Machine sitting for 3 years, I want to start back up. Help!

[BoardGameBuddha]

Hi all,

So I injured myself over 3 years ago from getting into rowing and not setting my fly wheel off of 1, got a hernia and never went back. Concept 2 has been sitting collecting dust, I truly need to get this weight off and get over my fear of injuring myself again and start back up! My question to all you Gurus, can I simply blow the machine off and use it after that time, or is there something I should be doing to it before I start?

Thanks so much.
Bill

[mitchel674]

Welcome back!

I would oil the chain. Then set your damper lever to 3 and give a couple of pulls to see where you drag factor winds up. If around 100, you're good to row. If not, you could vacuum any dust out from the cage.

[BoardGameBuddha]

Hey Mitch,

Thank You!

I sadly never got into the process, and trying to read up on my form and steps of the full row as we speak, When you say set it to 3, I got that but how do I find what my Drag Factor is? is that something that will appear on the screen?

Sorry for being a newb. Thanks!

[Ombrax]

I agree with Mitchel - wipe it down (especially the rail) and lube the chain (C2 recommends "3 in 1" oil).

If you're really ambitious you can remove the flywheel cover and vacuum that out. Be VERY careful to not move any of the balance weights on the flywheel.

1) Don't try to do too much too quickly. Start slowly and gradually go from there.

2) Check your technique to confirm that you aren't doing anything totally wacky. Simplest way is to take a video and compare it to the examples of good technique on the C2 site. Or, you can save it somewhere folks here can see it, post a link, and request comments.

Good Luck

[Ombrax]

but how do I find what my Drag Factor is? is that something that will appear on the screen?

It's an option on the PM. Poke around and you'll find it.

[JaapvanE]

I tore my biceps, and started again with the lowest drag the machine provides, just to get the feeling. I focussed on technique while maintaining a normal SPM of 20 to 22 and a pace of 2:30 (which is 0:25 slower than my normal pace). When I could row without pain on all my distances for a week, I allowed myself to step up the drag 5 points and the process repeats. Since May, I moved from DF 69 to DF 110 (aiming for my old DF 135). I learned a lot, especially as my ego is kept outside te equation, and I even took on some new distances. But listening to your body is key here.

[BoardGameBuddha]

Thanks Everyone!

I have dusted it off, will give it a good cleaning and chain oiling, fingers crossed I can get back into a groove and not get hurt/stick with it!

Cheers

[gvcormac]

Was the battery OK? You might want to check it, if you haven't, even if it has enough power to work the PM. It may be leaking.

[GlennUk]

beware the bungee cord!!!

My machine sat for a bit more than 3 years with hardly any use, when i started using it the bungee cord frayed and i had to replace it.

It wasn't a dramatic snap, found but of rubber under the rail didn't realise what it was, then about 10k into a 60k row, it went. Not too hard to replace if necessary.

[jamesg]

is there something I should be doing to it before I start?

Before, only two, find out how rowing is done (it's a sport) and go walking. And after, never stop.

[BoardGameBuddha]

Thank you all for all this info!

It is most appreciated.