Home Exercise Equipment Help

littlebear0121

Hi! My husband wants to buy a (used) piece of exercise equipment for when the weather makes outdoor exercise too difficult. We prefer to exercise outside. Looking for recommendations. We have a weight set and I honestly am content using Fitness Blender videos as workouts inside. We don't want a treadmill, and it would be easy to get a Nordic Track for free. I love rowing machines and ARC trainers. I don't think he's been on any type of exercise equipment, so no preferences from him. We have room for one of these pieces of equipment. We'd like to buy something that will last for a long time without needing repairs, and something that gives a good full-body workout.

jjpptt2

If you want full body, I think a rower is the only one that really qualifies, at least of what you listed as possible options.

If you aren't looking for something that will replicate your outdoor experience (i.e. you want to bike indoors because it's too wet/cold/whatever outside to ride), then a rower would probably be my first recommendation regardless.

cwolfman13

I think a rowing machine is the best bang for your buck.

__TMac__

Another vote for a rower. I'd go for the Concept2.

I do, however, REALLY like my bike trainer. It kept me going all winter, and now I'll tuck it away in the closet and take the bike back outside.

Then again, I did a strength workout this morning with a 40-lb bag of dog food, a 12-lb bag of brown rice, and a gallon jug of olive oil -- I call it the Costco Workout -- so I may not be the best person to get equipment advice from.

AnnPT77

Waterrower and Concept 2 are the quality rowing machines. I don't know much about WR's resale market, but the C2s hold value very well. Unfortunately, it's a real fluke if you can find a C2 in excellent condition for much less than full retail.

Good workout, though!

mabearof6

Another Vote for a Concept 2 rower, if you can find one.

sgt1372

littlebear0121 wrote: »

We'd like to buy something that will last for a long time without needing repairs, and something that gives a good full-body workout.

The only piece of equipment that will meet these requirements is a Concept2 rower.

Water rowers are not maintenance free and, when I was shopping for a rower, I came across too many complaints about things breaking, leaking and/or needing repairs.

C2's are virtually bullet proof and last forever w/o the need for repair or reconditioning.

They are subject to incredible abuse and neglect at gyms but, even though worse for wear, never seem to breakdown.

Consequently, I expect mine to last much longer than I do.

PS: Some may argue that an airdyne bike (and even an elliptical w/movable arms) can provide you w/a full body workout.

True, you have to move your arms on them but, based on my experience, you do not use your upper body on them as much as you do on a rower.

However, if you just like biking or the elliptical better than rowing, fine. Some upper body effort is better than none but no other equipment really surpasses a rower for a combined full body aerobic workout.

jamesdlynn6371

I think a cable machine is good to stay in shape. I have one in my home gym with row, pull up, dip, press, quad and triceps. Pretty much total body. Plus i have a bench and squat rack.

littlebear0121

Thanks everyone! sgt1372, I actually like rowing a lot. There is a concept 2 rower for sale nearby for $350. Is this a good price?

MikePfirrman

littlebear0121 wrote: »

Thanks everyone! sgt1372, I actually like rowing a lot. There is a concept 2 rower for sale nearby for $350. Is this a good price?

OMG, yes, run to go buy that and have cash! It might need some minor work (perhaps) at that price. I would bet it's gone already, though. Anything under $700 is a fantastic price for one!

For me (others have already said what I'd say), you can't beat the Concept2 rower. With that said, my wife likes the Air Dyne Pro (Assault style bike) more. I row roughly 50K to 70K meters a week on a C2 rower, but I will say the Air Dyne (or Assault Bike or the new Rogue Bike or a Cybex) would provide similar types of work/calories. They are full body workouts too. So is a SkiErg but I think (to me) that would be a bit boring. A lot of really serious C2 rowers now have SkiErgs at home too. I don't think any of the Air Bikes would be as durable, though, as a C2 rower.

littlebear0121

Thanks for the recommendation, MikePfirrman. I'd never heard of a SkiErg, but it looks awesome! I would enjoy it because it would remind me of skiing. You do a lot of rowing. I'll call the seller of the $350 C2.

sgt1372

littlebear0121 wrote: »

Thanks everyone! sgt1372, I actually like rowing a lot. There is a concept 2 rower for sale nearby for $350. Is this a good price?

Late response but hope it's still helpful.

At that price, it's probably a very early model or really beat-up.

I wouldn't buy anything older than a Model D w/a PM3. Model Ds date back to 2003. You can determine the date it was made from the serial number based on the following:

http://www.concept2.com/service/indoor-rowers/model-d

The PM3 monitor was introduced at the same time as the Model D in 2003. It is functional but has been susperceded by the PM5.

See:
http://www.concept2.com/service/monitors/pm3

The PM3 can be upgraded to a PM5 for $160-$180 depending on the mounting bracket used.

See: http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/performance-monitors/retrofitting-pm5

Earlier PMs can be upgraded to a PM5 too but they would have come on Model C's or earlier (over 15 years old) and I see no reason why you should even consider that regardless of the price.

There are certain features that the PM5 has that are worth upgrading for like the ANT+ HRM connection and the ability to use a USB drive to record and log your workouts online to the Concept2 Logbook.

I never found the HRM connection reliable and stopped using it but I log all of my workouts online and find the USB drive feature essential.

You can use an obsolete Logcard to record your workouts on a PM3 but I'm not sure it's possible to transfer the data on a Logcard to your computer w/o a card reader that I've never seen offered.

Lastly, you can see the lifetime meters rowed on any C2 by following these instructions:

http://www.concept2.com/service/monitors/pm3/how-to-use/viewing-lifetime-meters-odometer

This will be an indication of the degree of use but meters alone should not be the only consideration because is not uncommon for a well cared for C2 owned privately to show millions of meters of use.

I've only had my C2 for 2 years and only rowed 400k meters on it in the 1st year but have rowed 1.6 million meters this year (most of that just in the past 4 months) for a total of 2 million meters overall. However, I am the only one using the C2 in my home and it is well cared for and not abused.

On the other hand, a C2 from a gym w/millions of meters on the monitor is likely to be a wreck. It will probably still work but the internals will probably be extremely worn and require reconditioning.

I would avoid any gym owned C2's unless they show extremely low use and proper care. The cost of repair for an abused and neglected C2 could wipe out any possible cost savings buying used and may even end up costing more than buying one new.

Regarding cost, I see very few Model D's w/a PM3 offered at less than $700, which could be for a C2 up to 15 years old!

You can buy a brand new Model D w/a PM5 directy from Concept2 (or, if you want a black one from Rogue) for $940 (including shipping).

I shopped on Craigslist and eBay for a long time b4 deciding that it wasn't worth $200-250 to buy one used and paid for a brand new and current model w/warranty from C2.

I like to save $ but I try not to be pennywise and pound foolish and am willing to pay more when the circumstances justify it. I believe that buying a C2 is one of those cases. You'll have to decide whether it is or not for you.

Remember if you are able to buy a used C2 w/a PM3 for $700-750 and want to upgrade to a PM5, it will cost you $160-180 more wiping out most if not all of the cost savings of buying used.

On the other hand, if you can buy a well cared for Model D w/a PM5 for $700-800, I'd jump on it. The cheapest of these I've ever seen was and is still being offered at $850, which is not cheap enough to me.

Anyway, these are the reasons I chose to buy new and I hope this info will help to inform your buying decision.

Good luck!

sgt1372

littlebear0121 wrote: »

Thanks for the recommendation, MikePfirrman. I'd never heard of a SkiErg, but it looks awesome! I would enjoy it because it would remind me of skiing. You do a lot of rowing. I'll call the seller of the $350 C2.

A SkiErg is primarily an upper body workout device that simulates the poleing (sp?) action used when cross country skiing.

It can providing a very grueling upper body workout, less so for the lower body. Kind of the opposite of a spin bike that can provide a grueling lower (but not upper body) workout

I considered buying a SkiErg but decided against it because I didn't think it added much to my lifting and rowing workouts. Might have decided differently if I was a regular cross country skier, but I'm not.

If I were to buy another device, I'd sell my Lemond spin bike and buy an Airdyne bike instead. It would provide a workout similar to the C2 that involves the entire body but, since I already own a C2 and since I prefer rowing to biking, there's really no reason to buy a Airdyne too.

I will add, however, that if you have any knee problems, a rower probably would be better choice than a bike, simply because riding a bike is (or can be) much more stressful on the knees than rowing where you use both legs in unison rather that placing force on each leg individually.

MikePfirrman

I agree with you Sgt on the watching out for a broken machine but the SkiErg can certainly be a lower body workout too. I know some world class indoor rowers that use the SkiErg and swear it's every bit of a whole body workout as the rower. I haven't done it (and I'm not on the level of these guys -- one just broke the WR for the 5K on the SkiErg for the 40 to 50 age group), but I trust these guys a lot. The guy who broke the record is a well respected trainer in Europe.

http://www.concept2.com/news/skierg-using-legs-or-not

sgt1372

MikePfirrman wrote: »

I agree with you Sgt on the watching out for a broken machine but the SkiErg can certainly be a lower body workout too. I know some world class indoor rowers that use the SkiErg and swear it's every bit of a whole body workout as the rower. I haven't done it (and I'm not on the level of these guys -- one just broke the WR for the 5K on the SkiErg for the 40 to 50 age group), but I trust these guys a lot. The guy who broke the record is a well respected trainer in Europe.

http://www.concept2.com/news/skierg-using-legs-or-not

I don't disagree.

A SkiErg can involve the lower body, just less so IMO than a rower.

I just found it too one dimensional for my taste. It is also very hard to use for long (at least it was for me) without quickly getting tired.

I think this is because the upper body muscles are weaker than those in the lower body, the latter which are primarily used in rowing.

You hear of people rowing for hours doing marathons but I doubt you could spend the same amount of time on a SkiErg.

Heck, I can't sit on my rower for more than 15 mins w/o getting a PITA. So, my rowing sessions never last more than that anyway. I just row 4-8 2.5-3k meter intervals of 12-15 mins instead. My skinny butt can't take more than that. LOL!

Bottomline, it all just comes down to personal choice. No piece of equipment is worth anything if you don't use it.

Like the $1k (+$200 in options) that I spent on my Lemond Revmaster Pro spin bike that I almost never use anymore since I bought my C2.

Should sell it but I could only get about $700-800 (at most) for it now. Besides, I still use it now and then and it's just so pretty sitting there.

Kind of like a Ducati I use to own but seldom rode. Looked gorveous just sitting in the garage. However, the Ducati cost $16k and it didn't make sense to leave that much money lying around. The Lemond is another matter.

LOL, again!

Jthanmyfitnesspal

I just want to point out that, while a rower is certainly good exercise, most people don't actually prefer it over an elliptical trainer, as is evident if you look at any gym with all the different options. It really depends on what you are getting/staying in shape FOR. Whatever that activity is, you should emulate it with your machine.

littlebear0121

Jthanmyfitne...I mostly want to be in shape for my health. I enjoy rowing and prefer it over an elliptical, but I like both of them. My favorite piece of equipment is the ARC trainer because it reminds me of nordic skiing. I want to lose about 30 pounds.

littlebear0121

littlebear0121

Sgt1372, The rowing machine for $350 is 90 miles away. Owner doesn't know the model number or the type of monitor, but he sent this photo. Can you tell by the photo if it's too old? I would guess that it is based on the price. Thanks!

MikePfirrman

littlebear0121 wrote: »

Sgt1372, The rowing machine for $350 is 90 miles away. Owner doesn't know the model number or the type of monitor, but he sent this photo. Can you tell by the photo if it's too old? I would guess that it is based on the price. Thanks!

That's a PM1, so it's definitely an older model. The earliest models didn't even have a fan guard and I can see the fan guard on this one. It would have to be well, well taken care of with it being that aged. It's possible that it's still in great shape and that all it might need is a PM5 upgrade ($180). If so, you might have an older, but very functional and reasonable rowing machine. If the PM1 works and it doesn't bother you it isn't very interactive, then you're good.

Binkie1955

I am having good luck with the Total Gym, you can buy them used pretty cheap cause a lot of folks stop using home gyms quickly. you can also buy a regular Matt Pilates Reformer. try amazon or Craigs list if you are ok saving money and buying used. that's what I did and I got one that was like new. very happy with it.

littlebear0121

MikePfirrman and Sgt1372, I have another question for you. I was explaining the SkiErg and Concept 2 Rowers that you told me about to my husband, and I realized I was forgetting to consider something in choosing a piece of exercise equipment. I have ankylosing spondylitis and should try to exercise in such a way that my chest opens up rather than closing in. For example, Nordic walking and skiing are excellent for someone with this condition, while biking and probably rowing would be more closing in. From what I understand, the muscles that I work and posture that I use while exercising will influence how my spine fuses if that happens in the course of this disease. So, to make a short story long, this makes me think that the SkiErg would be idea. What do you think? Also, where can I find out more about how to get a leg workout while using the SkiErg?

AnnPT77

littlebear0121 wrote: »

MikePfirrman and Sgt1372, I have another question for you. I was explaining the SkiErg and Concept 2 Rowers that you told me about to my husband, and I realized I was forgetting to consider something in choosing a piece of exercise equipment. I have ankylosing spondylitis and should try to exercise in such a way that my chest opens up rather than closing in. For example, Nordic walking and skiing are excellent for someone with this condition, while biking and probably rowing would be more closing in. From what I understand, the muscles that I work and posture that I use while exercising will influence how my spine fuses if that happens in the course of this disease. So, to make a short story long, this makes me think that the SkiErg would be idea. What do you think? Also, where can I find out more about how to get a leg workout while using the SkiErg?

I don't know about your health condition, but I'm not sure that's true about rowing, if I'm properly understanding what you're saying (maybe I'm not ).

Rowers are supposed to keep an "open" chest. A visual that one of my coaches used was that you should "show your beautiful necklace": Sit tall with an open chest as if a pendant necklace at mid chest was being shown off. Another coach talked about imagining there was a light in the center of your chest and you wanted the beam to illuminate downstream (in the direction you're facing).

The pulling-backward muscles in your back/torso tend to get strengthened more than the ones that pull your chest/shoulders forward or down. In fact, that's one possible source of muscle imbalance problems for regular/frequent rowers, so we need to do some other upper body exercise with the pushing-forward and/or pulling-forward musculature, for balance.

littlebear0121

AnnPT77, Thank you. I'm glad to learn that about rowing.

MikePfirrman

I'm not that familiar with your condition either but my original thoughts were the same as Ann's to be honest. I would think that the SkiErg would do the opposite that you're trying to accomplish.

It's hard to describe the right way to row (and I'm still learning) but sitting tall is an important component of it. Sitting slouched down is the way you see most people at the gym, that's not how it's supposed to be done. If you're slouching your shoulders, you're not doing it right. Even when you're bent at the waist on the catch, you're doing your best not to overreach and curve your shoulders down. When you finish and when you recover and reach back to the catch, you are using (ideally) good posture. Rowing has been a Godsend for me with a lower back issue and a bad neck. If I used to drive over a half hour, I had a sharp, shooting pain in my neck. I got hit in a car driving 65 MPH from the side when I was 20 (completely T-Boned my car). I have a terrible upper neck and rowing has done nothing but help that pain and the neck injury. As for the pain when I drive, I no longer have it -- at all!

We often sit slouched over all the time with our electronics and rowing offsets all the bad habits and unnatural curvatures very well. My posture is the best it's been in years (perhaps decades for that matter).

littlebear0121

Thank you, MikePfirrman. I appreciate your explanation and am glad that rowing has helped your neck and back. I think the best course of action will be to call my physical therapist and ask her to teach me to use a rowing machine correctly, with excellent posture. Thanks for the clarification, I'm looking forward again to getting a rowing machine.

sgt1372

Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »

I just want to point out that, while a rower is certainly good exercise, most people don't actually prefer it over an elliptical trainer, as is evident if you look at any gym with all the different options. It really depends on what you are getting/staying in shape FOR. Whatever that activity is, you should emulate it with your machine.

An elliptical (w/or w/o moving arms) will NOT give you as good a workout as, a rower.

A lot of reasons but the main one is that you can get a momentum assist w/the elliptical than you can't w/a rower.

Also most home elliptical machines are cheaply made and often break down, even though they cost as much or more than a C2 that'll last forever.

Lastly, just because you prefer the elliptical doesn't make it better.

The OP was asking for a recommentstion for a reliable piece of equipment that will provide a full body workout.

The answer to that question IMO is still only a C2 rower.

sgt1372

littlebear0121 wrote: »

Sgt1372, The rowing machine for $350 is 90 miles away. Owner doesn't know the model number or the type of monitor, but he sent this photo. Can you tell by the photo if it's too old? I would guess that it is based on the price. Thanks!

Can't see the pic on my phone. Pics of the various models can be seen here:

http://www.concept2.com/service/indoor-rowers

As I said before, I would NOT recommend buying any used C2 other than low useage, non-gym owned Model D w/a PM3.

Anything else will be OVER 15 YEARS OLD!

Have you vever owned anything 15 years old, particularly cars, that didn't need some repairs?

While C2s are as bulletproof as they get, they can wear out too and the older it gets the more likely they'll need repair.

If you think you're qualified to judge if an older C2 needs repairs or not and are quslified to do those repairs, go for it.

Otherwise, buy the latest model C2 you can find/afford.

If you really want and can use one, my recommendation is to bite the bullet and just buy new. The additional cost will be offset by piece of mind of buying something that you don't have to worry about as well as a manufacterer's warranty.

sgt1372

littlebear0121 wrote: »

MikePfirrman and Sgt1372, I have another question for you. I was explaining the SkiErg and Concept 2 Rowers that you told me about to my husband, and I realized I was forgetting to consider something in choosing a piece of exercise equipment. I have ankylosing spondylitis and should try to exercise in such a way that my chest opens up rather than closing in.

Looked it up and ankylosing spondylitis is described as an arthritis of the spine, which can result in pain and dtiffness in the lower back, fusion of the vertebrae and a permanently slouched posture.

Sounds really serious.

I'm certainly not qualified to tell you if rowing is ok w/this problem or not.

However, one of the recommended treatments is regular exercise that will help to reduce stiffness and strengthen the muscles in your back from the neck down to the hips.

Swimming is mentioned as a recommended exercise for this purpose.

You dhould ask your doctor and/or physical therapist if they think rowing would also be good for this purpose as well.

sgt1372

OP: Thought I'd just mention one other thing.

Before you ask your doctor and/or PT to advise whether rowing would be a good exercise for you considering your spinal problem, you need to make sure they actually know what is involved in rowing. Many people do not.

If they are not experienced w/rowing, ask them to view the following video before rendering their advice:

http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/training/technique-videos

For proper rowing technique, it is recommended to keep the back fairly straight and to NOT bend forward and back at the hips beyond the 11-1 o'clock position as indicated in the video.

Many people you see at the gym bend (or lurch) too far forward at the catch and too far backward at the end of the drive.

This is inefficient and unnecessary but many people, who don't row, think that this is how it "should" be done or is done because they see people doing it that way and don't know any better.

If your doc and/or PT have this misconception, they could provide you with bad advice concerning the benefits and/or safety of rowing given your condition.

So, it's best to make sure they know what proper rowing technique is before you accept any advice from them regarding the batter.

Good luck!

pdxhak

Best and least expensive is a jump rope