Concept2 One Month Report

[audreyh1]

If they only had an inverter or at least a battery-charge controller hooked up to those machines...

Well - on some models it helps charge the display battery while rowing, and there is supposedly an attachment to direct the fan air to the rower while rowing! LOL!

 

[freebird5825]

You're beating the curve, HaHa. Congratulations

See the graph here (hope the link w*rks OK, give it a moment to load) for a related chuckle.

http://graphjam.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/song-chart-memes-home-gym.jpg

 

[W2R]

OK, back from the gym after my first use of the Concept 2 in six months. I left it at level 10 and did an earth-shattering 5 minutes. I averaged 81.6W for the session, and individual pulls ranged from 75 to 105. Couldn't find the number of pulls, Nords, though I'm sure that is on the readout somewhere. Love that machine although I've got a long way to go before I am rowing as hard and as long as as Haha, if ever.

 

[toofrugalformycat]

I wonder if others who have aerobic equipment at home can give some of their experiences?

Ha

It sounds like you bought an awesome, effective device. Good for you. In reply to your question, DH and I go to a gym most every day and that has worked for us for a long time. Many MANY years ago while both still working desk jobs, we bought an exercise bike and a rowing machine. The rowing machine stunk (literally, from the hydraulic shock absorbers) and although the bike got some use, it mostly lives in our garage. However, it's handy to have one around, because it's been used as a home rehab device by various friends upon occasion (recovering from a broken ankle, etc) and also myself.
I can see a time in the future where I might not want to drive to the gym (although I'd miss the socialization) so I'll keep this device in mind.

 

[Moemg]

.[/COLOR]

I wonder if others who have aerobic equipment at home can give some of their experiences?


Ha

Most of my equipment was used a lot in the beginning and then became sweater dryers . I need the motivation of a gym . Once I pay the money I am there .

 

[Katsmeow]

OK, back from the gym after my first use of the Concept 2 in six months. I left it at level 10 and did an earth-shattering 5 minutes. I averaged 81.6W for the session, and individual pulls ranged from 75 to 105. Couldn't find the number of pulls, Nords, though I'm sure that is on the readout somewhere. Love that machine although I've got a long way to go before I am rowing as hard and as long as as Haha, if ever.

W2R

Is that the damper setting? I've been sort of looking at this and I noticed that the manufacturer recommends setting at 3 to 5 for a cardiovascular workout.

Concept2: Damper Setting & Workout Intensity

 

[W2R]

W2R

Is that the damper setting? I've been sort of looking at this and I noticed that the manufacturer recommends setting at 3 to 5 for a cardiovascular workout.

Concept2: Damper Setting & Workout Intensity

Thanks! From your link,

The damper setting is like bicycle gearing. It affects the feel of the rowing but does not directly affect the resistance. With a little experimentation, you will find the damper setting that gives you the best workout and results. We recommend a damper setting of 3–5 for the best aerobic workout. This is the setting that feels most like a sleek, fast boat on the water. Higher settings feel more like a bigger, slower boat.

Interesting comparison with a bicycle.

 

[friar1610]

There is a Concept 2 at the fitness center I go to 3x weekly. I actually never realized what a following the machine has.

On the days I go to the fitness center I do an aerobic/cardio warmup of about 30 - 35 minutes before I lift weights. (I am no power lifter, just a 66 year old guy trying to slow the inevitable deterioration.) I usually alternate an elliptical workout with the Concept 2 for the aerobic/cardio or will sometimes do an interval fast walk-run on the treadmill. When I use the Concept 2 I usually set it on 6 or 7 and row at about 28 - 30 strokes per minute. I don't really understand any of the other metrics it tracks. It seems that there are only a few of us at the fitness center who use the Concept 2, so the good news is that it is always available.

Last year I had an issue with a pinched nerve in my rotator cuff and had physical therapy for it. I found that in addition to the exercises the physical therapist gave me, the Concept 2 was also helpful in getting me back to normal.

I have an old Nordic Track in my basement that I use on the non-fitness center days when the weather is too crummy to walk, hike, paddle or jog. Obviously, ellipticals are the new generation Nordic equivalent, but I still find I can get a good workout on the old-fashioned Nordic Track.

 

[ls99]

PDF File from Crossfit Journal explaining what the damper does: http://www.concept2.com/us/commercial/crossfit/CFIT_April07.pdf

And that's when inspiration struck and I mentioned the possibility of buying a C2 for the house. Just for her comfort, of course.

Smooth operator!

 

[ls99]

It is the only machine I use at the Y.

Always set it on max resistance. I don't use any of the gauges except the timer. 1 min each for the various types of grips and pulls. 6 minutes, then 1 minute at full blast.

Love the sound when I wind it up. Sounds like a helicopter hovering.

Of curse when done I'm drenched in sweat. Then head to the sauna directly.

 

[W2R]

There is a Concept 2 at the fitness center I go to 3x weekly. I actually never realized what a following the machine has.

There are six in nearly-new condition at my gym, and almost always only 0 to 1 are being used; never more than 3. So, it's hard to find others there to ask about it, and it's great to read posts by others on the board who use this machine.

Which brings up an off-topic side issue: Why does my gym buy multiples of expensive machines like this that aren't used as much, when they only have ONE of the Nautilus abdominal crunch machine, that is so very busy all the time? On second thought I should probably I should ask someone who works there instead of the board....

When I use the Concept 2 I usually set it on 6 or 7 and row at about 28 - 30 strokes per minute. I don't really understand any of the other metrics it tracks.

Oh, so THAT is what "spm" stands for! My readout yesterday was 29.x spm (29.6 I think?), nearly identical to yours, but I had no idea what spm meant. 29.6 is apparently my natural pace; I was only paying attention to the watts. So Nords, you wanted strokes so there ya go, 29.6 spm x 5 minutes = 148 strokes. Surely that is enough to lower the light bill and my monthly fees.

Generally I much prefer strength to cardio, but what I like about the Concept2 is that you get both... you are getting plenty of cardio mixed in with the strength. So, the cardio is sort of "sneaked in", kind of like hiding a cat pill in a treat.

It seems that there are only a few of us at the fitness center who use the Concept 2, so the good news is that it is always available.

That can make a big difference during busy hours at the gym.

My friend F. isn't crazy about the C2. At least not yet. He mostly lifts weights at the gym.

 

[friar1610]

It is the only machine I use at the Y.

Always set it on max resistance. I don't use any of the gauges except the timer. 1 min each for the various types of grips and pulls. 6 minutes, then 1 minute at full blast.
Love the sound when I wind it up. Sounds like a helicopter hovering.

Of curse when done I'm drenched in sweat. Then head to the sauna directly.

This just proves how very little I really know about C2. I thought there was only one way to grip it and one way to pull it. (The way the gym guy showed me when I first asked about it.) Maybe I need to ask him to take me to the next level of detail.

 

[W2R]

This just proves how very little I really know about C2. I thought there was only one way to grip it and one way to pull it. (The way the gym guy showed me when I first asked about it.) Maybe I need to ask him to take me to the next level of detail.

Me too! I didn't know there were other ways to grip or pull either.

 

[haha]

Me too! I didn't know there were other ways to grip or pull either.

If what you are doing is standard rowing, and your goal is maximum power output over a given time, there is really only one right way, with perhaps slight variations for body build.

I suppose to use it for other purposes there might be other ways, but be careful not to put odd stresses on your body. The standard good form rowing stroke is a masterpiece of efficient application of force. The video Leonidas posted is a perfect lesson in exactly how to do it.

Particularly those who like me have a lot of miles on their bodies should be careful because we really don't want to get sidelined.

Ha

 

[W2R]

If what you are doing is standard rowing, and your goal is maximum power output over a given time, there is really only one right way, with perhaps slight variations for body build.

I suppose to use it for other purposes there might be other ways, but be careful not to put odd stresses on your body. The standard good form rowing stroke is a masterpiece of efficient application of force. The video Leonidas posted is a perfect lesson in exactly how to do it.

Particularly those who like me have a lot of miles on their bodies should be careful because we really don't want to get sidelined.

Ha

That is exactly what I have been doing (I think - - or at least emulating) - - rowing like those girls on the video were doing. At the gym, there are diagrams illustrating that standard rowing technique along with written instructions, all of which I have studied carefully. I enjoy the standard form so much that I don't want to do anything else with the machine anyway, but was just surprised.

 

[Leonidas]

Yep, as far as I know there is only one right way to do it. But there are plenty of wrong ways.....

Funniest Rowing Technique on the Erg - YouTube

 

[Runner]

I own a Concept2, as do a couple of other fitness fanatics in my office. We are all in agreement that it is a grueling, exhausting workout if used properly. None of us use it at the resistence levels or strokes per minute that you folks are describing - meaning that we use it at considerably lower resistence levels and considerably fewer strokes per minute. Read the Concept2 manual, available online, and see what they recommend - more like a resistence level of 3-5 and SPM of under 25 if you intend to use it for any length of time and get significant aerobic benefits. 30-60 minutes at that resistence/pace and I am pooped. I've been a marathoner, but if I tried 30 SPM at level 10 I'd last about 90 seconds and hate the machine forever. The Concept2 is by far the most demanding piece of exercise equipment I have ever owned, and the others in my office agree. I wouldn't recommend it as a first piece of exercise equipment just because it is so demanding and is the sort of thing that's going to end up gathering dust or being sold at a garage sale unless you are really dedicated. But everyone I know who has stuck with it agrees that it's just about the best aerobic workout you can get.

 

[TromboneAl]

On the issue of what machines a gym buys, I wonder if one important consideration is how they make the gym look to a prospective member.

 

[W2R]

if I tried 30 SPM at level 10 I'd last about 90 seconds and hate the machine forever.

Hmmm! I am not in great shape like you at all, couldn't even do a 5K walk much less run a marathon like you, and after 5 minutes at level 10 and 29.6 spm I wasn't even breathing hard. Maybe perspiring a little, but not really feeling like I had been putting much effort into it. Felt like I'd been coasting. And I think the machine is cool.

I suspect it's a matter of different strokes for different folks (literally? just that maybe some of us are more naturally inclined for big muscle exercise like the C2 and others maybe more constitutionally suited to running)

 

[W2R]

On the issue of what machines a gym buys, I wonder if one important consideration is how they make the gym look to a prospective member.

That could be. Those six Concept2 machines all lined up in a row by the window sure look nice.

 

[ls99]

Yep, as far as I know there is only one right way to do it. But there are plenty of wrong ways.....

Funniest Rowing Technique on the Erg - YouTube

He's got some good ideas, very badly executed. Example, he cheats by pulling his butt forward while pretending pull an overhead, or side. And limp wristed.

I do those, with straight back, and fully extending the chain until it hits the limit. Sometimes with rigidly extended arms, only rotating at the shoulders, other times in a normal rowing fashion. Naturally for side pulls the trunk has to turn as well. I vary the routine, but never do more than seven minutes. As noted earlier, the last minute is an all out effort, with very forceful and loud exhalations.

Yeah, that is another thing, learn how and when to breathe in and more importantly, out.

I also only use my pinky only and at times the finger next to it on each hand. The other fingers and thumb do not contact the pull handle. The reason would require a long explanation of arcane Ju-Jutsu techniques. I do all of the overhead, side (low middle and ear level) with palm down and palm up grips.

Bear in mind, I am a long time Kayaker, in addition to other stuff that works the whole body. While I am not visibly muscular there are a lot of trained muscles and sinews and various connective tissues which had many many years workouts.

I can not advise to follow my example unless done very slowly. In a long ago discussion with a Ju-Jutsu partner of mine who had years of combat surgeon experience etc. he said "there are a lot of little muscles than can get torn easily". To prevent that takes many years of diligent and careful practice.

 

[eytonxav]

Hmmm! I am not in great shape like you at all, couldn't even do a 5K walk much less run a marathon like you, and after 5 minutes at level 10 and 29.6 spm I wasn't even breathing hard. Maybe perspiring a little, but not really feeling like I had been putting much effort into it. Felt like I'd been coasting. And I think the machine is cool.

I suspect it's a matter of different strokes for different folks (literally? just that maybe some of us are more naturally inclined for big muscle exercise like the C2 and others maybe more constitutionally suited to running)

I've never been on one these machines, but to your point, I suspect some of us are geared or built for sprinting, while others are marathoners. As a kid, I was a sprinter and never gravitated to the longer distances.

 

[TromboneAl]

He's got some good ideas, very badly executed. Example, he cheats by pulling his butt forward while pretending pull an overhead, or side. And limp wristed.

The cellophane socks and bike blinkies probably don't help either. I didn't realize it at first, but he's just goofing around for his giggling buddies.

 

[W2R]

The cellophane socks and bike blinkies probably don't help either. I didn't realize it at first, but he's just goofing around for his giggling buddies.

I'm amazed that he didn't injure himself badly. I was so amazed/shocked at what he was doing that I didn't even notice the bike blinkies and cellophane socks until you pointed them out.

 

[HFWR]

I wonder if spending an hour on a rowing machine constitutes "chronic cardio"?

Dear Mark: Chronic Cardio | Mark's Daily Apple