Which rowing machine?

[rockk]

My subscription to the gym is about to expire, and since I've only been very rare lately, I'm thinking of buying something for home.
I already have a bicycle ergometer and a treadmill is in our apartment a no go because the neighbors are already complaining if we walk a bit rudely through the apartment :S
Since my arms are rather neglected I was thinking to buy a rowing machine. That's what I always liked riding in the gym and I think that the whole body is trained with this machine.
Does anyone have a tip for a good device that does not cost too much?

[cowzrul]

Buy a new or used Concept 2

[GOLFFRR]

Originally Posted by cowzrul

Buy a new or used Concept 2

agree, these are the best, been using them for years.

[M_Six]

Big thread here about them.

https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1529058

But if noise is an issue, you may want to rethink this. I understand the Concept 2 is anything but quiet.

[Drop the hammer]

Concept 2 hands down. I’ve used the old versions and the new versions, all are great. So don’t be afraid of a used older model. I think they are quiet, but try it before you buy.

[1MOREMOD]

Yep have one also concept 2

[M_Six]

Been working out with my new Concept 2 for a few days and I have to say it is not at all noisy. That video I posted makes it seem much worse than it is. My bike on the trainer makes a lot more noise than the rower.

[PigPen]

Concept 2. They are reliable workhorses with good features and good support. Edit: They are not arm workout machines. Rowing is ~85% legs, ~10% core, and ~5% arms if you are doing it correctly. It's definitely more full body than running or cycling, though. Source: I'm a cyclist, and my son is a rower. His core/upper body is definitely way more developed than mine, but he works out harder and lifts. My competitive days are done.

[M_Six]

I get a pretty good arm workout. Although I'm starting from a low baseline (IOW, my arms have never been that strong). I have my drag set to 123 (about mid 5 on the dial) and I pull pretty hard right at the end of the stroke. My legs are already in pretty good shape from so much riding, but even they feel the burn after 30 minutes of rowing. I row for 30 minutes and then ride for 30 minutes, and my legs are sore right at the beginning of my ride. They tend to loosen up after a few minutes of pedaling, though.

[1MOREMOD]

Youre doing it wrong I never go over 4 minutes! I need to stay fat kid fresh.

[ScottSinger]

Originally Posted by M_Six

I get a pretty good arm workout. Although I'm starting from a low baseline (IOW, my arms have never been that strong). I have my drag set to 123 (about mid 5 on the dial) and I pull pretty hard right at the end of the stroke. My legs are already in pretty good shape from so much riding, but even they feel the burn after 30 minutes of rowing. I row for 30 minutes and then ride for 30 minutes, and my legs are sore right at the beginning of my ride. They tend to loosen up after a few minutes of pedaling, though.

I set it at around five, but I've heard people say 3 mimics the water - doesn't that seem too easy for being out on the water ? I guess if even at 3 if you pull hard enough then that can be a serious workout.

[PigPen]

Originally Posted by M_Six

I get a pretty good arm workout. Although I'm starting from a low baseline (IOW, my arms have never been that strong). I have my drag set to 123 (about mid 5 on the dial) and I pull pretty hard right at the end of the stroke. My legs are already in pretty good shape from so much riding, but even they feel the burn after 30 minutes of rowing. I row for 30 minutes and then ride for 30 minutes, and my legs are sore right at the beginning of my ride. They tend to loosen up after a few minutes of pedaling, though.

1st off, very nice photos on Flickr.

Look at your power curve on the monitor. It should be a bellcurve. The competitive rowers I spend most of my free time around these days have tree trunks for legs and solid core development. Their arm tone/size varies, mostly based on lifting regiments. You should be killing your quads on the erg if you are going fast with proper technique.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

I set it at around five, but I've heard people say 3 mimics the water - doesn't that seem too easy for being out on the water ? I guess if even at 3 if you pull hard enough then that can be a serious workout.

This Youtube vid is what I went by when setting the drag. I originally had it around 3, but it seemed too easy. 5 suits me better.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by PigPen

1st off, very nice photos on Flickr.

Look at your power curve on the monitor. It should be a bellcurve. The competitive rowers I spend most of my free time around these days have tree trunks for legs and solid core development. Their arm tone/size varies, mostly based on lifting regiments. You should be killing your quads on the erg if you are going fast with proper technique.

I've just started rowing, so I'm definitely not going fast. My rate is pretty steady at 24SPM and my 500m split time is around 2:20. When I started cycling, my cadence was in the mid-70's and my average speed was around 12-13MPH. As I got stronger and lost weight, that all changed. Now my cadence is around 90 and I average 17-18MPH. I figure the same thing will happen with rowing over time. SPM and split times will improve. The main thing that concerns me is avoiding injury and keeping it enjoyable.

[1MOREMOD]

Try rowing slower cadence with more power. I row at 14ish and under 2 minutes. Watched a few videos myself on the subject. I find when I row quicker my power is way down.

[PigPen]

Originally Posted by M_Six

I've just started rowing, so I'm definitely not going fast. My rate is pretty steady at 24SPM and my 500m split time is around 2:20. When I started cycling, my cadence was in the mid-70's and my average speed was around 12-13MPH. As I got stronger and lost weight, that all changed. Now my cadence is around 90 and I average 17-18MPH. I figure the same thing will happen with rowing over time. SPM and split times will improve. The main thing that concerns me is avoiding injury and keeping it enjoyable.

Awesome and congrats on the improvements all around! We should all strive to get better. My point, hopefully it was a point, is that rowing isn't an arm exercise, per se. It is a great workout, though!

For anyone starting out, please look up technique videos. Using your back to hinge can lead to injury.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by PigPen

Awesome and congrats on the improvements all around! We should all strive to get better. My point, hopefully it was a point, is that rowing isn't an arm exercise, per se. It is a great workout, though!

For anyone starting out, please look up technique videos. Using your back to hinge can lead to injury.

Agreed, if I were only looking to gain arm strength, I'd look at something besides rowing. I bought the rower to build core strength, so any gains in arm strength are just gravy.

I'm hoping my technique is ok, but i really need to set up a tripod and video myself rowing so I can see if I'm doing it right.