Does anyone have any experience with rowing machines? I have not been out to look at them or try them out but although they look like they may be difficult (?) to use I am quite interested.

So, any personal experiences, pros, cons or you just think I'm crazy

I currently use a treadmill and pilates body bands but I'm thinking a rowing machine might let me push harder in a differnt way.

I had a rowing maching many years back.... when I was just a young pup! It was a great all body work out. But right now, for me, I wouldn't try it, because I know how hard it is and know my present limatiations.

But, having said that, it might work for you... just know it is a fully body workout and very hard! And I was in really good shape at the time and still found it challenging.

Not trying to discourage a workout, just giving my experience. Good luck finding what works for you. But, just an afterthought, you might try to find one just to try out a few times...... I can't remebmer, it might have tension adjustments on it, and maybe I just had it set on a hard position.

Funny you should mention that, Snoopy . . . I had just posted about that on the following thread:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread43930-2.html

I have found the rowing machine to be one of my best investments, to be honest, for the following reasons:

- you mostly use upper body strength to "work it"
- your legs get stretching and movement (without really using any leg strength or energy)
- you can (almost) get an aerobic work-out, i.e. increased heart rate
- it works your abs, buttocks, and arms
- it's kinda' fun, as exercise goes
- you can do it while watching TV
- it doesn't take up much room

I had gestational diabetes with my pregnancies, and would have to do 20 min of exercise after eating certain things (like banana's). I had to re-test my blood sugar after that work-out on the rowing machine (too fat to run ), and every time it would be back down to normal levels. (Hence, it must have been doing "something" for me ).

Cherie

That was my at home gym when I was weller than I am now. I can't get up from it anymore.

You can get a darned good workout if you want to. My habit was to keep up with fast music for the duration of a CD. If you plan to get serious, keep a clean towel under it to preserve your carpet.

I found a pretty comprehensive buyer's guide here:
http://www.mens-total-fitness.com/rowing-machines.html

Dangit, Snoopy, you have me thinking about another one and I have no idea whether I'll be able to get off the bugger!

AMN - I hadn't even considered how low to the ground the machine may be and my ability to get up from it. That's something I will need to check into.

Thanks, Cherie. I understand getting the upper body workout but will it also give the legs a workout?

Friend2U, That's what I'm looking for - a total body workout. I tend to push my limits but I have done this for so many years I know when I can or can't push.

I can get myself to the point of shaking because I pushed beyond what I should have but I also know (in my case) I will recoup and recover given a little rest time - also taking a cool shower after working out helps my recovery time.

snoopy..ya know hubby and i own a gym...but i do have to say...i LOVED my tony little gazzel. i got the elite one. they fold up and don't tke up much room. totally quiet.

it works in a stepping gliding motion. it works your whole body.

i can find a link if you are interested.

You can choose to either slack off with your legs, or use them to give yourself more POWER and a better work-out.

I have very weak legs though, so I tend to not utilize them so much and just use my upper body. (That's why I don't like a treadmill, stationary bike, etc.) What I really like though, is that my legs get stretched, and accumulate some amount of tone, just by moving them with the rowing motion.

I'm not sure what Curious is referring to, but I'd love to see the link, please.

Cherie

Cindy is there any way to build something for it to mount to so it is up higher off the ground? Something that you could just step off it? Like knee level or higher? You are clever with a hammer, nails and skill saw I am sure!!

http://www.tonylittle.com/detail.aspx?ID=4

I found this - it's a bit pricey but I am fasinated by it

http://www.waterrower.com/


Curious, I would love the link. Like Cherie I have no idea.....

Sorry, Cindy

Cherie, my legs are weak and it's the stiffness that keeps me up and moving. I like the treadmill and have been known to swear at my legs as I'm on it

My max on the treadmill is 2 miles. I haven't been able to get to my max in quite awhile. I have now increased the incline to 3 percent, at 3/4 of a mile with a max speed of 2.1 - I'm short so my speed is limited otherwise I'm running and that's NOT going to happen