Is rowing a good workout?

Lisa you should google this question to find all the reasons you should row instead of getting a stationary bike.. Many more muscles and more calories burned when rowing..

http://breakingmuscle.com/sports/josh-crosby-talks-benefits-indoor-rowing

Just remember it may cost more for a good rower, but try to get a wind resistance rower and not a friction type..

You won't regret it!!

Good luck!!

Randy

And you can find some great used deals in the classifieds!!

Rowing and the concept2 rocks, use it at the gym every trip. It is the best overall workout you can get.

there is only 1 rower you shoud consider, a concept2. It has the biggest online community by far and is massively reliable.

True this. I am a former rower (on the water) and our training consisted of using concept 2 ergometers. I HATE THEM WITH A PASSION! I also love them. It's an interesting relationship.

I recommend setting up your erg in a room with a pretty view. I don't recommend a television, distraction is bad when you are learning the form. Be sure its a place that can stay cooled easily or get a big old fan. You will sweat buckets.

Your Concept 2 erg, if bought new, will come with a bottle of chain oil, an instructional video and if it's like mine, a spinner with different workouts.

Watch the video and learn how to properly use the machine. If you're not rowing right, you're wasting energy and could strain muscles.

You can do tabatas on a rower, you can build strength, you can do cardio, but you cannot get an easy work out.

Something about the way Concept 2s are built means they get harder, the harder you work. If you row slowly it has the effect of a boat coming to an almost stop, so the next pull is like a brick wall. If you row fast to make that next pull easier, your lungs start screaming. It's an amazing torture device.

I can't answer about the rowing machine, but I love my stationary bike. I do 40 mins a day....I play loud music and go to it.

Concept2 Rower (pls remember to store the handle by the flywheel and not pulled out in the temporary sprints/intervals storage spot) is a great option, but as a former member of a crew team, I would rather punch myself in the stomach a few hours a day then get back on an erg.

Instead of a stationary bike, I'd go with a SPIN bike.

I vote for Rower, for sure.

I have a Concept 2 Model 2. If you get a rower, regardless of brand, I encourage you to utilize the community, workouts, challenges and training videos on their website. www.concept2.com Being a part of a community will help you get your meters in :-)

It may be hard to get your heart rate up on a stationary bike, unless it is a spin bike.

Rowing is more of an all over workout, but form is very important, so take the time to learn it at the beginning. Don't learn by watching anyone at the gym, since 99% of people who pop on one for 5 minutes do it wrong.

There are many community rowing clubs that have these Concept2 "erg" machines and they also sometimes have group workouts that you can sign up for, which makes it a bit more fun/social. These rowing clubs would also be a good resource to look for a used erg. Check craig's list, too.

That's my machine of choice at the gym, I think its a great full body workout. I feel really good after doing it. And of course its a great calorie burner. I can burn about 1000 calories per hour, but i am 310.

What Lozze said and other people touched on...

The best exercise is the one you are willing to do!!! I cannot stress this point enough!

People can say that rowing or biking is the better exercise but if you end up hating the motion, the machine, etc then you aren't going to do it. I love the concept 2 rowing machine. It's not cheap but is less expensive than many other pieces of cardio equipment. Also, the basic design hasn't changed in forever so it's rock solid from a durability and maintenance standpoint.