This was mentioned in another thread:

http://www.getrichslowly.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46

But I thought I'd open up a topic of its own... I'm very interested in getting a good rowing machine, but am not sure where to start. In the other thread, brad suggested Concept 2:

http://www.concept2.com/us/default.asp

(Hey brad, which model do you have, and why did you choose it?)

I was wondering what thoughts/experiences anyone might have on the best available machines for home use, as well as how/where to buy one. Ideally I'd like to be able to test out whatever I buy before sinking the money into it.

Also, I'm 6'5" tall, so I need to be sure that whatever I get can handle someone of my stature.

Thanks, nickel

Hi Nickel,

I'm only one inch shorter than you, and the Concept 2 works fine for me. I got a Model D. They have since come out with the Model E, but there's really no reason to get that one unless you want to be higher off the floor.

The Concept 2 is the standard for many gyms and competitions; for me one of the big benefits is all the after-purchase support and services you get for free from Concept2. I use their online logbook to enter my times, and joined a virtual rowing team. It's a great motivator to keep me rowing; it gives me that sense of external accountability that makes it harder for me to say, "oh, I don't feel like rowing today, I'll just skip it."

It's pretty quiet although far from silent, and that's the only drawback in our small apartment. I can't row when anyone's sleeping or watching TV.

I have to say -- of all the exercise machines I've used, the rowing machine is my favorite. I don't know much about them, though. I have no data to back me up, but I feel like the rowing machine gives me the most complete workout of any exercise. I've never considered owning one, though -- they take up so much space!

Thanks brad. Where did you buy yours? Can you only get them from Concept 2?

JD: Yes, they take up space, but we have a spare bedroom that we use as an 'office', and it currently houses a treadmill and TV, as well. We're in the process of re-working that space, though, and would like to add another exercise machine (I hate treadmills and the like, but kind of groove on rowing machines). I'm going to build an oversized built-in desk (with space for both my wife and I) along one wall, wall mount the TV above it, and then use the additional free space for the rowing machine.

I bought mine directly from Concept2; they ship anywhere (including Canada, where I live). In retrospect I could have just driven down there and picked it up myself as they're in northern Vermont.

J.D. -- another great thing about the Concept2 rower is that it breaks apart for easy storage -- you just turn a wheel on the bottom and the whole thing comes apart. When we have company I take the rower apart and put it in the closet.

People who haven't rowed before often assume that a rower only gives your upper body a workout, but if you use proper technique you push off with your legs first, so in fact it really is a whole-body workout. In fact at the end of a long row it's my legs that feel it most, more than my arms!

My SO bought me a rowing machine for my birthday - it's an Islander Tropix 9.0 kayak, a sit-on-top model. We live just a few blocks away from our municipal lake, and I can honestly say that after two hours of paddling it around on Sunday, my shoulders are definately feeling the workout, and I need to remember to put on more sunscreen.

Probably not the kind of rowing machine you're looking for

Hey brad (or anyone else), how accurate is their estimate that you'll need a 4 ft x 9 ft area for the Concept 2? It's about 8 ft long, and I'm not sure how wide it is. Presumably, the length is pretty accurate (extra 6 inches on both ends), although I wonder about leaning back if you have long legs? Is 9 ft enough space?

I have mine set up with the front end butted right up against the wall (if you're rowing vigorously the machine tends to "walk" forward a bit, so keeping the front against the wall prevents that from happening), and I have a little less than three feet of clearance in the back. That has worked fine; my legs are also long (I'm 6'4", an inch shorter than you) and when I fully extend my legs the seat is pretty close to the back end of the rower. I lean back a little on the extension, which is proper rowing technique, but you don't want to lean way back. I've never hit anything behind me.

I keep trying to post this reply, but keep getting timed out - I apologize in advance if it's multiple.

I got a rower! Well, the gym I joined has several, all Concept2's and I was wondering if we could expand this thread to include workouts that folks are doing, what kind of times you're getting and the results thereof physically.

I understand that indoor rowing competitions are pretty intense and very popular.

Thanks!

- Bill

I'm not a competitive rower by any means, and I alternate between two basic workouts depending on how much time I have:

30 minutes (I can usually row between 7,000 and 7,500 meters in 30 minutes)

10,000 meters (usually takes me about 40-43 minutes)

These times are very much middle-of-the-pack rankings for my age group. In the past I only rowed in winter as I get my exercise in spring, summer, and fall by riding my bike outdoors. But now that we have a house, the basement is cool enough that I can row there all summer; I imagine my times and my stamina will improve with year-round rowing.

This year I'd like to work up to 1-hour workouts; for that I'd add a bit more variety in terms of intervals. For the 30-minute rows I pretty set a pace and stick to it for the whole time; for the 10,000-meter rows I usually break it up by rowing hard for one or two minutes then rowing at a more relaxed level for the same amount of time, that sort of thing. For a 1-hour row I would definitely use intervals. Concept2 has a bunch of suggested workouts on their website but I haven't experimented with them.

Great suggestion! I didn't even think of that; but yes, their website has a pretty nice forum, downloadable forms, workouts of the day (shades of CrossFit! ). A great resource even for folks who are using the gym's rower.

- Bill

I'm just reviving this thread to say that I finally pulled the trigger and bought a Concept2 Model E last week. It's on the UPS truck for delivery as we speak, and it should be sitting on the front porch when I get home from work today.

I did some semi-serious research on them a while back, and everyone seems to say "Concept2, no question" except the other vendors.

Yes, I'm very happy with my Concept2. I've had it for about five years now and it's just as good as the day I bought it. I, on the other hand, am in a lot better shape than I was the day I bought it