Rowing Machine Users?

[brinneydee]

I have just bought my first rowing machine and let me tell you guys how amazing it is!! I am 5'8" and 220 lbs, and I am trying really hard to lose weight for a couple reasons: to look good for my husband when he comes home from deployment, and to be healthy when we go to Disney in March 2012.
I was going to buy a treadmill til I did some research and saw how much better of a workout you get with a rowing machine. So I snagged this one from Amazon, and I can't believe how awesome it is.
When I'm using it, I have the resistance set to 4, and as I'm working out I can feel the resistance but it doesn't hurt or anything. Today I worked out for 30 minutes and when I was using it I thought "This is so easy", but the moment I stood up I realized my legs and arms were like jelly. LOL It's like the perfect low-impact workout... None of my joints hurt, I don't struggle to breathe while I'm using it, and I've been using it for 3 days and can already feel a difference in my arm and leg muscles. Now I am just watching my scale and my reflection to see the changes in the mirror!!

Anyone else here using a rowing machine at all?

 

[KarenAylwood]

Wow that's so cheap! Great that it's working for you I used to mix in the rowing machine at the gym every once in a while, then I switched gyms and I don't think this one has one (honestly I haven't looked very hard). But I do know they can be a great workout- and for $150?! You can't beat that. I am so used to gym quality equipment though I'm wondering what I'd think of this. You can't beat that price though.

I might look into getting something like this. DF and I have talked about buying some exercise equipment when we have kids because we know we won't be able to get to the gym as much. This looks like a cool (and cheap) option. Thanks for posting & keep up the good work!!

 

[brinneydee]

Seriously, go read the reviews on Amazon. A lot of people who have bought and use this machine are avid gym-goers, and they all seem to really like it. I think it's an amazing deal for the money! Well worth it, especially since I am already feeling the results!!

 

[Missoutandabout]

I've got a magnetic rowing machine that I've had travel with me across the world. Still works great after all these years! More importantly, still kicks my butt.

The thing that initially drove me to wanting a rowing machine -- besides it being low impact -- is how many muscle groups it works. Legs, back, arms: I'm not sure any other type of equipment even comes close.

 

[hotblooded]

I'm glad you're enjoying it! My experience was very different.

I rowed on my college crew team, and our workouts on indoor rowing machines were some of the most unpleasant physical experiences I've ever had. Our 20-minute pieces were the equivalent of an hour of running, but we often exerted ourselves to the point of throwing up. I'm pretty sure they were invented to be torture devices.

 

[Alice_in_Wonderland]

Thank you so much for posting this thread. I had never thought about getting a rowing machine but it is such a good option for people with bad knees like me. I used one when I had a gym membership and it was such a great workout!! Good luck using your machine and thanks for posting this!!

 

[crewmatt]

I row competitively so I'm certainly well acquainted with the rowing machine. Although for the most part on the competitive side we use Concept 2 Rowing machines as they are roughly calibrated to mimic speed/distance on the water.

So if you have any questions about technique or want any workout ideas, I certainly have a lot. For the first few weeks the thing you have to do are to get the small supporting muscles up to snuff and to work on your technique, so that if you want to progress to higher intensity type work you have the base and technique to do so correctly.

If you like it on the machine, look for local rowing clubs in your area. Most have novice programs which will happily teach you how to row on the water and work on your fitness. Trust me being on the water is WAY more fun.

 

[cadet.102]

i have to use them for practice during the winter off season for my schools Crew team. for us its not low intensity haha. if you really want to push it try and do 2000 meters 1500 meters 1000 meters 500 meters. 6000 meters are also great workouts.