Just found out I have a meniscus tear. Still can run, but will need a more balanced approach, which includes less running and more strength and flexibility. I have a trainer for the bike, and I do swim. I am looking for something convenient and efficient.
Have been doing some research about rowing machines. Seems like you get a good cardio workout, plus you use several of the muscle groups associated with running: hamstrings, glutes.
Anyone out there using one to supplement their training.
I had a cheap one at one time. It seemed like a fairly good workout.
The resistance was from some shock absorber type things that would get really hot. I could barely open my hand when I finished and was kind of afraid it would give me carpel tunnel syndrome.
I haven’t used the Waterrower and it has been a while since I’ve been involved in the sport, but in my eyes there is only one option when it comes to rowing machines…
Anyone out there using one to supplement their training.
Been looking at “waterrowers”
My wife & I own a club model of the IndoRow by WaterRower and are very pleased with it. Low maintenance & good supplementation for training.
The higher end models sport higher end computers (network interface for virtual racing, HR monitor, etc.), but the missus wasn’t too keen on those features, so we went with something more simple.
Good luck in your search, possible purchase, and recovery from injury.
My husband was on the crew team in college. Their coach had them run. A lot. Rowing is a lot more leg then people may think. Most of them wound up doing marathons after college. Several are sub 3 hour guys.
Hopefully you’ll have the same experience with rowing through your injury.
Concept2 …Anything else is just a toy. +1000. Get the data card version, so you can track results. Don’t curl your back, or you’ll be asking for trouble.
As I have no rowing background, I researched indoor rowers extensively when I bought one 5 years ago. Anyone who knew rowing said this is what they trained with when not on the water. The great thing is that they fall on the less expensive end of the spectrum (less bells and whistles, simpler mechanism than water or magnetic resistance). Have used mine for years with zero problems, and could not be happier with it.
If you get one, def get one with a computer. Doesn’t add much to the cost, and is essential.
Another vote for a Concept2. I have a Concept2 model C I bought in 2001 that I’ve put a ton of meters on. It still rows just as smoothly as the day I bought it. Everyone from HS teams to Olympians train on the Concept2. You can’t go wrong.
If there’s a rowing club nearby, try to get some instruction on how to row correctly. It is possible to cause injury if you are doing it wrong.
Former rower here. As others said, the conversation starts and ends with Concept 2. I will say though, it is one of those exercises that gets more painful the better you get–kind of like swimming. So when, I hear things like “its a decent workout,” I can only laugh. If done properly, the generation of power is probably 90% legs.
But, I do not supplement triathlon training with rowing. In fact, I started triathlon after years of rowing because I had enough of that. I specifically avoid it.
As to your injury, I have had several miniscus tears though, it still may be painful to row. There is no pounding, of course, but you are still bending fairly deeply every stroke you take–just something to conisder before you shell out $$ for a machine.
Former rower here. As others said, the conversation starts and ends with Concept 2. I will say though, it is one of those exercises that gets more painful the better you get–kind of like swimming. So when, I hear things like “its a decent workout,” I can only laugh. If done properly, the generation of power is probably 90% legs.
But, I do not supplement triathlon training with rowing. In fact, I started triathlon after years of rowing because I had enough of that. I specifically avoid it.
As to your injury, I have had several miniscus tears though, it still may be painful to row. There is no pounding, of course, but you are still bending fairly deeply every stroke you take–just something to conisder before you shell out $$ for a machine.
I also rowed in college and share the concerns about how rowing might effect your knee. I second the suggestion to give it a try before investing in your own machine.
I’ve used IndoRow, liked it where it’s something diffeent plus uses the muscle groups you referenced. Can do some good cardio workouts between tempo and sprints of varying distances/times.
I was just on the treadmill thinking about how I need to work on other leg muscles (glutes, hammies) for better overall strength and to fix my current hip “issue.”
I was staring at this old rower that sits in the corner collecting dust, occasionally used by old guys. It looks boring. Even more boring than the treadmill. But, if there is something to overall leg strength that I might get from using it a few times a week, maybe I need to give suck it up and give it a try.
I had a WaterRower for a couple years, which I bought new and put about 800km on. I sold it when I got into triathlon and found I was doing almost entirely riding/running workouts. The workout quality was pretty much dead-on with the Concept2, but there were some differences.
WaterRower:
-MUCH quieter, so if you’re in an apartment, it’s the way to go.
-Looks much cooler
-Takes up less space than the C2 when stored vertically
-Has the online racing capability, but I was never able to get it to work with mine despite having the right computer model. I could do single player on my PC, but not multiplayer.
-I found it smoother and enjoyed the lack of vibration
-The speeds aren’t quite the same as the concept 2. My waterrower 2km PB was an olympian 5:57, but my concept2 was a respectable-but-averager 6:42. I was more or less in the same shape when I did both those times (and was probably actually in better shape when I did the concept2 time).
-They both simulate on-water rowing pretty well.
When I started running, I had shin splints. Couldn’t run for more than a mile without pain. I stopped running for a few months, but used a rowing machine daily. It helped amazingly.
Now, I’m having ITBS issues. This thread reminded me of how great the rowing workouts were. Full leg, glute, and back work. I’m gonna have to go back to the gym next week. That should help me again.
I am kind of in the same boat. I have a tear and it HURTS to ride, I cant jump on the bike or let my cadence below 85 otherwise I am hurting. There is a Concept 2 at the gym and I have started using that. It irritates my knee a little, but not much, much less than walking and riding.
Not to derail your thread but are you getting it trimmed, or what ever they do, or are you trying to let it heal on its own?