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Rowing for weight loss/cardio

Posted on 1/10/22 at 4:16 pm
Posted by Randall Savauge
Member since Aug 2021
58 posts
Posted on 1/10/22 at 4:16 pm
What is up my people? Quick rundown of me, I’m fat…. I used to run for exercise a good bit but got out of it and I’ve really let myself go. Want to get back into shape (or at least start moving in the right direction) but not sure if running is right for me at this time. Getting older, don’t want to cause any joint problems (especially at my current weight) and also general time constraints of chasing kids around playing multiple sports, and extra curriculars. I can not stand treadmill running, drives me insane. Did some research on stationary biking and also rowing machines... Wanted to get yall thoughts on rowing as a replacement for running for weight loss and general cardio. This would be in addition to resetting my dietary habits as “you can’t outrun a bad diet.”

Pros: seems to be a shorter but fully body workouts (compared to running for an hour), can do it at home any time.

Cons: need to get a machine ($), need to store said machine.

Thoughts?
Posted by Ingeniero
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2013
18255 posts
Posted on 1/10/22 at 4:26 pm to
It's a great low impact full body workout. I rowed for a semester in college and really enjoyed it. Like you said, the initial cost is kind of high. Make sure if you decide to go that route, you get a concept2 right off the bat. Buy once cry once.
Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
30960 posts
Posted on 1/10/22 at 5:13 pm to
This. Buy concept 2 or xebex and if you are doing as primary exercise, get the c2. Throw some calisthenics in with that and you are good to go. Make are it's legit calisthenics though, puships, pull-ups or fat man rows, squats and lunges.
Posted by Popths
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2016
3964 posts
Posted on 1/10/22 at 7:06 pm to
Esporta has rowing machines, spin bikes with classes and indoor heated pool. All would assist you in your situation.
Posted by Jim Rockford
Member since May 2011
98128 posts
Posted on 1/10/22 at 11:16 pm to
I have a concept 2 and it's a great workout. My main issue is losing focus. Unlike other types of cardio, it's pretty noisy and you have to concentrate on your form, so it's not amenable to listening to music or a podcast. If I can get through the first 10 minutes I get into a zone and do alright.

Don't be discouraged if your times are terrible at first. Watch some videos and work on your form. As your stroke gets more efficient, your time will get a lot better.

Also, go slower than you think you should. Rowing is deceptively strenuous and it sneaks up on you. You'll think, this is too easy and pick up the pace. Then five minutes into it you crater.
Posted by Irregardless
Member since Nov 2021
2237 posts
Posted on 1/11/22 at 12:06 am to
quote:

it's pretty noisy


I’ve been thinking about getting one but I worry about this. Seems the good ones are air resistance which will of course be noisy. Any alternatives?

I have earbuds and headphones that could make it a non issue.
Posted by Jim Rockford
Member since May 2011
98128 posts
Posted on 1/11/22 at 12:46 am to
The noise isn't that big a deal. The main thing is it's hard for me to concentrate on my form if I'm distracted by something else. But I'm not a good multitasker. You may do alright.
Posted by Jim Rockford
Member since May 2011
98128 posts
Posted on 1/11/22 at 12:50 am to
As far as space goes, most rowers are somewhat portable. Either fold up, roll away or partially disassemble. I just leave mine in one place so I don't know how much of a hassle it would be to set it up every day.
.
Posted by Boo Krewe
Member since Apr 2015
9810 posts
Posted on 1/11/22 at 5:32 pm to
Wish I could afford a water rower and had space
Posted by transcend
Austin, TX
Member since Aug 2013
4166 posts
Posted on 1/11/22 at 7:06 pm to
quote:

Wish I could afford a water rower and had space


Check this one out

It's $500 and seems to be able to fold up nicely. I'm considering something similar for cardio days when I don't want to leave the house.
This post was edited on 1/12/22 at 8:30 am
Posted by Boo Krewe
Member since Apr 2015
9810 posts
Posted on 1/11/22 at 9:00 pm to
Thanks. The one at oft is great
Posted by Irregardless
Member since Nov 2021
2237 posts
Posted on 1/11/22 at 11:46 pm to
I just pulled the trigger on a Concept 2. frick it. If not now when?
Posted by brmark70816
Atlanta, GA
Member since Feb 2011
9757 posts
Posted on 1/12/22 at 5:14 am to
quote:

Wish I could afford a water rower and had space



I have a waterrower. I have been using it since April. I use it 5-6 times a week. I've gone as high as an hour a session. But my sweet spot is 30-40 minutes. Great supplement to walking daily and ensuring I get exercise.

I live in an apartment and it stands up when I'm not using it. Doesn't take much room at all. It's not too loud. I watch TV while using it..
Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
30960 posts
Posted on 1/12/22 at 8:05 am to
quote:

I just pulled the trigger on a Concept 2. frick it. If not now when?


you wont regret it. Rowing is an awesome workout.

its personally not my thing unless im going for max distance in a time or trying to set a pr for a certain distance.

i dont have the patience many of yall have just to row.

but as a machine...its the best.
Posted by Irregardless
Member since Nov 2021
2237 posts
Posted on 1/12/22 at 8:13 am to
I’d been walking 1-2 hours everyday for a month and used to do an hour on the elliptical before I wised up and started lifting seriously, so attention span is not an issue. I “read” a lot of books and have endless music.
This post was edited on 1/13/22 at 9:54 am
Posted by LetsgoGamecocks
Member since Sep 2014
2916 posts
Posted on 1/12/22 at 9:04 pm to
Rowing or elliptical I lose more weight when I use the elliptical.
Posted by Irregardless
Member since Nov 2021
2237 posts
Posted on 1/12/22 at 9:49 pm to
quote:

Rowing or elliptical I lose more weight when I use the elliptical.


Stands to reason. You are engaging a lot more muscles rowing.
Posted by jamiegla1
Member since Aug 2016
6955 posts
Posted on 1/15/22 at 4:59 am to
quote:

I’m fat…. I used to run for exercise a good bit but got out of it and I’ve really let myself go. Want to get back into shape (or at least start moving in the right direction) but not sure if running is right for me at this time. Getting older, don’t want to cause any joint problems (especially at my current weight) and also general time constraints

Are you me? I read your thread tonight and after months of toiling over which gym i should join and what type of workout i could fit back into my schedule, i bought a rower.
Posted by PappyPops
Lake Charles
Member since Oct 2021
7 posts
Posted on 1/20/22 at 3:13 pm to
You won't regret it. Great machine. I have one and love using it. They also hold their value incredibly well. You can sell one YEARS after purchase and get virtually all your money back.

Look up Dark Horse Rowing. Great info.

Also, there is NOTHING wrong with setting your air resistance to 3-5 range. Some dudes feel like they have to be at a 10 to row like a man. lol

Get your food intake correct and the rower will help you get those pounds off!
Posted by Irregardless
Member since Nov 2021
2237 posts
Posted on 1/20/22 at 3:46 pm to
quote:

You won't regret it. Great machine.


Put it together on Tuesday. Very pleased.

quote:

NOTHING wrong with setting your air resistance to 3-5 range


That's exactly what I'm doing. I'm looking to improve cardio and endurance. I'll definitely check out Dark Horse. Thanks for the info.
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