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Original poster

Does anyone recommend a rowing machine?

37 replies

unlikelychump · 17/08/2024 09:36

I think this is the best exercise home equipment but there don't seem to be many threads about it.

My reasons for thinking it is good are that they work both your arms and legs as well as cardio. I also have a bike so don't really need an indoor bike, and we walk a fair bit anyway, a treadmill seems deathly boring.

Does anyone use and enjoy a rowing machine?

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Original poster
unlikelychump · 27/08/2024 07:58

We are a week into our water rower and so far it is a hit!!! I think it sounds just lovely and it is quite quiet too

OP posts:
Arconialiving · 24/08/2024 12:35

I have a Concept 2 & love it!

TheHomeEdit · 24/08/2024 10:39

We have a water rower- one of the early ones (when it went back for a service the guy commented on its serial number as so low). It’s been great. It was picked originally partly as it looked better standing in corner of small house than a concept would, but it also has a nice smooth pick up and sounds better in use. Dh now a masters rower and still uses it regularly. Rowing sons use it when at home. I should use it more. Before buying this we had both only used concept 2 at rowing clubs.

olivecapes · 24/08/2024 09:54

Thanks so much both, will check them both out.

olivecapes · 24/08/2024 09:45

Can anyone recommend a YouTube video or something that shows how to use one properly? I suspect my posture is poor and the staff at the gym aren't overly helpful.

Benvolio · 22/08/2024 19:31

DrPeculiar · 18/08/2024 20:53

I really dislike the technique criticism whenever there's a rowing thread, it always crops up.

Anyone can learn, it isn't ballet, and if you're doing it for fitness it is easy to learn.

The pros I've worked with would only ever encourage, nothing else, completely the opposite of mnet.

I agree that there's a lot of people who love to give a good old bollocking whenever they can on the Internet, but in this case, I honestly don't think it's meant that way. In my (non-rowing) job, I happen to have worked closely with several good uni rowers, some of them Olympians. It is so easy to fuck up ones back with bad technique.

I would advise anyone looking to use a rowing machine regularly gets training from someone who is an actual rower, not just a gym person.

CouldBeOuting · 20/08/2024 12:37

We have a Concept 2. It gets used a lot. I like it as I feel like it’s more of an “all over” exercise than the treadmill or bike.
It also splits into two pieces for storage which is great to free up floor space for other exercises.

Musicaltheatremum · 20/08/2024 12:29

gettingolderbutcooler · 17/08/2024 10:37

Yes, I know several people who say theirs is a great clothes hanger now. 🤣

Excersise bikes are better as you don't have to bend as far to pick your clothes up 🤣

BrickOtter · 20/08/2024 12:17

I think water rowers are good and they look nice they do create quite a lot of noise too but it may be a more tolerable noise for your son. You could show him videos of both , water rower review below and a review comparing concept 2 to water rower. The concept 2 you can easily change the resistance which may factor in your decision

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Original poster
unlikelychump · 20/08/2024 12:12

MumVUnicorns · 17/08/2024 10:23

I would highly recommend a Water Rower, I have hired one for the past 5 months, and it's been great! I'm seriously considering buying one.
I only hired it first? To give me the option of returning it rather than it ending up as a rather expensive clothes stand!

Did you hire on the cheap rate or the hire to buy rate?

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Original poster
unlikelychump · 20/08/2024 12:06

Ok, I'm getting lured into rowhire. Are water rowers really good? They look lovely. I'm telling myself the water thing will be nice for my autistic son, who loves rowing, but will be sensitive to the noise of others rowing...

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Original poster
unlikelychump · 20/08/2024 11:58

It's my running posture that really needs the criticism tbh!

What is an RP3? I'm looking at second hands at the moment. (I'd love a water rower but that sounds ott for now)

OP posts:
BrickOtter · 18/08/2024 21:26

DrPeculiar · 18/08/2024 20:53

I really dislike the technique criticism whenever there's a rowing thread, it always crops up.

Anyone can learn, it isn't ballet, and if you're doing it for fitness it is easy to learn.

The pros I've worked with would only ever encourage, nothing else, completely the opposite of mnet.

This is true but poor posture while rowing can cause injury and most people using rowers in the gym are not given enough guidance to use the machine effectively to get the most from their workout and avoid injury.

DrPeculiar · 18/08/2024 20:53

I really dislike the technique criticism whenever there's a rowing thread, it always crops up.

Anyone can learn, it isn't ballet, and if you're doing it for fitness it is easy to learn.

The pros I've worked with would only ever encourage, nothing else, completely the opposite of mnet.

HarryLimeFoxtrot · 18/08/2024 20:44

I’ve only really used either a C2 or a RP3. The latter is definitely my favourite, although I’m not sure I could justify the expense of buying one. I’m not sure how I’d feel about a rowing machine if I hadn’t been a rower. I’ve seen some absolutely shocking technique in various gyms.

Sunnycolours · 18/08/2024 20:33

My DH has a water rower and LOVES it. He uses it a few times a week and has done for a couple of years now: we do also have an Apple fitness subscription which has rowing work outs. I think that’s helped to keep it interesting for him.

Straightouttachelmsford · 18/08/2024 20:27

Yep, had a C2 for 10 years, it's great. I might upgrade the monitor one of these days. Lots around atm, as people bought them in lockdown and are now selling up.

BrickOtter · 18/08/2024 20:24

unlikelychump · 18/08/2024 19:46

What is bunny hopping?

I’m assuming it is pulling your arms over bent knees rather than driving with your legs first before using your arms

Original poster
unlikelychump · 18/08/2024 19:46

What is bunny hopping?

OP posts:
Benvolio · 17/08/2024 21:30

Concept 2, but only if you never 'bunny hop' or you'll bugger up your back.

BrickOtter · 17/08/2024 21:08

I’ve had my Concept 2 rower for 25 years , they are built to last for ever, it still works perfectly. They are expensive but you can pick them up second hand

DrPeculiar · 17/08/2024 21:04

I rowed for a very long time, in teams, at school and at uni. I sold my Concept 2 when I was really poorly as I downsized, I've only ever had a C2 or rowed on a C2 off the water.

I love the idea of the water rower @MumVUnicorns hires. Might think about one as the easy stand, rather than breaking the C2 in half, would be handy.

happysunr1se · 17/08/2024 20:54

I bought a rowing machine last month. I already had been rowing on a cheap magnetic rower for 8 years but it broke so treated myself to a new one. I got the Aviron Strong Go. It is air and magnetic resistance.

You can use your iPad as a screen and their app which has lots of rowing technique beginners guides and guided workouts.

It's really fun, the time flys by, I work up a sweat a lot and my arms and legs are definitely more toned already.

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