Rowing machines

eyebee
eyebee Posts: 257
edited March 2014 in Training, fitness and health
Hi,
Not cycling related but anyone have any experience of the water based rowing machines. I am considering one for exercise variation as well as an upper body workout. Any thoughts or recomendations appreciated.

Comments

  • Stalin
    Stalin Posts: 208
    Not used a water based rowing machine. But I used to own a Concept2 which was faultless, measures power and enables you to compare your times with pro rowers and others online.
  • wallace_and_gromit
    wallace_and_gromit Posts: 3,699
    Another vote for the Concept 2 rower. The powermeter works on the rate of deceleration of the flywheel, and as all the flywheels are the same, one machine is the same as another in terms of how fast you go for a given level of power applied to the flywheel. Therefore if you go faster/slower than previously, it's because you've pulled harder/weaker than previously. The machines are painfully addictive as a result, with the emphasis on "pain"!

    Concept 2 make the "Wattbike" which GB cycling do their detailed testing on.
  • lancew
    lancew Posts: 680
    I have access to a Concept2 at my gym and I'm getting quite into it. I rowed a 2500 in 9.30 yesterday which was a PB.

    I'm trying to get my 5k under 19 minutes before June. Current best is 20.24.
    Specialized Allez Sport 2013
  • oldhairylegs
    oldhairylegs Posts: 220
    The Concept 2 is a fantastic machine and opens the door into a whole new world of pain! :shock:

    If you are serious about getting a rowing machine, then get one of these.
  • sloppyschleckonds
    sloppyschleckonds Posts: 8,019
    oldhairylegs wrote:
    The Concept 2 is a fantastic machine and opens the door into a whole new world of pain! :shock:

    If you are serious about getting a rowing machine, then get one of these.

    +1
    I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,660
    Concept 2 is the only rowing machine to buy.

    And if you do start using an erg, make sure you keep your back straight at all times.
    _
  • shockedsoshocked
    shockedsoshocked Posts: 4,021
    Rick Chasey wrote:
    Concept 2 is the only rowing machine to buy.

    And if you do start using an erg, make sure you keep your back straight at all times.

    The Concept2 website had an excellent breakdown of technique a few years ago but I can't seem to find it. This is similar but not exactly the same.

    http://www.concept2.co.uk/indoor-rowers ... scles-used

    But like other have said the Concept2 is an excellent machine, and you can rent one for a pretty reasonable price.
    "A cyclist has nothing to lose but his chain"

    PTP Runner Up 2015
  • eyebee
    eyebee Posts: 257
    Thanks for all the feedback. I'm sold on the concept 2, having tried and read up on it I have to agree with all the positive responses. Now to convince the wife.....
  • wallace_and_gromit
    wallace_and_gromit Posts: 3,699
    Rick Chasey wrote:
    Concept 2 is the only rowing machine to buy.

    And if you do start using an erg, make sure you keep your back straight at all times.

    I would echo this, having b*ggered my back rowing with dodgy technique!

    There are (or at least there were) some videos online of Rebecca Romero sculling to demonstrate technique. Replicating that on a rowing machine would be ideal, as her technique was nigh on perfect. (Though she suffered a lot of back problems as well in the latter months of her rowing career.)

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