Rowing Machine

[Richie]

So I used to do running and enjoyed it but, with the dark nights during winter, wanting to have less strain on the joints and also being attracted to the fact it gives you a full body workout, I pulled the trigger and bought myself one

I didn't stretch as far as the Concept machine both due to price and wait list so I opted for the JTX Ignite Air.

Seems a decent machine and it really does get the heart rate up.

Dont get me wrong, I may still do the odd run but having the machine I feel gives me a better overall workout and is easier to fit around work, dark nights in the Winter and also the worst weather (I like running in rain but if its really poor weather it's just annoying)

Anyone else doing much rowing?

 

[Richie]

I've had a concept 2 and currently own a JTX Freedom Air, mechanically they're on par with each other, the JTX software leaves a bit to be desired though compared to the C2..

There is a comparison of the JTX Ignite Air with the C2 and it comes out fairly equal with the exception of the software. Mechanically and build quality are evenly matched.

I only went for the Ignite over the Freedom to get the longer rail as I didn't want to be banging off the back on full strokes

I've only just started so will take a while to build up the distance... Currently doing about 3K over a 12min period. A couple of rests thrown in but the computer pauses the stopwatch when rowing stops so it's 12min for 3K around 25 Strokes Per Min... No idea if that's reasonable for starting out.

Fairly gets the legs and heart pumping after a couple of mins

Any tips welcomed

 

[Richie]

If you're just starting out, it might be worth looking at something like the BPP.

It's a really good plan built around three sessions a week that gives you a solid cardio base on the erg and although it's called a beginners plan, it get's fairly tough, especially if you're doing the two optional sessions.

It's structured for progression so you'll see a nice improvement, and it gets you used to the different types of session, SS, speed intervals and endurance intervals.

I think I might do this as quite straightforward, appreciated.

I did a row last night and when I took my feet out the straps, my legs were like lead

 

[Richie]

After a week of having the machine, I have started a more structured plan - https://thepeteplan.wordpress.com/beginner-training/

Did the first 5k last night. Took me 21 mins with an average 25SPM.

No idea if that's any good but it was a tiring workout

 

[Richie]

I'm nowhere near 10k yet

Doing a other 5k tonight. Day 3 of week 1 of that Petes plan thing so will aim to at least match the 21min it took on Monday.

Legs always feel like lead after I get off the machine. Not sore, just like they weigh 3 times normal weight

 

[Richie]

Session 3 done of the plan which is another 5k.

Managed it in 19:30 so wiped over a minute of the time since Monday which I well chuffed about.

Stopped for about 15-20 secs at 3K and 4K to wipe the sweat from my eyes and take a quick drink but, other than that, kept going.