Rowing Machines?

Inx

Hey guys.

So I've been fat for years. However, due to a recently discovered corn allergy, I've been forced into a healthier diet, and I've lost 20 pounds because of it.

But I wanna lose more, and faster.

So here's my problem. I wanna get some cardio exercise in, but ideally it would be something I could do in my own home - it's getting cold, so going for runs won't be too fun, and I really don't like gyms that much. In fact, I can't stand exercising around people because I'm really self-concious. This could all change once I lose another 50 or so pounds, get myself back under the 200 mark.

People keep saying to get a treadmill, but I really don't like the idea. So, instead, someone suggested a rowing machine. I had no response, because I don't know if they fit the bill. So, my question to you gents is whether or not a rowing machine makes for good cardio exercise. If it does, then I guess I just need to know where to find a good, relatively inexpensive one, because I think its something I can really get behind.

Thanks in advance!

Cruix

I'm not sure where to find a reasonably priced rowing machine, but I can tell you for sure that they're a good cardio workout. You can also try a recumbent bike as well.

I have to say, though: You should just sign up for the gym. A combination of lifting weights with a little bit of cardio on the side will burn the fat off way faster than doing just cardio alone ever will. You have nothing to be self conscious about, scope out some gyms and I'm sure you'll find a nice one with a friendly atmosphere. Let me tell you, I've been a member of a few different gyms and they're not like you think -- the general atmosphere inside is very friendly and I've never seen anyone overweight get treated bad or looked at any differently at the gym.

In fact, from what I've seen and experienced, most people are really happy and more than willing to help out someone who's working on losing some weight. I've seen a lot of people encouraging people trying to do just that. I've seen gym members who were upset when people quit their goal of losing weight and stopped showing up. You can find a friendly gym where you won't have to worry.

Congrats on losing the 20 pounds already, by the way! You're on a good track, a healthy diet and workout routine will do amazing things.

Inx

Yanno, I hear that about gyms all the time. And I'm sure its true. It all just comes down to my own insecurities - I don't like people calling attention to my weight, even if theyre noticing the 20 pounds I've lost. It's bullshit and irrational, I know.

But it's good to know that rowing machines might work for me. They seem real low-impact, which is good because I have shit ankles.

In the same vein, would there be anything to watch out for if I decided to buy one? Are there any universal bad signs when it comes to exercise equipment?

Cruix

http://www.carbohydrate-counter.org/rowing-machines.php

I just found this site with a review about why rowing machines are so popular and such great machines, it should be helpful -- and it also has a list of things you should look for in a rowing machine. I've never purchased any at-home workout equipment personally, so I couldn't say, but this article seems to have all of the points covered.

Kate of Lokys

Newer rowing machines suck. The sleek little ergonomic Concept2 Model Es with the nickel-plated chains and the pretty Performance Monitor screens and and the tiny quiet 10" flywheels... they don't feel anything like rowing, there's no feeling of momentum. If you want an awesome rowing machine, prowl around garage sales and classified ads and find one of these beauties. My parents picked one up years ago, and it is fantastic. It is noisy and brutish and big and looks more like a torture device than a piece of workout gear, but goddamn is it a good workout. And it will be just as ugly and just as functional 20 years from now, because the entire thing is made of wood and welded steel. None of your flimsy plastic or new-fangled carbon fiber here, sir!

Seriously, the Model A is the only rowing machine I've ever used that was worth a damn. The newer Concept2s just don't give enough feedback, and other brands - especially the kinds with the hydraulic arms rather than the flywheel/chain systems - feel flimsy and ineffectual.

Going to the gym is best, because they'll have all kinds of neat equipment for you to play with, so you don't get tired of doing the same thing over and over. But if you can pick up a good used rowing machine for $100 or so, it is absolutely worth doing so for the sake of having something convenient to do. The more barriers you place between yourself and your actual workout, the higher the likelihood that you won't actually get there. If you have a gym membership, it's way too easy to tell yourself "Man, I just don't feel like going out tonight, because it'll take me half an hour to get there, and [my car is almost out of gas / I'm tired / there's supposed to be some snow later tonight maybe and I don't want to get in an accident on the way home / my favourite show is on / et cetera]." If you have a rowing machine sitting right in your living room staring at you accusingly with its cyclopean flywheel eye, your only excuse is laziness.

Inx

Thanks guys!

wmelon

You may also look into going to an actual running shoe store. A good pair of running shoes will really make a surprisingly large difference in what you would consider "shit ankles". I used to say the same thing about mine until I found a local store that specializes in running gear. They actually put me on a treadmill and video tapes my walking and running strides and helped me pick shoes based on that. Prior to that my knees and ankles would hurt so badly that I would limp for days after only a few minutes on the treadmill. Now I'm running out on the streets and have even completed a few 5k races.

As for gym memberships, I've got to say that getting one has been the biggest help for me. My yearly dues are far cheaper than buying a single unit for my house and they've got all kinds of very nice machines as well as free weights and weight machines. In my experience running/jogging has been the fastest way to lose weight, but it is a good idea to include some strength training as well. I'm sure if you joined a gym that they'd have trainers available to help you figure out what to do.

Inx

Well, on the ankles issue, it goes deeper than shoes I'm afraid - I sprained them both pretty bad a few years back and like a dumbass never gave them proper time to recover, so now I have trouble walking for long periods or even jogging for short periods of time.

And I imagine I'll probably break down and do the gym thing eventually, I just think I need to lose a few more pounds to get some confidence back.

Mojo the Avenger

I think the phrase you were going for is 'man up', not 'break down'.

Inx

Mojo the Avenger wrote: »

I think the phrase you were going for is 'man up', not 'break down'.

SNAP.

Bartholamue

Fun fact: If you gain more muscle, you'll burn more, "sit on your ass" calories.

jennifer8055

Hi,
I used to be pretty obese and started putting on a lot of weight especially on my thighs and bottom in my late thirties. I started exercising as often as possible and also cut down on a lot of high calorie stuff. Unfortunately I hardly managed to lose much weight at all. I then recently read an article by a lady who claimed that she managed to lose nearly half of her weight using a particular weight loss supplement. I tried it out and it actually worked quite well. Within 4 months I managed to lose about 65 pounds. The results were pretty amazing and I feel so much healthier and energetic now. You can read more about the lady's article at

DJ-99

Have you tried doing rehab for your ankles? If all you've done is sprained them, it shouldn't be hard to strengthen them. There's much more to healing sprained ankles than just time. You can strengthen them much like you would strengthen weak muscles.

Inx

No, I'm afraid I haven't. I'm not even entirely sure what to do about it.

So instead I favor them and walk funny sometimes.