I have been toying with the idea of getting a rowing machine but have no experience of them. Are they any good ? Any recommendations ?
I currently have a good exercise bike which I use daily but would like to vary my exercise routine and hopefully strengthen my back muscles. Is the rowing machine a good alternative or are there other options out there? I find free weights etc a bit too boring.
Any thoughts would be useful

 

they taste like metal and plastic, I don't think they're good at all

I joined a climbing gym...I find working out really really boring, but this way i get excersize and it's fun.

 

No. Damn things sink like a stone.

Free weights and cycle are the way to go.

 

Damnit I wanted to train at home then row across the channel for some cheap beers from France.

 

You need proper instruction before using a rowing machine too much as you are more likely to injur your back than strengthen it if you get your technique wrong.

It is also worth getting a decent one, with the pull rope rather than the cheap ones with the pump like cylinders at eash side.....

sorry for the sensible answer oink oink

And I agree with JD. The only one I ever tried sank as well !!!

 

The place I stay at when I holiday up north has one in there gym, I think it's one of the good ones, digital display and all that jazz. I think the good ones are well worth it, I wouldn't mind getting one but don't have the room.

I found it was a great work out for the shoulders and upper back too.

oink oink

 

Personally, I like to do my strengthening using gree weights, and my cardio using machines (eliptical, treadmill, etc.). I find that the rowing machines that we have at the gym don't provide as well of a cardio workout as the eliptical treadmills do. Also, they don't really help to build that much muscle. The ones at the gym don;t have a high enough setting to provide enough resistance to really build muscle.

 

Mark is right. And the best bet is to just join a gym with a wide variety of cardio and strength equipment, go when it's not too crowded, make friends, and let guilt take over.