Join the Concept 2 Holiday Challenge and Make a Difference This Thanksgiving

Kelly Wilkinson
Nov 25, 2025
3 min read

The holiday season is a perfect time to combine fitness, community, and giving back. This year, the Concept 2 Holiday Challenge invites rowers and fitness enthusiasts to track their meters between Thanksgiving and Christmas. By participating, you not only push your limits but also contribute to charity. Whether you are a seasoned rower or just starting, this challenge offers motivation, rewards, and a chance to connect with others.

Check out the Coached Erg sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 pm

What Is the Concept 2 Holiday Challenge?

The Concept 2 Holiday Challenge is an annual event where participants log their rowing meters from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day. The goal is to encourage consistent exercise during the busy holiday season while supporting charitable causes.

Log 100,000 meters: Concept 2 donates to charity, and you receive a certificate of achievement.
Log 200,000 meters: You earn a special pin, and Concept 2 increases its donation to charity.

This challenge is open to all levels. You can row on any Concept 2 ergometer and track your progress through the Concept2 Logbook online platform.

How to Participate

Joining the challenge is simple:

Register on the Concept2 Logbook website.
Start rowing on Thanksgiving Day or anytime before Christmas.
Log your meters daily or after each workout.
Track your progress toward the 100K or 200K goals.
Celebrate your achievements with a certificate or pin.

The challenge encourages steady progress rather than speed. Even short daily sessions add up to impressive totals by Christmas.

Kick Off with the Thanksgiving Morning Zoom Erg

To get started and build momentum, Jackie Snyder is hosting a special Zoom Erg session on Thanksgiving morning at 7:00 AM Pacific Time. This group workout is a great way to connect with others, share motivation, and start the challenge energized.

Topic: Thanksgiving ERG
Date and Time: November 27, 2025, 7:00 AM Pacific Time
Join Zoom Meeting: Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 890 3630 0932
Passcode: 2w54GD

This session welcomes all participants, from beginners to experienced rowers. It’s a chance to start the holiday challenge together and share the spirit of community.

Why Join the Holiday Challenge?

The Concept 2 Holiday Challenge offers more than just a fitness goal. Here are some reasons to get involved:

Stay active during the holidays: The season can disrupt routines. This challenge keeps you moving.
Support charity: Your meters translate into donations, helping those in need.
Earn recognition: Certificates and pins celebrate your dedication.
Connect with others: Join a global community of rowers and fitness lovers.
Build healthy habits: Regular rowing improves cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance.

Even if you can only row a few thousand meters a day, your effort contributes to a larger cause.

Tips for Success in the Challenge

To make the most of the Concept 2 Holiday Challenge, consider these practical tips:

Set a daily meter goal: Break down 100,000 or 200,000 meters into manageable daily targets.
Mix workouts: Combine steady-state rowing with intervals to keep sessions interesting.
Track progress regularly: Use the Concept2 Logbook app or website to stay motivated.
Join group sessions: Participate in the Thanksgiving Zoom Erg and other community events.
Listen to your body: Rest when needed to avoid injury or burnout.

Consistency matters more than intensity. Small, regular efforts add up.

How the Charity Aspect Works

Concept 2 donates to charity based on the total meters rowed by participants. When you reach 100,000 meters, a donation is made, and it increases if you reach 200,000 meters. This model turns your personal fitness journey into a collective impact.

The specific charities supported vary each year, but they typically focus on health, wellness, and community support. This adds an extra layer of meaning to your workouts.

What You Get from the Challenge

Besides the satisfaction of contributing to charity, participants receive:

Certificates for reaching 100,000 meters
Pins for reaching 200,000 meters
Recognition in the Concept2 community
Improved fitness and well-being

These rewards celebrate your commitment and encourage you to keep rowing beyond the holidays.