Rowing Machine

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SAgirlRuth
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Rowing Machine

Post by SAgirlRuth » 18th Mar, '08, 11:20

I really need to get in shape and a friend recommended getting a rowing machine - any thoughts or comments from people who have used them in the past? Waste of time and money or a good way to get fit?

I have bad knees, so can't do high-impact things like running. I want an "easy", simple exercise that I can do in the comfort of my own home when I get back from work and get an overall workout.

Any ideas...? [smilie=mango.gif]

Next step is where to get one from.....anyone got an old one they're not using?

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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by canuck » 18th Mar, '08, 11:32

SAgirl: you will be bending and pushing with your knees quite a bit, so I wonder when you say bad, what do you mean by bad? It is fairly low impact but repetitive, I find my knees get sore on rowing machines. Would an ellipse be better? less squeeze the knee up and down more rotational and still low impact?

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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by SAgirlRuth » 18th Mar, '08, 11:42

Oh really? Hmmm... Well, they usually get very sore with running - which I always presumed was the pounding impact of landing on the ground with each step. I dislocated my knee years ago, which is why I say I have bad knees. Low impact is good, repetetive might be a problem.

Maybe an ellipse would be better, thanks for the idea! I suppose I should go to a shop and try out the equipment (rowing machine and ellipse) and see how my knees feel.

So long-term (as in, using for a few months) do you think a rowing machine gets you fit?

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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by Satellite » 18th Mar, '08, 11:42

How about taking up swimming instead?

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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by canuck » 18th Mar, '08, 11:50

it will because it will increase your heart rate, so will the ellipse, the rowing will probably help get your stomach firmer too. have considered them but I get so bored on them hard because you can't really vary a workout..

ellipse are repetitive too but you don't have such extreme bending of the knee.. I would go check them out in the shops and try them for about 5 mins to see what you think.

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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by SAgirlRuth » 18th Mar, '08, 11:53

I do swim, but it's not always so easy - if there's lighting, or swimming lessons going on for example. I wanted to do something else like rowing to supplement it - so I don't get too bored either swimming or using the rowing machine.

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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by Aliya » 18th Mar, '08, 12:00

What about a cross trainer? I have one of those and they are brilliant. Get your heart rate going, good for the bum, all sorts of good things. Aparently. I do really enjoy it ...when I use it .... :D
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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by canuck » 18th Mar, '08, 12:08

also great for hanging clothes off of eh? :D

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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by BFG » 18th Mar, '08, 14:44

The rowing machine will get you fit. Don't worry about the knees - it is zero impact. If you feel pain at full extension or full bend, don't extend or bend fully. Along with swimming, one of the most effective aerobic, non-impact forms of exercise.
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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by BoD » 18th Mar, '08, 14:53

The best rowing machines are the Concept 2 Ergo machines. Probably the hardest workout you can get on a machine.

http://www.concept2.co.uk/
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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by Burbage » 18th Mar, '08, 15:05

BoD wrote:The best rowing machines are the Concept 2 Ergo machines. Probably the hardest workout you can get on a machine.

http://www.concept2.co.uk/
Cheaper to buy a boat though.

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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by BoD » 18th Mar, '08, 15:26

Not if you add in the cost of buying a suitably sized lake
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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by Fat Bob » 18th Mar, '08, 15:42

BoD wrote:Not if you add in the cost of buying a suitably sized lake
you could always buy a circular lake and one oar. Then go round and round. Much better than going in straight lines!
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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by SAgirlRuth » 18th Mar, '08, 16:35

BFG wrote:The rowing machine will get you fit. Don't worry about the knees - it is zero impact. If you feel pain at full extension or full bend, don't extend or bend fully. Along with swimming, one of the most effective aerobic, non-impact forms of exercise.
Ah yay! [smilie=groovy.gif] Good to know - thank you BFG.

Ok, so where do I find one in Singapore...? I do think I want to go and try it out in the store for a few minutes and see how my knees cope.

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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by Fat Bob » 18th Mar, '08, 16:43

Ah. Well, yes, Singapore might not have a concept 2 rowing machine anywhere that you can buy one. I did, in 2000, have one imported. Total cost was about $2k and I reckon it'll be slightly cheaper now with the S$:US$ exchange rate gone the way it has. That's if they still will import for you! It's possible!
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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by BoD » 18th Mar, '08, 17:04

Most gyms have them. So just pop along and pretend you want to join
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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by Burbage » 18th Mar, '08, 17:15

I'm going to get a kayak. Anyone got any recomendations?

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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by Aliya » 18th Mar, '08, 18:12

AIBI sell good quality stuff, that is where I got my cross trainer from.
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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by BoD » 18th Mar, '08, 18:43

What did you do to annoy him?
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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by BFG » 18th Mar, '08, 18:52

BoD wrote:What did you do to annoy him?
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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by Kooky » 18th Mar, '08, 19:42

I had Santa buy me an Aibi Cross Trainer a couple of years ago and it really hurt my bad knees. I can't imagine using a rowing machine, the very thought hurts.

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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by BFG » 18th Mar, '08, 19:46

Just be gentle...
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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by Fat Bob » 18th Mar, '08, 21:46

Burbage wrote:I'm going to get a kayak. Anyone got any recomendations?
Do you want white water, sea kayak, straight-line racer, polo kayak......loads more too!
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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by Burbage » 19th Mar, '08, 06:13

Fat Bob wrote:
Burbage wrote:I'm going to get a kayak. Anyone got any recomendations?
Do you want white water, sea kayak, straight-line racer, polo kayak......loads more too!
Yes indeed. Plenty of variety. I have a big lake at the bottom of the garden, so I thought I ought to make use of it. But then it would be good to use on the sea as well. Probably best to get started in the lake and upgrade later. I'd like to try this kayak fishing business. General paddling for fitness would be good too. I think the way to go these days is sit on top kayaks, any thoughts?

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Re: Rowing Machine

Post by BFG » 19th Mar, '08, 10:15

I have no idea how tall you are Burb, but I found that to be able to paddle for more than, say, an hour or so, I needed a back support - nothing huge, just something to wedge into the small of my back.
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