Rowing machine or an Elliptical/Cross trainer
Discussion
Agree with most of the above posters - The concept 2 is the only option. Great peices of kit, and you can get really fit with one.
The problem with x-trainers is that they are by their nature, not an intense machine to use. You can go like the clappers on them if you like, but it's ungainly and not really what they're for. It's easy to go forever and burn some calories, but if you want a proper workout that's going to get your actually fit the C2 is a much much better choice.
If you think purely about mucles activation, and range of motion - think about the angles through flexion and extenion the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders go through on a rower and compare it to a x-trainer.
As a UKSCA Accredited, MSc holding Strength and Conditioning Coach there would be very very few times I'd prescribe a x-trainer (injured, post-surgery/injury/rehab, ROM problems) whereas a rower gets plenty of attention.
The problem with x-trainers is that they are by their nature, not an intense machine to use. You can go like the clappers on them if you like, but it's ungainly and not really what they're for. It's easy to go forever and burn some calories, but if you want a proper workout that's going to get your actually fit the C2 is a much much better choice.
If you think purely about mucles activation, and range of motion - think about the angles through flexion and extenion the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders go through on a rower and compare it to a x-trainer.
As a UKSCA Accredited, MSc holding Strength and Conditioning Coach there would be very very few times I'd prescribe a x-trainer (injured, post-surgery/injury/rehab, ROM problems) whereas a rower gets plenty of attention.
TheBALDpuma said:
Agree with most of the above posters - The concept 2 is the only option. Great peices of kit, and you can get really fit with one.
The problem with x-trainers is that they are by their nature, not an intense machine to use. You can go like the clappers on them if you like, but it's ungainly and not really what they're for. It's easy to go forever and burn some calories, but if you want a proper workout that's going to get your actually fit the C2 is a much much better choice.
If you think purely about mucles activation, and range of motion - think about the angles through flexion and extenion the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders go through on a rower and compare it to a x-trainer.
As a UKSCA Accredited, MSc holding Strength and Conditioning Coach there would be very very few times I'd prescribe a x-trainer (injured, post-surgery/injury/rehab, ROM problems) whereas a rower gets plenty of attention.
You can perform some very intense workouts with an eliptical. Set it to a tough program and then add more 'incline'. Believe me, it's as tough as you can want. Effectively you can run up a very steep hill for as long as you want and that's also including working out your back and arms, it's a total workout.The problem with x-trainers is that they are by their nature, not an intense machine to use. You can go like the clappers on them if you like, but it's ungainly and not really what they're for. It's easy to go forever and burn some calories, but if you want a proper workout that's going to get your actually fit the C2 is a much much better choice.
If you think purely about mucles activation, and range of motion - think about the angles through flexion and extenion the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders go through on a rower and compare it to a x-trainer.
As a UKSCA Accredited, MSc holding Strength and Conditioning Coach there would be very very few times I'd prescribe a x-trainer (injured, post-surgery/injury/rehab, ROM problems) whereas a rower gets plenty of attention.
Silver993tt said:
ou can perform some very intense workouts with an eliptical. Set it to a tough program and then add more 'incline'. Believe me, it's as tough as you can want. Effectively you can run up a very steep hill for as long as you want and that's also including working out your back and arms, it's a total workout.
It's all relative. If you find working on a cross trainer tough, try spending the same time on a C2 or running. Or try actually "running up a very steep hill for as long as you want" - you won't last half the time. It's not my opinion, it's fact that a C2 is harder work than a cross trainer and if your capable is a much better option.
TheBALDpuma said:
It's all relative. If you find working on a cross trainer tough, try spending the same time on a C2 or running. Or try actually "running up a very steep hill for as long as you want" - you won't last half the time.
It's not my opinion, it's fact that a C2 is harder work than a cross trainer and if your capable is a much better option.
I do a lot of running and the eliptical can be programmed to be much, much harder. It also won't do long term damage to the back.It's not my opinion, it's fact that a C2 is harder work than a cross trainer and if your capable is a much better option.
Silver993tt said:
I do a lot of running and the eliptical can be programmed to be much, much harder. It also won't do long term damage to the back.
Your not making a proper comparison. A cross trainer can be programmed to be harder than a steady jog or even a run. But then make your run harder, say repeated max effort hill sprints and a cross trainer will not come close. If it does then you're doing your running wrong. There really is no point in arguing about it as just because you find a cross trainer hard doesn't mean it's more work, harder or better than a rower.
I'm not trying to have a go but as an experienced coach I do know what I'm taking about and want to give the right advice on training kit.
ETA a C2 won't damage your back either. Even if you use it wrong you'd struggle to do any damage.
TheBALDpuma said:
ETA a C2 won't damage your back either. Even if you use it wrong you'd struggle to do any damage.
I've always wondered about this - when you deadlift, they always talk about good form even if just using the bar. But most people who use a rowing machine don't think about form yet you hardly hear of anyone injuring themselves. What's your thoughts?TheBALDpuma said:
Your not making a proper comparison. A cross trainer can be programmed to be harder than a steady jog or even a run. But then make your run harder, say repeated max effort hill sprints and a cross trainer will not come close. If it does then you're doing your running wrong.
There really is no point in arguing about it as just because you find a cross trainer hard doesn't mean it's more work, harder or better than a rower.
I'm not trying to have a go but as an experienced coach I do know what I'm taking about and want to give the right advice on training kit.
ETA a C2 won't damage your back either. Even if you use it wrong you'd struggle to do any damage.
Of course you can program a CT for hill sprints and intervals, that's what it's actually very good at. The difference is it also works your upper body at the same time.There really is no point in arguing about it as just because you find a cross trainer hard doesn't mean it's more work, harder or better than a rower.
I'm not trying to have a go but as an experienced coach I do know what I'm taking about and want to give the right advice on training kit.
ETA a C2 won't damage your back either. Even if you use it wrong you'd struggle to do any damage.
MurderousCrow said:
It's anecdotal, but I've never seen anyone come off an elliptical and puke or pass out 
That's a plus point as being sick whilst training is not a good sign and indicates the wrong type of exercise being taken or th eperson doing it is totally unfit and overdoing the training. Silver993tt said:
hat's a plus point as being sick whilst training is not a good sign and indicates the wrong type of exercise being taken or th eperson doing it is totally unfit and overdoing the training.
Yes you are almost certainly correct... Fast-forward to 2:55 to watch two very unfit fellas nearly passing out after a session on the Concept 2 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4OflmzVdOI
Hoofy said:
I've always wondered about this - when you deadlift, they always talk about good form even if just using the bar. But most people who use a rowing machine don't think about form yet you hardly hear of anyone injuring themselves. What's your thoughts?
You'd always coach good form, but the load through the spine is relatively low so injury rosi would be much lower than DLs. Silver993tt said:
Of course you can program a CT for hill sprints and intervals, that's what it's actually very good at. The difference is it also works your upper body at the same time.
Okay I'm getting bored of this now. C2s are much harder work and better for all round fitness than a cross trainer.
Crosstrainers are no good for intense interval work or proper fitness work. Ask any coach. Ask any trainer. They will all agree.
And of course rowing doesn't involve your Upper body.
I used to do 2 hours high intensity on a cross trailer aiming for 1500 calorie burn, lost 2 stone only used that and a treadmill. Took about a year but ending up with a 50 to 60 resting heart rate at 28.
They are perceived by people as easy but by increasibg time and intensity they work well, without any injuries.
They are perceived by people as easy but by increasibg time and intensity they work well, without any injuries.
The Spruce goose said:
I used to do 2 hours high intensity on a cross trailer aiming for 1500 calorie burn, lost 2 stone only used that and a treadmill. Took about a year but ending up with a 50 to 60 resting heart rate at 28.
They are perceived by people as easy but by increasibg time and intensity they work well, without any injuries.
Thats why I posted what I posted above you. I have used a CT for a long time now and know the results.They are perceived by people as easy but by increasibg time and intensity they work well, without any injuries.
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