Hi all,
I've been lookin around at the different types of exercise equip. available and i think i've decided to get a rowing machine. I already have weights so i want it mainly for cardio exercise (mainly to lose a bit of a beer belly and to generally improve fitness). So my questions are: do you think a rowing machine is good enough alone for full body cardiovascular exercise and burning fat? Plus how much is the least i could spend to get one that will do the job well? does anyone know any sites that review different rowing machines or does anyone know much about them to say what type is the best or a particular brand which makes good but cheap ones!?
any help appreciate
cheers
joe

joe-The best rowing machine I have used is the Concept 2 rower, probably the best piece of cardio equipment available IMO, and I hate machines.On the C2, the motion is extremely smooth, the technique is fairly easy, and you are able to get some great workouts in.I find it especially useful for interval training.

The only drawback however is the price.I'm not sure what they are going for now but one of my training partners purchased one for a little over $800 a year or so ago.I have heard several people have purchased them used for between $400-500.I do think it is worth the price though and the design is such that its not a typical machine that wears out after a few years.

cheers mate, just had a look the cheapest i can find for one of them here in the UK is £930! so there obviously alot cheaper over there. Is it quiet? and do you know is it easy to move about (ie after every time i use it) or is it quite heavy?

joe-The pulling motion is a type of cam-wheel and it does make a bit of noise.When I use the one at the local gym, it is the loudest sound in the room but all the other equipment like treadmills and cycles are pretty quite machines.I would not say it is overly loud however.

In regards to moving it after each use, I believe the front of the machine is on rollers so you can pick up the back and wheel it around fairly easily.At least, this is what I remember seeing when my training partner moved his about.

Here is a site that lists editor's choice" rowing machines:
http://www.rowingmachines.com/catalo...ditors_choice/

My preference is the water ones, but they are expensive! They sound fantastic... You really get into a groove on the water resistance ones.

I am seriously considering getting this one for home:
http://www.rowingmachines.com/catalo...n_Black_Walnut

-Rip

cheers for the replies!
i dont think il b gettin a water one just yet cuz there a bit out my price range! might push for the concept one or just get a fairly cheap air one!

I've seen some real deals on rowers and other equipment on craigslist.org (free classifieds). If you live in a major city, there is probably a local craigslist site setup. I keep tabs on the for sale Sporting and Bike sections almost daily. Somebody is selling a Waterrower for $400 on the Seattle site and I've seen C2 B and C rowers go in the $250 - $500 range. I wish I had known about craigslist before I bought my Waterrower and spin bike.

i was looking at sears.ca
look there
under health and fitness
even i want suggest me should i buy it is the one with no chair

Nothing compairs to the Concept 2. Best quality, best machine. JMO

www.trainingroomfit.com