Anyone using rowing machines regularly?

M_Six · 08-24-2018, 10:17 PM

If so, speak up. Suggestions for good machines? Better to just use the ones at a gym? Any good Zwift-like software? Is it a decent upper body/core workout?

FlaPatsFan · 08-24-2018, 10:53 PM

The best row machine hands down is the Concept 2. They have been around for 40 years and can withstand anything you dish out. They are pricey averaging $800-$1100. But you get what you pay for. I have been using the Concept 2 on and off for years.

Rowing is a great total body cardio movement. It definitely hits some upper body, core and breathing capacity. Row for calories, time or intervals all provide great workouts.

M_Six · 08-24-2018, 11:16 PM

The Concept 2 was the one I was considering. The cost is doable and well within my expectations for a quality machine. The only issue I have with buying one is its length. We have a room set aside for exercise. We have a Wahoo bike trainer and a Nordictrack ski machine in there. There really isn't room for laying out a Concept 2, although I understand they have a small footprint when folded up. The university where I work has several Concept 2 machines in the gym and full membership is dirt cheap, so I could just go there and use those. I just prefer to work out at home.

FlaPatsFan · 08-25-2018, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M_Six

The Concept 2 was the one I was considering. The cost is doable and well within my expectations for a quality machine. The only issue I have with buying one is its length. We have a room set aside for exercise. We have a Wahoo bike trainer and a Nordictrack ski machine in there. There really isn't room for laying out a Concept 2, although I understand they have a small footprint when folded up. The university where I work has several Concept 2 machines in the gym and full membership is dirt cheap, so I could just go there and use those. I just prefer to work out at home.

I totally understand. I use them at my gym/Crossfit Box. I also have a home gym but was limited on space so no rower, plus they expensive. I bought a Schwinn Airdyne bike instead for a fraction the cost. I say save the money use your gyms rower and invest in some other equipment for your home gym. Weights, dumbbells, kettlebells, bands, Medicine/slam ball, sand bag etc.....

overcoil · 08-25-2018, 06:14 AM

Going now to use the concept 2 at my gym for twenty minute warm up - I wouldn’t want to buy one / would rather jump rope at home then have a rower, they get kinda boring after a month or so as a thirty or forty minute exercise

Ric in RVA · 08-25-2018, 07:37 AM

I have a concept 2 that I need to start using again. Used to row all the time and it is a great work out. LEARN CORRECT TECHNIQUE !!!!

They say not to stand on end. I think that is a CYA so it doesn't fall and land on anyone. Mine goes on end and is fine....just don't be stupid and put it where it will fall like Thors hammer on one of your kids, pets, playstations, etc.

I am going to go back to rowing today. Gonna suck. But be good at the same time. What an ass kicker!!

Mandi90TT · 10-23-2018, 12:48 PM

I have one in my home gym; I use it as a substitute for swim training, as I do triathlons, but can't get to the pool as often as I want, and have no desire to maintain a pool at my house for swim training. It's not a perfect replacement for swim training, but it is better than nothing, and it is a definitely a great cardio workout.

Drop the hammer · 10-23-2018, 04:43 PM

Love the Concept 2. My CrossFit gym has them and so does my community gym. Great rowing machines and can easily stand up to store them. Quick clip and some webbing to secure to wall if kiddos are around it when it’s up.

Lightfytr · 10-23-2018, 07:01 PM

Concept 2 hands down. Resale is solid if you ever decide to get rid of it...

robmx · 11-07-2018, 07:51 AM

Concept 2 is the gold standard. You can connect the Concept 2 computer (PM5) using the Concept2 Ergdata app to keep track of your progress via the Concept 2 logbook. It also links to Strava etc if you're into that sort of thing. There is also a liverowing.com app that looks to work very much like zwift, although I've never tried it myself.

I do some rowing in the cycling off season and really enjoy it. Just about ready to have a crack at improving on my 2k PB from the other year.

FlaPatsFan · 11-07-2018, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M_Six

The Concept 2 was the one I was considering. The cost is doable and well within my expectations for a quality machine. The only issue I have with buying one is its length. We have a room set aside for exercise. We have a Wahoo bike trainer and a Nordictrack ski machine in there. There really isn't room for laying out a Concept 2, although I understand they have a small footprint when folded up. The university where I work has several Concept 2 machines in the gym and full membership is dirt cheap, so I could just go there and use those. I just prefer to work out at home.

Curious as to what you ended up doing?

M_Six · 11-07-2018, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

Curious as to what you ended up doing?

Nothing yet. I need to check out the university gym and see if I can work out in the evenings. Their website lists only very early morning hours or over lunch. Neither works for me. If I can't use their rowing machines, I might go ahead and buy one. I just need to figure out some way to fit it into our exercise room.

FlaPatsFan · 11-08-2018, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M_Six

Nothing yet. I need to check out the university gym and see if I can work out in the evenings. Their website lists only very early morning hours or over lunch. Neither works for me. If I can't use their rowing machines, I might go ahead and buy one. I just need to figure out some way to fit it into our exercise room.

Ah ok, have you considered the Schwinn Airdyne or an Assault bike? Takes up a lot less space but is equally if not more effective then the rower.

M_Six · 11-08-2018, 08:23 AM

I have a trainer for my bike and ride it regularly. I was just looking for some upper body workouts.

GOLFFRR · 11-08-2018, 08:31 AM

I row all the time, I have a Concept 2 rower. Rowing is one of the best overall workouts you can do. I started in college and have been doing it weekly every since. Make sure if you do row that you get the correct technique down bc that makes a huge difference.

1MOREMOD · 11-08-2018, 09:10 AM

Been enjoying mine for about a week now, good purchase

bosstones · 11-23-2018, 10:08 AM

I have a Concept 2 that I should use more. 5ft banana bag on the other hand....lots of use (gotta re-live my glory days). With the rower, I tend to feel my tibialis anterior getting a good workout....not sure if a setup/technique issue or a weak point of mine.

Aapparition90 · 12-09-2018, 06:59 AM

Rowing is great, I use it at the end of a session.

FlaPatsFan · 12-09-2018, 08:20 AM

My regular gym got 4 Concept 2s a few months ago. Very happy they did! I use one every time I go. Yesterday’s row workout was as follows....

5 rounds of
Row 20 calories
15 Wall ball 20# ball
10 ground over shoulder 100# ball
-not for time but I just kept moving.

overcoil · 12-09-2018, 09:41 AM

I used a Matrix rower for warm up at the gym, also a very nice machine, very smooth and very good tensioner/resistance design.

RichM50d · 12-09-2018, 01:05 PM

Are rowing machines good for core stability? I’ve got back problems, and have avoided the rower at the gym, but need to do more core work now.

overcoil · 12-09-2018, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichM50d

Are rowing machines good for core stability? I’ve got back problems, and have avoided the rower at the gym, but need to do more core work now.

rowers are good for the core. if you use proper form your abdominals get activated for a major part of the stroke

take it vey easy at first on the rower so you don't aggravate anything.

https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowe...chnique-videos

08-24-2018, 10:17 PM	#1
M_Six Free Thinker 19272 Rep 7,549 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	Anyone using rowing machines regularly? If so, speak up. Suggestions for good machines? Better to just use the ones at a gym? Any good Zwift-like software? Is it a decent upper body/core workout? __________________ Mark markj.pics "Life is uncertain, eat bacon now." -UncleWede
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08-24-2018, 10:53 PM	#2
FlaPatsFan Major 749 Rep 1,149 Posts Drives: 2011 328i wagon Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	The best row machine hands down is the Concept 2. They have been around for 40 years and can withstand anything you dish out. They are pricey averaging $800-$1100. But you get what you pay for. I have been using the Concept 2 on and off for years. Rowing is a great total body cardio movement. It definitely hits some upper body, core and breathing capacity. Row for calories, time or intervals all provide great workouts.
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08-24-2018, 11:16 PM	#3
M_Six Free Thinker 19272 Rep 7,549 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	The Concept 2 was the one I was considering. The cost is doable and well within my expectations for a quality machine. The only issue I have with buying one is its length. We have a room set aside for exercise. We have a Wahoo bike trainer and a Nordictrack ski machine in there. There really isn't room for laying out a Concept 2, although I understand they have a small footprint when folded up. The university where I work has several Concept 2 machines in the gym and full membership is dirt cheap, so I could just go there and use those. I just prefer to work out at home. __________________ Mark markj.pics "Life is uncertain, eat bacon now." -UncleWede
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08-25-2018, 06:14 AM	#5
overcoil Major General 3121 Rep 5,582 Posts Drives: M235i 6spd Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	Going now to use the concept 2 at my gym for twenty minute warm up - I wouldn’t want to buy one / would rather jump rope at home then have a rower, they get kinda boring after a month or so as a thirty or forty minute exercise
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08-25-2018, 07:37 AM	#6
Ric in RVA Bergspyder 1567 Rep 1,246 Posts Drives: '11 BMW 128i Sport 6mt Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Richmond VA iTrader: (1)	I have a concept 2 that I need to start using again. Used to row all the time and it is a great work out. LEARN CORRECT TECHNIQUE !!!! They say not to stand on end. I think that is a CYA so it doesn't fall and land on anyone. Mine goes on end and is fine....just don't be stupid and put it where it will fall like Thors hammer on one of your kids, pets, playstations, etc. I am going to go back to rowing today. Gonna suck. But be good at the same time. What an ass kicker!! __________________ Ric in RVA 2011 128i 6 MT Sport, 2009 Cayman 987.2, 2011 528i N52, 2018 F150 Platinum
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10-23-2018, 12:48 PM	#7
Mandi90TT Colonel 2711 Rep 2,373 Posts Drives: BSM 6MT M4 F82 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Colorado Springs iTrader: (0)	I have one in my home gym; I use it as a substitute for swim training, as I do triathlons, but can't get to the pool as often as I want, and have no desire to maintain a pool at my house for swim training. It's not a perfect replacement for swim training, but it is better than nothing, and it is a definitely a great cardio workout. __________________ 2015 Black Sapphire Metallic 6MT M4
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10-23-2018, 04:43 PM	#8
Drop the hammer First Lieutenant 256 Rep 391 Posts Drives: '17 F87 M2 AW, Dct Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada iTrader: (0)	Love the Concept 2. My CrossFit gym has them and so does my community gym. Great rowing machines and can easily stand up to store them. Quick clip and some webbing to secure to wall if kiddos are around it when it’s up.
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10-23-2018, 07:01 PM	#9
Lightfytr Private 57 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 2017 750ix 2014 M5 Competition Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	Concept 2 hands down. Resale is solid if you ever decide to get rid of it...
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11-07-2018, 07:51 AM	#10
robmx Private 47 Rep 89 Posts Drives: M2 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Concept 2 is the gold standard. You can connect the Concept 2 computer (PM5) using the Concept2 Ergdata app to keep track of your progress via the Concept 2 logbook. It also links to Strava etc if you're into that sort of thing. There is also a liverowing.com app that looks to work very much like zwift, although I've never tried it myself. I do some rowing in the cycling off season and really enjoy it. Just about ready to have a crack at improving on my 2k PB from the other year.
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11-08-2018, 08:23 AM	#14
M_Six Free Thinker 19272 Rep 7,549 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	I have a trainer for my bike and ride it regularly. I was just looking for some upper body workouts. __________________ Mark markj.pics "Life is uncertain, eat bacon now." -UncleWede
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11-08-2018, 08:31 AM	#15
GOLFFRR 11188 Rep 27,953 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	I row all the time, I have a Concept 2 rower. Rowing is one of the best overall workouts you can do. I started in college and have been doing it weekly every since. Make sure if you do row that you get the correct technique down bc that makes a huge difference. __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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11-08-2018, 09:10 AM	#16
1MOREMOD - 11820 Rep 23,186 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	Been enjoying mine for about a week now, good purchase
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11-23-2018, 10:08 AM	#17
bosstones Lieutenant Colonel 1245 Rep 1,596 Posts Drives: o_0 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Suburbia iTrader: (0)	I have a Concept 2 that I should use more. 5ft banana bag on the other hand....lots of use (gotta re-live my glory days). With the rower, I tend to feel my tibialis anterior getting a good workout....not sure if a setup/technique issue or a weak point of mine. __________________ - Jeff bosstones' flickr
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12-09-2018, 06:59 AM	#18
Aapparition90 Captain 193 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2016 lci m3 mw Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: sydney iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 bmw 328i [0.00] 2012 bmw 328i [0.00]	Rowing is great, I use it at the end of a session.
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12-09-2018, 08:20 AM	#19
FlaPatsFan Major 749 Rep 1,149 Posts Drives: 2011 328i wagon Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	My regular gym got 4 Concept 2s a few months ago. Very happy they did! I use one every time I go. Yesterday’s row workout was as follows.... 5 rounds of Row 20 calories 15 Wall ball 20# ball 10 ground over shoulder 100# ball -not for time but I just kept moving.
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12-09-2018, 09:41 AM	#20
overcoil Major General 3121 Rep 5,582 Posts Drives: M235i 6spd Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	I used a Matrix rower for warm up at the gym, also a very nice machine, very smooth and very good tensioner/resistance design.
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12-09-2018, 01:05 PM	#21
RichM50d Lieutenant 335 Rep 528 Posts Drives: ‘22 8 Series Gran Coupe Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Are rowing machines good for core stability? I’ve got back problems, and have avoided the rower at the gym, but need to do more core work now.
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