Rowing machine - worth it?

[Anonymous]

Is a rowing machine worth it to regain/maintain muscle? We currently have a bike trainer that I'll use and I also run 3/4 times a week. I was thinking a rowing machine would be a great way to get a more full body workout. I've lost so much muscle mass in my arms (I know it must be age related).

[Anonymous]

1) Legs and core are engaged much more than your arms in rowing, actually, when done correctly.
2) It is simply the most monotonous torture you will ever endure. I abhor erging. I run 5 miles every day of the week and sometimes get a little tired of it, but I will take it over that stupid erg every single day. They're horrible. Great for you physically, yes. But the mental torture is unbearable.

[Anonymous]

I like a rower as part of a full body workout with other machines, but I cannot imagine how much I would use one at home. Do you see yourself on that thing for 30 mins?

[Anonymous]

I have a Hydrow, which admittedly is more expensive than a concept 2 erg, but it is totally worth it because I actually look forward to using it, and am totally happy to get on it for 30 minutes (and bonus, if you are new to rowing you will tons of technical help so you are rowing correctly, and encouragement).

Rowing is great exercise because it's a whole body exercise and can be both cardio and strength (although it's true it's probably 60% legs, 30% core and 10% arms, and if you really want to focus on building muscle as a complement to your other cardio it might make sense to look at weight training instead).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like a rower as part of a full body workout with other machines, but I cannot imagine how much I would use one at home. Do you see yourself on that thing for 30 mins?

The nice thing is that, if you push yourself, you can get a very good workout in less than 30 minutes. Or, if you are in the mood for something more low key, you can still get a good work out taking it (relatively speaking) easy with the TV or music on in the background.

I'm not sure why a rower would be any more monotonous than a treadmill, stationary bike, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1) Legs and core are engaged much more than your arms in rowing, actually, when done correctly.
2) It is simply the most monotonous torture you will ever endure. I abhor erging. I run 5 miles every day of the week and sometimes get a little tired of it, but I will take it over that stupid erg every single day. They're horrible. Great for you physically, yes. But the mental torture is unbearable.

Funny. I am exactly the opposite. The erg is the only cardio I can tolerate. I find running absolutely horrible.
To the OP, as already pointed out, rowing is more about legs than arms and no cardio should be used as the primary tool to build muscles. You would be much better off with a pair of adjustable dumbbells.

[Anonymous]

We had a concept 2 and sold it. Never used it. Maybe the new fangled ones with the screens and scenery would be better.

As others have said, if you want to build muscle mass, get some dumbbells and do some circuit training videos. I do the strength classes using my peloton treadmill and have been happy with those in terms of helping with muscle mass rebuilding.

[Anonymous]

Any machine is only good if you use it.

[Anonymous]

If you like rowing.

I do not personally like rowing and find it really hard to do for longer than 5 minutes. I would never buy one because I know I would never use it.

For arm strength and muscle mass lift weights

[Anonymous]

I am with the people who say it is intensely boring. But others in my family love it. Part of what I dislike is that the sound of the wheel is so loud I really can't watch TV or listen to music (or have to turn the sound way, way up with earpods).

[Anonymous]

I was going to get the hydrow but I am going to wait on the peloton one -hopefully within a year or so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1) Legs and core are engaged much more than your arms in rowing, actually, when done correctly.
2) It is simply the most monotonous torture you will ever endure. I abhor erging. I run 5 miles every day of the week and sometimes get a little tired of it, but I will take it over that stupid erg every single day. They're horrible. Great for you physically, yes. But the mental torture is unbearable.

Funny. I am exactly the opposite. The erg is the only cardio I can tolerate. I find running absolutely horrible.
To the OP, as already pointed out, rowing is more about legs than arms and no cardio should be used as the primary tool to build muscles. You would be much better off with a pair of adjustable dumbbells.

+1. I hate running but I enjoy our Concept 2 rower. It’s not my sole source of exercise but I actually enjoy putting on a show, podcast, or music and rowing. My knees prefer it to running too.

[Anonymous]

Another Hydrow owner here. Love the sh!t out of it. I use it at least 4 times a week and my legs, back, core, and arms are becoming more sculpted and stronger every week. Apparently rowing works 87% of your muscles. There's new rows everyday and the instructors are incredible. The online community is also great and very engaging.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1) Legs and core are engaged much more than your arms in rowing, actually, when done correctly.
2) It is simply the most monotonous torture you will ever endure. I abhor erging. I run 5 miles every day of the week and sometimes get a little tired of it, but I will take it over that stupid erg every single day. They're horrible. Great for you physically, yes. But the mental torture is unbearable.

Funny. I am exactly the opposite. The erg is the only cardio I can tolerate. I find running absolutely horrible.
To the OP, as already pointed out, rowing is more about legs than arms and no cardio should be used as the primary tool to build muscles. You would be much better off with a pair of adjustable dumbbells.

+1. I hate running but I enjoy our Concept 2 rower. It’s not my sole source of exercise but I actually enjoy putting on a show, podcast, or music and rowing. My knees prefer it to running too.

Yes-- I love that rowing is very low impact. In the past I've had issues with my achilles, tennis elbow, and shin splints and rowing hasn't triggered any of those (knock wood).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1) Legs and core are engaged much more than your arms in rowing, actually, when done correctly.
2) It is simply the most monotonous torture you will ever endure. I abhor erging. I run 5 miles every day of the week and sometimes get a little tired of it, but I will take it over that stupid erg every single day. They're horrible. Great for you physically, yes. But the mental torture is unbearable.

Funny. I am exactly the opposite. The erg is the only cardio I can tolerate. I find running absolutely horrible.
To the OP, as already pointed out, rowing is more about legs than arms and no cardio should be used as the primary tool to build muscles. You would be much better off with a pair of adjustable dumbbells.

+1. I hate running but I enjoy our Concept 2 rower. It’s not my sole source of exercise but I actually enjoy putting on a show, podcast, or music and rowing. My knees prefer it to running too.

Yes-- I love that rowing is very low impact. In the past I've had issues with my achilles, tennis elbow, and shin splints and rowing hasn't triggered any of those (knock wood).

I’m a NP who also hates erging. However, I love rowing. I’ve always loved the water, I love boats, I love the quiet and peaceful feeling of being on the water. And it just feels so good to row in a boat. The erg in comparison is clunky and loud and just doesn’t give me the same feeling when I’m done - both tired and at peace.

If you hate the erg that’s cool - take a learn to row class!