Are there any rowing machine users out there?

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9/30/12 12:00 A

I love the rowing machine. Just make sure that you are using it properly because you can hurt yourself on it. Also, be prepared to hurt the next day. It is a full body workout and you can definitely feel it. Have you ever tried the elliptical? I get horrible shin splints from the treadmill, so I tried the elliptical. It is a wonderful machine. It simulates running, but without the pressure on your joints. So, it is also low impact. It really works your leg muscles. A year ago I was doing 1 hour of the elliptical 5 days a week and lost about 30 pounds in 3 months. I also went from a size 28 pant to a size 22 pant. Again I say, it is a wonderful machine.

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9/29/12 11:20 P

That's an interesting viewpoint, that they're not good for those with back problems. I'd love some details if you have time to post.

I have a treadmill but am trying to build up my shoulder and back muscles as well as taking it easy on my joints. I love running on the treadmill but need to vary the workout....

current weight: 106.0

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105

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9/28/12 7:55 P

I was really in love with the ideal of getting a rower a while back, but after I tested a few at the stores and tried them out at the gym I realized there not for someone with a bad back, back injury or any of those things. So I decided agaisnt a rower and now I own a treadmill, less exciting but it works.

Keep up the good work no matter what you choose, buy something you know you'll use for the long haul.

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9/28/12 6:39 P

I've been thinking of adding a rowing machine to my home gym in order to both give my knee a break and help strengthen my shoulders and back muscles, so I'm really, really glad to see this topic and some very helpful links. Thank you, all!

Is anyone using a rowing machine at home? If so, I'd love to know the brand and what you feel its best and worst points are.

current weight: 106.0

150 138.75 127.5 116.25

105

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9/27/12 6:12 P

100 percent yes, the rowing machine is amazing for weight loss! And without the impact to your joints of running (which I've also done).

Honestly I can't say enough good things about rowing. I've struggled with my weight my entire life, the rowing machine helped me lose 50 lbs, and more importantly is allowing me to keep them off (two years so far and counting).

I wrote up my story here (needs to be updated as I'm now approaching 6 million lifetime meters). ucanrow2.com/about-us/sarahs-story/

Getting the basics of the rowing stroke down isn't hard, but you would be smart to look for a certified instructor in your area who can give you a lesson or two to make sure you're getting the most you can from the machine. Or try a rowing class, they're a blast!

Here's where to look for certified instructors near you (I can also connect you to an instructor for a private Skype session if you prefer): www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/training/fi
nd-instructor

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9/21/12 11:07 P

www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_artic
les.asp?id=663

Spark article on proper form

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Posts: 362
9/21/12 7:25 P

Be sure you get someone knowledgeable to show you exactly how to use the rowing machine. It is really easy to seriously injure yourself if you do it wrong (most people who are not rowers use it wrong, I see it all the time).

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9/21/12 12:10 P

I started rowing about a month ago and notice a serious difference in my body already. The full body workout is fantastic relative to other cardio machines. I highly recommend trying it. Be prepared to be tired!!

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Posts: 40
9/21/12 11:44 A

That's good to know. I need low impact but still need to be able to work up a good sweat. Thanks.

Edited by: SHEILABAZ at: 9/21/2012 (11:45)

current weight: 227.0

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9/21/12 11:10 A

I've recently started using the rowing machine at the gym. I really like it because it's more of a full body cardio workout, and it's no impact.

Pounds lost: 18.0

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Posts: 40
9/21/12 10:45 A

I'm dealing with a serious case of shin splints and now that I can't use the treadmill anymore (at least for quite a while), I need some suggestions of some exercises I can do as a replacement. I love the cardio workout I used to get from the treadmill and need something comparable. I was thinking of a rowing machine. Does anyone out there use one? Does it work for weight loss?

current weight: 227.0

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