Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ErgManiac, Concept2 workout tracking, and AI-powered rowing coaching.
Getting Started
What is ErgManiac?
ErgManiac is a Concept2 indoor rowing workout tracker with AI-powered coaching. It lets you log erg sessions via photo scan, Concept2 Logbook sync, or manual entry, then gives you personalized analysis and training plans.
Do I need a Concept2 rowing machine to use ErgManiac?
ErgManiac is designed specifically for Concept2 ergometers (Model D, Model E, RowErg, SkiErg, BikeErg). If you have a C2 machine with a PM3, PM4, or PM5 monitor, you can use all features including photo scan.
How do I log my first workout?
Three options: (1) Photo Scan -- take a photo of your PM5 monitor after a workout and our AI reads all the data automatically. (2) C2 Logbook Sync -- connect your Concept2 Logbook account and import workouts. (3) Manual Entry -- type in your split, distance, and time by hand.
Is ErgManiac a web app or a mobile app?
ErgManiac is a web app that works on any device with a browser -- phone, tablet, or desktop. No app store download needed. Just go to ergmaniac.com and sign up.
Can I use ErgManiac alongside ErgData?
Yes. Many rowers use ErgData for live Bluetooth tracking during workouts, then log the results to ErgManiac for AI analysis, long-term tracking, and training plans. The two apps complement each other.
Photo Scan & Tracking
How does the photo scan feature work?
After your workout, take a photo of your Concept2 PM5 monitor screen. Our AI reads the display and extracts all your workout data -- split time, distance, time, stroke rate, and even interval breakdowns. It works with single distance, single time, and interval workouts.
Which Concept2 monitors does photo scan support?
Photo scan works best with PM5 monitors. PM4 and PM3 monitors are also supported but may have lower accuracy due to screen differences. We recommend PM5 for the best experience.
Can photo scan read interval workout data?
Yes. If you scroll to the interval summary screen on your PM5 and take a photo, ErgManiac reads all the individual splits, rest periods, and totals. This is one of the features that sets ErgManiac apart from manual entry apps.
What if the photo scan misreads my data?
You can edit any scanned value before saving. Photo scan accuracy is typically above 95%, but lighting, screen glare, or unusual angles can sometimes cause misreads. We are continuously improving the AI model.
Does ErgManiac sync with Concept2 Logbook?
Yes. Connect your Concept2 Logbook account in settings and ErgManiac will import your workout history. New workouts sync automatically. Your meters still count toward Concept2 rankings and challenges.
AI Coach
What does the AI rowing coach do?
After every workout, the AI analyzes your performance: pacing strategy, training zone accuracy, stroke efficiency, and trends over time. It then gives you specific recommendations for your next session based on your fitness level, goals, and training history.
Can the AI create training plans?
Yes. Tell the AI your goal (e.g., improve your 2K time, build endurance, lose weight) and it generates a structured multi-week training plan tailored to your current fitness level and available training days.
Is the AI coach available 24/7?
Yes. You can chat with the AI coach anytime to ask questions about rowing technique, training zones, pacing strategy, or anything related to indoor rowing. It knows your full workout history and adapts advice accordingly.
How accurate is the AI coaching?
The AI uses your actual workout data -- not guesses -- for analysis. All metrics (pace, watts, heart rate zones, splits) are pre-computed from your real numbers before the AI interprets them. This means the analysis is grounded in facts, not hallucinated numbers.
Pricing & Account
Is ErgManiac free?
ErgManiac has a free tier that includes manual workout entry and basic history. The Pro plan adds photo scan, AI coaching, Concept2 Logbook sync, training plans, and advanced analytics. New users get a 7-day free Pro trial.
How much does ErgManiac Pro cost?
Check our pricing page for current plans. We offer monthly and annual subscriptions. Annual billing saves you money compared to monthly.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. No contracts, no cancellation fees. Cancel from your account settings and you keep Pro access until the end of your billing period. Your workout data is never deleted.
Do I need a credit card for the free trial?
No. Sign up with just an email address and start your 7-day Pro trial immediately. No credit card required.
Integrations
Does ErgManiac sync with Strava?
Yes. Connect your Strava account in settings and your ErgManiac workouts will automatically post to Strava as rowing activities with full workout details. Strava credits ErgManiac as the source with a link back to your workout.
Can I export my workout data?
Yes. You can share individual workouts via a public link with a custom OG image showing your stats. Bulk data export is also available from your account settings.
Does ErgManiac work with heart rate monitors?
ErgManiac does not connect directly to heart rate monitors during workouts. However, if your PM5 records heart rate data (via ANT+ chest strap), that data comes through when you sync from Concept2 Logbook.
Indoor Rowing
What is a good 2K erg time?
It depends heavily on age, gender, and weight. For reference: competitive male collegiate rowers target sub-6:20, while a recreational male rower under 30 might aim for 7:00-7:30. Use our Erg Percentile Calculator to see how your score compares to other rowers.
How many calories does indoor rowing burn?
Indoor rowing typically burns 400-800 calories per hour depending on intensity and body weight. The PM5 calorie count is a rough estimate. Use our Calorie Calculator for a more accurate number based on your actual watts and body weight.
What muscles does indoor rowing work?
Indoor rowing is a full-body exercise. The drive phase primarily uses legs (quads, glutes, hamstrings), core, and back (lats, rhomboids). The recovery phase uses hip flexors and abs. About 60% legs, 20% core, 20% upper body.
What drag factor should I use on the Concept2?
Most rowers perform best between 115-135 drag factor. Higher is not harder or better -- it changes the feel of the stroke. Concept2 recommends 125 for most people. Use our Drag Factor Recommender for a personalized suggestion based on your weight and experience.
What are training zones for rowing?
Common rowing training zones are: UT2 (easy aerobic, 55-70% HR max), UT1 (moderate aerobic, 70-80%), AT (anaerobic threshold, 80-85%), TR (transport/VO2max, 85-95%), and AN (anaerobic, 95-100%). Use our Training Zone Calculator to find your personal zone paces.
Free Rowing Calculators
Mentioned in the answers above -- try them out:
Still have questions?
Try ErgManiac free for 7 days or reach out to us directly.