Over the past 2-3 months since I haven't been able to exercise much I feel like I've withered away and have gotten very weak. Running isn't really an option for me yet as I'm still having some pain in my arm/shoulder, sometimes even when walking around. Basically anything that has a lot of impact results in a lot of pain.

I'm interested in purchasing a rowing machine, mainly because it's a great way to get a cardio workout along with hitting most of your major muscle groups. This comes from a recommendation from my physical therapist in CA.

I figured since this was TWW (where everyone has an opinion ) that someone who was familiar with rowing could offer their advice on the best way to get started and what kind of rowing machine I should take a look at.

As far as the rowers, I see the prices are all over the board, ranging from generic rowers at $150 - $250 all the way up to $1300 and beyond for some of the professional-grade rowers. I've heard nothing but good things about the Concept2 rowers, as they have become the de-facto rower for health clubs and college rowing teams. These are all for air-resistance rowers, but some of the pricier ones use a water-based resistance.

Thanks

8/11/2009 8:54:35 AM

Umm, you know rowing requires arm/shoulder movement right? And if you do it properly ( and fast) it is pretty good cardio.

8/11/2009 9:12:28 AM

My PT is going to put me in contact with someone who develops adaptive devices for rowers, most likely it will be in the form of a harness to help me balance the handle on the left side.

8/11/2009 9:20:09 AM

How to get started? Slowly build up your intenisity and/or time. You can also work on sprints and speed work after a while.... The same concept as you applied to your running, but using a rower.

I'd definitely look at concept 2's. Although, one of the CSCS's I know loves water rowers. Stalk craigslist for a good used one to pop up.

[Edited on August 11, 2009 at 9:55 AM. Reason : ]

8/11/2009 9:54:17 AM

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/spo/1316708061.html

8/11/2009 9:56:37 AM

i love the rowing machine

all i can say to you is that i hate the ones where the seat AND the footrests are both able to slide, those are very difficult for me


i prefer just a free handle with fixed footrests

the rowing machine should definitely wear out your abs, chest, shoulders, back, and legs it is total body

[Edited on August 11, 2009 at 10:51 AM. Reason : d]

8/11/2009 10:49:59 AM

I love Concept2 Rowers. I've never used any of the cheaper ones, so I don't know what to tell you about them. They are definitely a great thing to add to your workout. I love doing 500M sprints, 2x1000M rows, and the occasional 1x2000M with the resistance around 7-9. I'd probably lower the resistance and do some longer rows for cardio if I had one at the house.

8/11/2009 12:24:42 PM

rowing machines are what I'd always use at the gym. So much so I did get one for myself (Integrity Air 3000). It works well; row for ~45 minutes every other night to The Daily Show and Colbert Report (gotta have that routine), and its a good workout. Its even better if you enjoy rowing/paddling in a canoe/kayak/rowboat as well, it gives it a better feel I think

Agree with what BHS says, I prefer machines that have fixed footrests. My machine's footrests rock, so that isn't too bad, but the strap to the foot doesn't hold the greatest. Another strap would fix that through.

I can sometimes row with just one arm holding the bar in the middle, so I'm sure having something adapt for someone with one arm wouldn't be too difficult.

8/12/2009 12:02:40 AM

lol, I row so hard sometimes my chest gets bruises from the bar smacking it.

8/12/2009 12:07:30 AM

I went ahead and purchased a new Concept2 Model E so I could get a few of the upgraded components, like the PM4 monitor and the heart-rate chest belt.

It should be here next week and am trying to schedule an appointment with a guy to help me build an adaptive device to help me use the rower better.

This is the first time I've been excited in a long, long time

8/12/2009 3:45:52 PM

Quote :

" I feel like I've withered away"

not surprising for someone with 1 eye and 1 arm

(sorry, I couldn't help myself )

8/12/2009 5:55:31 PM

when i make it to the gym, i always try to get a tread mill behind the rowing machines...love to see those hot male backs

8/12/2009 6:23:34 PM

Quote :

"all i can say to you is that i hate the ones where the seat AND the footrests are both able to slide, those are very difficult for me"

8/12/2009 6:32:45 PM

Sit up straight.
push back with your legs, don't pull back w/your arms.
It's all about form.
If your form sucks you're gonna hurt a lot worse than you'd expect.
I always hated erg work outs.
But found if you lift weights to strengthen your back
that will also help.

Good luck.

8/17/2009 10:33:24 PM

It was delivered yesterday, and I have a friend coming over late this morning to help me put it together.

I'm also headed up to Louisville next week to an adaptive rowing center to get fitted with a custom rowing harness (I'm assuming that's what it will be) and trained on how to use it and how to row properly.

This is going to be cool.

8/22/2009 8:32:20 AM

so what happened to your arm again (i assume you are referring to the one you have still right?)

as for which to get i really have no idea, i use the row machine at the duke gym for warm up and cool down for lifting. 1k and 500m respectively but i never really push it much on there

8/25/2009 12:26:54 PM

I'm really liking this thing. So far I've logged about 50km since I started about a week ago.

I found a cool training plan online that I'm trying to follow to help me build up speed and endurance. I just finished week 1. My split (500m) times are around 2:19, not so great yet. Although I am down from 2:45+ when I first started... But I'm just getting started so I expect it to go down to about 2:00

http://thepeteplan.wordpress.com/beginner-training/

9/13/2009 10:09:42 PM

hey, how much did u end up paying for the machine?

9/13/2009 11:10:22 PM

I bought the Concept 2 Model E http://tinyurl.com/q6b9kf

$1260 + $50 shipping = $1310

9/13/2009 11:23:45 PM

I have to say I am impressed with how much ya'll love the rowing machines...try the real thing. I promise you that you will never want to go back to the machines. Also, there are loads of adaptive equipment for real rowing shells.

9/15/2009 5:59:41 PM

i use the ones my gym has, and i love it, but i cant keep my feet in the foot rests. its a huge pain in the ass and messes up my workout

9/15/2009 7:07:36 PM

joe#s, good find on that blog


I might actually start using that; I was using other shit I found online (or just winging it), but that looks promising...

[Edited on September 15, 2009 at 10:47 PM. Reason : can't forget the 's']

9/15/2009 10:47:43 PM

Quote :

"i use the ones my gym has, and i love it, but i cant keep my feet in the foot rests. its a huge pain in the ass and messes up my workout"

i tried doing it without the straps on my feet once, and it was awful.

just hit my 100,000m mark this afternoon

Quote :

"I have to say I am impressed with how much ya'll love the rowing machines...try the real thing. I promise you that you will never want to go back to the machines. Also, there are loads of adaptive equipment for real rowing shells."

id love to try this sometime. i dont think im fit enough to join a club yet. gotta work on it some more, but it is a goal of mine. maybe next year sometime.

10/5/2009 9:07:05 PM

I love the straps When I'm doing my sprints on them, I make the rowwer get up and walk back. It really freaks the fat cows walking on the treadmills behind me

On the issue of really rowing, I've been thinking about stopping by the Catawba River Yacht Club on Lake Wylie to look into it (they are sailing and rowing club)

10/5/2009 11:51:26 PM

Quote :

"I love the straps When I'm doing my sprints on them, I make the rowwer get up and walk back."

holy hell, son. what's your 500m split time?

ive done an all-out 500m sprint at 1:50, but only one. after that i fell on the floor gasping for air, flopping around like a fish out of its tank

if doing multiple sprint intervals im usually around 2:05 to 2:10. long-distance rows i back it down to about 2:15 to 2:20 so i dont tire out to easily. im getting faster though!

im considering purchasing the slides that you can put under the rower, to make it move more like a shell on the water.

10/6/2009 8:18:09 PM

Quote :

"lol, I row so hard sometimes my chest gets bruises from the bar smacking it. "

you should learn the proper form should be right below your chest hehe.

10/6/2009 9:38:43 PM

My 500m time was sub 1:30 a couple of months ago. I need to start rowing more...This thread has got me thinking about getting one for the house too.

[Edited on October 6, 2009 at 11:08 PM. Reason : l]

10/6/2009 11:08:18 PM