asensei rowing

I purchased a Concept 2 rower about a year ago, and while I was using it on and off, I found it difficult to get into any kind of structured workout routine. It was difficult to get motivated to row. So, I started to look for an accompanying app, and found Asensei. I have now been using Asensei for several months (first the free trial, then the paid subscription version). For me it ticks all the right boxes. Structure, motivation, teaching technique (useful even though I rowed in college - 2 decades ago - but valuable for all experience levels), and a good variety of training plans. It integrates seamlessly with my Concept 2, and accompanying logging software (Concept 2 logbook then to Strava and Garmin Connect). It took a bit of time to get used to navigating certain parts of the app, finding the best programs etc., but overall it’s easy to use and comprehensive for my needs. I haven’t tried all of the trainers (yet), but absolutely love Eric Murray’s workouts, and have just started another of his programs. He talks just the right amount, enough to motivate but not too much to become distracting/ annoying, and the variety of his workouts helps keep the training fresh. He’s also helping me to achieve new PBs. So, while I rarely write reviews, I wanted to post this one to hopefully help others who may be looking for a tool to help take their rowing and fitness to the next level. Keep up the good work Asensei!

Yes, after two sessions I can’t wait to get on my rower again. I just bought my first rower Concept2 during this pandemic. I tried it at the gym but wasn’t really thrilled. I looked at the Hydrow, which though is beautiful , but is heavy and had way to many workout choices. I couldn’t see my saying commuted to a monthly pay service until I found Asensei. Once I got my rower it sat there for a few days. I read the manual and lethargically tried to play a game. I was looking for a coaching experience like the hydrow on a lake and then I found Asensei. I thought I will give it a try. I tried it for the first time last night and when Eric said that try rowing three times a week, I was like no way, I am coming back tomorrow before I go to the gym. Great app. Yes the pairing was confusing as my iPad was already connected to ErgData, but I figured it out. Same goes for how to find settings such that I know how to upload to Concept2 logbook. The chat setting is not the most intuitive but once you figure it out. It is okay. I will be signing up soon :)

With gyms closed in my area due to the pandemic, I decided to buy a Concept2 rower in order to stay in shape. I decided to try out asensei and was blown away with the quality of the intro workouts that I immediately purchased the lifetime membership along with Eric Murray’s rowing program. I’m a former NCAA Division 2 swimmer and water polo player and the workouts challenge me every time I strap into the rower. The coaching feedback that the app gives you while you row is perfect for helping improve your technique. I use the app on my iPad (I bought a separate iPad mount); having the display unchanged between iPhone and iPad is another quality feature. The developers are very quick to reply to any reported bug or problem. A couple improvements I would like to see in future updates is seeing your goal stroke rate and goal pace displayed above your current stroke rate and pace regardless of whether you’re meeting your goal or not. Right now it only displays if you’re not at the goal stroke rate or slower than goal pace. I’d also like to see asensei “control” the Concept2 PM5 monitor so that the PM5 mirrors asensei as much as possible (for example: having the PM5 pace boat display match the goal pace asensei sets for you, having the PM5 display your interval and rest periods during those workouts). I’ve recommended this app to all of my friends who use a rowing machine or are considering getting one. I hope that a co-op workout feature is added in the near future.