topic Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row? in Wellness

Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

sidsmom — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 17:41:44 GMT

About 15 yrs ago, I was exposed to indoor rowing. It was the dusty machine in the back of the gym...no one used. My new trainer was knowledgable well beyond his yrs & began incorporating rowing w/ all his clients. Today? It's more popular than ever. It's a full-body, low-impact exercise powered by the intensity you determine by your drive/pull.

I discovered Concept2 has a HUGE worldwide online forum. You can post questions, your journal, compete w/ people across the World...and even compare your time w/ record holders. If you're into rowing....this website is the Mother Ship.

Indoor cycling is my 1st passion, but indoor rowing (Ergometer or 'erg') is definitely taking a foothold! I went to my first Erg Sprint Tournament in February. Seeing everyone, of all ages, sprint for 2,000 meters is inspiring! I saw the Women, in my age range & weight class, bust out a time I've done @ the gym, so I'm in for next February! But what's the World Record? Have to set your sights higher, right?!

Right now I'm on the cusp of a sub 2:00/500meter. That's in the top 50% of the World Rowing times for my gender/age/weight class. The goal is to keep extending my distance for 2,000 meters. Sprinting for 7, 8, 9, 10 minutes is UBER intense...a possible tummy-tumbler for some!!

I'm sure many of you go to gyms where rowers are next to the treadmills. Go to the Concept2 website, get your form down...and go for it!

I'm excited! Do you want to train with me?

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

Hoovermom — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 17:49:00 GMT

I purchased one of these Concept2 rowers but really need more instructions since I no longer can do Crossfit. Thanks for the website.

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

sidsmom — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 18:06:55 GMT

On 8/25/2014 Hoovermom said:
I purchased one of these Concept2 rowers but really need more instructions since I no longer can do Crossfit. Thanks for the website.

Wow...you must have the Dream Home Gym I would love to have! Nice equipment! Here's another website... ucanrow2.com

Another Website: ucanrow2.com w/ lots of workout ideas

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

Hoovermom — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 18:14:30 GMT

Yes, it is big but fits into a part of my basement along with the treadmill. Thanks for the other website.

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

Lilysmom — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 18:32:05 GMT

We own this rowing machine as well. It is a real workout. When we use the gym while travelling, the rowing machines are usually free. I always tell my husband that I feel like a big nap after using it. The elliptical (Octane 37) is my main choice. Good for you Sidsmom on setting goals! LM

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

sidsmom — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 22:22:57 GMT

I always see the rowing machines in the back corners of gyms!! With the popularity of CrossFit, which their WOD's incorporate the rower, more people are beginning to discover it.

Though, I cringe when I see someone plop down on one, crank up the damper to 10, and go 90MPH...slapping the chain pull against the machine! They're going to break my baby!!

Or the little ladies using it like a lat row...or an over-the-head row...and the chain scrapes against the metal chamber. I'm becoming very protective of my baby!! HA

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

hckynut — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 23:32:06 GMT

Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

No I never thought I needed rowing. Most of my training or exercising is done with more specificity. While it is more time consuming I prefer isolating certain muscle groups, especially not combining upper and lower body in the same exercise. That has worked the best for me over the decades.

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

brewhaha — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 23:52:47 GMT

I get a good workout by rowing in the lake. The hard part is getting it out of the water.

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

birkin baby — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 00:12:23 GMT

Yes,I row . My bosses are both youth rowing coaches and went to nationals this year. They also row and just returned from a competition in France. They let me bring home a concept 2 last summer and taught me how to row. I am hooked. It is a fantastic workout.I can binge watch tv on dvd while getting my row on. I don't row on water.They take their dogs in the coaches boat...lol.

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

terrier3 — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 00:45:46 GMT

I have been rowing for a few years now. My trainer uses it extensively in his CrossFit classes and my private sessions too.

Just last Thursday we alternated 500 meters (it didn't count until I got below 2:00 - right at 1:57-1:59) with 10 deadlifts of 95 pounds. I did 10 sets total.

He went online today and looked up times for 60 year old women - I'm doing pretty well and I never would have believed it until you got me curious to check! In the next week we will see how fast I can sprint 500 once.

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

FUTURE — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 01:10:36 GMT

I actually rowed on a co-ed competitive team for a while. I really loved it, but there was a big learning curve, especially since I was only one of two newbies. :-0 I really struggle to get in cardio (except spin -- I LOVE spin!!!!), so this might be good for me to start doing. Easier on my joints than running (which I basically hate, anyway!) Thanks for the inspiration! They have rowers at the gym, not sure what kind they are. I just need to get after it!

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

Bird — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:06:34 GMT

sidsmom, I have a rowing machine from 30+ years ago. The handles are rigid so you don't get the infinate angles of movement in the arms, but it's still a pretty good machine. It's been in the basement for years, but now that you've brought it to light I will dig it out again. Rowing is a wonderfully rejuvenating exercise. I've always wanted to be on a rowing team, or at least train in a real boat with a real team. What a way to work OUT stress, anger, frustration and bad thoughts. Works the chest, glutes, well, just about everything. - Bird

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

sidsmom — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:09:16 GMT

On 8/25/2014 FUTURE said: I actually rowed on a co-ed competitive team for a while. I really loved it, but there was a big learning curve, especially since I was only one of two newbies. :-0 I really struggle to get in cardio (except spin -- I LOVE spin!!!!), so this might be good for me to start doing. Easier on my joints than running (which I basically hate, anyway!) Thanks for the inspiration! They have rowers at the gym, not sure what kind they are. I just need to get after it!

FUTURE: I'm thinking of starting a Spinning™ thread so we can all regroup & check in where we're @ with our training. Tomorrow..promise!

WAIT A MINUTE...I totally passed this....you were on a COMPETITIVE team???! Girl, I want to listen to everything you have to share. SPILL!!! Any tricks/tips to better my split??! You are the REAL deal!!

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

morganjen — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:10:11 GMT

Yes, I love this machine.

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

sidsmom — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:16:11 GMT

On 8/25/2014 The Bird said:
sidsmom, I have a rowing machine from 30+ years ago. The handles are rigid so you don't get the infinate angles of movement in the arms, but it's still a pretty good machine. It's been in the basement for years, but now that you've brought it to light I will dig it out again. Rowing is a wonderfully rejuvenating exercise. I've always wanted to be on a rowing team, or at least train in a real boat with a real team. What a way to work OUT stress, anger, frustration and bad thoughts. Works the chest, glutes, well, just about everything. - Bird

I'm HONORED I'm part of your inspiration!! (Misty eyes!!). You KNOW what it feels like! Especially since your drive was being on crew. Remember to lower the resistance to feel like a 'fast, sleek' skull. No sloggy, heavy boats for us!!! I've been liking an interval of 2000m, R, 1500m, R, 1000m, R, 500m. Done. I LOVE the "swoosh" of a strong drive!!!

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

debcakes — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:16:41 GMT

Yes, I really like this machine. I first used it when I was going to Anytime Fitness in London. When I came back to the States, I asked about it and they said they were getting one. There is now one at my gym, but I hate to say, I have not been very consistent.

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

debcakes — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:20:26 GMT

On 8/25/2014 The Bird said:
sidsmom, I have a rowing machine from 30+ years ago. The handles are rigid so you don't get the infinate angles of movement in the arms, but it's still a pretty good machine. It's been in the basement for years, but now that you've brought it to light I will dig it out again. Rowing is a wonderfully rejuvenating exercise. I've always wanted to be on a rowing team, or at least train in a real boat with a real team. What a way to work OUT stress, anger, frustration and bad thoughts. Works the chest, glutes, well, just about everything. - Bird

Do you have Dragon Boat Races in your area? They have become very popular and are a lot of fun. They are very seasonal so they aren't that time consuming. I don't do it, but might sometime.

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

sidsmom — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:25:24 GMT

On 8/25/2014 terrier3 said:
I have been rowing for a few years now. My trainer uses it extensively in his CrossFit classes and my private sessions too.

Just last Thursday we alternated 500 meters (it didn't count until I got below 2:00 - right at 1:57-1:59) with 10 deadlifts of 95 pounds. I did 10 sets total.

He went online today and looked up times for 60 year old women - I'm doing pretty well and I never would have believed it until you got me curious to check! In the next week we will see how fast I can sprint 500 once.

I'm happy to have inspired you!! This could be a new terrier3 thing!! Just like Kettlebells & rowing, my trainer & I knew about this YEARS ago...especially when Crossfit was JUST starting....and was an online only thing. I'm so thankful I have that instruction...he's amazing!! He's taught be SOOOOO much!!!! I'm just happy I can pass this on to you!!

I would love to online compete w/ you, but I'm over 135lbs which puts me in the heavyweight class. Darn!! Report back with your AVG/500m times!! I expect good things out of you...promise??! If you're in the NE, there's probably TONS of Sprint racing since crew is huge in the NE. I WANT YOU YO BE A WORLD RECORDHOLDER!! Can you do it??! I think SO!! Report back!

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

sidsmom — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:31:29 GMT

On 8/25/2014 debcakes said:
Yes, I really like this machine. I first used it when I was going to Anytime Fitness in London. When I came back to the States, I asked about it and they said they were getting one. There is now one at my gym, but I hate to say, I have not been very consistent.

If it's a Concept2, luckily it gives you second by second info....just look @ the Performance Monitor (PM)...and time will go by quickly! Watch the videos on Concept2 to perfect your form...that makes a HUGE difference!! And no matter what ANYONE says, the 'resistance' setting (or damper setting) is to be @ 4-5...no higher!! That will make for a stronger, more enjoyable row.

Dragon Boat races...one of my managers used to be involved in the Asian Festival here in Dallas....and they had tons of Dragon Boat races. She used to get so sore from this weekend!! Using muscles you haven't used in a while!!!

Re: Concept2 Indoor Rowing: Do you row?

sidsmom — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:36:16 GMT

On 8/25/2014 morganjen said:
Yes, I love this machine.

What do you like about it? Seeing your split get better? Or just the hypnotic rhythm of the 'swoosh'??! (Btw...both good!)