We recommend a space of 8′ to 10’ long by 4’ wide, to allow the full range of motion in every direction.

The Vasa Ergometer is 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 or ocean air. If used on pool decks, we strongly recommend placing it on a dry floor during use and then storing it in a dry area with low humidity and low chlorine levels in the air.

Regular maintenance of your Vasa Ergometer is an important component of years of enjoyable, functional, and safe use. Maintenance requirements will vary considerably depending on how much use your Vasa Ergometer gets. Please read the guidelines carefully, as these recommendations are made to help you maintain your Vasa Ergometer most effectively.

Read the owner’s manual for complete details.

There are2 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

Tether Cord

Trainer Strap System

Vasa Ergometers are currently available in multiple configurations for a variety of sports-specific training.
The SUPErg 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 portable Sport Bench. (it can be used with many standard weight benches sold separately)   You can attach the Exercise Handles to perform a variety of functional exercises and 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. 

The Vasa Ergometer is 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 Ergometer.

In addition to the primary sports-specific training, you can perform a wide range of exercises on the Vasa Ergometer. 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. Make sure to order the Exercise Handles if you wish to perform these useful exercises.

Add the Trainer Strap System (accessory) to greatly increase the number of swim-specific strength exercises.

Accomplishing a complete hip roll and body rotation on any swim bench cannot be simulated perfectly. This is because 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 Swim Erg. The padded benches on Vasa Ergometer (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 find slight destabilization and greater activation of core muscles by swimming Freestyle while laying on a long Aeromat pad, a rolled up towel or placed lengthwise on the Vasa padded bench.