NordicTrack RW200 Rower

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07-30-2021 at 04:42 PM #46

Quote from yashart

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[C2] chain would jump or skip every couple of pulls. It was too distracting to "get lost" in the workout.

Gyms are awful about maintaining their C2 rowers, but they are solid machines, replacement parts are cheap, they're easy to properly maintain, and their support is phenomenal.

Another thing I like about C2 is its community. I've enjoyed rowing "competitively" by ranking my rows against others in my age/weight worldwide, and there are close-knit support groups on FB and other sites. I also like that they give you a free t-shirt at 1M meters and other significant milestones (also got a marathon pin). It's pretty sweet to row 620 miles and get a free shirt to commemorate it.

I've logged over 8.5 million meters and it's been a great machine for getting/keeping fit. Because of this, even if I found a better rower, it would be hard for me to leave C2.

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07-30-2021 at 06:06 PM #47

Quote from exilepa

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How low impact in general are rowing machines for someone has had lower back surgery and looking for something low impact?

I find it is not great for my back after about 12-15 minutes on a C2. Haven't had surgery, but have some disc desiccation and a couple small osteophytes. After a few months with rowing added in, I switched back to only free weights to work full body/the posterior chain and just keep the rep count down.

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07-30-2021 at 06:29 PM #48

Quote from exilepa

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How low impact in general are rowing machines for someone has had lower back surgery and looking for something low impact?

It's just me, but I would not recommend a rower if you've had lower back surgery. Poor rowing technique can potentially aggravate the lower back. Even with good rowing technique, depending on the person's technique, the lower back can feel it. Even though the rower predominantly hits the legs, it also will incorporate the back.

Plenty of other cardio equipment that will be less taxing on the back, such as a stationary bike.

Quote from bajanboy5809

:

Bear in mind for the actual people that use these types of equipment and are giving advice about things like this, remember that 90% of us will either use these types of equipment very little or never after the initial phase. LOL
I have a neighbor that moved in 9 months ago, he's had a brand new Hydrow in the box in the garage for the same amount of time. I'd gladly help him move it and set it up so I can at least check it out and see if I like it.

My local Best Buy's has the hydro row set up for demo purposes. I love how silent it is compared the concept2/air rowers.

Quote from samsungs70

:

Noob question: if this is $125, should I buy it?
https://www.amazon.com/Marcy-Fold...46&sr=8-27

Probably not if you've ever rowed on a concept2 or a water rower. However, it will give you a general sense of rowing machines, and if rowing is something you may enjoy.

Edit: @samsungs70 .. Even better, if you have a local Orange Theory, sign up for their 1 day trial membership, and ensure that the instructor will incorporate the water rower into their class. This will allow you to test out if rowing could possibly be for you.

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Last edited by strawberrycake July 30, 2021 at 07:39 PM.

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07-30-2021 at 07:45 PM #49

You'll be hard pressed to find a company that cares more about your experience than C2.
Also, they sell factory refurb units if you're looking to spend less.

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07-30-2021 at 07:51 PM #50

Quote from wankawitz

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Kinda been looking for a rowing machine, they are supposed to be really good for posture/back muscles which I need. My main worry is the Seats on these rower machines always look small and uncomfortable.

Took me a week or two, but my butt got used to the seat on the Concept2. It's still not completely comfortable, come to think of it, but it's good enough that I'm not inclined to buy any of the aftermarket seat upgrades/covers. Try it for a couple of weeks, and if you need a cover or whatever, go for it.

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07-30-2021 at 07:56 PM #51

Quote from WIckedNews

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No go outside and deal with nature. This is unnatural and will build muscle in areas you don't want.

Hard disagree. I was a runner who competed at 135-145lbs, and the combination of age (42 now), bad genetic luck, hard training, and ballooning up to 200lbs has made it so I can't run for long without major pain anymore. I picked up the Concept2 in April, took up rowing in earnest about a month ago, and it's been great. Burns calories almost as fast as running does, and doesn't take hours to get a decent workout like walking does. Between changing how I eat (basically keto) and daily rowing, I've been losing about 4lbs per week so far.

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Last edited by burntorangehorn July 30, 2021 at 08:09 PM.

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07-30-2021 at 08:04 PM #52

Quote from kevbot8

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??? A full body pulling motion is about as natural as it gets, but you're right, who wants strong legs and posterior chain

That's the thing: seems like I can shift focus to various muscle groups when rowing, depending on what I want to work most, by changing when I start bending my elbows in the pull, how much I lean forward and back, etc.

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07-30-2021 at 08:07 PM #53

Quote from exilepa

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How low impact in general are rowing machines for someone has had lower back surgery and looking for something low impact?

Definitely ask your orthopedics doctor, not just strangers on the internet, before pushing it!

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07-30-2021 at 08:12 PM #54

If you have $600 to spend, you're still better off buying a used Concept2. Runner-up, maybe a Xebex.

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07-30-2021 at 08:23 PM #55

I'm concerned there aren't enough places to hang clothes after the first 30 days of use.
I've been using on of their cross-country ski machines for decades. It holds plenty of clothes.

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07-30-2021 at 09:03 PM #56

Quote from burntorangehorn

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Hard disagree. I was a runner who competed at 135-145lbs, and the combination of age (42 now), bad genetic luck, hard training, and ballooning up to 200lbs has made it so I can't run for long without major pain anymore. I picked up the Concept2 in April, took up rowing in earnest about a month ago, and it's been great. Burns calories almost as fast as running does, and doesn't take hours to get a decent workout like walking does. Between changing how I eat (basically keto) and daily rowing, I've been losing about 4lbs per week so far.

Just chiming in to say congrats and best wishes on your journey, that's awesome.

As a competitor myself (I powerlift and bodybuild - 35 years old but compete in open class); the road back from an injury or a slump is a hard one to overcome. kudos to you.

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07-30-2021 at 09:26 PM #57

The Costco Proform Sport is practically identical and comes with free one year iFit membership. In store they are $399

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07-30-2021 at 09:44 PM #58

Well done, I was considering this for a temp. place I'll be at. Appreciate the fragility feedback, as further review shows a machine weight of <100lbs and user recommended weight of <250.

I'm in one of my better shapes now at 6'2" 230 but from all the desk chairs, ladders, recliners, massage chairs, exercise equipment and other furniture I've been through…one of the best measures of quality is user weight. At 230, I'm looking for a machine that supports up to 350-400 if I want it to last a few years.

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Last edited by FearAndLoathing July 30, 2021 at 09:46 PM.

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07-30-2021 at 09:53 PM #59

Quote from zen_cohen

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Gyms are awful about maintaining their C2 rowers, but they are solid machines, replacement parts are cheap, they're easy to properly maintain, and their support is phenomenal.

Another thing I like about C2 is its community. I've enjoyed rowing "competitively" by ranking my rows against others in my age/weight worldwide, and there are close-knit support groups on FB and other sites. I also like that they give you a free t-shirt at 1M meters and other significant milestones (also got a marathon pin). It's pretty sweet to row 620 miles and get a free shirt to commemorate it.

I've logged over 8.5 million meters and it's been a great machine for getting/keeping fit. Because of this, even if I found a better rower, it would be hard for me to leave C2.

I'm going to look at a used C2 tomorrow. Anything I should check before handing them the cash? I've used rowing machines at the gym before but it's been years since then.

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07-30-2021 at 10:00 PM #60

Quote from burntorangehorn

:

Hard disagree. I was a runner who competed at 135-145lbs, and the combination of age (42 now), bad genetic luck, hard training, and ballooning up to 200lbs has made it so I can't run for long without major pain anymore. I picked up the Concept2 in April, took up rowing in earnest about a month ago, and it's been great. Burns calories almost as fast as running does, and doesn't take hours to get a decent workout like walking does. Between changing how I eat (basically keto) and daily rowing, I've been losing about 4lbs per week so far.

God luck and good point!

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