Background:
The wife and I are looking to add to our at home workout equipment. With her working from home since March, no effective end in sight, and weather beginning to cool, we are looking for an indoor cardio option. She had been using what would have been her commute time to get some decent length runs/walks w/ the dog, but with less daylight and cooler (and hopefully wetter) weather she has been interested in something she can do inside.
We thankfully put together a decent garage gym a few years ago when the equipment wasn't worth its actual weight in gold (squat cage, bench, bars, bumper plates, mix of kettlebells, etc.), so from a strength training side we are covered.
We ruled out ellipticals and bikes (she doesn't really like either, and I already have a road bike that I can use with a stationary trainer), and crossed a treadmill off the list as well (cost for what we perceive to be decent quality, storage space, maintenance and repair costs) , so we have narrowed down to a rowing machine. We are looking at a Concept2 Model D.
Besides the current lack of availability (6-8 week wait), what else should we know? This seems like a great option for a full body cardio workout, and the machines seem pretty durable, hold their value ridiculously well and don't take up much floor space when stood upright. Am I missing anything? Other options, thoughts on the concept2? She is excited about it which is really the big plus!
I like the concept 2's at the gym..
I like this guy's site, but can't comment further on his recomendations. https://www.garagegymreviews.com/the-best-rowing-machine
Dude, are you reading my mind? I'd been considering starting this thread, and take a look at this snippet of my search history from today:
Sonic
UltraDork
10/21/20 1:47 p.m.
I towed crew in college and have a model C in the home gym now. It certainly can be a great full body workout and even a bit masochistic if you want it to be.
My strongest advice: learn to use it properly with good form. 98% of people I ever see use these at gyms use them totally wrong, usually in ways that are likely to hurt them. Using it wrong can mess up your back. I'd be happy to show you but I'm sure there are good YouTube videos about it.
In reply to Fueled by Caffeine :
I read that comparison this weekend, it does a good job of breaking down the options. It and most all the other reviews and tests have the Concept2 coming out on top. The price difference between it and some of the others that are rated decent isn't enought to make a real difference, especially once you look at the resell value on them if we ever decided to sell it.
In reply to mtn (Forum Supporter) :
Too funny, very similar search history. Got to do something to pass the time at home!
In reply to Sonic :
Good call on the correct form. Watched a few videos and it seems like it would be pretty easy to do some damage if we just jumped into it. But it also looks like taking it somewhat slow/easy to learn the form will go a long way.
Pulled the trigger on a Concept 2 this morning, Rogue had a few go back in stock. It's still showing in-stock too, so if you are still looking MTN, it is an option:
https://www.roguefitness.com/black-concept-2-model-d-rower-pm5
I have a Model D with PM3. Hard to go wrong with one. Even if you buy it new, it only depreciates to like 80% of that it seems. Great workout, especially if you mix in some fun with kettlebells and bar+bumper plates.
Unfortunately I sold my KB, Bar & bumper plates right before gyms shut down :(
I bought a Sunny brand, it was the best reviewed under $500 at the beginning of the year I can find.
It doesn't seem THAT much different to the fancy ones at the gym that are more than double. But I see you already made a decision.
carczar_84 said:
Pulled the trigger on a Concept 2 this morning, Rogue had a few go back in stock. It's still showing in-stock too, so if you are still looking MTN, it is an option:
https://www.roguefitness.com/black-concept-2-model-d-rower-pm5
Far too expensive for me. I'm looking more towards the Sunny brand that Z31 recommended.
Welcome to the rowing club!
I have a concept 2 that is almost 20 years old and over the years has moved between my siblings and now resides in my house. I should have just bought my own a long time ago!! Someone left batteries in the PM2 display too long and ruined the contacts. I opted to skip fixing it and upgrade to their PM5 display that comes with a new mounting arm and 2 bolts to attach the new arm. PM5 and the new arm was $200 shipped.
In reply to ProDarwin :
I'm just glad that we had the dumb luck of already having the bar, bumper plates and kb's. The resale was a big factor. We both figured that worse case if we ever needed to get rid of it, it wouldn't be a huge hit.
We've got a concept 2 for about ten years now. Works good, lasts long time. Simple mechanical torture device. Also, I bought new, because used, they were within $150 of new.
mr2s2000elise said:
mtn (Forum Supporter) said:
Far too expensive for me. I'm looking more towards the Sunny brand that Z31 recommended.
Any link to that?
Amazon Link. There are a few on my Facebook Markets though for a few bucks off - not enough to make me buy used instead of new - but probably worth it to take a look.
I'm still going to scour the used markets for awhile though.
mtn (Forum Supporter) said:
mr2s2000elise said:
mtn (Forum Supporter) said:
Far too expensive for me. I'm looking more towards the Sunny brand that Z31 recommended.
Any link to that?
Amazon Link. There are a few on my Facebook Markets though for a few bucks off - not enough to make me buy used instead of new - but probably worth it to take a look.
I'm still going to scour the used markets for awhile though.
Thank you sir. I sold an Elliptical for $200, so I can use some of that to offset this.
