| Rowing Machines |
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Aimless
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 1 February 2008 11:39 am |
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Sooo, me and my lovely are thinking of getting an exercise machine. Our budget is quite small. I would be happy with getting an exercise bike, but he doesn't like them and I'd rather have something that got my arms involved too... So we're thinking of either a rowing machine [more preferable space-wise] or an elliptical.
What sort of things should we look for? Are there any particular brands/makes/models that you'd recommend [or recommend avoiding!]?
Do any sports shops over here [UK] have exercise equipment on show? [I've never really been in any so sorry if that is a dumb question!] I'd personally be okay with paying a little more if I got to have a proper look at something like this before buying.
Mmm. Lots of questions, many thanks if you have any answers :D
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suenos
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 1 February 2008 06:07 pm |
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Hey morbidlmon! couple suggestions:
1. If you have a small budget for home exercise equipment, a rowing machine is probably not the best investmetent - it's a great supplimental piece, just not an optimal "one & only"
2. For roughly the same price you could get a swiss ball, a couple sets of dumbells of varying weights (which you can add to as needed), a step with a couple of risers and a jump rope....with that basic set-up there is pretty much an unlimited variety of effective and fun work-outs you can create.
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Aimless
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 1 February 2008 07:51 pm |
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Heya
Thanks for the response. I have a set of dumbells which are pretty good, but where I live isn't particularly suitable for the other suggestions [I live in a flat in an old building so the floor is very loud if we move around too heavily, not so kind to the neighbours! And we don't have an outdoor space, and in this area you don't tend to want to stay static for very long anywhere nevermind in the parks.]
In the past I've had good results and managed to stick to using an exercise bike, and since I bought my last one I think you can get some relatively decent ones for the sort of price we're looking at [£50-75 each, so £100-£150]. It's just trying to convince Tom they're good!
I just want something I can just jump on, get on with and not really have to think about doing it.
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EJ33
New Member
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Posted: 3 February 2008 09:42 am |
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Hi Aimless,
Check out informercialratings.com for Exercise Equipment. It might give you some ideas on what type of machine will fit your budget and exercise goals.
The basic "Gazelle", similar to an elliptical, I've seen at department stores for like $95 US Dollars.
The "Total Gym 1100" I've seen at department stores on sale for like $185 US Dollars.
I don't have a "Gazelle" or a "Total Gym 1100" but both of these machines have caught my eye over the last few years.
I have a Treadmill, Elliptical, Rider, and Stationary Bike, that I use on a regular basis, so I'm not really looking to buy another piece of exercise equipment but I do get tempted with the "Total Gym".
My Stationary Bike also has Handle Bars that move back and forth with a rowing type of motion so when I use the bike I get to exercise my legs and arms at the same time. Maybe you can find a bike that also has the rowing motion too?
Good Luck on finding a machine that you'll use on a regular basis.
EJ33
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nfeht
New Member
| Joined: | 19 December 2008 |
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| Posts: | 1 |
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Posted: 19 December 2008 09:57 pm |
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i've been rowing for several years now and the erg (lingo for rowing machine) is by far the best workout. it hits every muscle in the body (abs, back, obliques, biceps, triceps, forearms, shoulders, deltoids, chest, upper back, lats, calf, legs and more legs,...) The erg will build mucular strengh, and increase heart and lung capacity. It also is very low stress on your joints if you have knee/ hip/etc problems.
if you get a rowing machine the best kind is a concept2 (http://www.concept2.co.uk/) ive used some other companies and they arn't made very well and dont give you the same kind of workout that concept2 rowing machines do (many national teams use this company), their may be other companies that are solid but i havn't used them. the model D goes for £919.00. which may seem expensive but it is a one time cost. they dont wear down at all. My highschool has been using the same ergs for over a decade and they still perform like their brand new.
you seem to have a tighter budget than £919.00. Since Concept2 rowing machines are so well made a used erg purchased from anyone, may serve you fine. Concept2 also sells referbished model C for £725.00. (the erg's price has gone up considerable the past few years when i purchased mine in 2003 i could get a used erg for $250 US dollars). I know they have payment plans but im not sure if you want to buy on credit.
(yes they are expensive and that alone may lead you to look for something else)
the rowing machine in my opinion is the best piece of equipment money can buy. I get a better workout on an erg than i ever have on any other piece of equipment or combination of equipment.
I recomend talking to concept2 yourself first if you want to look into a rowing machine their customer service is great. their website is http://www.concept2.co.uk/
Last edited on 19 December 2008 09:58 pm by nfeht
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