Never Rowed, Inrigued By Concept 2

[[old] naiveone]

Hi,<br /><br />After having done a bit of research on the web, and observing what looks like a great community here, I'm thinking about purchasing a model D. The thing that's holding me back is that I've never rowed before (I train with weights, run, and hike) and I'm wondering how difficult it is for a complete novice to learn proper technique from the animations here on the web site or from videos. (I live in a remote part of New Mexico, so access to experienced rowers--or even a health club with a rowing machine--isn't an option.) I'd especially like to hear from concept2 users who started out like me--zero experience. How have you fared with your workouts? Any injuries? Tips?<br /><br />Thanks!

[[old] Steve_R]

About 5 months ago, I had no experience and purchased my Concept2. I just worked on technique with anywhere from 1k - 6k and one 10k for the first month. I used the video which really helps and some of the discussions here about proper technique. My technique still needs work but I feel pretty good about it. As far as progress, my first 500m was 1:53.4 (hwt) and my most recent was 1:37.3 (lwt). My first 2k was 8:54.0 and once I am off my diet, I think I will be fully capable of 7:16-7:20.<br /><br />I have had one injury from rowing but it was due to bad form. My posterior collateral ligament on my left elbow was strained from "flying elbows" but I stopped using the erg for a couple days and used an aircast elbow support and it went away. Good form is pretty safe.<br /><br />Tips? Just enjoy the erg and the community. The people here have been the best motivation. They would have to be for someone with two months experience to complete the 200k holiday challenge. I also completed the October skeleton challenge and the valentine challenge. There is always something going on to keep you working.<br /><br />Steve

[[old] FrankJ]

Hi naiveone,<br /><br />I took up the erg about 2 1/2 years ago when my knees could no longer handle running. Other than a tight muscle or 2 no real injuries using my model C. When I started rowing I hired Paul Smith as my virtual coach for a short while. He had me take a short video of my stroke and used it to analyze my stroke. One tip is to do S10PS. That is row strapless at 10 meters per stroke. Sounds to simple but it really helps get you rowing smoothly and efficiently.<br /><br />Rowing has a great online support community and if you like competition you can even do that online from the comfort of your own home.<br /><br />Frank

[[old] cityeast]

Bought my C2 D back at the beginning of December 04. I am a cyclist during the warmer months however shin splints in recent years have made it difficult to do my normal winter jogging. This turned out to be a big weight loss/gain roller-coaster. <br /><br />So having used C2 Cs once or twice at the gym (max 15min each), I think that classed me as a total beginner. I thought it would be a good way to maintain fitness without battling the snow. <br /><br />Turned out to be the best investment I have made in recent years. I lost at least 9 kilos in around 9 weeks, with regular long rows (30min-HM) and sensible diet modification. Now I am primed to hit the alps on my roadbike this coming summer lighter than I have ever been since moving here. <br /><br />I started of slow (22-23spm) in order to develop technique. Will soon introduce some strapless training. Like running and cycling, the basic movements are intuitive, its just a matter of fine tuning. The UK C2 website has a good training guide with how to iron out the "common errors in technique". I doubt you will need coaching. <br /><br />Only problem might be I might not go back to the bike because rowing/erging is too much fun!! Recommend rowpro to continually challenge yourself against yourself (if that makes any sense )<br /><br />If you don't like it, you can very easily sell a C2 at a marginal loss.

[[old] slo_boat]

I rowed fours and eights in college for a year, so I'm not sure I count as inexperienced. However, that was a long time ago, and when I started erging a few months ago, I did not have any form left. Also, the Concept 2 was a very different animal when I was in college. I also played on Universal's version of a rower in a few gyms over the years. That machine encourages very high stroke rates. It's not much like real rowing, but the display with the helicopters and the sharks is interesting. <br /><br /> I started off at a damper of 10 and just blasted away. After about 5 minutes, I was still really working, but I was moving a lot slower. I had these vague memories of what rowing should look and feel like, but . . .<br /><br /> I found this web site (the address was on the erg), and that made a huge difference. <br /><br />I really was not in very good shape. I had some running related injuries two years before that kept be from the trails. (I really enjoy ultramarathon trail running. I'm slow, but I can keep going forever.) Since I was not running, I started feeling sorry for myself. Looking back on the time, it's almost as if I decided that if I couldn't be fit, I would be fat! i've since had the knee scoped and I'm running again.<br /><br />More than you wanted to know I'm sure. Here's what you may want to know. I've always found indoor aerobic exercise to be a real challenge. It always seems harder, and it always seems to last forever. To me. it's not much more fun than a root canal.<br /><br /> Indoor rowing is different. So far the longest I have rowed is a half-marathon. I was whipped when I was done, but I was not bored. I've done 3 HMs, and I'm planning on a marathon. I think that since rowing involves so many muscles and a variety of movements, that attention to technique keeps me from getting bored. (I also have these thoughts about getting back out on the water, bu that's another topic.)<br /><br />I've also gotten back almost to my running weight, and I think I'm fitter than when I was just running and doing the infrequent weight workout.<br /><br />Best of luck with your new sport!

[[old] akit110]

My experience with rowing exactly mirrors slo_boat's so I'm not exactly a complete newbie i.e. I did not make the gross errors in technique you see among gym rats, but I had far from great form (i.e. rushing recovery etc). Anyway, I will chime in with my experience with the C2 rower.<br /><br />I don't where I got the idea of picking up a C2. I was checking Craig's List frequently (looking for photo equipment mainly), but I noticed that periodically someone or other was always selling a used Model C for a pretty decent price. The more I thought about it, the more the idea grew that it would be nice to have a rock solid piece of equipment at home so I didn't always have to work out at the gym at work during lunch. Anyway, I purchased one a few weeks ago and I haven't looked back.<br /><br />I was initially anxious about whether I would use it. The main concern was that in the past, I had used the C2 at various gyms but I was always so exhausted in terms of my muscles rather than from a cv perspective that I really didn't feel that great after each workout. <br /><br />There were a few things that have mattered the MOST to my using the rower 4-5 times a week very readily that I hadn't even thought about prior to my purchase: <br /><br />(1) The first is the simple act of putting the damper down to 3 or 4 (120-130 draft). This immediately changed the whole feel of the machine and greatly increased my enjoyment. <br /><br />(2) The second was the feedback I got on technique from the forum which means that I have now greatly improved the way I row (the constant focus on technique while erging also makes the time fly b, incidentally compared to most other cardio equipment). It's the only form of indoor exercise where I can have my eyes glued to the performance monitor for 30-40 minutes - often with no music - and not get bored! <br /><br />(3) The third thing was the feedback from the PM2 monitor. Being able to accurately monitor and evaluate my workouts and progress has put a spin on working out that I haven't experienced before. Having that level of real time feedback really pushes you and also makes me track past workouts. <br /><br />(4) Finally, this forum is a great resource for information and support. It helps keep motivation high.<br /><br />So far my experience with the C2 has greatly surpassed my initial expectations. The only downside is that I have neglected the other forms of exercise I used to do since I find rowing more satisfying than any of them! In fact, I'm even toying with the idea of getting back on the water after a nearly 20 year hiatus...<br />Ashwin<br />

[[old] andyArvid]

I too have never rowed on water. I also live in Brazil, a fairly remote place for erging/rowing. I think the nearest rowing club is in Brasilia 1100 km away. I have never actually seen in person another erging. Certainly no <i>expert</i> has seen me row. There is plenty of free info, videos on the web to help you with your technique and workouts. Check out the UK site, it has more info than the U.S. It is certainly possible to learn good technique without the presence of an expert. It may take longer and you need to be self-critical.

[[old] naiveone]

Steve, Frank, Cityeast, slo boat, Ashwin, and Andy---<br /><br />Thank you all so much for your advice. You've convinced me, and then some! Very inspiring. I'm going to order a model D today. Yesterday it was snowing and sleeting here on the high New Mexico plateau where I live. Would have been ideal for rowing (inside ). With any luck maybe I'll have my erg next week, and will start posting more dumb questions.<br /><br />Thanks very much again.<br /><br />Tim

[[old] H33]

I started out in December using a WaterRower but I like to post here as the community is more active. If you are competitive the C2 is a great machine with very accurate readouts, my only complaint is the action is a bit harsh, I like the silky smooth feeling of the WR. Both have their benefits, just a matter of taste. <br /><br />I used to cross-country run and play tennis. Running became too hard on the joints and I switched to rowing while continuing tennis. Needless to say it is wiping off the fat quickly and I'm very pleased.

[[old] jok3r]

<!--QuoteBegin-naiveone+Feb 20 2005, 03:26 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(naiveone @ Feb 20 2005, 03:26 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Hi,<br /><br />After having done a bit of research on the web, and observing what looks like a great community here, I'm thinking about purchasing a model D. The thing that's holding me back is that I've never rowed before (I train with weights, run, and hike) and I'm wondering how difficult it is for a complete novice to learn proper technique from the animations here on the web site or from videos. (I live in a remote part of New Mexico, so access to experienced rowers--or even a health club with a rowing machine--isn't an option.) I'd especially like to hear from concept2 users who started out like me--zero experience. How have you fared with your workouts? Any injuries? Tips?<br /><br />Thanks! <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br /><br />I am buying one today in fact getting it this afternoon. Also a bit worried I made the right choice seeing as here it costs R12000.00 RAND and I have also never rowed. THe reason for buying it is I would like to run, but not keen on the type of joint pains and I need to work on a stressed back. <br /><br />