How many calories do MTBers burn?

[Neil]

Urm....

When taking everything to the n'th degree then there is certainly substance in your argument. However in this case im more concerned with the mere mortals amongst us looking to make good strong improvements, not improve upon perfection.
You can always deconstruct an exercise into its advantages/disadvantages to a particular singular muscle, but in general - my view is that if 98% of the population cross trained, particularly on something as efficient as a Concept2, they would notice excellent fitness & strength improvements across the board.
Even my grip is stronger, thats got to help cycling off road at least!.

Indeed you will benefit most from continuously practicing a set discipline, to improve in that discipline, but as we all know, you will improve further with better nutrition, and better recovery. You also help improvement with cross training.

And as for getting bored on a rowing machine, Sure I can see how thats a possibility. However the mental challenge of sustaining a pace and overcoming a physical barrier in order to beat a time/race/distance etc is what drives me on. It feels as though you are pushing body & mind to the limit. You dont get to freewheel thats for sure.

So,
I agree...... but I disagree.
So we'll have to agree to disagree.

Hey, I'm not trying to deconstruct an argument - and in general, I agree that if most people did something like workout regularly on a concept-2, they'd see benefit. All I was really do in replying is:-

1. seek to be accurate in the various forms of exercise, and what can be claimed about them - more for others' benefit than yours, particularly, as you already seem happy to do what you do

2. and point out that never in a million years will most people use something like a concept-2, so it makes sense to put one type of exercise in the round with others and see how they all shake out

The biggest challenge for most of society, is simply finding something that many, perhaps currently inactive and / or unfit will regularly participate in; and secondly address a lot of the perhaps well-intentioned, but nevertheless inaccurate or misleading advice that there is out there, so that a lot of the pseudo-science that got out there in recent decades doesn't proliferate and misdirect another generation.

 

[KeepItSteel]

never in a million years will most people use something like a concept2

You really think? That's a fairly broad statement.
Ive gotten numerous friends hooked. Its simple to learn, but hard to master, easy to acheive gains and keep on gaining, low impact, all waether, low injury rate, easy for a quick fix or a marathon session... & very very addictive with the online logbook community challenges.

I feel my claims were fairly accurate, and not particularly misleading. You clearly have a keen interest on the subject of fitness, but the society that you are aiming to inform dont tend to have the incling or the time to study or absorb at the same level.

I think the main problem you are pointing toward is that the majority of the population are LAZY, and can't be bothered to do any form of exercise for any extended length of time.

Thats when the equation becomes very simple.
Eat less calories.
Do more of ANY exercise.

Im biased anyway, ill sing Concept2's praises till the cows come home, just like im always trying to get people out on their bikes.