I have a C2 and use the Hydrow app with it. I wasn’t interested in paying for the Hydrow but did want some classes. I don’t love them (and I do like peloton classes) but they’re OK.

Is there a rowing studio near you? Before you invest in buying one, I would really recommend learning how to row.

The vast majority of people at the gym use rowers with any understanding of how to get the best benefit. Or good form. For example, if you have a Concept 2 and put the setting at 5, you can 1000000% get a better, harder workout than on level 10. It's all in how you pull it.

Anonymous wrote:Np. Anyone know of a good one that can be stored vertically? And won’t break the bank? In a condo, so space is an issue.

WaterRower can be stored vertically.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you have to be a "real" rower to benefit from the exercise of a rowing machine?

Honestly, no.

Of course not, but you need a rower that’s well made. Plenty of reasons to get one that have nothing to do with being a “real” rower (though if you don’t get good technical coaching, you won’t get much out of it and are more likely to injure yourself).

Again the hydrow isn’t necessarily the best option for everyone but it’s just silly to say “ If you’re the kind of person who gets motivated by comparing your times/splits with others, that’s most easily done on a C2” when a hydrow has a “leader board” that is live during pretty much every row (although it can be hidden and I do that 90% of the time).

If you want to compete in the world indoor rowing championships you should get a c2 but if you are motivated by competition with other people that would be a point for hydrow.

Anonymous wrote:Do you have to be a "real" rower to benefit from the exercise of a rowing machine?

Honestly, no.

Of course not, but you need a rower that’s well made. If you’re the kind of person who gets motivated by comparing your times/splits with others, that’s most easily done on a C2. They also have excellent resale value. Plenty of reasons to get one that have nothing to do with being a “real” rower (though if you don’t get good technical coaching, you won’t get much out of it and are more likely to injure yourself).

I think hydrow is great for a new rower because there are lots of form instruction/technical tips as well as encouragement.

In fact hydrow was basically designed to bring rowing machine as exercise to people who’ve never rowed at all.

Of course the hard core rowers who all trained on concept 2 will tell you that is the only decent option and it is a good option, and cheaper, but if you aren’t already a dedicated motivated rower you are about 50x more likely to keep rowing on a hydrow vs a C2.

Also what the C2 don’t mention is lots of people need some extra boost to stay motivated so you could pair a C2 with an app based program like asensei or even hydrow’s own app.

I have a Hydrow and still really like it. I am not particularly fit or disciplined, but it's an "enjoyable" and efficient work out for me. You do have to pay attention to your form and it took me a couple of months to get it right. They recently came out with a light and cheaper rower, the "Wave". The instructors are engaging and the machine is smooth and pretty quiet. Good customer service so far.

Anonymous wrote:Np. Anyone know of a good one that can be stored vertically? And won’t break the bank? In a condo, so space is an issue.

Concept can be stored vertically. You’d have to measure ceiling height. Currently tilted up in DS’s bedroom in a small unrenovated brick suburban 2 story brick box.

Concept 2 can also be broken in 2 half parts easily. One would fit under a bed. The other (w/ the wheel) could go in a corner.

Np. Anyone know of a good one that can be stored vertically? And won’t break the bank? In a condo, so space is an issue.

Do you have to be a "real" rower to benefit from the exercise of a rowing machine?

Honestly, no.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anything less than a Concept 2 or the water rower types are crap. Don't waste your money.

+1. Real rowers use Concept 2. They have excellent resale value. Call a local high school that has a crew team and ask if they have any old ones to sell or if they rent their ergs in the off season (March to Nov)

+2

I’m biased, as a former competitive rower, but I wouldn’t buy anything other than a Concept 2. Not worth it.

Anonymous wrote:Anything less than a Concept 2 or the water rower types are crap. Don't waste your money.

+1. Real rowers use Concept 2. They have excellent resale value. Call a local high school that has a crew team and ask if they have any old ones to sell or if they rent their ergs in the off season (March to Nov)

Anything less than a Concept 2 or the water rower types are crap. Don't waste your money.

I got one for a few hundred dollars from amazon. I don't think the brand matters that much. You need one where you can adjust the weight of the "pull" so you can start light and build up.

Can someone recommend a rower for a quasi-beginner? I've used one at the gym but I'd like to have one at home. I think the Hydrow might be more than I need.