the three ergs.
Early on, we often had to explain that low impact doesn’t mean easy.
Members quickly realised that workouts can still be challenging and rewarding without the physical wear and tear often associated with:
- running
- plyometric training
- high-impact workouts
Over the years we’ve watched members of all ages and fitness levels improve their endurance, increase their metres and feel fitter while staying injury-free and able to train consistently.
Many members tell us that BikeRowSki helped them return to regular training after struggling with injuries elsewhere.
From runners cross-training smarter to former high-intensity gym members rediscovering longevity in their workouts, the message has been clear:
Moving well and reducing unnecessary wear and tear works.
3. Data Can Be Surprisingly Motivating
BikeRowSki was designed around measurable output and training metrics.
These include:
- metres
- stroke rate
- timed intervals
- pace
- heart rate recovery
What we’ve learned is how motivating these metrics can be when they’re presented in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Members celebrate:
- hitting personal distance milestones
- improving heart rate recovery
- rowing more efficiently
- completing more consistent training weeks
Many even share screenshots of their post-class graphs with friends and family.
The numbers aren’t about competing with others in the room.
They’re about progress compared to yesterday’s version of yourself.
When framed this way, data becomes empowering rather than intimidating.
4. Time Efficiency Matters More Than Ever
Since 2018, one theme has become clearer every year:
People are busier than ever.
Members consistently tell us they value workouts that are:
- structured
- effective
- coach-led
- delivered on time
They want to walk in, enjoy a great session and leave knowing they made the most of their time.
This feedback reinforced our commitment to purposeful programming.
Every interval, recovery and transition is designed intentionally.
When members trust the structure of a session, they can focus fully on the workout and enjoy the experience even more.
5. Fitness Is as Mental as It Is Physical
One of the most meaningful lessons we’ve learned is how important the mental benefits of exercise are for our members.
Many people describe their BikeRowSki session as:
- their daily reset
- their stress relief
- their “me time”
It’s often the 45 minutes of the day that belong entirely to them.
Over the years we’ve seen members move through major life moments — career changes, parenthood, relocations and personal challenges — with their BikeRowSki class becoming a steady and supportive constant.
The rhythm of the ergs can become a form of moving meditation.
The catch on the RowErg.
The finish on the SkiErg.
The final push on the BikeErg.
These moments often bring clarity, focus and resilience.
6. All Fitness Levels Can Train Together
When we launched our first class, one question we had was:
How would beginners and experienced athletes train in the same session?
What we’ve seen since then has been inspiring.
Because the ergs are self-paced machines, everyone can work at their own level.
A first-time member and an experienced athlete can train side by side, both challenged and both improving.
Members regularly tell us they appreciate the group atmosphere without feeling judged or out of place.
The ergs allow for instant scalability, which means sessions can be inclusive without sacrificing intensity.
Across every BikeRowSki studio, we see members of all ages, backgrounds and fitness histories progressing together.
7. Progress Looks Different for Everyone
Not every fitness win is visible.
Yes, we celebrate improved metrics and physical results but over time our members have taught us to expand how we define progress.
Progress might look like:
- someone who once avoided cardio now enjoying it
- a member showing up consistently twice a week
- improved health markers shared quietly with a coach
- increased confidence outside the studio
These stories remind us that results aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Our role isn’t to define success.
It’s simply to support each member’s version of it.
8. Consistency Always Beats Intensity
Perhaps the most important lesson of all is this:
Consistency beats intensity.
The biggest transformations rarely come from short bursts of extreme effort.
They come from steady, sustainable commitment.
Our longest-standing members are often the ones who show up week after week, month after month and year after year.
Since August 2018 we’ve watched habits compound.
A nervous first class becomes 10 sessions.
Then 50.
Then 100.
Then 250.
And sometimes even 500 classes and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on our journey since launching in 2018, one thing is clear:
BikeRowSki is more than a fitness brand.
It’s a community shaped by the people within it.
Our members have taught us to:
- coach with empathy
- program with purpose
- celebrate progress in many forms
- prioritise longevity in fitness
They’ve shown us that fitness and inclusivity can exist together, and that data and metrics can empower rather than intimidate.
To every member who has stepped onto the BikeErg, RowErg or SkiErg with us, thank you.
You’ve helped build something truly special.
And the best is still ahead.
