Platform for TV, computer, etc. while rowing

tjod · Post by **tjod** » April 2nd, 2006, 5:46 pm

I've seen many suggestions for using a TV or computer while rowing. Since my rower is in the garage and space is at a premium, there are not a lot of options.

I use my laptop for running the various rowing-related programs such as Row-Pro, PM3 Logcard utility, etc. If I place the laptop off to the side, it's hard to row and view and still keep reasonable form. I was trying to design a rack that would integrate with the Model D when I remembered something I had used during recovery from ACL surgery several years ago - a hospital type roller table.

This turns out to be an ideal way to keep things in line of vision and it's movable on wheels and the height is easily adjustable. There's plenty of room for the hands and handle and chain. The PM3 and PCV screen are close enough to watch simultaneously. The model I have also has a small storage area for rower parts, chain oil, and tools.

The table was purchased at a store in Seattle that sold new and used hospital equipment. If I remember correctly, it cost about $25 used.

Tim O

MomofJBN · Post by **MomofJBN** » April 2nd, 2006, 7:50 pm

Great idea! Thanks for the tip. Beats putting the laptop on a lawn chair.

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » April 2nd, 2006, 11:42 pm

I row in the garage too and the wall is beside me to my right. I put up a 4 foot long shelf with 2 right angle supports, that is 7 inches wind and 16 1/2 inches off the floor.

On this I've set a pad for writting my sessions, a pen, metronome, garage door remote, cd player remote, wrist bands, heart rate monitor, box of kleenex, emery file and anything else I want handy while rowing. During my last marathon I set a plate of dates on it to eat during rowing.

Under the shelf go things like c2 chain oil, mineral oil for the railing, cd's, heart rate wrist receiver, piece of wood for smashing any errant spiders, and emery paper for filing any edges from the heel strap on the foot plates. Water bottles go on the floor, or else during the marathon on the shelf to my right.

Behind the shelf is where I stack two plastic water crates and a hand towel. While rowing I place one of the crates to my left with the hand towel, and toss the regular towel on the back crate till I'm done. If I'm rowing in the middle with the slides, then I put a crate to each side, with the remotes, metronome, pad and pen on the one to my right.

That's a great idea to put a shelf right under the monitor. I have done the same with a support from the ground or else attached to the erg, for placing a printout of my splits during time trials or else a page that I wanted to learn or memorize. I might do this again, this time with a right angle attachment on the wall.

Ben Rea · Post by **Ben Rea** » April 3rd, 2006, 9:01 am

tjod, it looks like the flywheel is a little crampt in there, you might want to make sure the table is interupting the airflow.

tjod · Post by **tjod** » April 3rd, 2006, 9:07 am

Ben Rea wrote:tjod, it looks like the flywheel is a little crampt in there, you might want to make sure the table is interupting the airflow.

Hi Ben;

When the erg is in use, both the table and the erg are pulled back about 3 feet - clear of the shelf unit. I left them in the current position for the photo because there is a support post behind the camera - I needed to get back far enough to focus. 8-)

Ben Rea · Post by **Ben Rea** » April 3rd, 2006, 9:10 am

o, ok, good enough, I just didnt want you to have problems with your rowing.