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.

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 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!

The creators of the rowing machine began looking for a way to create a rowing machine that could be used inside to train Olympic athletes. The Concept 2 rowing machine was the result of their efforts. The rowing machine went on to be a training tool for Olympic athletes and a fitness machine for those wanting to get into shape.
The rowing machine was invented by two brothers who went on to develop several different machines in the same design as the original rowing machine. Rowers were able to practice their sport all year long inside and ensure that they stayed in good rowing shape during the winter months.

Model A was the first inside rowing machine. A Boston, Massachusetts rowing team used the equipment to train rowers and keep in shape during cold months. The machine was also used for an event in rowing that took place inside. The model B rowing machine followed the same basic design as the model A, but it included a protective piece for the flywheel. During the 1980s, physical fitness became a popular pastime and the rowing machine continued to evolve right along with the fitness craze. Other models included the Dyno and the Blade which were used in Olympic events in the 1980s.

The model E is the final design of the Concept 2 rowing machine. By the time this model came out, the designers had come up with a cross country skiing machine that helped to train Olympic athletes in this event.

Users of the Concept 2 rowing machine can choose a model that has a great many features. Over the years, the rowing machine has evolved into a high tech machine that helps professional rowers get into shape for their event along with helping exercisers get their body in good condition. The machine helps those who compete in rowing events track their progress on the machine and how well they are doing against other rowers. The rowing machine has helped competitors in the sport of rowing get the practice and workout that they need all year long.

Does this mean you have to go for some other cheap brand just to get it for an affordable price? No! There are a number of great ways that you can find a cheap Concept 2 rowers for sale. Lets quickly look at my 3 favorite places to buy fitness equipment from.

1. Health Clubs
Almost all gyms and health clubs now have Concept 2 rowers. The fact that these rowers are so robust means that you can easily buy a used one with confidence. Most health clubs circulate their equipment every 3 to 5 years regardless of its condition. With a little bit of luck you can get a high quality rower for very cheap. You can either contact clubs directly or watch out for annual sales where they sell of their old equipment.

2. Contact Them Directly
Concept 2 is very particular about their stockists. You won’t see it in too many fitness stores. If you are in a hurry and you don’t worry too much about getting a bargain then you can simply phone up Concept 2 directly and ask them about dealers in your area or even get them to ship one out to you.

3. Online
These days you can find anything online. The one problem with buying fitness equipment online is the problem with shipping and delivery so keep that in mind and bear in mind that it will probably add a premium on to the price. However, you can look online and you are likely to find something worthwhile. I’d suggest you start on eBay since many smaller health clubs sell off their equipment on eBay. You can also look for used fitness equipment specialists. These are people who give ‘factory overhauls” and repair used fitness equipment to a high standard and then sell it off for anything from 30 to 50% less than the original price.

The real secret behind the Concept 2 rowing machine is the fact that it defined what indoor rowers look like and how they work. They were the first ones to design a rower that replicated “real” rowing by introducing a flywheel that uses air resistance. This flywheel can replicate accurately what the resistance is like when you are actually rowing on water.

It was designed out of necessity and it was designed by rowers for rowers. Since most lakes and ponds freeze during winter in England, the need was for an indoor rower that could keep athletes fit and ready during the off season. The Concept 2 did exactly that and is designed to replicate every aspect of rowing in real world conditions.

There are currently 2 models of the Concept 2 rower on the market. The Model D is the entry level model and chances are that you’ve seen this or its predecessor in your local health club. Its a very robust trainer that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It has nothing fancy but includes everything you need for a proper rowing workout.

The Model E on the other hand is the “big daddy” and comes with some very impressive features. Its a much bigger machine that stand much higher off the ground. The main difference is with the display and training capabilities. The Model E allows you to link up 2 machines which is priceless for team training. It also comes with a PM4 Performance Monitor and a Suunto Heart Rate monitor. The Model E is more expensive but if you are serious about your indoor rowing then this is the one to get.

While there are a number of indoor rowers on the market, what sets the Concept 2 rower apart from the rest is its unique flywheel design. The resistance is really important and having the smooth resistance offered by the air driven flywheel is really important. You simply cannot get the same level of resistance with water driven flywheel.

The ergonomics of the Concept II is second to none. Its the workout machine of choice for many rehabilitation centers and because its so kind on your joints its perfect for a low impact and high intensity workout. It has great flexibility and can be used by anyone from 9 to 90 years old.

Lets quickly look at all the various rowing machine benefits and why choosing indoor rowing is such a good fitness solution.

Firstly, lets look at the nature of rowing and its main advantages:

• Its low impact exercise – its easy on your knees and ankles and don’t have to absorb all your body weight as with running. The machine takes up all the impact so your body doesn’t have to.
• Upper body workout – the pulling motion is great for your arms and back.
• Lower body workout – the leg motion is great for your core muscles as well at the legs.
• High intensity – you can burn a lot of calories because you engage so many different muscle groups.
• Aerobic training – rowing is great aerobic training for cardiovascular fitness

Rowing has some distinct advantages for specific muscle groups. The obvious muscles that are engaged are the legs and arms but what most people do not know is that rowing is great for your core muscles and it engages the stomach muscles, the back muscles and your chest. It also works another very important muscles – your mind. Lets quickly look at how rowing engages each of these muscle groups and how it can benefit you.

1. The Legs
The rowing motion requires you to start each stroke with your legs fully compressed. To make the strokes you need to extend your legs completely which allows you to make a full leg motion. This motion engages all the muscles in your leg and is great for flexibility as well as building muscle strength.

2. The Arms
Your arms will do the bulk of the work and the pulling motion starts with your arms outstretched and completes with your arms pulling the handle to your chest. In a similar way this is a wide range of motions that engages all the muscles in your arms – especially the muscles in your shoulders and your biceps and triceps.

3. The Core
Rowing engages your core muscles in a unique way. Most people don;t realize this about rowing until they start doing it – and feeling it the next day. The unique way in which your legs and arms engage during a stroke actually works your abdominal muscles on both the on and the off stroke. The arm motion is very good for your back muscles and your chest muscles.

4. The Mind
One of the biggest rowing machine benefits is the way in which it can help your mind relax. All exercise is good for your mind but the rhythmic motion of a rowing machine has been described as therapeutic.

Some of the more practical benefits of a rowing machine is the fact that its relatively small and can easily be stored  with its small footprint. The latest Concept II rowing machines can actually fold in half which will allow you to store it neatly in a cupboard.

Rowing training has three distinct benefits that sets it apart from all other forms of exercise. Firstly, its a low impact workout and places very little strain on your knees and joints. This means that you can train for longer because its a lot less painful and you are a lot less likely to pick up unwanted injuries and odd aches and pains. Secondly, rowing is a high calorie burner because it engages so many of your muscle groups at once. The unique rowing motion engages both the upper and the lower body in a single workout.

Lastly, rowing training is great for building muscle. It places a huge demand on your legs, your arms and your back and with the appropriate program you can build a lot of muscle really fast while losing weight and not getting injured.

Indoor rowing can be used for weight loss, for rehabilitation, for general fitness and even by professional athletes in the off season. Your specific exercise goals will determine your workout program. While rowing looks pretty straight forward and like its all just about a simple rowing motion then you are wrong. Different programs will have different intensities and different resistance levels to give you that variety that you need in a workout. Also, by simply changing your grip or changing your posture and rowing motion you can focus on different muscle groups and different fitness goals.

So, where should you start if you want to start training on a rowing machine? For a basic cross training workout you can start with 30 to 60 minutes 2 to 4 times per week. If you are already in a workout routine such as running then you can alternate between rowing and your existing program. Row every second day and as a start you need to focus on duration instead of intensity. Try and do at least 30 minutes and keep the resistance level low to make the rowing motions easier.

Then, gradually build up the resistance while keeping the duration the same. It requires both fitness and added strength to keep up 30 to 60 minutes of rowing. You can also start alternating it with speed workouts, aerobic workouts and high intensity workouts.

Here’s are a few basic rowing workout routines you can use:
- 40 minutes of rowing (time based) or or 10,000 meters (distance based)
- Alternate between 1 minute hard rowing and 1 minute of easy rowing for a set time
- Pyramid workout: start slow and build up to a climax and then work your way back in a 1-2-3; 3-2-1 routine.
- 3 minutes at 18 SPM (strokes per minute), 2 minutes at 24 SPM then 1 minutes at 28 SPM – then start over at 18 SPM and repeat this for 30 to 60 minutes.