new here

[johnken]

Hi guys and girls..I looked at indoor rowers a bit a while back but never decided on one and kind of just forgot about it. I used a concept2 a bit the other day and decided on it over a water rower. My other hobbies include riding motorcycles street (and I road race sport bikes) and I have done spin classes at my local gym on and off with working out for the past five years or so. I'm in okay shape (term used loosely) but would really love to be in good shape.

I want to get in better shape (always the plan) and when I fall off the ban wagon again hopefully you guys here can keep me on track. I plan to keep going to the gym but plan to try to use the rower 3-5 times a week. I work shift work so sometimes it's really hard to get to the gym. I feel I will enjoy this so maybe it won't be as hard to do when I'm already tired from work. Thanks in advance for the warm welcome and look forward to learning a little and hopefully improving my shape.

[lindsayh]

welcome John
spend a bit of time on the training sub forum above especially looking at advice to new rowers - lots of really good information

this is a good thread with a lot of good ideas and links.
Get the technique right and start slowly is best

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=185257&hilit=newbie

[Dangerscouse]

Welcome to the forum John. Stay patient, stay humble, don't compare or worry about not being 'fast enough' and do lots of metres, read lots of advice and ask any questions you may have.

It is a very meritocratic process the erg, admittedly controlled to a varying extent by genetics, physiology and diet. All the best to you.

[winniewinser]

Welcome John!

Fairly new to this myself having been at it only 7 months. The forum has been great for advice and tips etc. As Stu said don't get drawn into comparing pace with others as it's different for everyone and even more so when you start out. Compare yourself to yourself over time and you will be able to track progress.

I used the Beginners Pete Plan to get me going....

https://thepeteplan.wordpress.com/beginner-training/

Cheers
Alex

[Ombrax]

I feel I will enjoy this

Ha, that's a good one, John.

I wouldn't say that the erg is something to be "enjoyed," (if you are enjoying it, then I bet you aren't trying hard enough) but I can say that it is satisfying. I think that's the big difference between cycling and the erg - overall cycling can be enjoyable. However, like the erg, riding up a big hill isn't fun, but quite satisfying when you reach the top.

Welcome to the forum, and good luck.

[smokersteve]

Welcome!
I’m new to rowing also. 3 months so far. Mainly ride a road bike, use an elliptical, and some free weights.
Got a Concept 2 to work into my routine.
I row every day now. 5 days a week working on technique and 2 days of hard efforts. The days I work on technique I use as a warm up before road cycling.
I enjoy it but I also like the pain and suffering that comes with hard exercise. For example this morning after 30 minutes of hard rowing I was spent. I like the pain though...must be working out some demons in my head.
Definitely work on technique because you don’t want pain from an injury.
In my experience rowing is the best overall exercise.

[Anth_F]

I wouldn't say that the erg is something to be "enjoyed," (if you are enjoying it, then I bet you aren't trying hard enough) but I can say that it is satisfying. I think that's the big difference between cycling and the erg - overall cycling can be enjoyable. However, like the erg, riding up a big hill isn't fun, but quite satisfying when you reach the top.

Lol i like what you wrote here... spot on.

Welcome to the forum John. The rower will defo get you in shape if you make it a regular thing and stick with it!! Depending on the type person you are it can simply become part of your lifestyle where you can't be without it... thats me

Also watch your diet, this is a crucial part that gets overlooked by some who think only exercise, exercise, exercise, is the way forward to a better bod.

Have fun.