People, I havent used an indoor rower since Bush Sr. was in office.
Since (& I kid not) the *first* Beverly Hills 90210 was on TV (Dylan McKay how I adored thee).
Since the freshwoman 25 or so was still firmly wrapped around my waist.
You get the idea.
Recently, however, I decided to shake things up a bit (if by shake things up you mean I was kinda desperate for a Toddler reprieve so I took advantage of the DAYCARE at the gym—–which I do) & revisited my old friend.
Back in the college days I used a rower mainly because we had no other options in the crappy small gym at the division three institution which I attended (any Kenyon Lords or Ladies in the house?).
I loathed it at first, but after a while it grew on me (as much as we decided HERE cardio ever would).
That’s really the reason I decided to row again.
I was feeling nostalgic and curious whether my post-college cardiovascular fitness in *other* arenas would transfer to the rower/make me an immediate phenom (it didnt).
Even though my stamina allowed me to only do about three minutes before I conked out—-I *did* feel WORLDS less stressed when I waltzed back to the daycare to reclaimed my (somewhat less whirling of a) Toddler Tornado.
Which all led me to commence googling & then to this site.
and the rest, as they say, is guest post freebie history.
Tuesday Tips – Row, Row, Row Your Way to a Fit Body
For something different, try an indoor rowing workout. Rowing puts your whole body in motion– working the legs, butt, arms and core.
Judy Geer, a former Olympic rower and a co-founder of Concept2, the rowing company, provides five reasons why women should try indoor rowing for a great cardiovascular workout:
Work it All. Busy schedule? Rowing is an incredibly time-efficient exercise because it uses upper body, lower body, and core muscle groups. At the same perceived effort, rowing burns 10-12% more calories than running and 15-20% more calories than cycling. Spend your time wisely and give your whole body a workout!
Low Impact. Rowing is a seated exercise without the pounding and impact of running. It is a great way to get in longer or harder workouts without putting stress on joints. It’s also completely user-controlled, too, so you can start out easy, and then increase the intensity as you get more fit.
Find Your Motivation. Check out concept2.com where you can create an online logbook, join a virtual rowing team, or compete in virtual rowing challenges to stay motivated.
Mix it Up. Try different types of workouts to keep rowing interesting. Recent research suggests that intervals are the most time-efficient way to improve fitness and burn calories. Create intervals of different lengths and intensities – short steady rows, long steady rows…you name it. The Concept2 Performance Monitor includes suggested workouts, allows you to customize a workout, and tracks your results along the way.
Join the Team. Rowing is a sport. You don’t see elliptical races at the Olympics! When you learn to row, you learn a lifelong sport and join a community. You can find camaraderie and competition at your local boathouse or participate in one of a number of indoor rowing competitions nationwide.
To find an indoor rower near you check out Concept2’s “Find an Indoor Rower” service HERE.
Have you ever tried indoor rowing?
Did you surpass MizFit with your skills? (not hard…)
Have you opted to row nary an indoor stroke? WHY?
Got any silly rowing stories for us in general (remember this?)?
Please to comment below.
One lucky commenter will win a pair of Concept2 rowing shorts.
(limited to those of you living in the USA. I know. I know…)
vickie says
September 9, 2008 at 2:52 amI have had several personal trainers say that if you only have time to use one piece of equipment in the gym – make it the rower – best use of your time.
Love your toddler tornado description – my middle child was that was too.
Andrew(AJH) says
September 9, 2008 at 3:27 amThere are a lot of lovely rowing machines at my gym (or at least there was last time I visited over 6 months ago). I probably should follow your example and hop back on one every now and then!
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 3:52 amIt’s all about stepping outside of our comfort zone, too huh?
both literally and PHYSICALLY as I wasnt wearing any snazzy padded shorts 🙂
as with the HIIT (shout out to our healing homie TA) it’s a FASTER workout since it’s upper body lower body AND core.
(and my core was so sore it means I neeeed to row some more)
M.
Kim says
September 9, 2008 at 4:17 amComing out of lurkdom to say, Kenyon? Really? It’s all making sense now. 😉 (didn’t go there – but know the school)
Crabby McSlacker says
September 9, 2008 at 4:30 amWe picked up a cheap rowing machine from a garage sale, and it actually did make a nice change of pace for a while. But once the novelty wore off I realized I didn’t enjoy it all that much, and it left the way it came: via garage sale.
Rowing shorts? Who knew there were specific rowing shorts? But since I am in need of shorts of any kind, what the heck, I’ll enter.
Gena says
September 9, 2008 at 4:35 amI tried it once, at a hotel gym. I probably only lasted a few minutes – I remember it being really tough! My boss took up rowing on a cruise ship. The rowers were positioned right by windows over looking the water, so you got this effect like you were moving the boat or something.
Kenyon? I know a couple of people who went there. I was at my own D3 institution where we actually had a nice gym. But the guy who ran it was a creepy staring weirdo. So I didn’t go often.
(ps – did you get my email?)
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 4:41 amUH OH 🙂
What’s making sense now Kim? my AT THE CORE IM TOTALLY AN ENGLISH LIT NERDnessment?
Crabby? it’s butt padding (I know. Insert joke here about ‘we dont need no’ mo’ stinkin’ paddin’) and lycra. what’s not to love?
Gena? yep. got the email (mine must still be slow…)
Miz.
TokaiAngel says
September 9, 2008 at 4:48 amOoh rowing!
I normally do tons of cardio on the gym floor, but I’ve always been fairly rubbish on most machines, even though I love them all lots I have to work hard to get up any real skill level. But ROWING is the one thing I’m actually good at. I’m sounding immodest here but I swear it’s true, I just must have my muscles in the right places or something. Course it MAY be something to do with living on an island – the Brits are supergood rowers.
Yet I hardly ever go on the rowing machine at the gym. Psychoanalyse THAT.
It does burn way more calories for me than the same time on the treadmill, I have NO idea why I don’t do it more.
A sidenote: I could never row in a real boat, they do four hours training at a time – how would you do a wee???
TA x
Missicat says
September 9, 2008 at 4:57 amThere are three rowing machines at my gym – tucked into a corner like abandoned toys. I have used them (twice) – tough workout!
Cammy says
September 9, 2008 at 4:58 amI just managed to *forget* that movie last year, thankssomuch.
I would *love* to attempt the rowing, but there is no machine near me. I will have to finagle something.
SpinDiva says
September 9, 2008 at 5:00 amI suggested rowing to someone recently and they looked at me like I had 8 eyes–“rowing, that’s just too hard”–well then, lets just sit here and look at the equipment in the gym while sipping on a latte. That is why I get up in the AM and rush me and the baby to the gym, so I can feel no pain.
I used to use it way back in my Marine Corps days–you have motivated me to try it again, mainly on those days when time is pressing. Thanks.
Diana's Body Journey says
September 9, 2008 at 5:05 amI used to row in undergrad. I’d do about 20-30 minutes, so an ok amount. It made me feel so good. I forgot all about it, but my new “gym” doesn’t have it (apartment complex’s…it has 2 tredmills 1 elliptical 2 bikes and a few weight machines). Makes variety that way difficult. I think I need to pay the gym fee at school….hmm.
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 5:09 amI think (know) what *I* need to REovercome is how difficult they are.
In that it’s so the same as HIIT for me.
I forget that when I do the slowburn (aka my lolling cardio on the recumbent reading mags) of course I ‘need’ to do 30-40 min.
With the rower/HIIT it’s harder but shorter.
And Cammy? I aint too proud to beg (was that TLC?).
How fun would it be if we could have a bigbadblowout giveaway of a ROWER 😉
Miz
Kathryn B. says
September 9, 2008 at 5:36 amI LOVE the indoor rower. I used to row inside every day. There’s just something so soothing about the back-and-forth rocking motion. Plus, in my experience, there aren’t a whole lot of people that use the indoor rower so there’s less risk of having to wait for the machine.
Unfortunately, the gym I’m at now only has one rower but it’s broken. And it has a seat that’s way too cushiony. Hmmm…maybe I should send an e-mail to the gym to see if they’d think about replacing their rower with one that actually works. After all….no one’s using the broken one anyway.
dragonmamma/naomi w. says
September 9, 2008 at 5:44 amI keep meaning to use the rowing machine on a regular basis, but it rarely happens.
I can’t do it at the beginning of my workout because I need to warm up, and I can’t do it at the end because I’m too tired, and I can’t do it in the middle because…ummm, because it scares me. That thing is frickin’ HARD WORK!
Pleeeeeeze, people, have somebody check your form. There’s only one person at the gym who uses it on a regular basis, and I swear that someday her back is gonna freeze like that and she’ll be loping around like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Shosh says
September 9, 2008 at 5:46 amI used the indoor rower at my old gym, I don’t think the Y has one. I was up to about 20 minutes and it was a heck of a workout.
Keep it up and you will be rewarded 🙂 Plus feeling less stress is ALWAYS worth it.
xox
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 5:48 amdragonmama? This english lit nerd loved your reference and reminder.
I may have to drag the cameraman (read: Ren Man) to the gym for a facetime (if they don’t chase me out….they adore my filming there—-not.)
Miz
Sam says
September 9, 2008 at 5:55 amSince this is a fitness blog, should I not share the fact that, while at Kenyon, our nail woman (yes, MizFit had a nail woman) was high school friends with Luke Perry aka Dylan McKay and sent us (19 year old girls) to an 80s style Ohio nightclub looking for him one night … to no avail. Ah, memories…
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 6:02 amOk
It’s like A FitnessCarol up in herre.
A visit from my fitnesspast.
(A FlabnessCarol?)
Yep. I had a nail lady (shout out to geloverlaycrap circa 1990’s. My new nail lady? My teeth.) & YEP I hauled ass to a columbus ohio hotspot in a desperate attempt to meet the Perry.
Ahhh, youth revealed.
Miz.
AT22 says
September 9, 2008 at 6:04 amRowing may be my favorite cardio. I burn more calories and – as the post says – use my whole body. I want to get one, but I haven’t convinced my version of the Ren Man yet. And form on that thing is important – and the correct way is different than one might expect!
I did not go to Kenyon, but I grew up in Ohio…I have moved on 🙂
Melany says
September 9, 2008 at 6:07 amThe rowing stuff? Yes, somewhat interesting. The Dylan McKay flashback? Made the whole post wonderful. 😉
More seriously, my sister in law was a rower (the real kind ` not at the gym) in high school and college. The pictures I’ve seen of her are amazing. BIG MUSCLES!
Betsy says
September 9, 2008 at 6:09 amI had a membership at the Y a few years ago and I remember trying the row machine. I felt a little silly and I didn’t feel like I was doing it right (a little uncoordinated).
I am sure you could kick my butt on any fitness machine! 🙂
Stacey Shipman says
September 9, 2008 at 6:12 amI actually took rowing lessons this summer – outside, on the water. It was fantastic. We would practice on rowing machines early in the season or on rainy mornings. It’s challenging and it’s fun and it had me breathing heavy. I do prefer being on the water. I agree with dragonmamma – watch your form on that thing, it can hurt you more than it helps you.
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 6:13 ambetsy? You overestimate me.
Wait for the Monday Core Facetime.
You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. It’s better than a REALLY WEAK IN THE CORE version of Cats.
I sucketh at many things.
(Waves to balance)
I’m not embarrassed to admit it.
Miz.
Donnalouise says
September 9, 2008 at 6:13 amI tired the rowing machine – once – it was too much for my right knee. Had a bad spill as a kid and needed a knee operation. Several years later, never the same. Can’t bend it too much so the rower was quite a strain on it.
Sagan says
September 9, 2008 at 6:16 amWhen I was very little- before I was sent to school- my mum used to get up early in the morning and do the workouts on television and she also had a (very cheap and not very good) machine which I think was a rowing machine. I used to play on it. So I guess rowing was the first gym equipment I ever used!
I love the point about how rowing is a sport and you don’t see the elliptical at the Olympics… I think that’s what sort of bothers me about going to the gym, myself. I want to be doing things that are useful and practical, and it feels rather odd to be using machines that aren’t used for anything else.
And now that the school year has started again and students get free memberships to the gym, maybe I’ll check to see if there’s any rowing machines there for me to play around on!
Linda/Hughsmom says
September 9, 2008 at 6:17 amNo creek…
No paddle…
No machine…
No row.
: ^(
I wonder if my college had a gym…I spent like 8 years there, you’d think I would have stumbled across it. *snort*
Just_Kelly says
September 9, 2008 at 6:18 amHave you ever tried indoor rowing? Yes! This is one of my favorite machines actually. There is something about how rhythmic is is. Also, the sound of the machine, while it annoyed me at first, eventually became very soothing. Whiiiissshhhh…. woooohhhssshhhh…. whiiiissshhhh… wooohhhsssshhhhhh… I like changing my hand holds on the bar to work different muscles (I have no idea if this is recommended or approved by the rowing machine gods).
Valerie says
September 9, 2008 at 6:21 amWhat, you’re not giving away a rowing MACHINE? Hmph! (Ha. I kid, of course.)
The only time I’ve ever used a rower was when I was a member of Curves, and I adored it. I really did. I’m not sure how great I was at it but I really loved it. I’d forgotten about it till you mentioned it though.
Hm. If I weren’t completely out of space in the workout room, I think I’d ask for one for Christmas. (That list just keeps getting longer.) I’m pretty sure DH would refuse to buy me any more machines though…as it is, I could just about open a gym…
V.
marcy says
September 9, 2008 at 6:22 amI have a rower. I stopped using it. Why? Because blister on my hands (yes I did get workout gloves) and blisters on my butt ROFLMAO! So it just sits, collecting dust.
Fit Bottomed Girls says
September 9, 2008 at 6:24 amI’ve done some rowing before, but my old school club had a rower with a wooden handle and it rubbed my hands kind of raw. 🙁
AT22: I’m interested to see good form vs. bad form…I always got on and just did my own thang, which looking back on, seems pretty dumb. lol.
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 6:24 amJust_Kelly? your endorsement belongs on rowing machines everywhere.
please to cut, paste, print & tape 🙂
and MARCY? you should win those shorts merely because you outed yerself as having a buttblister.
and Im assuming the rower is sitting collecting dust, yes?
not the b-blister? (wink)
M.
Shanna says
September 9, 2008 at 6:27 amI used to use the rowing machine a looooooooong time ago at an old gym I went to. I REALLY liked it because it was like a video game. There was screen where you were one boat & you raced a bunch of other boats to the finish line. Its was fun! You almost forgot you were working out. I wish my current gym had one! I would definitely be rowing! =)
JavaChick says
September 9, 2008 at 6:40 amI used to use the rowing machine at the gym on occasion – for a little variety mainly. Never did it enough to get good at it, but I liked it.
charlotte says
September 9, 2008 at 6:48 amI have indeed tried indoor rowing! And you probably remember the hilarity that ensued. It is a GREAT workout and one I need to do more often. My fave tip on that list is rowing with other people – makes all difference in my opinion! New facetime Monday??
Dr. J says
September 9, 2008 at 6:50 amNot a big fan of the row machine. I have used the kayak one at the club, but not lately. I do get to kayak in the Gulf, and there’s nothing like the real thing!
I’m sure the rower is OK, I just don’t do it, yet 🙂
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 6:56 amNew facetime Monday??
I joke but I sooo need an intern 🙂
(ok, or friends who wanna accompany me where people arent always happy to see us. LIKE HERE where we were pretty much asked by management to leave)
Ren Man’s workTRAVEL schedule? Killing my facetimes.
he has to take the embarrassment. he married me for better, worse, or fleeing from Golds Gym management.
Miz.
Jill says
September 9, 2008 at 6:59 amI used a rowing maching in college too and I loved it! In fact, I had forgotten how much I loved it until you posted this.
Hmmm…I may have to check into this again.
You rock the casbah Miz.
Tricia 2 says
September 9, 2008 at 7:01 amI never got into rowing, despite there being 3 at my college’s gym, because they were really close together, and crammed between the ellipticals and the water fountain.
I did almost have a confrontation with a rowing person because she kicked me off the elliptical I was on, despite there being 4 empty ones next to me (And that was just in that row….there were a total of 3 people: me and two others using the 12 elliptical machines) because the one I was on was the one she’d signed up for (I’d checked the list, but it was 15 minutes into the half hour she signed up for, so I assumed she’d hopped on another machine), ellipted (I’m making that a verb) for 5 minutes, then hopped on a rower. the other people who saw the exchange laughed.
rhodeygirl says
September 9, 2008 at 7:01 ami used to love that machine. we had one at the row club that i used to be forced to do because my coach (of a CLUB sport, mind you) told me my back and shoulders weren’t developed enough. After one season with her I looked like a man, and haven’t used one of those machines since. so sad though, it was so much fun to try and keep in your “zone”
sassy stephanie says
September 9, 2008 at 7:02 amI hear rowing classes are all the rage now, but I have never seen one. Looks way too intimidating for me to hop on that thing.
Lora says
September 9, 2008 at 7:07 amUsed to have one but never felt like I was getting a good work out. I probably was – just didn’t know it!
Annette says
September 9, 2008 at 7:12 ami have never tried indoor rowing 🙂 Hubby and I want to get some sort of workout equipment for the basement. I had a treadmill years ago but since it just collected dust during my denial phase I sold it. A rower sounds like a good thing for both of us. Hmmm….maybe we can make it an anniversary/Christmas present to ourselves (we will be married for 8 yrs in Dec).
Rachel says
September 9, 2008 at 7:17 amHaven’t been on a rower since forever..can’t even remember when.
There is one at the Y but it is stashed up stairs on the running track FAR away from everything. Next time I go I will have to check it out. I did enjoy doing it way back when though.
Debra says
September 9, 2008 at 7:17 amI can’t see myself rowing out of doors but next time I’m in a gym, I’ll give it a try –
Tom Rooney says
September 9, 2008 at 7:27 amI did do some rowing back in the college days, but that was on the water. Also managed to kayak at times and felt that was a pretty good workout too. Another machine that sits with dust is the cross country ski machine. Try a dose of that and you’ll be gasping for air in about 10 minutes.
Jenn says
September 9, 2008 at 7:33 amI tried rowing once but absolutely hated it. Maybe I should try it again to see if I still hate it. I just got some free gym passes so it’s the perfect oportunity!
As for yesterdays workout post, it’s coming today I promise. I just ran out of time yesterday and didn’t get it posted, but I did do it!
Jenn
Kate says
September 9, 2008 at 7:40 amI love indoor rowing, and I do it at the gym when I can get one of the one working machines. I fantasize about having one in my home… right where my couch is… so I can row while watching TV.
I think my love for rowing comes from my childhood when we used to go to Girl Scout Camp and we’d have single man (well, girl) row boat races. I was camp champ for several years running. Don’t give me a canoe, give me a big old row boat with those heavy oars.
Being on the machines really takes me back.
Judy says
September 9, 2008 at 7:44 amI’ve never used a rower, although I’d love to try. No time (or money) for a gym membership right now, so only doing what I can do at home. I’m intrigued now, though, and will search out the first chance I have to try one.
Fitarella says
September 9, 2008 at 7:54 amWooow, I haven’t used a rower since I was in high school and had the genius idea of joining the Crew Team. But, um yeah…that story is for another day…not pretty.
And the NEW 90210?
So NOT NOT NOT the OLD 90210!!!
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 7:55 am*whew*
Why did I have a nagging fear that I’d be the only rower up in herre?
Love that you guys have done it and hope that, as I vow to if even just for crosstraining occasionally, you try it again.
Miz.
Melissa says
September 9, 2008 at 7:58 amI wanted to get a rower once but was talked into getting something else because rowers were supposedly too hard on your back.
I ended up getting some version of a skier thingy–it eventually burned up in a house fire we had, and none too soon either.
CDlover says
September 9, 2008 at 7:58 amWhy didn’t I think of this before? I think my (sore) hip might like to take a stab at the rowing machine. I’ve always been afraid of them before. (afraid I’d look stupid..)
tfh says
September 9, 2008 at 8:04 amI definitely used the old erg, which is what they called the rowing machine back in my day (2000), in high school and college. We had a good but crowded gym and those were the only machines that were always empty, those and the NordicTracks (whatever happened to those? these were my two favorite machines ever because I felt like four minutes on either provided a sufficient workout).
The Bag Lady says
September 9, 2008 at 8:07 amLinda/Hughsmom and I are in the same boat:
no creek
no paddle
hahahahaha
Actually, years ago, I spent a summer at the lake, rowing around in an old rowboat (in order to get far enough away from the parents to sneak a smoke……guess that doesn’t count as fitness, though, does it?)
mamarunswithscissors says
September 9, 2008 at 8:08 amnever been much of a fan of the indoor rowing machine. that concept2’s website sure makes it sound a lot more fun than it looks.
was out on the river yesterday and saw people on big surfboard looking things rowing standing up. i think it may be called paddleboarding?? that looks like one serious core workout!
Katheryn says
September 9, 2008 at 8:12 amI try the rowing machines at my gym every once in awhile. I guess I’m the odd man out though. I hate the rowing machine. I never feel like I’m getting a great cardio workout. The sweat is just not there for me. So after 10 minutes of this I always give up and jump on the treadmill. Now there’s a workout!
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 8:16 amthanks for chiming in katheryn—-we’re all about the honesty here!
This workout thing is *so* unique to the individual, huh?
Miz.
keyalus says
September 9, 2008 at 8:16 amI only recently tried rowing because of CrossFit. I’ve only done it for short distances around 500m but I can see how it would be a good workout. I think I’d get bored though. I can’t see doing it for even 1/2 hour.
Stacey / CreateaBalance says
September 9, 2008 at 8:18 amI haven’t used a rowing machine since college…when the machine tried to eat my t-shirt and I was stuck in the machine until a friend saved me. I don’t think I’ll be touching another rowing machine unless it’s on Wii.
kikimonster says
September 9, 2008 at 8:34 amI actually really enjoy the rower. I do it for about 10-15 minutes at a time and find it to be a good workout. I usually add it to my “mix-it-up” Tues-Thurs-Sat repetoire.
Jamie says
September 9, 2008 at 8:47 amI LOVE rowing. I love it. I always really, really wanted to be on the rowing team at USC (my junior roommate got to be, as well as my senior-year crush), but never had the time for those 5:30 am practices.
I don’t find it particularly difficult, though. But then, I am the anti-MF when it comes to cardio; I could be quite happy doing nothing but.
And there is such a thing as rowing shorts? Well that’s a new one on me.
Alice says
September 9, 2008 at 8:48 amThe two rowers at my gym are hardly ever used. I have used them a few times, and surprisingly, I loved it! It felt like a good workout and yes, my whole body was involved… It almost did not hurt enough… It’s gotta hurt, right?
Zandria says
September 9, 2008 at 8:55 amNever tried indoor rowing! I’m not a fan of cardio machines in general though, but when I do get on one it tends to be the elliptical. So no embarrassing stories here (at least not when it comes to rowing)!
SlackerMama says
September 9, 2008 at 8:58 amI work out at home so I don’t have access to a rowing machine. But I do remember them being hard when I tried them at the gym a few years back. I think it’s all a pacing thing for me…I would go hog wild for a few minutes and then be dying of exhaustion!
Val says
September 9, 2008 at 9:02 amI jump on now and again, mainly if I don’t have any magazine to read (as I’ll read on the other cardio machines). I do enjoy and usually do about 10-15 minutes. I don’t know whether it is “ok” or not, but every couple of minutes, I like to switch my grip from overhand to underhand to target my biceps a little more.
Nitmos says
September 9, 2008 at 9:07 amI’m still chuckling over the Will Ferrell reference. I don’t care if some of his movies stink, the dude makes me laugh.
Felice says
September 9, 2008 at 9:17 amYou couldn’t get Will Ferrell? Even for us???
I haven’t rowed since I lived in the Big Apple back in the 90s. But, I did *think* about rowing a few years ago, when my cousin joined a learn to row class and loved it. I even printed out the registration form. And that was about all I did.
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 9:17 amseriously, Nitmos.
Will Ferrell is the only man whom Ren Man should feel threatened by.
I’d dump my beloved in a heartbeat for some streaking & a little Bed Bath & Beyond (if we have the time).
Miz.
FatFighter says
September 9, 2008 at 9:27 amI’ve only rowed once a very long time ago. I didn’t like it – I have a bad back and it just wasn’t comfortable. I haven’t seen a rowing machine in so long – forgot they were still out there!
josha says
September 9, 2008 at 9:28 amwill ferrell! way too funny! watched elf yesterday. I rowed “interval” style (the only way I could last on the thing) a few years ago before our jicky machine broke! The main thing I remember about it is watching the clock and “will”ing it to move forward!
Alexia says
September 9, 2008 at 9:33 amLove the rower – thanks for the reminder — will take advantage of daycare at the Y myself and go reacquaint myself with it!
Alyssa says
September 9, 2008 at 9:39 amI also used the rowing machine quite often back in the early 90’s. My favorite was one that had a video screen with a shark fin chasing the little guy/gal in the boat (me), accompanied by “Jaws” music. Definitely made me row faster!
Deb says
September 9, 2008 at 9:42 amYes to the indoor row. At our gym, however, the machine is ridiculously easy. Set at it’s highest tension, I loose the “pull” a good foot before my belly, and have no resistance on recoil.
THAT SAID. The first time I did it (20 minutes), I got up from the machine and minced across the gym as I could not take a step longer than about 3″!
I rotate my cardio machines every once in a while (forcing myself to the stair stepper and rower). It’s been a while.. I must return.
Now put me on a lake with a real row boat and I’m demon. Wondering how I’d do with a skull….
Cindy says
September 9, 2008 at 9:46 amthe rowing machine is one tough old school mofo. It doesn’t look hard, but it’s killer.i’m always a little embarrassed to get on it at the gym, b/c i can’t stay on for very long. I’m also afraid that grunting-rower-guy might sit in the rower next to me. he scares me. you can hear him throughout the entire 2 story gym. yikes.
Vered - MomGrind says
September 9, 2008 at 9:51 am“Have you ever tried indoor rowing?”
Nah… but I admit that I’m intrigued!
T says
September 9, 2008 at 9:52 ami’ve tried the ergometer (so schmancy), but not in a while. i can do it for about 10 minutes … before i get bored. however, that’s not atypical for me – cardio machines BORE ME.
because of this, i’m gonna go row again this week. 🙂
Nicole says
September 9, 2008 at 10:00 amThe first time I used the rower was also the result of a too small college gym and all the “cool” cardio machines were taken. Within 2 minutes on the rower I said “holy crap, this is why the rowing team has such sick bodies.” Nough said.
runjess says
September 9, 2008 at 10:07 amOh the crappiness of Div. III liberal arts school gyms…takes me back.
This rowing thing intrigues me. I have no idea where to find an indoor rowing machine around here. It looks SO HARD though…which makes me even more intrigued.
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 10:10 amthe rowing machine is one tough old school mofo.
hey Cindy? you might be on to something there.
you should pitch Concept2 to use THAT as their new tagline.
Miz.
POD says
September 9, 2008 at 10:47 amI don’t have a rower and don’t have much interest in rowing myself other than to get out on that kayak. I do love a good regatta and have been known to attend in the past. I once met Peggy Fleming at a regatta. My son rowed for LGRC and they brought home 2nd in the Nationals. (this was many years ago). I tired of the regatta scene – we always had to wear boat shoes and white and blue colors, often with stripes. The fashion turned me cold.
If I had a rowing machine, I could use a pair of rowing shorts to sit on top of the machine with assorted towels and other clothing items. If I do win the shorts, I’ll need a size ENORMOUS.
ttfn300 says
September 9, 2008 at 10:59 amFor awhile I was doing it at least once a week in my gym rotation, i liked it. always wondered if my form was correct. but after checking that link looks like i was on track!
hmm, maybe when i have a gym again i’ll give it a go 🙂
Heather says
September 9, 2008 at 11:14 amHmmm. I’m interested. If my gym has a rowing machine, I’ll just have to try it. And perhaps the gym day care (my toddler seems to be emerging from his previous separation anxiety fog).
christieo says
September 9, 2008 at 11:28 amyou know, there was a rower at my old gym and i used to admire all the people on it from afar (my treadmill or elliptical) and since i am the shy type — where i get all self-conscious trying out a new machine because i hate to stand there and read directions and not know how to fix the seat and all of that and i feel like everyone’s watching me even though i am sure they are not, i never did it. i saw a 100-month pregnant woman on there once and was wowed. i really think i’m going to get over it and try it because wow, what a workout. and i need to switch things up.
Amy says
September 9, 2008 at 11:44 amI’ve never rowed – never even thought about rowing. I have no idea if my gym has a rowing machine (and it doesn’t say on the website, which means I may actually have to GO THERE to find out). If my gym has one, I’ll give it a try. I’ll try anything a hand full of times.
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 12:02 pmAmy? you should know better than to say this:
—
I’ll try anything a hand full of times.
—
up in herre.
the possibilities are endless 🙂
Miz.
Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer says
September 9, 2008 at 12:02 pmI just discovered this a couple weeks ago and have gotton on that beast a twice and I love it – This machine is so much harder than it looks and really kicks your ass. It is a great way to change things up and I will incorporate it more into my routine.
Shelley says
September 9, 2008 at 12:06 pmI did a lot of outdoor rowing in my 20’s – kayaking mainly and it is a great all over body workout when you do it correctly. Core, legs, arms. I have sat on a few rowing machines but never on a regular basis…and unfortunately my current gym does not have one – other than a rowing weight machine.
Recently my family and I have taken to kayaking again…great outdoor family activity with the kids and a good workout too. I love it for cross-training and it is calming for the mind too when you are floating on the water.
P.S. – thanks for the encouraging comment and tip. Protein – check.
Kara from MamaSweat says
September 9, 2008 at 12:29 pmYes, love the rower! No, wait, love the *idea* of rowing. Back when I was a regular at White Rock Lake in Dallas I used to watch the SMU crew team glide across the water as the sun rose… it was so lovely. But when I get on the machine at the gym I get bored. And I never know if I’m doing it right. But NOW with RESOURCES at the ready I can get back on and try again, which I will on Thursday. I will. I swear. And I will love it.
bunnygirl says
September 9, 2008 at 12:52 pmI like the rowing machine. I just wish it wasn’t so hard to work it into my schedule since starting my current job in June. I need to do some re-thinking or the gym needs to open earlier, and that’s all there is to it!
Molly says
September 9, 2008 at 12:57 pmOoh, those shorts are awesome! I just got back on the erg myself while I was in PA visiting my sister as her gym actually had them as an option (none of the gyms where I live do…)
I was a rower in college so I spent many a dreary cold/snowy day in the gym on the rowing machine simulating races. I didn’t enjoy being on the erg much back then but these days I wax nostalgic about it. Still doesn’t beat getting out on the lake in an actual boat!
Alyssa says
September 9, 2008 at 1:16 pmI used to kayak, so maybe trying some indoor rowing will be fun now that I’m vaguely landlocked!
Fitzalan says
September 9, 2008 at 1:41 pmI have used the rowing machine for two different stretches of my life.
One stretch was while I was in graduate school. The rowing machines were located right next to the stairs that lead to the (very nice) lifting area. After I was done doing my ‘real cardio’ I would go row for about 10-20 minutes just so I could oogle those gorgeous guys lifting.
Second stretch–after I had both of my knee surgeries, I would get back on the rowing maching as soon as I could bend my knee about 45 degrees. I could at least mimic a rowing motion and still get a definte cardio workout. I am sure my form was terrible because of this but I still got to break a sweat despite the fact I was still on crutches!
sweets&sweats.wordpress.com
Dara Chadwick says
September 9, 2008 at 1:45 pmI’ve never tried the rowing machine myself, but I’ve always wanted to.
It looks like a fabulous workout!
Meg says
September 9, 2008 at 1:49 pmHey!
Long time no comment. My parents used to have a rowing machine way back in the day. I remember my dad teaching me how to use it when I was a wee one. (My parents were both big into fitness, which explains why in my teenage rebellion I fell *way* off the fitness wagon-but oh the wisdom of parents wins out in the end) And my brother was on Crew for a couple seasons.
I’m thinking about looking up indoor rowing facilities in the area (I live in NYC, we have indoor everything) since I’m hearing how amazing it makes your arms, and my big trouble spot is my arms right now. (and my legs and my stomach, coincidentally *all worked by rowing*!)
OBTW, I started doing H.I.I.T., a few words about that: OMFG OW! It is so much a time blessing, and I actually think i’m working out *harder* doing the H.I.I.T.
How’s life on the MizFit side?
-Meg
chris says
September 9, 2008 at 1:50 pmYup, totally old school. Last time I rowed was 1992 in college.
cammi99 says
September 9, 2008 at 2:05 pmYou all (Y’all? I’m not from TX) have convinced me– I’m downloading Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) to my MP3 player, and taking up indoor rowing!
dragonmamma/naomi w. says
September 9, 2008 at 2:28 pmI hear lots of you commenting on how boring the rowing machine is. I suppose it would be if you stayed on it long enough to get bored.
All I ever do on it is a 500-meter sprint, which takes a bit longer than two minutes, or 8 Tabata intervals: CLICK HERE which takes four minutes.
Is it hard? YES! So hard that I really, really have to talk myself into doing it, knowing that I’m going to be totally miserable for the next few minutes.
I can’t imagine doing it at a slow pace for half an hour; that would bore the crap out of me.
Robyn says
September 9, 2008 at 3:48 pmThe rowing machine is one I’m always too afraid to get on for fear of looking like I haven’t got a clue what I’m doing. I guess it’s always fun to laugh at myself, though, so maybe I’ll give it a go!
MizFit says
September 9, 2008 at 5:10 pmthanks for the link dragonmamma!
I prettied it up for you….
Miz.
Merry says
September 9, 2008 at 6:44 pmI think you should get a tape of the Olympics and have that on the TV when you row, so you can watch the expert scullers (with their lean muscled bodies moving in rhythm… hmmm… oh sorry, got distracted there for a moment). Anyway, that would be a good motivational thing to do.
And what makes rowing shorts different from regular shorts? Are they waterproof?
Lauren P says
September 9, 2008 at 7:05 pmI used the rower, once, back in high school. Oh my, that was about 15 years ago! I too, like you, crapped out pretty quickly and haven’t been back on it since. I prefer to run!
Steve Stenzel says
September 9, 2008 at 7:29 pmLove that rowing!! I need to hit that more this winter…
Erica says
September 9, 2008 at 7:46 pmOw pick me, pick me! I have also not rowed it up in for-ever, ever! I love all of the old school references (Dylan hmm, I was more of a Brandon girl….now I look back and am like….what were we thinking?)
Sandy (Momisodes) says
September 9, 2008 at 8:48 pmI haven’t touched an indoor rower since college! But it kicked my arse then, and I can only imagine what it would do to me now.
Metroknow says
September 9, 2008 at 9:17 pmDang MizFit, sometimes the alignment of our pasts are scary. I TOO, rowed my way through Bush Sr. Days, no joke.
But I hated it.
For one reason: My rower was cheap. It was loud, jammed on occasion (UGH, hate that), and had a terrible tension adjuster that always loosened as you went.
But, I think I could consider trying a good one again…hmm…Thanks for the suggestion!
Rachel says
September 9, 2008 at 9:17 pmI rowed indoors in undergrad, when I had access to a gym. I liked it for a couple reasons – you could sit down (i.e. low impact), and, in a hot, sticky gym, the fan on the erg made it the coolest place to be! That was the motivation to keep going… 🙂
aka Alice says
September 9, 2008 at 10:51 pmI tried an indoor rower once in a gym… felt so uncoordinated and dorky that I never tried again. I’m a big wuss that way.
Now I don’t belong to a gym, so if I’m gonna row, I’ll need to come to your place 😉
Erin says
September 10, 2008 at 12:49 amThere are only two rowers at my gym…I think I’m the only person who ever uses them. I LURVE EM!
Erin says
September 10, 2008 at 12:50 amAlso, I once decided I was going to row over 20000 indoor meters. It took almost two hours. I was exhausted.
MizFit says
September 10, 2008 at 3:11 amErin? WOW.
My arms would have fallen off.
(about minute 15 I think…)
M.
dragonmamma/naomi w. says
September 10, 2008 at 6:10 amThanks for cleaning up my link, Miz. I don’t know how to do that, so feel free any time!
Brandon says
September 10, 2008 at 12:07 pmMiz, I remember in the 80’s my dad got a Voit rowing machine and was just giddy about it. I have probably used a rowing machine like twice in my life. I have rowed a real boat a few times up at the cabin in Minnesota, but otherwise, haven’t really taken it seriously. Now I have a new thing to add to the joys of our random workouts at the gym. Thanks. 🙂
We loves you!
Wundalucy says
September 11, 2008 at 3:43 amI go through phases with ergs but generally like them. Went through a serious off phase during uni where I was actually rowing and we had to try out for squads on ergs (seeing someone vomit after using said equipment is definitely a turn off).
But I do enjoy it these days, I like short and snappy, just doing a km, or sometimes going for 40 minutes and doing interval training in splits. It’s a great workout if you know how to use it, but it has to be the most misused piece of cardio equipment in any gym!
SeaBreeze says
September 11, 2008 at 3:38 pmI swear I posted a comment and it’s decided to be eaten by the blogosphere 🙁
Rachel says
September 11, 2008 at 10:26 pmIt so funny you should post this because I was just thinking about rowing machines the other day. It seems like it really would be a great workout but you never see anybody on them at the gyms. Maybe I will go ahead and give it a try. 🙂
Alissa says
December 1, 2008 at 2:53 pmStumbled across this post…a tad late. I currently row for my college and we use these rowing machines and do not let them fool you. They suck…atleast to me. We ride these stupid things for hours in the winter. Not good but will work you out and put one in better shape than ever. Good luck and if you get the chance to row outdoors, take it…its wayyy better than erging.
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September 7, 2010 at 5:19 pmLUL
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