Rowing Machines - recommendations?

Rowing Machines - recommendations?

Author
Discussion

MattyB_

Original Poster:

2,062 posts

264 months

Wednesday 14th July 2010
quotequote all

To suppliment my running - both to add variation and for when the weather is crap - I'm considering buying a rowing machine. They were a great workout when I used to have a gym membership so I'm interested in getting one at home.

A few things to consider - firstly, I don't have a massive amount of space. Secondly, I'm quite tall (6'2") and lastly, I don't want to spend a fortune (no more than £200, less if poss)

Most of the sub-£150 ones seem pretty poor, with lots of tall people complaining they're not suitable. Reviews generally are pretty mixed, so wondered if anyone had any suggestions?

harry010

4,423 posts

194 months

Wednesday 14th July 2010
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Good ergos cost money.. I wouldn't use anything other than a Concept II or a Rowperfect (but that's more for rowers than general fitness)

MacGee

2,513 posts

237 months

Wednesday 14th July 2010
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Concept2 and eBay......new one more than your budget

Trevelyan

719 posts

196 months

Wednesday 14th July 2010
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I've been trying to get one of these on ebay myself, but they're going for silly money. 500 quid and upwards generally. I'm trying to find a cheaper option now.

Mr E Driver

8,542 posts

191 months

Wednesday 14th July 2010
quotequote all
+1 for the Concept2 on FleeceBay. Years ago I bought an early one for a couple but last year I bought the latest one for about £700 locally. Well worth the bit extra.

EdJ

1,321 posts

202 months

Thursday 15th July 2010
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I'm looking for one of these Concept 2 rowers on ebay at the moment and if you want a hardly used or new example they are very expensive. It almost seems worth paying the little extra to buy a new one from the manufacturer.

My parents in law picked me up one cheaply recently but have to say that it is rubbish. The movement is awful (non linear and jerky) and it doesn't feel reliable enough for you to put any effort into the row without something breaking.

Mr E Driver

8,542 posts

191 months

Thursday 15th July 2010
quotequote all
Prices will be higher for the London buyers as there will be more of them chasing a couple on offer but up in Yorkshire there were less peeps chasing them and I picked one up at £700 ish considerably less than new, hired a van and man to go and pick it up.

MattyB_

Original Poster:

2,062 posts

264 months

Thursday 15th July 2010
quotequote all
Hmm...£700+ is a bit rich for me, especially only as a backup/alternative to my running...hmm...

harry010

4,423 posts

194 months

Thursday 15th July 2010
quotequote all
MattyB_ said:
Hmm...£700+ is a bit rich for me, especially only as a backup/alternative to my running...hmm...
unfortunately as I said good
rowing machines do cost money. A Concept will last forever if you look after it and will be a good investment long term.

Have you thought of a road bike and rollers as an alternative.. Then it's of use both indoors an outdoors if you were looking for variety.

Beardy10

23,742 posts

182 months

Thursday 15th July 2010
quotequote all
You could try a Water Rower ? http://www.waterrower.com/

They are surprisingly good and store upright. Changing resistance involves changing the water level which is a shag.
Not as good as a Concept 2 but much more suited to the home.


Mr E Driver

8,542 posts

191 months

Friday 16th July 2010
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this thread is very useful

Beardy10

23,742 posts

182 months

Saturday 17th July 2010
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A god benchmark is to do 5000m in 20 min....so average of 500m every 2 min. I don't think rowing 3000m is going to do much? You need to be exercising for an hour. Preferably rotating exercises regularly as your body gets used to the exercise you are doing after a month or so if you just do the same thing.

Having said that rowing is the best cardio you can do I think. Low impact and good overall workout and the hardest....which is why you see so few people using rowing machines for any length of time.

Edited by Beardy10 on Saturday 17th July 09:47

MacGee

2,513 posts

237 months

Sunday 18th July 2010
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Beardy10 said:
A god benchmark is to do 5000m in 20 min....so average of 500m every 2 min. I don't think rowing 3000m is going to do much? You need to be exercising for an hour. Preferably rotating exercises regularly as your body gets used to the exercise you are doing after a month or so if you just do the same thing.

Having said that rowing is the best cardio you can do I think. Low impact and good overall workout and the hardest....which is why you see so few people using rowing machines for any length of time.

Edited by Beardy10 on Saturday 17th July 09:47
indeed GOD would row like this....any CV exercise must be 20 mins minimum for it to be effective.....2mins per 500m is a good pace...