{"id":621964,"date":"2026-08-05T15:10:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T15:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/621964\/"},"modified":"2026-08-05T15:10:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T15:10:14","slug":"oprah-72-swears-by-the-skierg-for-full-body-strength-and-endurance-heres-how-to-try-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/621964\/","title":{"rendered":"Oprah, 72, swears by the SkiErg for full-body strength and endurance \u2013 here’s how to try it"},"content":{"rendered":"

At 72, Oprah Winfrey always makes time for movement in her busy routine. The talk show host often shares insights into her fitness routine \u2013 including doing a 72-minute workout<\/a> on her 72nd birthday \u2013 and has discussed the importance of doing regular exercise while using GLP-1 medication<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Oprah has a varied workout routine but recently revealed that there\u2019s one specific full-body, low-impact form of exercise that she swears by: the SkiErg \u2013 a cardio machine that replicates the movement of Nordic cross-country skiing. In fact, she loves it so much she bought one for her own home. <\/p>\n

\u2018I did five of these for one minute yesterday,\u2019 Oprah revealed in a video posted on Instagram<\/a>, referring to a SkiErg workout in which she performed five one-minute intervals with rests in between. <\/p>\n

Why is the SkiErg so effective?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018The SkiErg is one of the most effective pieces of cardio equipment because it combines cardiovascular training with full-body muscular work,\u2019 explains personal trainer and health coach Ian Northcott<\/a>, who specialises in training people over 40. <\/p>\n

\u2018Unlike many machines that mainly target the legs, the SkiErg recruits the legs, glutes, core, back, shoulders<\/a> and arms in one coordinated movement, making it an efficient way to improve fitness,\u2019 he adds. <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s also a low-impact exercise, making it suitable for many people who want an intense workout without the repeated impact associated with running.\u2019<\/p>\n

SkiErg mistakes to avoid <\/strong><\/p>\n

As for how to get the most out of the workout? \u2018The power should come from a coordinated movement beginning with the hips and core before the arms finish the pull \u2013 think of it as a full-body movement rather than an arm workout,\u2019 notes Northcott. \u2018The biggest mistake beginners make is pulling almost entirely with the arms.\u2019<\/p>\n

\"skiergTom Werner\/\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

View it as a full-body movement rather than an arm workout, says Northcott<\/p>\n

\u2018Maintain a neutral spine, avoid rounding the back and allow the knees and hips to bend naturally,\u2019 he advises. \u2018Smooth, controlled strokes are far more effective than simply trying to pull as hard as possible.\u2019<\/p>\n

SkiErg tips for beginners<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ready and raring to go? Great, but Northcott recommends taking some time to master the technique before you get into it.<\/p>\n

\u2018Start with technique before intensity \u2013 five to 10 minutes of easy practice is enough to learn the movement,\u2019 he says. <\/p>\n

\u2018Once comfortable, try intervals such as 30 seconds of work followed by 60 seconds of easy recovery for six to eight repetitions, or simply move continuously for 10-15 minutes at a comfortable pace where conversation is still possible.\u2019<\/p>\n

Indeed, noting the challenging nature of the workout, Oprah started with 30-second intervals before progressing. <\/p>\n

\u2018As fitness improves, gradually increase either the duration or the intensity \u2013 but not both at the same time,\u2019 notes Northcott. \u2018Two or three SkiErg sessions per week are sufficient for most people alongside strength training<\/a> and other cardiovascular exercise.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018The SkiErg works well as a standalone cardiovascular workout, a warm-up before strength training or as part of a circuit,\u2019 he adds. If you do it as part of the latter, Northcott says it works well with lower-body movements.<\/p>\n

\u2018Because SkiErg is full body, it complements lower-body-dominant exercises such as squats<\/a> and cycling<\/a> particularly well,’ he explains.<\/p>\n

One of our most frequently asked questions here at <\/strong>Women\u2019s Health<\/strong>? How to build muscle and burn fat at the same time. So, we asked superstar trainer <\/strong>Oyinda Okunowo<\/strong><\/a> exactly how to do it. In this 4-week plan \u2013 created exclusively for <\/strong>Women\u2019s Health<\/strong> COLLECTIVE members \u2013 you\u2019ll get the workouts and nutrition guidance needed to help you on your way to better body composition. Tap the link below to unlock 14 days of free access to Oyinda’s plan and start training today.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get the plan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"oyinda<\/a>\"Headshot<\/p>\n

Hannah Bradfield is a Senior Health and Fitness Writer for Women\u2019s Health UK. An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Hannah graduated from Loughborough University with a BA in English and Sport Science and an MA in Media and Cultural Analysis. \u00a0She has been covering sports, health and fitness for the last five years and has created content for outlets including BBC Sport, BBC Sounds, Runner\u2019s World and Stylist. She especially enjoys interviewing those working within the community to improve access to sport, exercise and wellness. Hannah is a 2024 John Schofield Trust Fellow and was also named a 2022 Rising Star in Journalism by The Printing Charity. \u00a0A keen runner, Hannah was firmly a sprinter growing up (also dabbling in long jump) but has since transitioned to longer-distance running. While 10K is her favoured race distance, she loves running or volunteering at parkrun every Saturday, followed, of course, by pastries. She\u2019s always looking for fun new runs and races to do and brunch spots to try.<\/p>\n