Rowing Machines...my new love

Hiya~

I just used the new rowing machine in my uni's fitness center for the first time today and wow does it work you hard.  I thoroughly enjoyed the workout though, and liked to think I was rowing in an open water somewhere...hehehe I know I'm a nerd.  Anyhow, I felt that it worked every inch of my body, which I haven't felt from other machines for a while. 

So, I think I'm going to mix it in with the elliptical machines that I usually choose.  I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new workout.  Plus, it's not very hard to use, so there's little chance of embarassing yourself in front of others at the gym.

Does anyone normally use the rower?  Are there training techniques to it or should you just keep a steady pace on it the whole time?

I've never noramlly used a rower but they are good for your upper back and abs. NO you are not a nerd! I do understand what you meant. Here's nerdy for you: I was using the rower and all I could think of was me, Rob Lowe and an old '80s movie called "Oxford Blues."   

I've rowed on Concept 2s for more than ten years. It's a great work out. There are different regimens, and you might want to google some of the rowing clubs. I tend just to do lsd (low slow distance) and row for 5 kms. Many people use them for sprints, but as with most aerobic machines, it's better to do it for at least 20 minutes. This might seem hard, but you'll quickly build up the endurance. If you do like the idea of rowing, the (far more expensive) machines use an actual water wheel instead of the combined fly/mag wheel of most rowers.

Good to know!  I think I'll look into some of those rowing clubs and see what their routines are like.  I really like it so far and have been doing it for 30 minutes at a time.  It is a little tough, but once you get into it, you just concentrate on it and push through.

Here's a link to Concept 2 about training, etc.

http://www.concept2.com/rowing/training/trainingmain.asp