stilover

Does anybody have a magnetic rowing machine ??

I'm thinking of getting one for home use, as going to the gym is becoming a chore but still want to loose the excess Christmas pounds.

Are they worth the money (chose one worth £140), or are they useless. I live in an Apartment, so are these things noisy ?? as I've only ever used air rowing machines which are far too noisy for a flat.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Chip Sengravy

I'm also interested...whats the difference between air and magnets, and which is better?

scoobydooooo

i know they cost a lot but the only rowing machine worth getting is the concept 2 , it will last a life time and it is a fantastic bit of kit , i've had one for 5 years and havr never regretted it !!

dpb

Am i right in thinking a rowing machine is the most use of all in that it will exercise more muscle groups..?

Chip Sengravy

I want one so I can get a rippling 6 pack, while drinking a 4 pack, all in front of the TV

Mungo

As scoobydooooo say, get a Concept 2 - the only machine worth having (either that or a RowPerfect, but that's probably OTT for general fitness).
They're used by all rowing clubs and the national squad, and are the global benchmark machine.

Chip Sengravy

what muscles do they look after ?

and how often do you need to go on it for ?

do they build general fitness & stamina ?....I cant even run half a mile without wanting to hrow up.

dpb

Well youve got to pass the time somehow - presumably thro a straw...

CooperS

I've got a concept2 gonna sell it in the new year to fund my new motorbike.

They're greeeeaaaatt!!

Bartop

Best advice I can give would be to get one with plenty of surface area to hang clothes on as that's what it'll be mostly used for in 3 months time

Alas

Never a truer word

Franx2

They will without doubt, improve your general fitness....

But only if you go on the thing more than a few times a week.

And as an ex-national rowing squad member (2 years ago), I can confirm that they are the most boring things known to man, and you're better off without one Instead, I think you'd be better off concentrating on an outdoor sport that actually gets you out and about while you're exercising. Far more interesting, and your motivation should be better, once you get into it, than it would on the rowing machine. I'd be the last person to try and out someone off taking up rowing, but tbh, I've only ever seen the machine as an indoor alternative, or as a fitness-testing device, not a sport in itself. Some people do indoor rowing as their sole sport, but I've no idea how. Try it if you want, but I warned you

And he's right there as well about hanging the washing on it

If you do get one though, the Concept 2 is bloody good, especially the new ones, although quite expensive. On the Concept 2 website, there certainly used to be a number of second hand ones as well as new ones for sale which could be worth a look. RowPerfect is a bit technical - very good, but not for the 'general' user I think

^Qwerty^

Model D as well - earlier ones are not so good.

If not, you'll need this as well : http://www.concept2.co.uk/shop/handle.php

Just noticed the challenge on the website:

Jan 4 Minute
Feb 2,500m
Mar 16 Minutes - Boat Race Challenge
Apr 60 Minutes
May 500m
Jun 5,000m
Jul 1,609m - Mile
Aug 1 Minute
Sept 30 Minutes
Oct 1,000m
Nov 2,000m
Dec 10,000m

April and December are killers IMO, the rest I've already done in one way or another, more details http://www.concept2.com/sranking03/u...asp?language=4

fast bloke

Dont get a rowing machine - they are crap - you can hang far more stuff on a bicycle

Franx2

Ah yes, but don't forget you can use the fan on the rowing machine to dry your clothes

Chip Sengravy

franx....I dont think anyone is after one for a sport, for me it would just be a way of keeping trim without spemding £40 a moth at some poncy gym.

fast bloke

Can you get one that runs off electric then?

brihoppy

on a slightly different track...

how accurate are the calorie counters on static exercise machines...?

when i do 30 mins on a x-trainer, apparantly i burn over 600 cals but after 30 mins on a treadmill, i burn 2/3 this amount and i always feel ive had more of a workout after a run...?!

Franx2

Aye, but the price of a concept 2 would buy you quite a number of gym memberships Bloody expensive, they are

Stick with the gym, I say. Far more entertaining, and you don't have to mend the machines when you break them

scoobydooooo

a concept 2 rower will never break my friend !!

PG

You gotta love Scoobynet !
A guy comes on wanting to know about £140 worth of rowing machine and everyone suggests that he spends 7 times that

Franx2

I didn't see that bit about 140 quid

Anyway, I suggested he didn't buy one at all, let alone taking it up as a sport Do something interesting instead

weapon69

It is?

fast bloke

Yeah - he walks the long way round it on the way to the fridge. Thats almost a full calorie each time

Mungo

Concept 2 does have a scheme whereby you can lease a machine so you don't have to lay out huge £. You can send it back if you're not using it.

Franx2 - where did you row? I used to row and coach at Imperial.

stilover

Cheers for all the info.
I do attend a gym, but the motivation to go twice a week is getting hard (not been for months) and I'm paying £47 per month. I'm starting to go again this weekend, but was wanting something to suppliment the gym workout or for something to do on the nights that I can't be arsed to go.
Looked at Concept 2's as these are the one's at my gym, but are far too pricey.
Will think about it a bit more, although I've also thought of getting a punch bag instead, as this may be a better alternative. Get to take out your frustrations out on it. Rowing machines are boring but give good workouts.

Decisions, decisions.

Franx2

I was in Aberdeen
Did you know a Maureen Simpson who coached down there by any chance?

scoobydooooo

stilover : punchbags are not the best for a workout unless you are very fit , have you tried 3 mins hitting a bag , knackering i can tell you , but as a workout , imho not the sustained effort required !!

stilover

I would have thought something that get's you knackered, sweating, out of breath would be a good thing? Afterall, it is just to suppliment my gym work. Have though about going to Boxersise at the gym, but it's at the wrong day/time for me. The few times I've been there when it has been on, they come out looking totally knackered.

Might try to hire one for a couple weeks, see how it goes. Can't hurt.

Thanks for the feedback anyway.