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I already run but I have been looking for something else to do(low impact) that would be pretty much a whole body workout. I decided to try a rowing machine.
I did a lot of research on brands and prices. I eventually decided I need a Concept 2 or a Xebex but those are a LOT of money. After spending some time shopping for affordable used machines and finding nothing, I had to compromise. I ordered a cheap one on Amazon that was rated well and bought the warranty. It will arrive next week and I'm sure putting it together will be an adventure!
I figure the cheapie will give me enough time to find a used one I really want. And if it turns out I hate it, I haven't lost much money! And I won't have to hate myself too much for not using it!
Utube has a lot of videos and I watched some. I am looking for tips on how to start out. I like the idea of being able to watch TV or listen to music and zone out! Plus I think it would be great for summer when it is too hot!
Typically only one workout a day. Yes, I time my workouts - our Concept2 has a computer built in to the machine that you can configure workouts on. Does your rower have something like that?
Typically only one workout a day. Yes, I time my workouts - our Concept2 has a computer built in to the machine that you can configure workouts on. Does your rower have something like that?
Yes! And I have been running with the same playlist for years so I can time stuff with my ipod too.
I was thinking about starting with 10 minutes twice a day for a week or so just to get used to the 'new' motion. Probably with a low resistance setting. Hopefully that will give me enough information on my rowing abilities(or lack of ability) to know how to proceed.
I have been watching on utube. But most of those people are superbly conditioned athletes in their 20's and that's not me!
Last year, I too decided on a rowing machine as an all-around workout (strength & cardio) and settled for a cheapo one on Amazon that had good reviews.
At first, I got up and put in an ep of "The Twilight Zone" and used it (about 25 minutes). What I didn't realize how much that would lower my blood sugar so I ended up eating more. I found that it was just too much for me to begin with (haven't really exercised in a while) and realized that I should have started off slower. I also know that the best exercises are the ones that you are going to do. So, even doing a little bit is better than not doing any.
So, instead of doing almost a half hour, I figured I would trying a few reps. I started doing 100 reps in the morning and another 100 at night. That was working really well EXCEPT, I started getting big blistered on my hands from the bar. (Yeah, I have very soft hands). It was getting to the point that I just couldn't do it anymore. I even tried wearing gloves but even that didn't help. So, I stopped using it and it just collected dust.
Then my husband came up with a solution-those foam insulation thingies for pipes. He got some and cut it to size for the bars. The cushion really does help-HOWEVER, now the grips are wider (and I have small hands). It also slips a bit. (He only did this last week.) I have to figure out how to get this to work. Then I can start doing my reps again and maybe I will be able to work up to do more-and put on an ep again.
Last year, I too decided on a rowing machine as an all-around workout (strength & cardio) and settled for a cheapo one on Amazon that had good reviews.
At first, I got up and put in an ep of "The Twilight Zone" and used it (about 25 minutes). What I didn't realize how much that would lower my blood sugar so I ended up eating more. I found that it was just too much for me to begin with (haven't really exercised in a while) and realized that I should have started off slower. I also know that the best exercises are the ones that you are going to do. So, even doing a little bit is better than not doing any.
So, instead of doing almost a half hour, I figured I would trying a few reps. I started doing 100 reps in the morning and another 100 at night. That was working really well EXCEPT, I started getting big blistered on my hands from the bar. (Yeah, I have very soft hands). It was getting to the point that I just couldn't do it anymore. I even tried wearing gloves but even that didn't help. So, I stopped using it and it just collected dust.
Then my husband came up with a solution-those foam insulation thingies for pipes. He got some and cut it to size for the bars. The cushion really does help-HOWEVER, now the grips are wider (and I have small hands). It also slips a bit. (He only did this last week.) I have to figure out how to get this to work. Then I can start doing my reps again and maybe I will be able to work up to do more-and put on an ep again.
Cat
This is from someone who has yet to row a stroke so....
I did see that everyplace selling the machines sold rowing gloves too. They looked like gloves with the fingers cut out! I hadn't thought about the blister possibility. Another reason to take it easy!
Yes! And I have been running with the same playlist for years so I can time stuff with my ipod too.
I was thinking about starting with 10 minutes twice a day for a week or so just to get used to the 'new' motion. Probably with a low resistance setting. Hopefully that will give me enough information on my rowing abilities(or lack of ability) to know how to proceed.
I have been watching on utube. But most of those people are superbly conditioned athletes in their 20's and that's not me!
A wonderful quote from Greg Glassman, the founder of CrossFit, goes something like:
The needs of Olympic athletes and our grandparents differ in degree, not kind.
What that means is that you need the same thing those 20-somethings do - the levels that you will do them at will be different (time/distance/power/whatever), but they will be the same other than that.
These workouts seem like reasonable ones for someone just starting out.
I bookmarked that site! Thank you. Tons of different workouts there. Coming from a running/walking world, I love the idea of a workout taking 20 minutes or less!
The machine will arrive tomorrow. I am not doing much other than getting it put together. It could go well...or not!
Typically only one workout a day. Yes, I time my workouts - our Concept2 has a computer built in to the machine that you can configure workouts on. Does your rower have something like that?
I was posting on my thread and this old one came up. When you first got your machine!
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