I did a quick search on this topic, and the topic has not really been discussed since 2012.
Do any of you use a rowing machine as part of your workout routine? I’ve started using one in the last week or so and I am enjoying it much more than I do the treadmill. I find myself not dreading heading to the gym, as much. If you do use a rowing machine, what else do you incorporate into your workouts, as I am under the impression that it is pretty much a full body workout.
I use a C2 Rower prior to every workout to get my heart going. Simple 500m row set at the proper damper does the trick for me.
Today I decided to knock out a 5k Row for part of my cardio session, I enjoyed it alot to be honest. Next time I’ll strap my heart rate monitor to see where it gets me…
Always wanted to get one but the Mrs is concerned about the cost and amount of space they require. I now have an unfinished basement so space is no longer and issue.
I hate running as I have had multiple knee injuries in the past and they now swell like grapefruits if I run on anything but a treadmill.
What are people’s thoughts of rowing for cardio in place of running? A legitimate replacement?
I don’t have any scientific way of saying that it is a legitimate replacement for cardio; however, just from my observations of the differences in how I feel after a run/time on the treadmill vs. how I feel after the same amount of time with the rowing machine, I would say that treadmill is better for straight cardio and the rower is much more of a full body workout. Granted, when I don’t have a lot of experience with a rower and I have not tried to find any specific workout plans, etc.
Rowing is great. Although I’m not much for doing strictly a “rowing workout,” I do like using one at the gym as a quick warmup. The other great use I get out of the rowing machine is using it as part of a circuit. Doing intervals in between sets of weights always makes me feel thrashed. I would have gotten one for the basement this year, but I went with an Airdyne instead, for similar purposes. Maybe next year.
They are pretty incredible. Just make sure you get some coaching from a someone that knows how to row with proper form. I have seen a lot of CF folks row with very bad form. I have a C2 with the HR monitor and use it several times a week.
I row for warm-ups on some days and others for cardio/HIIT. It is probably one of the best things for cardio, next to sprints and the sort. Look up proper form otherwise it is counterproductive. Seventy percent should be legs and the other thirty should be upper body. Think of your torso/head as an arm on a clock pointed at 12, do not let your torso/head move back any farther than what would be 11 and keep your torso upright, no arching. I love rowing.