Have Airdyne & Bowflex. Is purchasing Concept2 redundant?

[Michigander]

I own an Airdyne, which I use enthusiastically. Also have a Bowflex, which I don't use as enthusiatically/often as I do the Airdyne. I am 52 years old male, 6'4", 205 lbs. I walk 3 miles a day, in pretty good shape, but tend to collect fat in belly and chest.

Question to the forum: Do you think using a Concept2 Erg will add something significant to my existing routine, enough to justify the $1000? Please explain.

Thank you,
Karl

[Bob S.]

I own an Airdyne, which I use enthusiastically. Also have a Bowflex, which I don't use as enthusiatically/often as I do the Airdyne. I am 52 years old male, 6'4", 205 lbs. I walk 3 miles a day, in pretty good shape, but tend to collect fat in belly and chest.

Question to the forum: Do you think using a Concept2 Erg will add something significant to my existing routine, enough to justify the $1000? Please explain.

Thank you,
Karl

Have you tried one out? If you haven't, it might be a good idea to find some place that has one available for public use just to find out what it feels like. In my opinion, the main advantages of the C2 machine (or any rowing machine) is that it is great for aerobic training and that it gives a full body workout. Another advantage is this forum which serves to provide motivation to use the machine regularly, as well as advice on technique and training plans.

Bob S.

[Michigander]

Bob,

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, I used a C2 erg 2-3 times in workout facility where I used to be employed. I enjoyed the workout and didn't have any adverse pain etc.

I'm really trying to figure out will I get $1000 worth of benefit compared to what I already own (aerobics via my Airdyne, and strength training via my Bowflex). I think if I didn't already own an Airdyne, it would be a very easy decision to get the C2.

If purchasing the C2 would motivate me to exercise more regularly, that would probably justify the purchase. The C2 community and the RowPro community (if I purchased that SW) sound appealing for exercising more. Just don't know if that will become reality for me.

Exercising more muscles and getting an increased range of motion in the process are other benefits.

Thanks again,
Karl

[Carl Watts]

The online feature with RowPro totally changes things and it's hard to beat the level of motivation it generates actually rowing with others. There is nothing quite like it, appart from software for the indoor bike that lets you cycle the Tour De France....

[gregsmith01748]

In my biased opinion there are two good reasons to buy a concept2 erg. And both of them are only relevant if you have a competitive personality.
1. All concept2 ergs are accurately calibrated and yield results that are closely matched with each other. This enables "fair" comparison between athletes. This has been extensively developed by C2 and others to create a pretty vibrant community with age and weight based categories, virtual racing teams, arena based racing and very supportive online forums. I have struggled with my weight my entire adult life, and lost more then 50 pounds on 3 or 4 occasions. The most recent time down the scales, I began actively using the c2 erg. As I became more fit and saw my rankings improve, I found myself far more motivated by friendly competition and self improvement than maintaining weight loss. And going to the CRASH-Bs was a blast!

2. As Carl says, lots of people do online rowing using rowpro, which takes the camaraderie and competition to a different level entirely. I haven't made that leap yet myself, although I should. From all reports, this adds yet another reason to stick with the program and push yourself.

I have no idea if these kinds of communities exist for other kinds of gym equipment, but I can vouch for how they enhance the experience of using the concept2.

[wdchkgsqrl]

I've had an Airdyne 25 years and a C2 (Model C) 15 years. I love them both. Both are ergs and register your workload, so you get a realtime sense of how hard you are actually working today. Both are quite well built (my second/current odometer is about to turn over 10,000 miles). Why both? Variety.