Does anyone recommend a rowing machine?

[unlikelychump]

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?

Concept 2 is the best imho.

Following this because I’ve recently told a rowing machine is a good at home option. I have bad asthma and struggle to run in the winter. The trainer at my gym said rowing or indoor biking better than a treadmill. Apparently the treadmill isn’t good for your joints.

Love my rowing machine and use it every day, it's great for using most muscles.
I bought a water rower 3.5 years ago and love it, it stands up and has wheels to move it around so stand it up in my living room when not in use, looks good, and only takes a couple of minutes to move into place.

I have a Concept 2. I think it was second hand.

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!

Water rowers look great. Where did you rent to from?

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

You need to be very careful with rowing machines. The amount of people who use them incorrectly (with poor posture) and working the wrong muscles is really high. It can also worsen posture and cause back issues

But when used properly, they are excellent.

Thanks, I used to row at school and have used them with a PT before so am not too worried about that - although will have to teach family members I guess.

A company called "Rowhire" - really helpful, the only downside is that you have to build the tower, but it's relatively straightforward.

Concept 2

Concept 1

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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...