Rowing machine dilemma
Discussion
I'm looking to get a rowing machine for home use. I see the prices vary immensely from 40 odd quid for a hydraulic armed thingy to 900 for an air resistance sliding seat job.
What l need to know is whehter there's much point splashing out loads, and although l am going for a slide seat one, is there any real disadvantage to a hydraulic resistance one over the air ones, that are more expensive.
Thanks in advance for any responses :)
What l need to know is whehter there's much point splashing out loads, and although l am going for a slide seat one, is there any real disadvantage to a hydraulic resistance one over the air ones, that are more expensive.
Thanks in advance for any responses :)
I'm not an expert but have used 3 or 4 different machines. They were all rubbish apart from the Concept II's. It really is worth spending the extra. You don't have to buy a new one though. A new version came out a year or two ago to the Model D so I would imagine gyms will be slowly upgrading theirs. I would expect the Model C's to be quite reasonable in the classifieds or ebay. They're built to last so as long as they're looked after they should be fine.
Whichever one you choose, make sure it has a wide range of resistance, and preferably different training options/programmes.
You'll probably need to lie down and have a nice person come and massage your aching body for the first few weeks of use, even after using the easiest settings. But once your muscles get used to being exercised, you'll want to start adding resistance and there's nothing more frustrating than using a piece of exercise equipment that doesn't challenge you.
You'll probably need to lie down and have a nice person come and massage your aching body for the first few weeks of use, even after using the easiest settings. But once your muscles get used to being exercised, you'll want to start adding resistance and there's nothing more frustrating than using a piece of exercise equipment that doesn't challenge you.
Hello
I'd say go cheap at first. You need to find out how you get on with it and indeed if you will actually stick with it... it could turn out to be a whim
been there, done that!
if you find you get on with it (rowing is excellent CV exercise, so it's worth trying), you can decide at that point if you feel like you need to get something more high tech - or if you feel like you need extras.
Fundamentally, they all do the same thing. If you feel like you want something better at a later date, just ebay the old one!
I'd say go cheap at first. You need to find out how you get on with it and indeed if you will actually stick with it... it could turn out to be a whim
been there, done that! if you find you get on with it (rowing is excellent CV exercise, so it's worth trying), you can decide at that point if you feel like you need to get something more high tech - or if you feel like you need extras.
Fundamentally, they all do the same thing. If you feel like you want something better at a later date, just ebay the old one!
Ok l think all the useful answers have come in by now.
You can tell once towman starts posting :P
I've had a look at the www.concept2.co.uk site and some reviews, decided to buy a model D new as even the model c's are going second hand for 600 quid plus on ebay.
It'll get some use as there's 3 of us who will likely use it.
Thanks all
There are also water rowers that look good. My boss has one and says its great.
www.waterrower.co.uk
www.waterrower.co.uk
I've used Concept IIs since the first model in the mid -80s when I was at school. I have a Model C at home and I still think it is the best (the new ones seem a bit lightweight).
If you are serious about getting in shape, get a COncept II. Used a few times a week, it makes a real difference.
If you are serious about getting in shape, get a COncept II. Used a few times a week, it makes a real difference.
Concept II - nothing else is worth bothering with, except maybe the water resistance ones.
I feel qualified to recommend this as I have spent a material part of my life sitting on one.
Pretty much every rowing club in the country will use Concept IIs for training. Though in truth they are only good for fitness training, they don't really help you row any better ...
I feel qualified to recommend this as I have spent a material part of my life sitting on one.
Pretty much every rowing club in the country will use Concept IIs for training. Though in truth they are only good for fitness training, they don't really help you row any better ...
I have used concepts for years and they are great - have a model D at home now
Whatever you do DONT go cheap to begin with as it will give a completely wrong impression and you will probably never want to upgrade - the difference in feel, usability, etc is completely different
Better to go to your local gym and try it a few times before buying - but beware it is not as easy as you might think. I still remember my first session after having confidently put 30 minutes on the clock, quite a high resisistance and set of at a fair old pace, only to virtually fall off the machine 10 minutes later completely exhausted
Whatever you do DONT go cheap to begin with as it will give a completely wrong impression and you will probably never want to upgrade - the difference in feel, usability, etc is completely different
Better to go to your local gym and try it a few times before buying - but beware it is not as easy as you might think. I still remember my first session after having confidently put 30 minutes on the clock, quite a high resisistance and set of at a fair old pace, only to virtually fall off the machine 10 minutes later completely exhausted
danww said:
Concept II - nothing else is worth bothering with, except maybe the water resistance ones.
I feel qualified to recommend this as I have spent a material part of my life sitting on one.
Pretty much every rowing club in the country will use Concept IIs for training. Though in truth they are only good for fitness training, they don't really help you row any better ...
I agree having spent far to many years on one, although you could try a RowPerfect if you are up for a challenge!!
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