I have been thinking about getting a rowing machine lately, seems like a good whole body workout. Treadmills are boring, a cycle seems okay but just legs. Any recommendations of row machines would be appreciated, given I live in an apartment and don't want it to sound like the world is ending to the people below me when a 260 lb guy, me, is using it. Also not looking to break the bank, but want a sturdy, quite machine.
One thing that I have been doing is a 2000m timed row at about 90% of my max output.
How fast are you normally completing a 2000m row - I am stuck at around 7:50-8:10 in that range. Although by the end of that I am gasping for breath and thinking that I should do more cardio.
I don't really do rowing specific workouts but it's an absolute killer to do a mix of strength exercises with row sprints. For example, heavy deadlifts, maybe shoulder press or something, with a 30s-1min row or ski-erg sprint (go as hard as you can on the row). 5 sets, few minutes rest in between. Super effective.
My Fiance has been into this pretty hardcore for the past couple years. She loves it. Even bought one of the machines that's the same model used in the class she used to go to.
Bought if from the shop next to The Calgary Shooting Center. Think it was about $1300 new. Very slick. Rowing mechanism is attached to a washbin looking thing at the end that's filled with water, I guess that's what provides the resistance. Stands up on end and pushed into a corner when not in use. (the machine, not her) Doesn't take up much space at all.
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How fast are you normally completing a 2000m row - I am stuck at around 7:50-8:10 in that range. Although by the end of that I am gasping for breath and thinking that I should do more cardio.
I think best time has been 7:33. My coach has said that's pretty good. I'm also pooped by the end. Like literally gasping for breath and pouring sweat.
My Fiance has been into this pretty hardcore for the past couple years. She loves it. Even bought one of the machines that's the same model used in the class she used to go to.
Bought if from the shop next to The Calgary Shooting Center. Think it was about $1300 new. Very slick. Rowing mechanism is attached to a washbin looking thing at the end that's filled with water, I guess that's what provides the resistance. Stands up on end and pushed into a corner when not in use. (the machine, not her) Doesn't take up much space at all (her not the machine).
fixed
__________________
Captain James P. DeCOSTE, CD, 18 Sep 1993
Corporal Jean-Marc H. BECHARD, 6 Aug 1993
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sliver
Just ignore me...I'm in a mood today.
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I love using the rowing machine at the gym, I’m with Peter in that crushing 2000 m as fast as possible is a great workout and a good gauge of where you’re at cardio wise. I’m also By no means an expert here, and this is certainly not surprising information but form and technique are critical to improving time. You can definitely tire yourself out pretty quickly by having a high stroke count coupled with short quick strokes. Once i started leaning back far into my stroke making a long deliberate motion this reduced my stroke count but my times started to decrease too.
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There is a technique that a) prevents overexertion and b) maximized the work-out.
Thing sitting up straight and tall, chest out, and always hinging from the hips. On the back stroke, pull bar back to sternum, and then push arms forward, moving shoulders over knees and only then, driving your hips forward.
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I love using the rowing machine at the gym, I’m with Peter in that crushing 2000 m as fast as possible is a great workout and a good gauge of where you’re at cardio wise. I’m also By no means an expert here, and this is certainly not surprising information but form and technique are critical to improving time. You can definitely tire yourself out pretty quickly by having a high stroke count coupled with short quick strokes. Once i started leaning back far into my stroke making a long deliberate motion this reduced my stroke count but my times started to decrease too.
Good point I am reading up and watching videos on technique.
I find rowing a good challenge, because it isn't all about speed, you can have a lower s/m and get a better work out then someone with a high s/m.
There is a setting on the Concept 2 monitor that shows your stroke in graph form, it is great because it allows you visual to track how your technique.
This dude speaks about it:
__________________
Captain James P. DeCOSTE, CD, 18 Sep 1993
Corporal Jean-Marc H. BECHARD, 6 Aug 1993
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sliver
Just ignore me...I'm in a mood today.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to undercoverbrother For This Useful Post:
I row during Orange Theory classes and it’s pretty fun. The workout always changes: some days are run/rows, other days you row ie 500 m, then do squats 10 times, 400 meters and 10 squats, all the way to 100m. And then you go back up to 500m ��
There are other days where I have to row 4 minutes for distance, rest for a minute or two and do a 2 or 3 minute row for distance and go down to 1 minute.
For the 2000m row, my best time was 7:07 but my technique was brutal. If I focus on form, my time is 7:13.
I would suggest to breathe on each stroke, rather than every two or three. Makes rowing a lot easier.
I read on the Concept 2 blog to setup the damper between 3-5. It would simulate rowing on water (search for 10 ways to row like a pro).
P.s: Thanks Troutman for that link! I might try it this summer ��
I row during Orange Theory classes and it’s pretty fun. The workout always changes: some days are run/rows, other days you row ie 500 m, then do squats 10 times, 400 meters and 10 squats, all the way to 100m. And then you go back up to 500m ��
There are other days where I have to row 4 minutes for distance, rest for a minute or two and do a 2 or 3 minute row for distance and go down to 1 minute.
For the 2000m row, my best time was 7:07 but my technique was brutal. If I focus on form, my time is 7:13.
I would suggest to breathe on each stroke, rather than every two or three. Makes rowing a lot easier.
I read on the Concept 2 blog to setup the damper between 3-5. It would simulate rowing on water (search for 10 ways to row like a pro).
P.s: Thanks Troutman for that link! I might try it this summer ��
I use a rower at the gym so I always set/check the drag factor prior to rowing.
__________________
Captain James P. DeCOSTE, CD, 18 Sep 1993
I use the Concept 2 PM5 rowing machine for my workouts and I like to do 3 sets of 2000 m at resistance 5. It's more about endurance than power, or pushing crazy times. I'm aiming for 9 minutes doing about 33 s/m, but if I want to do a short session I'll 2000 m at resistance 7 with higher s/m.
It's more engaging than a treadmill or elliptical and gives your whole body a good workout. It's my go-to when the weather sucks.
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