Concept2 Forum

Greetings,

I ordered a new Model D with PM3, the Polar HRM receiver, Polar F11 HRM, and belt.

It will be here tomorrow!

I ordered the C2 in order to provide a good source of cardio. Primarily I enjoy hiking. My local state park has a 4.5 mile trail that I have been a regular user of for about 10 years now, I'm 33 years old. Since my son was born last year, its been almost impossible to find 2 hours a day to escape the house to hike or to take the bike out for a ride. I used to be an avid weightlifter but some herniated thoracic discs pretty much put that to an end about 7 years ago. Over the last few years things have thankfully stabilized but I need to rebuild lost strength and stamina. I know proper form will be critical and I'm hoping that the rowing motion will also help to reinforce good posture and strengthen my core since I find it difficult to do otherwise with weights; or perhaps I just fear re-injury with weights.

My initial focus will be for cardio, build stamina, and lose some fat. Over time I expect to rebuild core strength since I am limited from doing the barbell squats that got me in the best shape of my life 10-12 years ago.

Congratulations on you new baby!

I am just a couple of weeks ahead of you and got my C2 for just about the same reasons.

A couple of things I found out.

1. FORM, FORM, FORM. Look at all the videos and make sure you are doing it right. If you can, tape yourself and either self critique or post it for the experienced folks to help you out. When I started, I was not using my legs enough, not only did my splits suck, I came close to injuring myself due to stressing the wrong areas.

Take it slow and the fitness will follow

2. I got a C-Breeze (PS-sport.com) and I really like it. I got Row Pro also. It is fun now, but I think it will become more useful later.

3. If you have not checked it out yet, go to the C2 UK site. They have lots of good tips and interactive fitness plans.

Have fun

Welcome to the world of rowing!!
Rowing is an awesome way to get more" bang for your buck" as far as exercise is concerned.
I started indoor rowing in 1996 and got my own erg.It was the best thing I ever did for myself.
I have logged way over 16 million meters since then.I didn't start to really keep track til sometime about 5 years ago.
Enjoy your new found adventure..and there are so many great people here in this community to help you along the way.
When you get rowing and want to get some extra motivation..join a virtual team.There is no pressure..just group support and lots of fun.

Pat
Team captain Timbuk2/TimbukTOO

My Concept 2 came in today!

So far I'm pretty impressed. Seems like such a simple machine. Seemingly well constructed, robust and very effective in my first ever rowing.

After putting the unit together, I set the PM3 to just row. I don't know what any of the statistics on the screen mean yet. I wish the PM3 had more contrast on the screen, as it was a little difficult to read in the uneven lighting of my basement gym.

At exactly the 6 minute and 30 second mark, I felt defeated by this machine; my heart was pounding and my lungs were out of breath. At 10 minutes even I dismounted the C2, and when I stood up I felt a wobbliness in my thighs that reminded me of the feeling I used to get from doing barbell squats. That felt reassuring to me.

I think this is exactly what the doctor ordered. At first I was was concerned with what $900 was actually buying having never rowed before or even seen an C2 up close and personally; I was however aware of their reputation and avid fan following. I've tried some very nice Precor commercial quality ellipticals which probably cost $4K, and I've also tried some consumer quality units which retailed for less than a grand from various brands that were complete junk. I was not interested in buying something of dubious or fleeting quality.

For $900 the C2, at least at first blush seems to be a very substantive piece of equipment and somewhat of a bargain when compared to some of the available alternatives. I like the fact that it is efficient since it works both the upper and lower body and forces the user to think about form and posture.

I'm looking forward to using this again tomorrow!

At exactly the 6 minute and 30 second mark, I felt defeated by this machine; my heart was pounding and my lungs were out of breath. At 10 minutes even I dismounted the C2, and when I stood up I felt a wobbliness in my thighs that reminded me of the feeling I used to get from doing barbell squats. That felt reassuring to me.

The fact that you were feeling it in your legs most is a good sign that you are doing something right!

The most important statistic for a beginning rower is the stroke rate. Usually displayed in the upper right corner. 2 digit number with "S/M".

This represents how many strokes per minute you take, i.e. how many times you go up and down the track. For now, I would suggest rowing at between 20-25 strokes per minute. Much higher than that you'll likely just going to be "rushing" up and down the track which is poor form.

Another important factor is where you have the damper set. I'd recommend keeping it low for know. That's another common "beginner" mistake is to set the damper too high.

trifona wrote:My Concept 2 came in today!

So far I'm pretty impressed. Seems like such a simple machine. Seemingly well constructed, robust and very effective in my first ever rowing.
...
For $900 the C2, at least at first blush seems to be a very substantive piece of equipment and somewhat of a bargain when compared to some of the available alternatives.

Congratulations on your purchase. You are quite right, the C2 is certainly well worth the cost. I have over 40 million meters on mine, and have never replaced a thing, or had any troubles with it. (Other than it making me tired out )

Good luck with all you future erging.

Sincerely,
David

Congratulations on your new toy. I got mine last July and have been impressed with its quality and as you said the workout it gives you. I also have a diamondback elliptical which I use to cross train but I use the erg to really get my heart rate going.