Greg Hammond - The Cult of Rec Podcast, Episode 22

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In episode 22 of the Cult of Recreationalism podcast, co-hosts Sean Lake and I had the pleasure of sitting down with Greg Hammond, a key figure at Concept2, the renowned fitness brand best known for its rowing machines. Over the years, Greg has become the face of Concept2, bridging the gap between the company and the dynamic world of fitness, from CrossFit to action sports. This episode dives deep into Greg's journey with Concept2, his background in sports, and his unique contributions to the fitness community.

Greg Hammond: The Man Behind the Brand

Greg Hammond has been with Concept2 since 1996, marking nearly three decades of dedication to a company that has become synonymous with high-quality cardio equipment. His journey began almost by accident, after a short stint in the wellness industry left him craving something more aligned with his personal values and lifestyle. "I needed a colder place than Vermont, so I went up to Maine, but all I wanted was to come back," Greg recalls. A chance trail run with Concept2’s founders led to an offer to join the team—a decision that would shape not just his career, but also the evolution of Concept2 as a fitness powerhouse.

Greg’s passion for sports is as diverse as it is deep. From cross-country running and Nordic skiing in college to rugby, motocross, and mountain biking, Greg has always been active. This broad spectrum of athletic interests has uniquely positioned him to understand the needs of athletes from various disciplines, which has been instrumental in his role at Concept2.

The Evolution of Concept2 Under Greg’s Influence

When Greg joined Concept2, the company was already well-known in the rowing community, but its reach was relatively narrow. Over time, Greg played a crucial role in expanding the brand’s footprint into new markets, most notably CrossFit. He shared how he was one of the early adopters of CrossFit, introduced to the methodology by none other than Greg Glassman and Dave Castro. Greg’s understanding of the CrossFit community’s needs led to the development of features that are now standard on Concept2 machines, like the calorie count on the monitors—a feature originally met with skepticism from Concept2’s founders but now widely embraced.

One of the more memorable anecdotes from the podcast was about the Concept2 rower that traveled through the hands of elite military personnel, enduring grueling conditions in both Afghanistan and Iraq. This machine, after being nearly destroyed, was sent back to Concept2, where it was restored to its former glory. This story is a testament to the durability of Concept2 products and the brand's commitment to supporting military and adaptive athletes​.

Concept2's Impact on the Fitness Industry

Under Greg’s watch, Concept2 has become more than just a rowing brand. The introduction of the SkiErg and BikeErg has allowed the company to tap into the growing trends of functional fitness and HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training). Greg explained that these machines are designed to be versatile and to meet the needs of a broad range of users, from professional athletes to weekend warriors looking to improve their health. "If your choice of cardio machine has the ability to increase muscular adaptation and build strength as well as increase cardio, it’s a win-win," Greg mentioned during the podcast​.

The Personal Side of Greg Hammond

Beyond his professional life, Greg is an avid jiu-jitsu practitioner and enjoys spending time on the beach in Mexico with his family. He speaks fondly of how these activities help him maintain balance in his life and keep him grounded amidst the demands of his career. Despite his success, Greg remains approachable and committed to the fitness community, often picking up the phone himself to help customers with their inquiries.

Episode 22 of the Cult of Recreationalism podcast provides a comprehensive look into the life and career of Greg Hammond. His influence on Concept2 and the broader fitness industry cannot be overstated. Whether you're a CrossFit enthusiast, a military athlete, or just someone looking to improve your fitness, Greg’s insights and the story of Concept2 offer valuable lessons in dedication, innovation, and the importance of staying true to your roots.