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How effective are rowing machines for a cardio workout?

i think they are amazing!!
 
You can do it steady state or HIIT
 
It works your whole body…. legs, cores, and upper body..
 
 
I think its a great addition to add to your training/cardio program (depending on your goals)
 
 
What are your thoughts??

Yes! These are tremendous for multiple reasons. #1 They do not really require THAT much technique to start. #2 They are simple. #3 They are at about every health club it seems #4 They can be a great cardio workout as well as really fatigue your upper back and leg muscles #5 They can be used by anyone, young, old, short, tall, skinny, heavy, anyone!

I always thought they were just for your arms and back, so its good to know it works all those areas….
Thanks…

very true I see them at every health club… I may give it a go.

 
 
great points mike!
 
It is really easy to use and anyone could have  KILLER workout with it depending on your fintess level

I should recommend  this for my mom, she is 66 and pretty active. I think it would help her a lot.

It would definitely be a great exercise for your mom toi perform. Obviously consulting a doctor would be great as well but seeing that it is non-weight bearing, that is the most important thing. I mean she could do some weight bearing exercises such as walking, but, easing into it could help a lot by rowing.

she use to walk but it was getting hard on her knees, so she does go to a gym twice a week but is only doing a aerobic class. I think she would see more results with something like the rowing machine.
Thanks…

If she gets one just make sure she gets a C2 rower.  Buying anything else is stupid.

whats a C2 rower?
 
whats the differance and were can you buy them.. are they expensive?

 
Concept 2, they are sold online.  cost about a grand or so.

Yes, getting a Concept 2 is definitely the way to go. It is a little spendy but WELL worth the price. She will get her money worth. That thing should last for like 50 years!

here is a picture i found
 

C2 rowere is way out of her league price range, she  can use the rower at her gym.

hahah.. you might as well buy a year membership at the gym for that price

Haha true. The rower at her gym will most likely work. Maybe it would make a great present for her!

your right about that…

that would be  a great present maybe for Her Birthday it’s coming up in October..

wow!! you must really love your mom to spend that money lol
 
anyway.. i find that people who go to the gym are more motivated to workout.. Speaking for myself… I find it hard to motivate my self to workout at home.. I think your mom would be better off to join a gym unless she is shy or embarresed to workout in public

That is very good advice llulko. That is the #1 problem with all these infomercials and home work out type exercise machines. It is HARD for people to get out of their comfort zone in their home. The TV, internet, couch, and fridge are all too close for them to force themselves to workout.

 
exactly!! dont forget family memebers, phone, internet, and daily erands are distractions

I do love my mom she is great… But I  couldn’t  afford a rower. I agree the gym is the best way to go… Plus I have found in the past working out at home I’m not motivated… I use to watch Fit.tv they had some wonderful trainers, but I couldn’t get myself to do a workout daily..

I don’t blame you!! Its hard to workout from home… you are too much in your comfort zone with not motivation around you and limited equipment… I sometimes get bored at my gym and have to find new exercises or equipment to motivate my self… i could only imagine what’s its like at home?

yes way to much stuff  going on at home to stay focused on a good workout. I like to try different things to at the gym, it keeps me motivated… Plus having good music…

Yes! I agree with both of you. I always tell people NOT to buy home gym equipment. Your home is for relaxing, not to workout.

i  guess if you have a personal trainer that comes to your house would make a differance..

agree relaxing…. Although I do  know a couple of people who have the Bowflex who use it in there garage, but I love going tot he gym, its very refreshing, and I feel like  I have made a diffeence in myself, if I was at home I don’t feel the same way.

I remember when I was in highschool I would do a couple extra sets of pushups and sit ups at night, but now I would have to agree with you guys, your house is for relaxing and the gym is for working out, if you try to do what at another it just doesnt feel right.

I agree… you just don’t get that same motivation, feel and vibe… when gym owners design a gym, they take color, look and feel into consideration… just like a yoga studio, they design it to look relaxing and calming…
 
PLUS! I am sure your home does not have as much equipment as a gym would… I also get motivated watching others (who actually workout)
 
 
I am sure when i have kids i will have some equipment at home like dumbbells, treadmill, bench ect… however i will not make it my primary workout destination…