[FONT=Verdana]I am looking to get a rowing machine so that I can improve my fitness whilst watching TV. Are there any of you that can make recommendations or should I lay down until the desire to exercise goes away?

Thanks for any suggestions.[/FONT]

[Miyazaki]

Get married mate. That is a fantastic rowing machine.

[Mr Cat]

they're quite expensive aren't they..?? a good one can cost about 1k...

I just use a big stretching band - not half as good, but at least you get get some of the movement and they only cost a fiver...!

[johnscarlet]

Originally Posted by Games Guru

Get married mate. That is a fantastic rowing machine.

Can't disagree
John

[Squiffy]

It is generally acknowledged that Concept 2 are amongst the most effective and durable rowing machines. However they are a bit noisier than most, using air resistance in their action.

Waterrowers get some good reviews, and are a bit different. They are a bit more stylish if it is something that will be staying in your front room. Plus some believe the action is a bit more realistic as it does actually use water. They are probably quite noisy too.

I used to have a Tunturi R780. This is a very solid machine with a nice smooth action. An advantage is that it is a magnetic rower, so is a bit quieter than most.

The Concept 2 and Tuntiru are going to be £1000+ though. You can possibly get a waterrower for £700 if you really shop around.

[Tejstar]

I used to have a rowing machine, used it for a few months, it’s now in the garage rotting away. I hope you’ve get better will power than I have!

[Mr Cat]

Originally Posted by Tejstar

I used to have a rowing machine, used it for a few months, it’s now in the garage rotting away. I hope you’ve get better will power than I have!

there you go, you may just have a buyer for it...

[MartinImber]

A boat!

[Mac Man]

Originally Posted by Dr Diversity

[FONT=Verdana]I am looking to get a rowing machine so that I can improve my fitness whilst watching TV. Are there any of you that can make recommendations or should I lay down until the desire to exercise goes away?

Thanks for any suggestions.[/FONT]

Not a rowing machine, but I just bought the TotalGym from here

Buy from here

It was recommended by a friend and his wife who have gone down the usual fitness route in the past: gym, rowing machine at home, free weights, you name it.

He swears this is the best thing he's ever bought and it's all he uses now. And after seeing how damn good he looks I can say it must be working. Main advantage is that you can exercise every muscle set in the body. Plus it's cheap to buy at £75, and it's well made too.

And you can do an aerobic work out on it as well.

I've had mine nearly 2 weeks now and used it about 7 times in that period, around half an hour a time.

Chris

[mcfarfs]

I'm to much of a miser to spend money on that sort of stuff!

I run to my local park, do circuits round there, then do press ups, sit ups and pull ups on the climbing frame!

I'm so cool!

[Miyazaki]

I have given up using the rowing machine at the gym as it hurts my back. I try to keep my back at 90 degrees to my hips and row with a motion to my midriff, but get a really sore back after 5 minutes!

[dc007]

Concept2....

There's a reason why most health clubs have them... !

Shop around and you'll get one cheaper than a grand.

[RMCF]

If you are like 99% of the population I wouldn't spend too much on it. After 3 or 4 weeks it'll be in the spare room being used as a clothes horse!!

I wonder how many rowing machines and exercise bikes there are lying in the back of garages all over the country??

[Henry]

I rowed for quite a few years to a pretty decent standard and have to say the Concept 2 is easily the best and also the most realistic of them all. Never wanted to go anywhere near another one, since I "retired" from the sport! Awful machines but a necessary evil and an essential test as part of crew selection.

Had a guy in my crew who could do 6300m in 20 minutes! Nutter! Mind you, he then went onto row at the Commonwealth Games for England.

[seany]

Diane wants an air walker

so i kissed her

Exercise gear come in very handy round the house

For hanging clothes on, and saving some of the dust from landing elsewhere

[Mac Man]

Originally Posted by seany

Diane wants an air walker

so i kissed her

Exercise gear come in very handy round the house

For hanging clothes on, and saving some of the dust from landing elsewhere

Having someone that walks on water not good enough for then mate?

[mjn]

Originally Posted by Dr Diversity

[FONT=Verdana]I am looking to get a rowing machine so that I can improve my fitness whilst watching TV. Are there any of you that can make recommendations or should I lay down until the desire to exercise goes away?

Thanks for any suggestions.[/FONT]

Why not try actually leaving the house and rowing on a lake, or if there's no lake near, go to the gym?

Is it me, or do more and more peoples lives revolve around the TV?

[Mr Cat]

yeah, before I passed my driving test - and I work 8-4 every other week, i was able to do a spot of rowing on the boats in Durham...that was cool, tho, sometimes got some funny looks as I'd normally be wearing my work clothes - a shirt, dress trousers etc!
but what the hell...

[Miyazaki]

Originally Posted by mjn

Why not try actually leaving the house and rowing on a lake, or if there's no lake near, go to the gym?

Is it me, or do more and more peoples lives revolve around the TV?

Need I remind you of the forums you posted that on?

[Henry]

Originally Posted by mjn

Why not try actually leaving the house and rowing on a lake, or if there's no lake near, go to the gym?

Is it me, or do more and more peoples lives revolve around the TV?

Not quite so easy to go rowing just like that. You really need to be coached to row properly and you'd normally need to join a club and find a crew. Most places wouldn't let you out in a single scull without quite a bit of coaching first as you'll probably capsize and could drown!

I know. I was let loose on the Tideway in Winter and fell in near Harrods. It was not a pleasant experience and put me off sculling for a long long time!

[Oddbodd]

Concept 2 is "the" rower of choice for the proffesionals (including Redgrave etc.). They are designed and built to take many years of punishment in a gym so you can imagine how long it should last a home user.
If you really get into it there is an international following for the Concept and regular competitions which a lot of the elite rowers compete in..............you want to see what these guys do the 2000mtrs in and then just try it for yourself, they are not human!
It is an excellent all round exercise but as one of the guys has already mentioned be careful if you suffer back problems, good technique and posture is a must.
Cheers,
Oddbodd.