When a bench is used with the SpaceSaver SwimErg, we recommend a space of 8′ to 10’ long by 4’ wide, to allow the full range of motion in every direction.

All Vasa SwimErgs are designed to be used and stored in relatively dry areas with low humidity. Because of its sophisticated electronics and internal configuration, we do not recommend using or storing it for long periods of time in environments with high levels of chlorine, humidity or ocean air. If used on pool decks, we strongly recommend using it in a dry area with low humidity and low chlorine levels in the air.

Regular maintenance of your Vasa SwimErg is essential for proper function & safety. Maintenance requirements will vary considerably depending on how much use your Vasa SwimErg gets. Please read the guidelines carefully, as these recommendations will help you maintain your Vasa SwimErg most effectively.

There are 2 ways to adjust the resistance:
1. Damper Door: You can open the door in 7 increments. Setting number 1, when damper door is fully closed, provides the least resistance. It feels like swimming with a current or like paddling downstream. Setting number 7, with the door is fully open, provides the most resistance. It feels like swimming against a current or paddling upstream.
2. Flywheel: Variable wind resistance feels like the resistance of swimming in water – the harder & faster you pull, the more resistance you will feel.

Damper Door

Flywheel

Vasa Ergometers are currently available in multiple configurations for a variety of sports-specific training.

The SpaceSaver SwimErg is wall-mounted and specifically designed to save floor space and for versatility. It comes with exercise handles and swim paddles.  For swimming, the best option is the Vasa Sport Bench.  You can attach the Exercise Handles to perform a variety of functional exercises and optional Ankle Straps for leg exercises.

The standard SwimErg and KayakErg are freestanding configurations.  They are perfect for swimmers, triathletes, surfers and paddlers who have the space and prefer the features of these models over the wall-mounted Erg. 

All Vasa SwimErgs are simple to use, sturdy in construction and completely safe for use by people of all ages and abilities. It is easy to determine a safe operating resistance. If your children safely play on a jungle gym or other playground equipment, then they’ll safely enjoy the Vasa SwimErg.

All Vasa SwimErgs and Vasa Trainers will help you become a stronger, faster, and more powerful swimmer. You will accomplish more in less time, thanks to the high quality training they provide. If you want to see a side-by-side comparison of how each ranks by training benefit, review our Model Comparison Chart.

In addition to the primary sports-specific training, you can perform a wide range of exercises with the Vasa SpaceSaver. You can do functional training exercises for strengthening abdominals, arms, back, chest, shoulders and legs. Each exercise can be performed at a resistance setting that is appropriate for your specific need, be that strength, power, speed, endurance, rehabilitation or flexibility.

Accomplishing a complete hip roll and body rotation on any swim bench cannot exactly simulate what is possible in the water. This is because of the axis of rotation while swimming in water is a straight line through the center of your body. On a swim bench, the axis of rotation is about four inches below the stomach, which requires the swimmer to roll over, rather than with, the axis of rotation. In water, the body is buoyant, which allows the swimmer to catch the water at full arm extension and initiate the arm pull with a hip rotation by driving the opposite hip toward the bottom of the pool while pulling with the opposite arm. The hip rotation engages the core abdominal muscles and transfers that energy into the pulling arm. To a degree, swimmers can effectively condition the core muscles used in hip rotation while training on the SpaceSaver SwimErg. The padded benches on Vasa Sport Bench (and Vasa Trainer) are designed to allow the swimmer to activate and strengthen the core muscles used in hip rotation while performing Freestyle exercises. This is accomplished by simultaneously driving one hip into the padded bench just at the catch of the opposite arm. If the swimmer uses proper stroke technique, then hip rotation on the bench will activate the correct muscles of the core torso and will provide better conditioning. The difference between swimming Freestyle on the bench with and without hip rotation is quite noticeable. Swimmers can gain slight destabilization and greater activation of core muscles by swimming Freestyle while laying on a long Aeromat foam pad, a rolled up towel or yoga mat placed lengthwise on the Vasa padded bench.

Yes, it’s easy to simulate typical pool workouts using the combination of the Vasa SpaceSaver SwimErg and the Vasa Sport Bench. Many swimmers and coaches use it for intervals, timed sets or long aerobic workouts. The SwimErg allows you to do swim-specific aerobic or strength sessions effectively, on your own schedule, in the comfort of your home, or club. The gains made by using the SwimErg are easily transferred to the water.

World Masters Swimmer of the Year, Karlyn Pipes, discusses how to use the Vasa SwimErg as a substitute for the pool: