quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Rower.

Concept 2 rower is the benchmark. A water rower is nice in it's own way, but the Concept 2 is the industry standard for gym and competitive use. I've abused one for years at my CrossFit gym and now have one for myself because of the pandemic.

Rowing can provide a full body, strength building workout--not just cardio.

But the Water Rower is a far more pleasing row and will stand up to what he throws at it without issue.

I will go longer on a Water Rower than I do a Concept. The Concept is very much a machine and constantly reminds me that I am working out.

The Water Rower is soothing and pleasant while providing an identical workout.

If you buy the Concept2...I highly recommend the RowPro app. I has some great features.

I set up my laptop next to rower on a music stand. It has some good visuals and automatically uploads to your Concept status diary (log book) on line.

You can compete/row against yourself from previous sessions (up to three) or you can add competitors at various split-times. Great way to force you to do a bit better each day.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Rower.

Concept 2 rower is the benchmark. A water rower is nice in it's own way, but the Concept 2 is the industry standard for gym and competitive use. I've abused one for years at my CrossFit gym and now have one for myself because of the pandemic.

Rowing can provide a full body, strength building workout--not just cardio.

+1

Great support site as well. They have logbooks, monthly challenges, teams, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by dave7378:
Whichever one you will stick with and use the most. I don't really like cardio(bores the hell out of me) but when I do it I row or ride the bike (Peleton). Don't forget that losing weight is mostly about nutrition. You cannot outwork a bad diet.

I believe this is the best response on this thread. So if you don't have a gym or Y membership you might do a one month thing and find out what you like by test driving.

I’m another one for a rowing machine. Many LE agencies are going this route due to officers’ injuries when running, doing sit-ups and other common exercises.

Personally, I don’t want joint replacement so the benefits of a rower for a good full-body workout with low impact is a big plus for me.

I'd love to own a rower, but my orthopedic surgeon doesn't recommend it for me after my shoulder labrum cartilage surgery. I have a LeMond exercise bike that I don't use often enough inside. I really prefer biking outside.

Another elliptical user here, but a strong case is being made for the rower.

If you just look at the functional movement required for rowing, you can see how much sense it makes for the average American to use one.

On every drive portion of the stroke, you are using your back, shoulders, arms, core, and your entire lower posterior chain. Activating these areas is a good hedge against back and next pain associated with poor posture and long hours working at a keyboard.

I have an elliptical, want to add a rower. IMHO elliptical is best for starting a routine, then letting you grow into the cardio routine. I do variations of HIIT, always monitor my hear rate, change “elevation” with angle changes on feet and difficulty. Rowing I’ve had a hard time staying consistent with, but I also do not have a home rower and have a home elliptical. I do have a home gym with free weights and complement the workouts with that.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Rower.

Concept 2 rower is the benchmark. A water rower is nice in it's own way, but the Concept 2 is the industry standard for gym and competitive use. I've abused one for years at my CrossFit gym and now have one for myself because of the pandemic.

Rowing can provide a full body, strength building workout--not just cardio.

But the Water Rower is a far more pleasing row and will stand up to what he throws at it without issue.

I will go longer on a Water Rower than I do a Concept. The Concept is very much a machine and constantly reminds me that I am working out.

The Water Rower is soothing and pleasant while providing an identical workout.

Yes, I guess I didn't mean to disparage the water rower. A water rower is very nice, and the sound/feel is quite pleasant. Price wise, a water rower would be considered an upgrade over a Concept 2.

I guess what I really meant to say was that one shouldn't waste time with junk and should, at minimum, get a Concept 2. The Water Rower brand is reputable. I'd stay away from the cheaper knockoff water rower brands available on Amazon.

Also, if you are into subscription based workout programming, Peloton is releasing an internet connected rower soon.

Whatever cardio you decide to do, please remember to add in some weight lifting. A website that I follow and enjoy is Livestrong.com and beachbody.com. The combo of resistance training, weights and cardio combined with a sensible diet will help. Good luck.

I have a rower, treadmill, and elliptical in my home gym.

The treadmill is the best for me for full on cardio but it is hard on the joints, I use it every other day.

The rower is nice but I personally dont feel like I get as good of cardio from it as I do on the elliptical or treadmill.

I would strongly recommend a good elliptical as they are great for cardio and easy on the joints. I am looking to upgrade to an Octane Q37.

..

Get a gym guest pass and try a few of them.

Then hit up KSL classified.

quote:

Originally posted by Russ59:
Get a gym guest pass and try a few of them.

Then hit up KSL classified.

I tried the gym thing a few years ago, but it was just too inconvenient. If my work ever re-opens, we've got a pretty good gym there, so I could check out a rowing machine.
Good idea about the classifieds.

Elliptical. Works both your lower and upper extremities. No pounding stress on your lower joints.

I have both elliptical and treadmill. That said, I still run on the streets the majority of the time. Nothing beats the outdoors, when it comes to exercising, rain or shine, hot or cold..

Cardio I have a spin bike from Bodycraft. It's very easy on my joints. You control the weight of the magnet so you can ride mild, moderate or extreme. I lift 4 days a week so a rower is out because I hit lats and my back pretty hard on back day. I either hit the spin bike, MTB, or swim for cardio. Bike for me is easy to do even when my legs are shot from leg day. This is really a personal choice. Do whatever you'll stick with.

Of the options you've presented, Elliptical. I've worn out a few over the last 22 years or so. High end ones seem to last considerably longer the inexpensive ones. If you go low or mid price range get the five year extended warranty w/replacement. (Hint...buy a closeout model so when it wears out there's a better chance replacement parts won't be available and it will be replaced with a new model.)

My first one lasted just over 4 years and was replaced under warranty. The replacement last over 8 years with minor DIY repairs (no warranty). The third one, a high end closeout, is still in regular use after 10 years.

Love my treadmill as I can watch TV and walk or run. The newer treadmills have decks that minimize the joint pain and harshness of walking or running etc. I have a Sole 80 and love it! Best quarantine purchase of 2020.

Elliptical all the way for me. It allows you to use teh same muscles as running/walking but in a slightly difference pattern. Means it will kick you ass when you start but once you adapt to it you can go back to walking or running without any struggles.

It's also great therapy for Plantars Fasciatis because you get both a foot massage and a non impact workout. BTW, at 65 I'm always balancing on the borderline for Plantars Fasciatis. Which has made the Covid mess a real royal PITA because I can't go to the gym and do my routine workout and an elliptical and the indoor track.

since you have the bike get a trainer (I prefer smart trainers that are wirelessly controlled by the computer for resistance).

These take up little space, allow you to put your bike on them so you can ride inside.

Otherwise I would go with a rowing machine for overall fitness (strength and cardio).