To row or not to row?

bigmamma56
bigmamma56 Posts: 41
edited September 26 in Fitness and Exercise
Does anybody have any opinions about rowing machines as an aid to fitness and weight loss? I have been thinking about a change of exercise (from walking) and wondered if it was worth investing in a basic home rowing machine. It is a bit confusing as there seem to be so many different makes and types of motion, air machines, hydraulic and magnetic etc.....my thinking is that the leg work action in the rowing technique might help to tone my flabby thighs which is my biggest problem area and walking does not seem to have much effect with that. Should I go ahead and invest in one or should I save my money? By the way I am 55 and I am also concerned about suffering any injuries from using it. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.

Replies

  • pd7707
    pd7707 Posts: 5
    hello.
    i recently joined the gym and my fav is the rowing machine.when i do light workout / level 2 of 10/ i burn 600 kcal for 80 min /yesterday/, it shows avarage of 400 p/h. i asked some of the girls there / can`t afford PT/ and they told me that rowing machine is the best all body work out. both burning fat and tighten muscles.
    why don`t you try it in a gym for a day or 2. all gym offer free 1 day pass, fitness first have again 3 days free pass.check them often, they always have free passes.
    see how it works for you before you commit purchase.
    good luck.
  • johnthefatman
    johnthefatman Posts: 205
    Having started exercising about a year ago for the first time ever at the age of 61 I was recommended to focus on the rowing machine as I have Osteo Arthritis in my knees and as it is not weight bearing rowing is best. I have progressed to having my own machine at home and am doing about 5 hours a week on it burning 3000 cal. I know it has really helped me get where I am today. I got a top quality air machine (Concept2) which initially I had on rental for a few months but have now coughed up the 900UK to buy it - they discount 50% of the rental back when you buy it. You may be able to find a similar rental deal (I am guessing you are in the US) Go for it.
  • tribeslikeours
    tribeslikeours Posts: 1
    As an ex-rower all through highschool and the first three years of college I can tell you that the erg or rowing machine is an AMAZING all over body work out. It is especially good for your legs and core. Most people think arms when they think rowing and it'll burn those too but it primarily focuses on your legs. I remember many a 10K erg test at six in the morning on Saturdays with fondness.

    Having said that it is really important that you get someone who has rowed before or knows the machine really well to correct your form the first few workouts that you have on the machine. Rowing machines can be bad for your back or knees or even wrists (I know all about this one particularly) if you're not careful with where you are pulling from. I would say to get in touch with a trainer and have them show you how to use the machine. Its worth it! You will really see a difference if you use the erg correctly and its satisfying watching the pace boat displays that some of them have where your boat races the speed of the computer boat (its set to your goal time).

    If you're looking to BUY an erg they can get ridiculously expensive. I have a Concept2 and it was a GREAT investment but at almost $2000 it was just that, an investment. I think if you're just starting out you're far better testing the ones at a local gym or checking out a friend's machine. Good luck and have fun with your workout!
  • chuckyp
    chuckyp Posts: 693 Member
    It's one of the best machines because it works so many muscle groups. Arms, back, legs, abs. And it's low impact.
    I fell in love with the Concept 2 Rower. It's the machine I use the most and I've lost 28 lbs since January with its help (and better eating of course). They are spendy but they are very smooth and comfortable to use. It's what most rowing teams use for off-season training and they can even be networked together wirelessly or over the internet for virtual racing. The computer has a lot of other features like wireless heart rate monitoring, games, and stat recording on a magetic stripe card so you can use different machines and still keep your workout stats.

    The cheap rowing machines just don't feel like a nice fluid motion to me and a lot of them don't really have a full range of motion if you're tall. If it's not comfortable to use you probably won't use it, or at least you will not enjoy it as much.
  • wedjul05
    wedjul05 Posts: 472
    I've just recently started using a rower in the gym, like my 1st time was on Monday! I wasn't using it right apparently (my elbows were too far out and I wasn't pulling right) but I felt like I'd really worked out after it.

    I'm trying to lose the end of my baby weight/mummy tummy and the fitness instructor in my gym suggested to try this. She said to do 1000metre's and mentioned a time of 6minutes. I did it in 4.38 or something. Will definately up the distance next time I go and try and beat that.

    Oh to have the space to build my own home gym and I would invest in one. Maybe when I'm older and the kids have flown the nest!
  • bigmamma56
    bigmamma56 Posts: 41
    Thanks guys... this all sounds very encouraging and has convinced me to give rowing a go. I am actually from the UK and also a member of Fitness First (which I only use for 2 weekly Water aerobics classes and the occasional Pilates & Swiss ball classes....) .I have got a bit of a phobia using the gym equipment because I feel a bit out of place surrounded by all those younger leaner fitness fanatics pushing, pulling and pounding away at top speed on every machine in the place......as I am also tall I will heed the advice given and get a fitness instructor to show me how to use the rower properly. Hopefully I'll soon have these thighs of mine toned up yet!!!
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