Hello, new to rowing, but not to fitness.

[Lvcigarz]

Hello, I'm Lvcigarz (Pete). Just want to introduce myself and say that I am excited about getting started rowing. I just received my model e two days ago. I am learning about the machine and practicing my form. I am 60 years old and a retired IT professional.

I used to be 297 lbs back in 1995. About 6 years ago at 287 lbs, I decided, I had to get off of the 8 medications I was taking for an assortment of maladies. I began walking fast on a treadmill then included weight training. After 2.5 years I dropped 115 lbs, and no longer need any meds or CPAP for the apnea. As fate would have it, about 4 years ago I hurt my knees pretty bad while running too fast. I have been exercising since the injury, but not nearly as strongly as I used to. I gained back 40 lbs, but it has not affected my health yet.

That brings me to why I bought my erg, and why I am on this forum (to learn). I am confident I can get back to working out as strongly as I used to, only it will be rowing instead of running. I bought a Wahoo Tickr to monitor my HR on the PM5. Well enough about me for now. I will be quietly reading in the background and ask questions only if I cannot find the answer here.

Thank you.
Pete

[jackarabit]

Pete, sounds like you're a fighter. Never quite time to relax and pass the cigarz on the health front, is it? Best of safe and healthy progress with your rowing and never hesitate to ask if you can't suss something out. There are contributors here who have answered the same question hundreds of times and quit counting. Very patient and temperate group of ladies and gentlemen. You won't lack encouragement!

[lindsayh]

that weight loss is fantastic Pete - really major thing to do.
The beauty of the rower is that it is very knee friendly and you can do well even if they aren't great (like mine) and it won't make them worse.
It really helps to keep quads strong too. Keep at it there is a lot of help around here.