STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

RyanJ · Coach

rowing machine

Escrime · Kate Spade

I use the rowing machine at the gym sometimes, to breakup my cardio routine. I like it, but I can tell my heart rate isn't getting up there like it normally does with running or the elliptical. I know that it isn't working me as hard as the other machines.

How about an elliptical?

RyanJ · Coach

quote:
Originally posted by: Escrime
"I use the rowing machine at the gym sometimes, to breakup my cardio routine. I like it, but I can tell my heart rate isn't getting up there like it normally does with running or the elliptical. I know that it isn't working me as hard as the other machines. How about an elliptical? "

Does the ellipitical work your arms and legs? I am pretty clueless about most gym equipment because I never go.

Escrime · Kate Spade

You can get an elliptical that is like a cross training maching that will work both arms and legs. It can give you a pretty good workout.

They do take up a lot of space though...

RyanJ · Coach

Wow it does, take up a lot of room, but so do rowing machines. We have the room for it, so it won't be a problem. I will have to check them out.

Escrime · Kate Spade

Try sears.com. I know they have several options ranging in prices.

RyanJ · Coach

Thanks

jen · Kate Spade

Ryan, you run 50 miles a week?! How much day? How many times a week? At what speed? Just curious...I love hearing about other peoples training, it gets me inspired! Oh, the row machine is good for full body. If you're that into running, a little upper body would be good for you. I also like the elliptical and stair machine where the actual stairs rotate around. I don't really like the bike, but that's just a personal dislike of it, I find it boring.

RyanJ · Coach

I do 10 miles everytime I run and I usually run 5 days a week. Sometimes I will run 4 or somtimes I will run 7 days. It just kind of depends on what is going on. With all this snow it is making it hard- people are not clearing their sidewalks and the roads are all ice. I usually run for about 60-80 mins. It just depends on how hard I want to push. I started in junior high and just loved it. I just kept it up. It is such a great way to relax and get rid of stress.

Maddie · Coach

I disagree that the rowing machine doesn't get your heart rate up, the problem is that you really have to know how to use it right. It's important to use good technique and do the right sort of workouts, otherwise you won't be getting the full benefits. And it totally works your whole body, especially quads and abs. I was a rower for two years and these things can work you hard, I've thrown up more than once.

RyanJ · Coach

What kind do you use? How long do you do it for?

-- Edited by RyanJ at 14:56, 2005-01-10

Maddie · Coach

I have a Concept 2. They are the best.

http://www.concept2.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1

I actually have the Model C, but they only make the Model D now.

As for workouts, it depends. I do all different kinds of stuff. I'll do lots of 400 meter pieces, one 6000 meter piece, mix it up with shorter and longer pieces. The Concept 2 website has a place that you can look up workouts on and lots more information about rowing. I would suggest going to a class or two before starting rowing just to get your technique right and everything.

RyanJ · Coach

quote:
Originally posted by: Maddie
"I have a Concept 2. They are the best. http://www.concept2.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1 I actually have the Model C, but they only make the Model D now. As for workouts, it depends. I do all different kinds of stuff. I'll do lots of 400 meter pieces, one 6000 meter piece, mix it up with shorter and longer pieces. The Concept 2 website has a place that you can look up workouts on and lots more information about rowing. I would suggest going to a class or two before starting rowing just to get your technique right and everything. "

I was just looking at that one. That one does not have water restiance does it?

Maddie · Coach

Not sure what you mean by "water resistance." There's no actually water in it, but you can increase or decrease the resistance.

RyanJ · Coach

quote:
Originally posted by: Maddie
"Not sure what you mean by "water resistance." There's no actually water in it, but you can increase or decrease the resistance. "

There are rowing machines that acutally have water in them. That is the restistance. THat is what I am suppose to get (dr. said) I checked a little more and the one you have does not.

Maddie · Coach

Why do you need water restitance? I'm curious, I really don't know very much about rowing machines. I've seen the ones with water in them before, but never rowed on them. I'd always though that was more just for looks that anything else. I wonder what the reasons are because every place I've ever rowed (including Stanford and UPenn's crew team's work out rooms) has had these machines.

RyanJ · Coach

I had surgery on my shoulder and my knee - yeah for high school sports- my doctor said that water rowers are suppose to be a little smother and easier on the body. Here is a link to the website I am looking at it. It explains them a little better than I can.

http://www.waterrower.com

-- Edited by RyanJ at 11:56, 2005-01-11

Maddie · Coach

Well, personally, I don't buy it. If you can, I would try to go out and try a few of them out. I think if you bought a lower quality rowing machine it could be worse for your body, but I really don't think it would matter if your resistance came from water or a fan. I think more important things would be how well constructed the machine was. But that's just my opinion, having never tried a water rower.

RyanJ · Coach

quote:
Originally posted by: Maddie
"Well, personally, I don't buy it. If you can, I would try to go out and try a few of them out. I think if you bought a lower quality rowing machine it could be worse for your body, but I really don't think it would matter if your resistance came from water or a fan. I think more important things would be how well constructed the machine was. But that's just my opinion, having never tried a water rower."

I belive it because the doctor who suggested it is my Mom.