What to look for in a rowing machine?
Discussion
Right, along with my other thread, I need to lose weight/get fitter.
I went to the gym with my mate back in leeds for about 2-3 months and was starting to enjoy it before I got sent to Italy. I used to like the rowing machine. Cycling wasn't really for me (and strength-wise my legs are fine) Running either bored/hurt me, and I liked the rower because it was decent exercise that I was capable of doing, which also had a strength aspect. (I used to see how long I could keep the pace between 2:45/500m and 3:00/500m. I was getting to around 35 minutes, which I was proud of)
Now I'm over here, I'd like to try to get back into shape. However, I will find 100 reasons to not go to a gym, especially now I live on my own, so I've thought about getting a rowing machine for the flat. I don't know what I should be looking for. there's magnetic/liquid/air resistance, etc. I'm looking at spending around £150.
I know I want one with the circular drum at one end and the rope with a t piece and slidey bum-plate, not the ones with mock "oars". but aside from that I'm lost.
I went to the gym with my mate back in leeds for about 2-3 months and was starting to enjoy it before I got sent to Italy. I used to like the rowing machine. Cycling wasn't really for me (and strength-wise my legs are fine) Running either bored/hurt me, and I liked the rower because it was decent exercise that I was capable of doing, which also had a strength aspect. (I used to see how long I could keep the pace between 2:45/500m and 3:00/500m. I was getting to around 35 minutes, which I was proud of)
Now I'm over here, I'd like to try to get back into shape. However, I will find 100 reasons to not go to a gym, especially now I live on my own, so I've thought about getting a rowing machine for the flat. I don't know what I should be looking for. there's magnetic/liquid/air resistance, etc. I'm looking at spending around £150.
I know I want one with the circular drum at one end and the rope with a t piece and slidey bum-plate, not the ones with mock "oars". but aside from that I'm lost.
t, that's the only problem. Its something that will break quickly due to the nature of use..Nothing compares to a Concept2 (and I would not buy a cheap one), they are bloody expensive however (£1k+ new) but come up on ebay for just over 1/2 that. I would go for a model c or newer.
There are various things to aim for, split training into distance at a lower intensity (e.g. 5km or 30min/2x 15min with stretching) and shorter interval (e.g. 6x 500m) and then test yourself with a 2km piece to find out how you're doing.
I would probably say that sub 8mins for 2km is a fit person although I have been training with some people who are in a different league.
It's also worth ensuring that you have the correct technique as so often you see people in the gym flailing around uselessly. I am hesitant to say ask a gym instructor as I have heard some utter garbage spouted, a friendly rowing club or a friend/aquaintance who rows would probably be willing to give a session or two coaching. The difference between good and bad technique could take 30sec per 500m off.
There are various things to aim for, split training into distance at a lower intensity (e.g. 5km or 30min/2x 15min with stretching) and shorter interval (e.g. 6x 500m) and then test yourself with a 2km piece to find out how you're doing.
I would probably say that sub 8mins for 2km is a fit person although I have been training with some people who are in a different league.
It's also worth ensuring that you have the correct technique as so often you see people in the gym flailing around uselessly. I am hesitant to say ask a gym instructor as I have heard some utter garbage spouted, a friendly rowing club or a friend/aquaintance who rows would probably be willing to give a session or two coaching. The difference between good and bad technique could take 30sec per 500m off.
crofty1984 said:
OK, I'll go to 250. Looking at ebay, etc. I can't see many in that price range still. Even second hand.
What's the Halfords professional of rowing machines? You know, not as good as snap-on, but good enough for the common man.
Gym membership. What's the Halfords professional of rowing machines? You know, not as good as snap-on, but good enough for the common man.
(There isn't one, although the local rag occasionally has people selling them who don't appreciate them. Also a C2 is unlikely to depreciate much)
Another vote for a Concept 2 (Version C and beyond). Worth every penny in getting fit, measuring & recording performance and I guess has a reasonable resale value too if you get fed up of looking at it in teh spare bedroom.
Also, check out the huge community on the Concept2 website for advice, training plans, motivation etc.
Also, check out the huge community on the Concept2 website for advice, training plans, motivation etc.
Gold said:
I would probably say that sub 8mins for 2km is a fit person although I have been training with some people who are in a different league.
That's interesting, I usually start with 2km on the concept 2 as a warm up and without going all out to set a fast time, just being consistent I usually get 8:10 - 8:20 for the 2km. I'm at the gym every day but wouldn't class myself as massively fit.
Muncher said:
Gold said:
I would probably say that sub 8mins for 2km is a fit person although I have been training with some people who are in a different league.
That's interesting, I usually start with 2km on the concept 2 as a warm up and without going all out to set a fast time, just being consistent I usually get 8:10 - 8:20 for the 2km. I'm at the gym every day but wouldn't class myself as massively fit.8.10-20 is quite good for a warmup.
Edited by Gold on Tuesday 14th October 17:41
2something said:
Once you're around the 8min for 2km area it gets a lot lot harder to get quicker.
There is a lot of difference between rowing at say 1:55 per 500m and 1:50 per 500m for 2km, even thought it's a measly 20 seconds overall ...
Yeah, I fully expect it to be tough to get that down!There is a lot of difference between rowing at say 1:55 per 500m and 1:50 per 500m for 2km, even thought it's a measly 20 seconds overall ...
I used to row. A lot. I wouldn't consider anything other than a Concept 2. Lots around second hand and barely used.
Now, I struggle to get on them - the sound is like a dentist's drill for me (reminds me of all the hours of pain on those frickin things). Wear earphones.
Now, I struggle to get on them - the sound is like a dentist's drill for me (reminds me of all the hours of pain on those frickin things). Wear earphones.
Edited by AstonZagato on Saturday 18th October 07:41
I bought a cheap and nasty chinese made air resistance machine.
I have to say, its OK.
Having said that I got bored and decided to run instead. Plus the kids were drawn to it like a magnet and treated it like a climbing frame. Got bored of the tears when the inevitable 'off' happened.
I have to say, its OK.
Having said that I got bored and decided to run instead. Plus the kids were drawn to it like a magnet and treated it like a climbing frame. Got bored of the tears when the inevitable 'off' happened.
Apart from being more robust than other ergs, I would doubt the accuracy of any other ergs computers.
As soon as I offload a sofa in my spare room, I may even buy one myself. Although there is less of a reason because the 3 at my gym never seem to get used
Check out the concept2 website. Plenty of advice on there. The best advice I read was to lower the strokes but maintain your normal mins/500. If you can get to around 20/min, you will be sure to be using your legs enough. Do this enough and when you go back to rowing at your old strokes/min, you'll knock plenty of time off your pb. Low strokes should also help with yoour breathing.
Also having your feet at the right height makes a difference. I used to have them quite low so I could reach forward further, but since lowering them I can press my heal into the footrests to get a more powerful pull.
As soon as I offload a sofa in my spare room, I may even buy one myself. Although there is less of a reason because the 3 at my gym never seem to get used
Check out the concept2 website. Plenty of advice on there. The best advice I read was to lower the strokes but maintain your normal mins/500. If you can get to around 20/min, you will be sure to be using your legs enough. Do this enough and when you go back to rowing at your old strokes/min, you'll knock plenty of time off your pb. Low strokes should also help with yoour breathing.
Also having your feet at the right height makes a difference. I used to have them quite low so I could reach forward further, but since lowering them I can press my heal into the footrests to get a more powerful pull.
crofty1984 said:
Right, along with my other thread, I need to lose weight/get fitter.
I went to the gym with my mate back in leeds for about 2-3 months and was starting to enjoy it before I got sent to Italy. I used to like the rowing machine. Cycling wasn't really for me (and strength-wise my legs are fine) Running either bored/hurt me, and I liked the rower because it was decent exercise that I was capable of doing, which also had a strength aspect. (I used to see how long I could keep the pace between 2:45/500m and 3:00/500m. I was getting to around 35 minutes, which I was proud of)
On our Concept 2 at work (on the ship) I can do 20k in just over 20 minutes, average of about 2:03 per 500m if I remember right. I was quite proud of that, as even the youngsters onboard couldn't beat me. (I'm 48) I went to the gym with my mate back in leeds for about 2-3 months and was starting to enjoy it before I got sent to Italy. I used to like the rowing machine. Cycling wasn't really for me (and strength-wise my legs are fine) Running either bored/hurt me, and I liked the rower because it was decent exercise that I was capable of doing, which also had a strength aspect. (I used to see how long I could keep the pace between 2:45/500m and 3:00/500m. I was getting to around 35 minutes, which I was proud of)
I'd like to buy one for home use, but I don't know if I'd actually use it at home very much, so many other things to do, and the Concept 2 isn't cheap either.
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