Rowing machines...

[165gt]

Anyone here use a rowing machine? Was thinking of getting one to while away some winter evenings whilst losing weight/improving fitness. Spoke to a mate who basically said not to bother with anything other than a concept 2...but we're talking about 500 squid for a second hand one, which is a little steep. A wee look on Amazon and I found this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/York-Fitness-R700-Platinum...

Obviously a much cheaper machine but looks like it'll do the job? Or, should I bite the bullet and look for a concept 2?

Don't want to spend a huge amount of money, so I'm not overly worried about the type of resistance etc. unless some really are spectacularly ste.

[BoRED S2upid]

I had one ages back most expensive clothes hanger I ever bought and they take up a load of room I'd definitely be going second hand as like me people will buy them use them a handful of times and be flogging them off cheap. I should have put the money to better use like 2 years gym membership.

[esuuv]

I only ever use them in the gym - but get a concept 2.

If you buy used - and then never use it, you'll get your money back when you come to sell it - if you buy the one you linked, you'll get zero back.

There are places that rent them out for about a tenner a week - might be a better option to rent it short term see if you use it as this is the time of year for good intentions that never get used!!

[165gt]

Thanks for the advice chaps. I know it's the time of year for short-lived best intentions but I've been considering one for a while now, so it should get used...but that's a good point about being able to resell the concept 2 if it ends up as an ornament.

[VerbalKint]

The concept 2 is the model that is found in most gyms and is also the brand of rower that seems to be the standard for world records, competitions etc. Once you get on one, you'll soon start to get competitive and start trying to beat your times. They can get under your skin a bit so to speak.

[barryrs]

I have a concept 2; ive done 1.5 million meters so far and still looks new.

It cost me a grand but they hold there value well; downside being it's size.

[Flying Penguin]

I use a Waterrower; also saves space:



http://www.rowing-machine-review.com/best-rowing-m...

Edited by Flying Penguin on Saturday 3rd January 09:32

[165gt]

That water rower looks stunning...was starting to talk myself into one but it'll be stored/used in an outdoor shed, so aesthetics take a back seat. Oh, and it's 2 and half times my initial budget!

I'll keep my eyes peeled for a good, used concept 2 and try to keep away from the water rower website!

[jellypig]

I wonder if Concept2 sell em off, nearly new, after major championships?
http://indoorchamps.britishrowing.org/ (8th Feb)

[Flying Penguin]

165gt said:

... but it'll be stored/used in an outdoor shed

... Technically speaking, same as mine, then

But I agree reg cost- point taken

[evo4a]

I have a concept 2, great machine.
Be prepared for some hard work outs. I run a lot at the moment, getting ready for a marathon, piece of piss compared to a hard row.
Rowing 2000m as hard as you can is exhausting, literally falling off the machine at the end. I rowed as an exercise regime for 2 years but in the end I found i was not looking forward to a workout so switched to running.

[Brother D]

Dont mess around. Concept 2 new or second hand, and as mentioned you can basically sell it for what you buy it for.
There's a PH wiki for rowing times

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

They are a great work out and this is a good vid on technique which is really important.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP6OR-G7AxM

Also shows how to row properly.

[CharlieGee]

Gotta be Concept 2. Once you attain a certain fitness a low intensity 40-60 minutes can be quite enjoyable. Headphones in and concentrate on technique. The desire to beat previous scores is quite a motivator too.

[Ben Jk]

Concept 2 all the way. Probably the best all round workout you can do?

They are evil, evil machines though. Especially when chasing 2k metre PB's etc.

I'd definatley rent one though first to see if you will use one! a friend of mine who spends first, thinks later, bought one. It now gathers dust in his bedroom. Expensive ornament.

[bridgdav]

I've just ordered a new Concept 2..
My first one, although I've used many others at times in the Gym.

I am recovering from a shoulder issue, similar to a torn rotator cuff, but not had any trauma or tear.
The main 2 muscles pulling the shoulder together have Fatty Straitions throughout, the docs think it's due to a nerve issue.

My Physio is costing me a small fortune.. Living in USA...! So I suggested Rowing to her, I was told that for a total body workout, especially the upper shoulders and torso, there is nothing better.

Has anyone use a Rowing machine as a form of rehabilitation..? Obviously, if the action causes pain then I'll stop.
I'm looking forward to getting back in shape after a cold winter over here, not able to get out cycling or general outdoor workouts.

Cost delivered was $945 new.

[Sway]

Yep, used to row very competitively as a schoolboy, then used a C2 to help build strength and flexibility after a broken knee (nearly ten weeks in a hip to ankle cast - my thigh looked like a dehydrated chicken wing and I initially could only get about 5 degrees of movement at the knee).

Brilliant, brilliant things.

For those who enjoy the pain of ergo sessions, see if you can get a Gjessing test - the single most evil device ever devised. Mr Gjessing would be in breach of the Geneva Convention if people didn't willingly use his kit!

Oh, there's a big difference between a 'rowing machine' and an 'ergometer'. One is a psuedo bullst exercise appliance for those for whom the impression of doing exercise is important, the other is for people who actually want to improve fitness... Same deal IMO between 'exercise bikes' compared to turbo trainers (or even better, rollers).

[Yazar]

BoRED S2upid said:

I had one ages back most expensive clothes hanger I ever bought and they take up a load of room I'd definitely be going second hand as like me people will buy them use them a handful of times and be flogging them off cheap. I should have put the money to better use like 2 years gym membership.

As above, think about why you are buying it. It is an excellent machine and probably the best all round single cardio equipment as works all mussel groups and low impact.

But you need to be into rowing. I didn't use it as didn't enjoy it, was more of a chore to me personally than a bike or treadmill, and as takes up a lot of room so sold it. Concept 2s hold there value very well though as built for life level of quality and those that do like rowing can't get enough.