Concept2 One Month Report

[ls99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by haha What is that weird thing he does with his wrists?

Heh, heh, heh, very slick and very well done on the demonstrator's part. That hand motion is well understood by Ju-Jutsu players.

It is strain relief of the bones in the forearm and of the wrist. Further it maximizes the power when the hands are close to the body. Also that rolling motion prevents having to cock the wrist sideways.

In free weight lifting with say 20 lb in each hand it is also applicable, rotate the weight as pushing up.

There is a bit more to it, but this should suffice for now.

Try it, you'll like it it. Keep your grip very near the ends of the handle, and sort of like palm the handle end. Watch it a few more times, he does it very well.

[haha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ls99 Heh, heh, heh, very slick and very well done on the demonstrator's part. That hand motion is well understood by Ju-Jutsu players. It is strain relief of the bones in the forearm and of the wrist. Further it maximizes the power when the hands are close to the body. Also that rolling motion prevents having to cock the wrist sideways. In free weight lifting with say 20 lb in each hand it is also applicable, rotate the weight as pushing up. There is a bit more to it, but this should suffice for now. Try it, you'll like it it. Keep your grip very near the ends of the handle, and sort of like palm the handle end. Watch it a few more times, he does it very well.

Interesting to know what that is about. The motion is the opposite of the forearm roll when rowing in a shell. He flexes the wrist; in rowing once your stroke is finshed you entend the wrists, to cleanly lift the oar out of the water and go forward in the recovery (blade moving toward the bow) with the blade parallel to the water.

I believe that the best demos are the ones given by concept2, and by wet rowers.

Ha

[ls99]

Never rowed shells. So unfamiliar with the particular rowing mechanics. I do understand your description.

As for why the guy in the demo is doing it, truly I have no idea. That hand motion is used in many throws, unlocks, guide moves in Jutsu. It only is partially shown early on, in greater detail much later on, then becomes automatic over many years of practice.

Maybe some orthopedic surgeon, or sports medicine/rehab type can elaborate on the pro's and con's.

[TromboneAl]

I thought of you guys while rowing my $44 piston smooth rowing machine today.

[ls99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl I thought of you guys while rowing my $44 piston smooth rowing machine today.

Mine is at the Y.

[friar1610]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl I thought of you guys while rowing my $44 piston smooth rowing machine today.

What kind of rower do you have? I have a Precor piston type that I've had for a good 20 years. I used to use it a lot but have gotten away from it the last 7 or 8 years. Now with my renewed interest in rowing due to the C2 at the gym I'm going to dust it off and try it some at home. As I recall, it felt different than the C2 does and I'm not sure which gives a better workout.

[W2R]

I quit working out on the Concept2 last week. I was mostly riding it for novelty, to "spice up" my workout. After a while it just wasn't a novelty for me any more (imagine that? ). Oh well.

Now I'm just doing my weight lifting, but have been able to increase my weights so I am happier with that workout than I was, and don't need the novelty any more. I really think the C2 provides a fantastic workout. I'll probably start using it again after a while (and more seriously), but for now I'm taking a break.

I think the Concept2 is a fantastic machine and probably even better if you own one, and can work out on it frequently. I was just working out on it when we were at the gym (MWF only). I love the fact that you can find out what others of your age and gender can do on the C2, and I find that to be so inspiring.

[TromboneAl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by friar1610 What kind of rower do you have? I have a Precor piston type that I've had for a good 20 years. I used to use it a lot but have gotten away from it the last 7 or 8 years. Now with my renewed interest in rowing due to the C2 at the gym I'm going to dust it off and try it some at home. As I recall, it felt different than the C2 does and I'm not sure which gives a better workout.

It's a Tunturi, very simple, no electronics. it may be more pleasing to use a Concept 2, but I'm not sure how a C2 could give a better workout.

[haha]

I am almost 40% of the way to one million km on mine. Some days I row moderately fast (for an old guy), some days slow and easy with the telly on. I will likely get more distance in winter, as on nice days in the fall I often preferred to go outside walking. Since I started on September 10, I have burned 32,000 kilocalories rowing and walking, with walking figured at 80 kc/mile, which I think is quite conservative for my hilly walking, often with a pack. Rowing accounts for 18,000 kc of the 32,000 total. In total, this amounts to 414 kc per day, 7days a week, since my start date. I do not get bored rowing or walking, and I am very happy about that. On days that I row farther, I get ravenously hungry by the evening meal, so my weight has stayed about where it was, maybe a few pounds lighter.

I do not know if it has improved my health status, but I do look a bit better. It certainly cannot hurt my health, and it does make me feel better about my day.

One poster joked that I was the pied piper of rowing, and I admit to being very enthusiastic, but for sure there are may other things that might be better for others. (Probably not to include piston rowers for many of us.)

Ha

[W2R]

Ha, those are some awesome statistics and results, especially when considering that the 425 kcal is an average,and not just certain days when everything was optimal.

I'm sure your quality of life and well being must be highly improved, as well as your health. What an inspiration you are.

[haha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2R Ha, those are some awesome statistics and results, especially when considering that the 425 kcal is an average,and not just certain days when everything was optimal. I'm sure your quality of life and well being must be highly improved, as well as your health. What an inspiration you are.

I changed it to 414, as I had made an error in my formula.

I have a plan to C2 row the navigable length of the Danube, 2412 km. I wont make it this year, but I'll map the distance from the Black Sea mouth to various major cities and historic town along the way, to give me interim goals.

And W2R, thanks for your kind words.

Ha

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by haha I changed it to 414, as I had made an error in my formula.

Oh, well in THAT case.... Just kidding. Either number is awesome!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by haha I have a plan to C2 row the navigable length of the Danube, 2412 km. I wont make it this year, but I'll map the distance from the Black Sea mouth to various major cities and historic town along the way, to give me interim goals.

Maybe you could even follow your progress on Google streetview, if it covers riverside towns along the way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by haha And W2R, thanks for your kind words.

You're welcome, of course. In less than 3 months of rowing on your new Concept2, you have accomplished quite a lot.

[ERD50]

Quote:

Originally Posted by haha Since I started on September 10, I have burned 32,000 kilocalories rowing and walking, ... Ha

Impressive. If one accepts the idea that ~ 3,500 kcals delta equates to about a one pound weight gain/loss, then this has helped you keep off ~ 9# of weight gain in less than 3 months.

I have trouble keeping up with exercise. I started a few months back, then (separate from this), twisted up my back (minor this time), and am now just getting back to it. I do feel better when I do it, it's just so easy to 'fall of the wagon'.

-ERD50

[ls99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by haha I changed it to 414, as I had made an error in my formula. I have a plan to C2 row the navigable length of the Danube, 2412 km. I wont make it this year, but I'll map the distance from the Black Sea mouth to various major cities and historic town along the way, to give me interim goals. And W2R, thanks for your kind words. Ha

Impressive goal. Need some Viennese waltz to go along with that.

[friar1610]

Over the past week I have used my old Precor piston-type rower at home a few times when I couldn't get to the gym. I've found it to be a more strenuous workout (at about 22 strokes per minute) than the Concept 2 (at about 28 strokes per minute with the setting about 6.) It seems to stress my abs and legs more (but not necessarily my shoulders or upper arms.) I enjoy the Concept 2 workout more, though.

[TromboneAl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by friar1610 Over the past week I have used my old Precor piston-type rower at home a few times when I couldn't get to the gym. I've found it to be a more strenuous workout (at about 22 strokes per minute) than the Concept 2 (at about 28 strokes per minute with the setting about 6.)

I'm not sure how one could give a more strenuous workout than the other. It all depends on what you put into it, right? With either machine you could row slowly as if on an old-fashioned date on the lake in the park, or as if being pursued by Jaws.

[W2R]

I have been working out on the Nautilus Compound Row Machine (a weight machine), during the weeks before, during, and after the time when I was working out on the Concept2. I haven't worked out on the Precor machine, but I thought I'd compare the C2 with the Nautilus machine.

The Nautilus machine is more of a weight machine - - I just set the weight at 100 pounds (or whatever), put my feet on the footrests, and pull. While the pulling motion seems superficially similar to the Concept2, the seat doesn't move. I much prefer the C2 because it seems to bring many more back and shoulder muscles into play. Also the Nautilus machine doesn't really allow the legs to do as much (since the seat doesn't move) whereas the C2 exercises them nicely during the first part of the pull.

I think you can get a very thorough workout on the C2, especially if you set the resistance at 10, pay attention to your form, and then try to keep the average watts up. Set some goals for yourself. This machine is used by actual rowers from what I understand. It can provide a very rigorous workout, or just some light, playful movement, depending on how you use it.

[haha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2R This machine is used by actual rowers from what I understand. It can provide a very rigorous workout, or just some light, playful movement, depending on how you use it.

Some university and club rowing programs have upwards of 100 of these. And some of these big and tall men and women can really spin those babies.

I've been experimenting with better motivation to get me on the seat early enough in the day that no matter how engaged I get in some other activity I get enough milage to keep my 7 day ma comfortably above my ytd ma.

Hands down for motivation I recommend 50s rockabilly- Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Wanda Jackson, the Collins Kids, the best of the best rockers. And at least as regards Chuck Berry, what great lyrics. It doesn't hurt that when I listen to this music and exert myself I see some bouncy blond with a cute butt wearing Spaldings and rockin out with me in the school lunchroom after a basketball game.

In the middle section of my 1:10 workout today I was going at 38-42 SPM, depending on the music, and keeping good form and doing 2:40 splits with enough breath left over to sing along with Chuck.

Only problem its that it puts in full on party mode!

[W2R]

Holy Cow, you were really cookin'!!! Chuck Berry is terrific.

[haha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2R Holy Cow, you were really cookin'!!! Chuck Berry is terrific.

Right know he is singing Reelin and a Rockin-- "Well I looked at my watch, and to my surprise, I was dancing with a woman twice my size..."

Allelujah, carry me over there!