What does ergometer mean?
An ergometer is a device that measures the mechanical work a person performs during physical exercise. The term covers laboratory instruments used by physiologists — most notably cycle ergometers, in which resistance against pedalling is precisely calibrated — as well as machines built around specific sports, the rowing ergometer being by far the best known. In sports science, ergometers allow researchers and coaches to quantify power output, endurance, and fitness under controlled conditions, making them standard tools for testing athletes and studying metabolism. Outside the laboratory, the word belongs firmly to the world of competitive rowing, where training on 'the erg' is a rite of passage and indoor racing on ergometers is a recognised discipline in its own right. Derived from Greek roots meaning 'work measurer', the term conveys precision and scientific rigour, yet its affectionate abbreviation gives it a distinctly athletic, insider feel.
nounAn instrument or device that measures the amount of work a person performs during physical exertion; especially a machine such as a rowing machine that simulates the motions of a sport while recording the user's power output.
- An apparatus used in physiology and sports science to measure the work performed by muscles during exercise, such as a cycle or rowing ergometer.
- A piece of exercise equipment, especially a rowing machine, designed to simulate the action of a sport while quantifying the effort expended.
"The coach had each athlete complete a 2,000-metre test on the ergometer before finalising the crew."
"Participants cycled at a fixed intensity on an ergometer while researchers measured oxygen consumption."
"He spends every winter morning on the ergometer, logging thousands of metres to prepare for the regatta season."
Standard plural; the singular is used when referring to the type of machine generically, while the plural denotes individual devices.
"The gym was fitted out with six new ergometers."
Rowers call their beloved torture device simply 'the erg' — and the name literally means 'work measurer' in Greek.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ergometer
The word ergometer derives from the Greek noun 'ergon', meaning work, combined with '-meter', from 'metron', meaning measure. It was coined in scientific contexts of the nineteenth century as physiologists sought instruments to quantify muscular output. The same root 'ergon' appears in English words such as energy, synergy, and liturgy, all carrying the underlying sense of work or activity. Its modern association with rowing machines dates from the twentieth century, when purpose-built devices were developed to train and test oarsmen indoors.
How ergometer is actually used
The word has formal currency in physiology and sports-science contexts but is common everyday vocabulary among rowers, who often abbreviate it to 'erg'. In rowing circles 'doing an erg' can mean both using the machine and completing a timed test on it.
Easily confused with ergometer
Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and workplaces to fit human use, whereas an ergometer is a device for measuring physical work output.