what is your take on these two exercise machines? (gym, stationary bike, burn)

[BrokenHeartSleepingMind]

so i have both an exercise bike and a rowing machine. (both cheap so not exactly professional standard)

what are your takes on both machines.
can you lose weight with either one? which one is best? do you own your own exercise machine? what machine has worked for you?
you get the idea

[Luckyd609]

The best one is the one you will spend more time on.
Rowing machines are great because they work all of your body, but I will stay on a bike a lot longer than I will the rower.
Why not do both? It really is not an either or.

[DinsdalePirahna]

The rowing machine has been discussed a few times in various threads.

The best thing is to get outside, and get in a real rowing shell, or on a real bike. But I realize that not everyone is as lucky as I am living in Southern California where we don't have cold winters.

If your rowing machine is a cheap "piston" type one, you'll get a workout, but not as good as you would from a Concept2, RowPerfect or WaterRower. You have a bit more leeway on a cheaper stationary bike.

A rowing machine will burn more calories, and give you a total body workout, but you really need to learn good technique to use it properly.

If you are not training for rowing or cycling specifically, use both - either on alternating days, or by doing 15-20 minutes on one, then another 15 -20 minutes on the other.

[GER308]

Personally, at the gym when I'm done with my strength training I do about a half hour on the rowing machine or sometimes do a Spinning class but I find the cheap home versions rather annoying. I would take the rower myself but what ever you choose it's worth it to spend a little more on a quality machine. They can be found used for a fair price.

[BrokenHeartSleepingMind]

figured i would add an image of the rowing machine i have, i have used it before it's pretty good for a cheap piece of machinery. sounds like rowing machine is the way to go then =)

[Suburban_Guy]

Machines, free weights, bike, elliptical, it all doesn't matter.

What matters most is what effort you put into it. One machine is not necessarily better than another.

So stop worrying about which is better, and pick one and give maximal effort on it.

[Kings Gambit]

Originally Posted by BrokenHeartSleepingMind

so i have both an exercise bike and a rowing machine. (both cheap so not exactly professional standard)

what are your takes on both machines.
can you lose weight with either one? which one is best? do you own your own exercise machine? what machine has worked for you?
you get the idea

You purchased both, so tell us which one you like better?

For me personally, the rower is the way to go. Specifically though, a Concept 2 rower. But I'll add that exercise bikes performed in the manner of spinning classes are pretty good as well.

It all really boils down to the intensity of the workout, moreso than just the piece of equipment. With all that being said, I much prefer the rower to the bike, but spin classes are awesome.

[xsboost]

Originally Posted by Kings Gambit

For me personally, the rower is the way to go. Specifically though, a Concept 2 rower.

Another vote for the Concept 2. I've had my Model C for 13 years now and have easily gotten my money's worth out of it.

[ukrkoz]

Ahh, THAT rowing machine. Naahhh, you much better off doing real rowing.

[DinsdalePirahna]

I bought a used Concept model B for $100. its solid and does everything its supposed to. The thing is well over 20 years old and rows like it is brand new. They are definitely well worth the investment if you decide to buy new, and even more importantly - use it. BUT make sure you learn how to row it. Bad technique will give you a bad experience.

My rowing club has the latest and greatest equipment, and we replace a few units every year, selling off the older ones.

I'll agree with ukrkoz, nothing beats actual rowing. Since a rowing shell (boat) is inherently unstable, you also develop good core conditioning keeping it balanced.