I searched this forum and didn't find any threads on rowing machines... so I guess I'm starting one

Anyone have a rowing machine? Before the holidays I bought one to give me a winter indoor training tool. I normally do walking/jogging interval training. The rowing machine I bought is water rower and I love it. For those not familiar with rowing machines, it uses a tank of water with spinning paddles for resistance. I did quite a bit of research and water rowers just seemed to give the best workout and the closest simulation of true rowing. You set the base resistance by filling the tank to a specific level marked on the tank. When rowing, you can adjust the resistance by pulling harder or softer - just like in a real boat. Plus the design of a water rower actually makes it easy to store vertically in about an 18" x 12" footprint. Kinda looks like a piece of artwork when vertical

I can say that once I learned the proper rowing technique, that of all the exercise equipment I've owned, from free weights to bikes to treadmills to home gyms, none have given me the full body workout in one sitting than I have with a rowing machine. I can even tolerate it with a bum shoulder and tennis elbow... and both are now getting stronger.

I've been trying to find more information this thing called Rowbics. It's basically adding arobics to the rowing machine. There's quite a bit on youtube but I can't seem to find any instructional DVDs. I've done a little on my own and boy does it give you a workout.

So if you have any rowing machine experience, tips, exercises, questions or anything to share... would love to hear from you.

I just started to use the Cocept 2 rowing machine at the gym. I have a tear in a tendon in my foot and will have to wear a boot for 4-6 weeks. I was bummed to say the least. This injury happened after I "ran" (can't call 13 min miles really a run) the Seattle Half marathon in the end of November. I spent two weeks in the boot after that and returned to walking and the gym. On xmas eve after a short walk my ankle swelled up again so I had an MRI.
Your rowing machine sounds very interesting. I have only rowed three times but I was really sore the day after the first row. At least this injury has me to try new things and a lot more strength training then I have been doing. Concept 2 website has training info. In talking to other people they have used the rowing machine during injuries working up to 45mins.
I would also love to hear any tips from rowers! Since this is my only form of cardio I would love to hear how often and what type of workout routines other rowers do.

The only problem I'm having with the rowing machine is that my stomach is still too big and gets in the way. When you recover you're suppose to bring your knees up between your arms. Well that just ain't gonna happen. Hopefully that won't be an issue much longer.

Does your rower have a on line training program? The concept 2 does and I sent away for the DVD with tips on technique and training. Today was my 6th day of rowing and I made it to 45mins. Every day I try to beat my meters at 30mins and keep going. Thurs was my best after a bad day at work I took it out on the rower. Yes you are right about the "catch" as they call it and the position. They sent me a log book, although I have not used it and it has a training program. Funny I have been going to the gym for years and just never got on the rower before..not to say I will continue daily after I recover but I am sold on the fact that it is an excellant workout. Keep it up!

Which DVD did you order? and where?

If you go to the concept 2 website there is a free dvd they will send you and a log book to track your meters. In looking around on amazon I did see some DVD's also, at the gym I can not put in a DVD and watch it but if you have a tv by your rower at home you could. The DVD I got is on technique and pointers.
The best I have have done in 30minutes is 6000 meters, after a tough day at work I took it out in rowing. I have for the most part been rowing 45 minutes a day but I can not wait to go to the dr on Thursday and hopefully get the go ahead to return to other exercise. I will keep rowing in my regular routine weekly though. How often have you been rowing per week?

I started rowing at the gym last week.. My legs were sore the next day.. plus I burned alot of calories..
I like it alot...

I love my rowing machine -- the water concept sounds interesting. I have a concept 2. I just need to use it more often!

Mine doesn't have any built-in exercises so I'm looking for a DVD to row to. Since it's water based the machine can't control the resistance... you control it by the amount of effort. The harder you pull the more resistance.

I have mine in the bedroom so I can move it in front of the TV. I'm not using it very often yet as I'm not quite comfortable with the technique or how to use it for the best benefit. Just sitting on it and rowing without any educated variety would drive me nuts, thus the search for a training program. I'll peruse amazon and see what I find.

Thanks!

Not sure if you get notified of new posts (looks like you started this one a while ago) but I have the same water rower that you are talking about and love it! I bought it thinking that it would be a low impact exercise that wouldn't be too hard on my knees and it was actually really helpful in getting the flexibility back into my knees after surgery. You mentioned in your original post something about "when you learned the proper rowing technique" and in a later post you mentioned how you are supposed to have your knees at your armpits when you recover - which I have not been doing. This is my first rower and I think my technique is completely wrong. I know I may not be able to do the full motion with the bad knees - but would you be able to share a little more about the way I should be using it? I'd love to be able to get the full benefit out of this piece of equipment if I can. Thanks!