Rowing

I used that machine in the gym I belonged to. I enjoyed it and used it almost every time I could. Self motivation comes from you, so I really can't give too much help there . I would set some goals (time, reps, certain part of workout) to help with its purpose in your routine. I have found that personal exercise equipment become "dust collectors" because we use them a whole lot at first, and then look at it with the attitude of being bored with it. Have you got a television in the area you workout? Put on some rowing videos and get in the zone that way.

Let us know how it works for you.

 

Best of luck with it. I strongly believe in doing activities like rowing and biking vs just running and doing things like the stair master. I find them to be much more fun and seemingly don't get bored of them.

 

Never tried videos, I'd think they'd "distract" - music is best for be, specifically a set list that has a tempo that can sync to your stroke (I'm best around 30 so a beat of 120 works well). Another thing I'll mess with during a workout is refining my stroke so as to maximize output - technique can have an enormous effect.

If you get into it, try a boat and you'll be hooked - just so long as you're an early riser

 

Forget records and don't get wrapped up in other folks times, just improve on yours. There are some seriously fast folks out there and it can get demoralizing!

Heck, my 20 something rail thin niece can deliver some crushing times - she is about 30% strength and 70% technique.

 

Ya know, that's one thing about rowing that is so appealing to lots of folks. I have several family members that were/are (some are deceased) excellent oarsmen/women. Interestingly they were/are not the hand/eye gifted athletes - they were however, very competitive. I've seen rowing reach out and grab some of the most seemingly un athletic folks and hook 'em for life.

Have fun with it, GT - and, do try the water sometime.

 

I sometimes put on a video just to have it on so that in between breaks and the periodic lookup I can maintain motivation. Keep the video muted and the music turned up and it makes for a good atmosphere.

 

I bought one for my home after using one at Crossfit. Try doing Tabatas - you can set the timer for those type intervals. I have also found several different protocols to keep it interesting rather than just rowing for distance or time. I can PM you some if you are interested.

 

Actually to go faster (sprint correctly) you do both. If you are NOT going any faster when increasing your tempo that means something is breaking down in your stroke. Usually your catch is disintegrating or you are not pulling all the way through.

 

I have a model C with the PM4.

Use the HRM to stay motivated. Also trying to keep the watts up can be a hell of a challenge.

 

Good question, GT, maybe so as to help insure proper form when starting out? Or maybe it's just an erg training thing. I'd tell you that at start your boat might pull in the 40's, then settle around 30, if a close race (and the boat is setting right and enough gas in the tank) maybe sprinting in mid high 30's.

Only way ones gonna win pulling at 22-26 is if the other boat pulls a wicked serious crab or sinks

 

I want to buy Concept also. I row at crossfit best 500m is 1:37

 

Working out becomes fun when you want to do it. If you don't want to then it won't be.

 

I use mine for doing 2000m mostly as that's a short amount of time and I stay interested in beating my best (haven't quite broken 8 minutes yet so the goal keeps me going). Nice warmup for lifting. Too much longer on the rower and I get bored. Rather run outside or on the treadmill with a movie (if it's too cold out or I need to stay near the phone/computer).

intervals can keep you interested too.. 500m hard then lighten up until you recover then 500 hard again.

 

What's your 500 time? At crossfit we do 2000m and sometimes 5000m

 

1:45

 

GT, up for some rowing today?


2X 2,000 meter rows.

time doesn't matter and they don't have to be back to back.

I'll join you.