Anyone use a rowing machine to lose weight?

Has anyone used a rowing machine to lose weight? I have one and am looking for tips/advice...
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Replies

  • Easy_Ed
    Easy_Ed Posts: 3
    I have lost 12 pounds in the past month by strictly using a rowing machine, watching my diet (6 days strict diet, 1 day is a 'cheat day' where I can eat whatever I want) while not eating anything past 7 p.m.

    A lot of it has to do with the rowing machine though. What has worked for me is to gradually increase your meters rowed. For example, for week 1 row 5000 meters, for week 2 row 5500 meters, etc and so on. Also, every 1000 meters or so during he workout I row AS FAST and HARD as I can for 100 meters and at the last 200 meters I do the same; row as fast and hard as I can.

    The rowing machine is one of the best full body workout machines on the market today - you're lucky you own one. Just make sure to row with really good form, gradually increase your meters rowed, and be consistent!!! You will definitely lose weight with your rower! Check out this post on info for what a rowing machine does to your body: http://www.rowingmachineking.com/will-a-rowing-machine-help-me-lose-weight/. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member

    The rowing machine is one of the best full body workout machines on the market today - you're lucky you own one. Just make sure to row with really good form, gradually increase your meters rowed, and be consistent!!! You will definitely lose weight with your rower! Check out this post on info for what a rowing machine does to your body: http://www.rowingmachineking.com/will-a-rowing-machine-help-me-lose-weight/. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

    Running, riding and rowing are my three Rs. I row 2 or 3 times per week.

    but remember........most of your weight loss happens in the kitchen.

    Exercise = fitness

    Portion control & caloric deficit = weight loss
  • phjorg1
    phjorg1 Posts: 642 Member
    I use a rowing machine to row...

    To lose weight I track what I eat.
  • Cyclingbonnie
    Cyclingbonnie Posts: 413 Member

    Running, riding and rowing are my three Rs. I row 2 or 3 times per week.

    but remember........most of your weight loss happens in the kitchen.

    Exercise = fitness

    Portion control & caloric deficit = weight loss

    This ....

    I tell people that my exercising allows me to lead a less intense life. So I would like to have pizza and a glass of wine tonight with my buddies ... go for a bike ride and burn the calories.

    I do live by the you can't exercise away bad eating habits ... so I don't go eat pizza tonight and try to work it off tomorrow. If I'm going to splurge (not cheat I never cheat ... because nothing is off limits anyway) I burn the calories first ...

    Good luck rowing is awesome!!!!! Only thing better is cycling :wink:
  • naterciarodrigues58
    naterciarodrigues58 Posts: 105 Member
    I've recently started using the rowing machine at the gym, LOVE IT! Can't say my weight loss comes ALL from that, since I do some other stuff, too, but it sure gets my heart beating, and I guess that's what it's all about ;)

    Just keep moving, moving is good! If you enjoy it, stick to it, if not, change it, but mooooove :D
  • Topsking2010
    Topsking2010 Posts: 2,245 Member
    She deactivated her MFP. Maybe she didn't like the responses.
  • xinit0
    xinit0 Posts: 310 Member
    Help prevent the deactivations - just tell new posters that they're doing exactly the right thing
  • kazhowe
    kazhowe Posts: 340 Member
    BUMP
  • Beastmode454
    Beastmode454 Posts: 340 Member
    I like to incorporate the concept 2 rower into my HIIT routines.. that thing will kick your but each time, If your always pushing yourself.
  • Rak35h
    Rak35h Posts: 6 Member
    I'm a big fan of the rowing machine. I can go on and on working on it.
    I need to get a nice weight loss routine that I can use. My main area is belly fat. I have diet under control and I know focused Belly fat loss will need HIIT. Any pointers or links for a rowing machine routine that anyone can share?
  • patsully98
    patsully98 Posts: 40 Member
    I'm a big fan of the rowing machine. I can go on and on working on it.
    I need to get a nice weight loss routine that I can use. My main area is belly fat. I have diet under control and I know focused Belly fat loss will need HIIT. Any pointers or links for a rowing machine routine that anyone can share?

    Punch in some stats and this will give you a somewhat customized program: http://therowingcompany.com/weightloss/interactive

    There's also the beginner Pete Plan, which has a mix of long slow distance and intervals: http://thepeteplan.wordpress.com/beginner-training/

    My main activity is Brazilian jiu jitsu (it's a martial art similar to judo or wrestling), but I have a six-month-old and can't make it to the gym regularly. I bought a rowing machine for those nights I can't train BJJ (and my fiancé and baby haven't worn me out too badly lol). I was following the Pete Plan for a bit, but decided to do shorter, more intense workouts that more closely approximate a jiu jitsu match. The rowing machine, for me, is to ensure that I'm not completely useless those nights I can train. That said, I love my rowing machine and am so glad I bought one.
  • yuckyellow
    yuckyellow Posts: 4 Member
    I second the use of the beginner Pete Plan. I am up to week 11 of the plan. I have been able to double the distance of my long row from 5000m to 10000m while maintaining pace. I am also seeing gains in pace during the weekly interval training sessions. I am only rowing the 3 main sessions per week. I am not doing any of the optional sessions. I am running 2-3 days/week when I don't row. I think that the lower impact nature of rowing provides a nice counterbalance to running.

    I have loss 10 lbs during this same time period. But I attribute that more to eating at a 500 cal/week deficit not to the rowing. Although it is nice to get a good long row in and know that you have burned enough calories to enjoy a cold beer.
  • I'm a big fan of the rowing machine. I can go on and on working on it.
    I need to get a nice weight loss routine that I can use. My main area is belly fat. I have diet under control and I know focused Belly fat loss will need HIIT. Any pointers or links for a rowing machine routine that anyone can share?

    Punch in some stats and this will give you a somewhat customized program: http://therowingcompany.com/weightloss/interactive
    Thanks for the link. What does the 2 x 12' mean?? Is that supposed to be 2 x 12 minutes, or 2 x 12,000 metres??
    Appreciate any assistance!

    http://therowingcompany.com/weightloss/interactive?excess=10.4&sessions=3&level=1&weight=+75&programme=Generate+Programme
  • mikes99mail
    mikes99mail Posts: 318 Member
    2 x 12 minutes.

    also check out the concept2 website, there are specific training programs for weight loss and 3 different 'workouts of the day' depending on how much time you've got.

    the weight loss workouts are mostly just 'row for as long as you can, ideally 40+ minutes'

    I'm trying to do 40 minutes, 3 times a week. I break it up into 2 x 20 minutes with a couple of minutes break to walk around and stretch between the 2 sessions. It needs loud music and the ability to turn off your brain.
  • Thank you. At what resistance? Hardest you can?

    I have just bought the Bodymax Infiniti R100.
    It's brilliant. Decided to get this over the C2...
    (Backlit, saves user profiles, quieter as MagAir not just air, looks nicer, ever so slightly cheaper, it's the gym equipment of choice in USA)

    After two babies in 3 years I need to get back into shape, weight loss first and foremost!!
    When the oldest is at nursery I have ample time to get rowing...

    http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/infiniti-r100-rowing-machine-by-bodymax.php
  • momiji166
    momiji166 Posts: 32
    I was so scared of the rower and 8 weeks ago I tried my first 200metres and I got tightenings across my chest and so breathless I thought I was having an asthma attack. 8 weeks later, it's my favourite cardio in the gym, I row 500m followed by kettlebell swings for up to 5 sets, depending how I feel on the day, but I way prefer it to the treadmill and cross trainer.

    My weight loss and inch loss have been consistant throughout and I use the rower up to 4 times per week. I LOVE it!
  • round10
    round10 Posts: 16 Member
    cool. how much weight did you lose using it?
  • Beautifulbridgittlee7
    Beautifulbridgittlee7 Posts: 352 Member
    The rowing machines in both Y's are on their last legs, I put it on the highest setting and try to push myself, but I barely feel breathless or any challenge, so I'm sticking to jumping rope and other stuff until they get in new machines, both places actually will pretty soon. I wish I had a rowing machine, with my bike, and other activities I'd be all set.
  • Sambo232
    Sambo232 Posts: 3 Member
    Doesn't really matter but drag factor 140 (usually about setting 5ish, but you can check) is most like rowing on water (if rowing in an eight). If sprinting a slightly higher drag factor might be better and if doing 18-20 strokes per minute for 1 hour then maybe a bit lower, but as I row on water too, I like to use the authentic drag factor.
  • I have a rowing machine, and it is a great workout! I can burn usually 450-500 cals a day!
  • kevinsmithrn
    kevinsmithrn Posts: 70 Member
    Hey if any of you rowers want a fitness challenge - the Concept 2 site has a Fall Challenge starting in October and "MFPfriends" is a team affiliation - come join the team and challenge. I just finished the "Dog Days Challenge" basically it was 10000 meters the first week in august 20000 the second week 30000 the third week and 40000 the last week. I incorporated it into my other workout and it with work and other life functions it was quite a challenge to get the meters in the timeframes allotted. I never would have thought a lousy downloadable PDF certificate would have been so motivating!
  • kglashe
    kglashe Posts: 1 Member
    Is the bench with weights attached for pulling called a rowing machine at the gym...if not can that piece of equipment be used like a rowing machine and how much weight should you start with?? I am unable to use the treadmill/bike/elliptical for cardio right now and need an alternative...other suggestions would be appreciated
  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    I throw it in every few weeks as a workout, but I mix things up regularly. I love rowing.
  • Zerodette
    Zerodette Posts: 200 Member
    I'm really considering a rowing machine as my one piece of home equipment. When I was picking a gym, none of the ones I toured had one.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    good info here.
  • kevinsmithrn
    kevinsmithrn Posts: 70 Member
    I bought a Concept 2 for my home gym as my local fitness centers did not offer one. Best purchase ever!
  • Castnall1
    Castnall1 Posts: 1 Member
    I love the rowing machine! The main benefit is that it is pretty much a full-body workout. Not only do you experience the cardiovascular training benefits,
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    xinit0 wrote: »
    Help prevent the deactivations - just tell new posters that they're doing exactly the right thing

    Almost as bad as the people respond with a 3-8 paragraph vomit of what they do that has virtually nothing to do with the OP's question.
  • Raz_fitness
    Raz_fitness Posts: 1 Member
    I think that adding rowing machine to your routine in order to lose weight is one of the best thing. Usually, I am tacking Crossfit classes and the rowing machine is used a lot in the daily WODs. And when you start to row, you can feel that the entire body is involved.
    I don't know, if you just use the rowing machine will make you achieve your weight lose goal faster, but for sure it will take you there. I cam across this article, https://www.bestsportoffers.com/how-why-what/benefits-of-using-rowing-machine-transformation-you-are-looking-for/, and the things in there in combination with what I already knew, made me to appreciate more this equipment.
  • MikePfirrman
    MikePfirrman Posts: 3,307 Member
    edited April 2019
    I'd consult the Pete Plan thread on the Concept2 website. It's a forum that not only is about rowing the Pete Plan but also helps beginners. I'm a bit partial because I started the thread and moderated it for a long time!

    There is actually a lot of inaccurate info on this thread. 140 is way too high of a Drag Factor for most people. I'm a regionally competitive indoor rower and I use a 103 DF! I have a buddy that is 48 and just broke a 2:00 pace @ 22 SPM for a 10K at 103 DF. Your power is simple physics. Too high of a drag factor and you reduce velocity, half the power equation (the other being force). People always favor force and forget about velocity. One training buddy I have, a very well known top Brit indoor rower, regularly uses 90 or so DF rows in his training and hits ridiculous paces on them. With lower DF, you have to control the return with your core and you have to be really fast on the drive, which you should be.

    The thread on the C2 website (the Pete Plan thread) was created, in large part, because there were so many beginner indoor rowers, like me, that didn't know where to turn to for advice. I had very experienced rowers (that have forgotten more than I know!) that helped me along the way for years. I'm hardly "world class" but I was gradually getting closer to a sub 7 2K at age 54, which is no small task. There are many real world class rowers (that do both indoor and outdoor) willing to answer any questions you might have on that thread or other C2 threads. Of the top 10 Brits this year at the BIRC (one of the top venues for indoor rowers in the world) from 40 to 50, I know 7 or 8 of them well from the forums. You can start your own thread and ask the question, but many times, the more experienced rowers just refer you back to the Pete Plan thread because we tried to cover every question a newer rower might have on that thread. And a lot of it is based on mistakes/misconceptions we all had at one time and learned from them.

    There is SO much to know with rowing. I've rowed for going on 6 years now, four competitively, and I still am very much learning. You can always improve your stroke and get better. And if you're not careful (like I did recently) you can hurt your back with bad form!

    Addressing the OP, I recently moved from OH to AZ and lost four pounds not rowing. It's because I'm addicted to Peanut Butter. I didn't have access to PB on the cross country move. I average around 150K to 250K meters a month rowing. Yes, it helps offer you more calories on your daily budget, but you can outeat any exercise. I have certainly gained weight while rowing. It's an amazing full body exercise but it doesn't replace calorie counting!