When it comes to indoor rowing, there is one name that stands out more than any other and that is the Concept 2 rowing machine. Its widely regarded as the standard for indoor rowing and used in virtually every health club and professional rowing fraternity. Concept is a British company and the design of their indoor rower developed from the need to create a rowing machine that resembles actual rowing as closely as possible.
Early models of indoor rowers were clumsy, uneven and uncomfortable to use. They worked with springs and hinges and it was just a real nightmare to train on. When Concept launched their first rowing machine it took the very keen British rowing community by storm. In a country where training in winter is less than ideal, the option of having an indoor machine that was as close to the real thing was bound to be successful.
There are quite a few different types of rowing machines. They are classified by the resistance mechanism which is either hydraulic, magnetic or air driven (known as a flywheel). While each has its own advantages and disadvantages, flywheel rowers are by far the most effective in simulating the motion of real rowing. It also provides more control, greater durability and more stability.
The concept 2 rowing machine has a flywheel mechanism and it currently comes in 2 models. The Model D is the basic model that you are likely to find in your local health club while the Model E is the “big daddy” that has additional features and a much more durable and stable design to satisfy the needs of the more serious rower.
Chances are that you’ve either used or at least seen a Concept 2 rowing machine. Virtually every health club in the world has at least one. With the latest range of Concept 2 machines its more affordable than ever before to have your own and the Model D is ideal for home use. Whether its just general fitness or even if you are a serious rower, it offers all the features of a professional training machine with the nice price tag and the compact design needed in a home trainer.
It’s a vast improvement from the original Concept indoor rowing machine. Its still a fanwheel design, but offers much more efficient design with a stainless steel slide rail, an ergonomically designed handle and better seat positioning. The Concept 2 the closest thing you’ll get to actual rowing and whether you want to resemble a heavy boat or a sleek fast feel, the model D can resemble that.
The Model D has a MP3 performance monitor that allows you to track your distance, speed and calories – and it allows you to store the data on a LogCard that’s USB compatible. This is one of my favorite features because it allows you to use your data online with the Concept 2 website to compete with rowers from all over the world! The model D is also Polar ready – and if you have a Polar heart rate monitor it integrates seamlessly.
Although the Concept 2 is a vast improvement on the original I must say that I do not like the fact that they’ve added so much “plastic” to the machine. The seat feels a little thin and the handle is completely made from plastic in an attempt to bring down the overall weight.
The Model D is the cheaper model and is perfect for “light” or residential use. The only real difference with the more expensive model is the durability. The basic design is exactly the same and offers great value for money as an all-in-one workout machine.
.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
The Model E is the “big daddy” and comes packed with advanced features that professional and serious rowers will LOVE. The first and most obvious difference is its size. Its bigger than the Model D and stands much higher off the ground. The model E was designed with durability in mind and is the most robust rower money can buy. Its virtually corrosion resistant and is double powder coated with an additional coating to resist even the heaviest use. It has a Nickel plated chain which ensures a lifetime of smooth rowing.
The Model E is a commercial grade indoor rower and is perfect for health clubs and professionals who need all the extra features and improved stability and endurance. It comes standard with an advanced PM4 Performance Monitor and a Suunto heart rate monitor. It allows you to record and use a wealth of training data and you can use online.
One of the best features of the Model E is its ability to link up machines (the track is sold separately) which is awesome for duel rowing and professional training. It also allows you to calibrate and synchronize the monitors for team training or even for racing against each other.
Although the Model E is perfect for professionals and heavy duty usage, the higher setup makes it perfect for people with back problems and mobility issues. Although it has a ton of extra features I think its slightly over priced. A lot of the extra features are stuff you can do with any standard heart rate monitor and although the more robust finish will make it more durable the model D has proven itself to be robust.
If you can afford it and you have the space for it, buy the Model E but don’t think it will give you a superior workout. It has exactly the same motion and basic functionality and will give you exactly the same workout as the Model D.
.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
While The Concept 2 rowing machine started off as a training machine for rowers it evolved as an exercise on its own. Because it provides such an excellent complete body workout, it does everything that most high tech multi-purpose workout machines can only dream of. Rowing provides the perfect combination of cardiovascular and muscular exercise. The fact that its low impact exercise makes this one of the most effective ways to get fit, lose weight and build strength – without even leaving your home.
The concept 2 sparked a “cult following” and today there are several indoor rowing competitions all over the world. The most popular is the Crash-B Sprints World Indoor Rowing Championships where keen rowers from all over the world compete for the bragging rights of being “the fittest” rower in the world.
Whether you are a serious indoor rower competing or if you are just a housewife trying to get in shape, the Concept 2 rowing machine will change your life. Its affordable, compact and will last you a lifetime. It makes getting fit and losing weight fun, but be WARNED: its highly addictive!