Rowing

[matttahoe53]

For a couple years now I’ve been alternating my cardio between running and rowing. Typically I run from March through October and November through February hit the rowing machine.

This strategy seems to give my joints a rest and have remained injury free. This winter I’ve really tried improving my fitness on the rower rather than using it as way to maintain until I start running again.

Yesterday I was able to finish 10k in 43:30 on my Concept 2. My goal was 45 minutes. Next goal is 40. It’s going to be tough. Anyone else use a rowing machine on a regular basis?

 

[matttahoe53]

That is a CRANKIN’ 10K.

What test do you use to track your progress, the 10K or something shorter.

The Concept2 is a fantastic machine. You may have inspired me to hop back on mine.

I actually started by rowing in my dark garage with the monitor flipped down so I had no idea how fast I was going and just focused on maintaining a steady pace with my breathing. I’d set a timer on my phone and would see how far I went in various time frames 20, 30, 40, 45, and 60 minutes.

I only row on the weekends and lift during the week. Every three weeks I do a tabata:

Warm up for 5 minutes.
The Workout: Alternate 40 seconds of hard rowing with 20 seconds of easy rowing (I’ve been doing nothing for 20) for a total of 10 minutes.
Cool down for 5 minutes after the workout.

 

[matttahoe53]

Here are my last three 45 minute attempts. At this point I’m watching the monitor and trying to focus on maximizing the efficiency of my stroke.

 

[Chuckman]

I love rowing, it's a great full-body workout, but man it kills my back... (or, I guess I should say it exacerbates my existing injuries)

 

[Stout]

For some reason I enjoy watching walking tour videos of various cities as I row, but that's the only time I watch those.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwz-VY_4GKpe4D6fIdyWBLA/videos

 

[Doc4USMC]

Love my Concept 2 rower.

 

[scnomad]

Not anymore. I was a rower in college for a few years, winters were spent on the C2 machines. IMO it is one of the best full body workouts you can do.

 

[matttahoe53]

Not anymore. I was a rower in college for a few years, winters were spent on the C2 machines. IMO it is one of the best full body workouts you can do.

Yeah I really only use mine in the cold, dark, snowy months.

 

[IrishCannon]

I'd love to buy another. I sold mine before a big move as I was unsure if I'd have the space, but I easily could have kept it. I'll be in the market for another one in about two weeks. - Concept 2 wait list is saying about 6wks right now.

My favorite sessions were the 5k rows. I only did a few 10k+. I didn't log my times outside of the monitor itself, but I know my best 2k was 7:04 and 5k was right around 18:00 flat, maybe upper 17's.

I'm 5'8", so my stroke isn't too great. I used to train with a female that rowed competitively and she said schools won't even look at you as a dude unless you're 6'2".

 

[JRV]

Just visiting the in-laws in VA for the 4th and discovered they have a C2 in the closet.

Hadn’t been on one since college… eleven years ago (peak “everyone in the military and emergency services is doing Crossfit” era). PR was a 1:22 500m.

500m repeats w/ two minute rest, max resistance, 1:34, 1:39, 1:40, 1:42, and 1:44. I want to throw up. Beats running, though.