I have listed the most important aspects that a beginner rowing program should include.

We’ll go over these below.

The Most Important Features of a Rowing Plan

I have identified that a beginner rowing program needs to have 4 core things. 

1. Simplicity

The easier a workout program is to understand, the better! This is also in-line with the old saying that “the best exercise program is the one that you stick with”.

A simple rowing program with good underlying structure is the way to go. No need to keep track of heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, exact pace splits, etc… You can get fancy down the road. For now, you need something simple that you can execute on daily.

2. Variety

In addition to simplicity, I think a good rowing exercise program should have a good amount of variety with the workouts. Doing the same workout over and over can be soul crushing…. Especially on a rower.

Having a good mix of workout styles breaks things up and makes it more fun. Some days should be long and slow, other days should be short and intense. This way you’ll find out which style of workout you like (and DON’T like). Plus, it’ll make it easier to stick to the program.

Variety will also ensure that you are hitting on a variety of different aspects of your fitness. Long and slow workouts are good for endurance, short and fast are good for burning fat and building muscle. A good program will contain a good mix of both.

3. Scalability

A beginner rower program should also have the ability to scale with you as you train. The program should start out slow, teach you the basics, and then accelerate you as you move through the program.

For instance, the program could start you with 3 workouts per week, then add a 4th as you progress through the program.

As you become a better rower, you’ll be able to handle more volume, so the workouts towards the end of the program should be tougher…. Don’t worry, you’ll be much stronger towards the end of the program!

4. Scored Elements

A starter indoor rower program should also have a “scored” section to it, i.e. you should have tested elements that show improvement as you go along. For instance, the 2K row is one of the key indoor rowing benchmarks i the rowing/erg-ing word.

Similar to bro’s in a gym asking you “how much ya bench?”, a serious rower will often ask another rower “how fast is your 2K?”. So, if you want to earn the respect of other rowers, you want to be able to brag on you times.

That said, having a scored element that you are constantly re-testing throughout the program is a great way to show progression. I personally love it when a beginner rowing program uses a 2K row time as one of the test/retest elements.

Just be warned, rowing a 2K can be pretty terrible…. It’s just short enough that you can push the pace hard, but long enough that it’s going to really hurt.

Now that we’ve outlined what a rowing program for beginners should have, let’s dig into some of the best available options

The Best Beginner Workout Program

Not to be braggadocios, but we are putting together a rowing program for new rowers. It’s going to be awesome.

I am building the 4 features into the program; simplicity, variety, scalability, and a scored element.

This program will be perfect for people that are new to rowing. I will teach you the basics of rowing technique, then I’ll help you ramp up to full on rowing workouts.

All of the workouts will take less than 45 minutes, with some workouts being much shorter than that (think 20 minutes). Perfect for building your fitness, while at the same time helping you to lose bodyfat and gain strength. And, since it’s on a rower, your chance for injury is extremely low since it’s low impact.

Stay tuned for the program launch, we are targeting January 1st. Shoot me an email if you want to get on the list.

Row on!

-Coach D

The post The Best Rowing Workout Plan For Beginners appeared first on Rowing Machine 101.

Gyms are closed.

Weights and other fitness machines are hard to get ahold of.

Which has left running and bodyweight workouts as the only optino available for amny.

However, these aren’t great options for everyone. Running has a jarring imapct that can be difficult, and damaging, for many.

Bodyweight exercises have slow progressions and can quickly get repetiive.

In my mind, the solution is to get a rowing machine!

Rowers are low impact, and have the double stimulus of helping to build muscle AND burn fat (via cardio). You can read more on my article about the benefits of rowing here.

So where should you start?

Read on below…

What’s The Best Machine To Get Started With?

Normally I’d reccomend the Concept 2 model D here, however, that machine has been sold out all year. It’s nearly impossbile to get your hands on one of their machines, and if you do manage, you’re paying well over retail.

So I’m now reccomeing a new rower.

Enter, the Hydrow!

Similar to Peloton for indoor trainer bikes, Hydrow is an indoor rower with a built in trainer. You’ll row along with professinoal crew members that will teach you the ins-and-outs of proper form.

This will help to keep you injury free on your fitness journey – which is a key part of the puzzle, you can’t get fitter when you’re hurt.

Additionally, the build in screen on the Hydrow will also give you access to live classes, which have coaching + other online friends to race against.

Having a social, competitive feature is actually a huge benefit as it helps to encourage you to get that class in (even when you’re tired).

So, to quickly summarize, I recommend the Hydrow.

Give it a shot – and start getting fit today!

Row on.

-Coach D

The post The Best Rower For Beginners appeared first on Rowing Machine 101.

The SF-RW5515 rower comes with a compact design, an easy to use digital monitor, and a simple resistance knob (to either up the intensity or to lower it).

We’ll dig into the details below, but if you’re looking for an entry level magnetic rowing machine, the SF-RW5515 might be the rower for you.

OVERVIEW: SF-RW5515

The SF-RW5515 rower was built as an entry level rower for budget conscious individuals. In fact, that’s why we include it in our list of the best rowers under $500.

It uses magnetic resistance, which provides a smooth, quiet ride.

All of this rowing power is packed into a small footprint, which is ideal for people that live in apartments, or have limited gym floor space.

Keep track of your progress with the LCD monitor screen which helps you to keep track of your workout.

FEATURES::

The SF-RW5515 has many features, including:

• Includes a magnetic tension system with 8 Levels of adjustable resistance
• LCD console displays time, count, calories, and stroke count
• Fully padded seat for comfort
• Non-slip grip handlebars and large anti-slip foot pedals
• Compact build that’s easy to store when not in use, includes built-in transportation wheels
• Easy to build out of the box
• Great low price!

BENEFITS:

There are many benefits of doing cardio on a rower, especially the SF-RW5515 model indoor rower:

• Provides low impact aerobic and cardiovascular exercise (especially when compared to running or sprinting)
• Full body exercise targets all major muscle groups
• Allows you to vary your workout, which allows you to get the exact training stimulus you want (whether it’s quick hard sprint, or light long slow rows)

PRO’S:

A few of the standout reasons why the SF-RW5515 rowing machine might be the right one for you:

•Price:

The big thing with this rower is its affordable price tag. For the level of smooth rowing that you get, it’s hard to beat it’s sub-$500 price tag.

Sunny Health and Fitness has done a great job of getting the price zoned in on this piece of equipment.

The affordable price on this machine makes it a solid entry-level indoor rowing machine.

•Compact Size:

Another great pro of this machine is it’s small, compact size. This makes it a great option if you have limited space, or if you simply like to have a clean workout space.

If you need extra space, you can simply fold up the machine and reduce its footprint to a small fraction of its unfolded size. A great option for apartment dwellers that can’t fit a full sized rower in their house.

•Smooth, Quiet Rowing:

At this price, it’s nice to have the option of a quiet, smooth rower. This machine is very quiet, I’d especially recommend it if you live in an apartment.

The quiet rowing is due to the fact that this machine is a magnetic resistance-style rowing machine. Instead of pulling against a fan, which can make a loud “whoosh” sound, you pull against a resisting magnet, which is smooth and quiet.

Read here to learn more about different types of rowers.

•Workout Stimulus:

One other major pro of this rower is its ability to conform to whatever workout style you’re looking for. You can adjust the knob to add resistance (and intensity), or you can loosen it for smoother spinning during long rows.

Whether your’e looking to for short, intense HIIT workouts; or you’re looking for long endurance sessions, this machine should be able to handle it all.

•Fits all Body Sizes:

This rower is designed to fit all different shapes and sizes of bodies. Whether you’re 5’4″ or 6’4″, you’ll be perfectly fine using this rowing machine.

CONS:

My take on a few reasons what’s holding the the SF-RW5515 rowing machine back:

•Warranty:

One major flaw of this machine is the warranty. To be honest, at this pricepoint, you can’t expect that the manufacturer to bend over backwards when customers run into an issue.

That being said, Sunny Health & Fitness provides a 3 year warranty on the frame and a 180 day warranty on other parts and components.

I will say though, that Sunny Health and Fitness does have a good name in the workout equipment space, they usually respond quickly and handle customer problems in a fair, timely manner.

•Inability to Track Distance:

One of the drawbacks of this machine is that there’s no way to track meters rowed. It tracks strokes, time, and calories. If I had a choice, I would have removed the calories and added in a distance counter to the monitor.

Another complaint of the readout monitor is that you can’t pull the data from your machine. Being able to transfer your data is important, especially if you like to pour over your data and look for small tweaks that you can make.

One other note on the monitor screen is that it’s on the smaller side. You may have a difficult time reading the screen while rowing.

SF-RW5515 TECH SPECS:

Below are the technical specifications for this rower.

Dimensions:

• Product weight: 59 lbs
• Extra long slide rail: 48″
• Slide rail inseam: 44″
• Max user weight: 250 lbs

Product Dimensions (unfolded and ready for rowing):

• Length: 82”
• Width: 19”
• Height: 23”

Product Dimensions (folded for storage):

• Length: 37”
• Width: 19”
• Height: 53.5”

BUILD:

Made with a combination of metal and plastic pieces. The cable is made with heavy duty nylon webbing.

Computer:

• Built in LCD display monitor.
• “Scan” function rotates settings every six seconds so you can get well rounded data view of your workout
• Workout data includes:
  • Time
  • Count
  • Total Count
  • Calories Burned

Warranty:

Sunny Health and Fitness’ website states that there rower has a “3 year structural frame warranty and 180 days on other parts and components”

Assembly:

Assembly could not be easier. There are only 5 steps assemble everything that comes in the box, and the parts for each step are individually bagged and labeled “Step 1”, “Step 2”, etc…

The 4 tools that are used for assembly are included. The entire process takes around 30 minutes, and is exceedingly easy and straightforward.

SF-RW5515 Lifespan:

The SF-RW5515 rower by Sunny Health and Fitness should last between 1-3 years. Of course, the lifespan is dependent on how you row, how often, etc… If someone uses it everyday for a long row it’ll wear out sooner than the 2x a week rower.

Maintenance:

This machine requires minimal maintenance. It’s recommend that you wipe down the machine after each use.

Conclusion:

This rowing machine shines as a great entry level rower for budget conscious individuals. While the low price is great for getting your butt in a rowing seat, this may not be your “lifetime rower”, meaning you may have to buy a new one 3-5 years after you get this one.

Also, the computer monitor isn’t the best for tracking workout data. If getting into the nitty gritty details of each workout is your thing, then this machine might not be for you.

That being said, the price is right and I recommend the SF-RW5515 indoor rowing machine as a great entry level rowing machine for new rowers.

Row on!

The post Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Indoor Rowing Machine Review appeared first on Rowing Machine 101.

The Concept2 Model D has a great reputation in the rowing world, it’s one of the most widely used machines – and for good reason.

It’s a reliable rower that will last you for years, even with heavy use.

The Concept2 is an air resistance rower built around a flywheel. This means that it will have a buttery smooth rowing action, similar to rowing an actual boat (scull) on the water.

The Model D is designed to work at varying levels of resistance, you can increase the resistance for a harder pull, or lighten it up for a quick, easy pull. This produces different types of training stimulus, which allows for a variety of training styles.

CONSTRUCTION

The construction on Concept 2 machines is incredibly solid – these machines are designed to take years of abuse. There are machines out there with million of meters on them!

If you visit a rowing club, or even an olympic training facility, the odds are high that they’ll have a fleet of Concept 2 indoor rowers – these machines are that good!

In fact, if you’ve visited a gym (or Crossfit box) and used their rowing machines, it was probably a Concept 2 rower. C2 machines are the go-to rowers for gym facilities due to their longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.

If you’re used to using a Concept 2 machine at the gym, if you buy a different brand for your homegym, you’re probably going to be disappointed in how it feels. You also won’t be able to track your workouts 1-for-1…. More on that alter.

There are plenty of budget rowers out there, however, you’ll get less performance and more downtime with a low-cost option.

The Concept 2 Model D indoor rowing machine is very comfortable to sit on, even for long endurance-focused sessions. It has an ergonomically-designed seat plate that makes it easy to row for long periods of time. The frame is made of aluminum with a stainless steel capped track, this allows for a smooth glide with every stroke.

Note: If you’re a taller person, you might want to pick up the Model E rower. The Model E has a longer monorail, which allows for a better pull for people with longer legs/arms. The rule of thumb is that if you’re 6’4” or taller (or have an inseam of 38” or greater), you’ll want to consider upgrading to the Model E. In addition to the longer rail, the Model E also sits off the ground higher, this makes getting on and off the machine much easier.

Not sure which one to go for? ​Check our Model D vs Model E Guide.

All Concept 2 rowing ergs come with a nickel plated chain and an ergonomically shaped handle.

This helps to produce an even force distribution between all of your major muscle groups, which gives you a balanced workout.

PM 5 COMPUTER MONITOR

Model D rowers come standard with the PM5 monitor (“PM” stands for Performance Monitor). Think of the PM5 as the computer of the machine, it logs your workouts and helps you keep track of your data.

You can actually transfer this data to your PC (or Mac) and input it to Concept 2’s online software, this will give you access to rowing performance graphs, different benchmarks, etc… 

If you’re a data nerd, you’re going to love the amount of info you can pull from this machine. You can even compare your rowing results against hundreds of thousands of other rowers on Concept 2’s online rowing platform.

When you get on a Concept 2 model D, as soon as you start rowing, the PM5 monitor will automatically turn on. While rowing, the LCD screen will show your workout data, such as calories burned, average strokes per minute, distance covered, time elapsed… You can even display a force curve showing your live stroke rate!

The PM5 is compatible with a variety of different heart rate monitors. Once you sync your heart rate monitor with the PM5 console, you can see live heart rate data right on the screen readout. This makes it very simple to track your heart rate while you row. This is a must-have feature for those that do heart rate zone training.

The PM5 monitor also has a couple of fun features; you can play various games, or even “race” against a pacer boat on your screen. Even though rowing can be a difficult exercise activity, these little tweaks help to pass the time.

As mentioned before, you can also race against other Concept2 users all around the world, if you’re competitive, you’re going to love this feature!

SUMMARY:

The Concept2 Model D is the best rowing rowing machine for the money. It’s why we rate it as the best rowing machine for the money. Concept2 has been trusted for years as the most reliable name in the rowing community. They stand behind their machines, and so do hundreds of thousands of athletes – from Olympic level athletes to weekend warriors.

The Model D is built to last, from it’s re-enforced frame to it’s easy-to-use monitor, you can’t go wrong with this machine. It will endure years of intense workouts without problem. There’s a reason why it’s the machine of choice for olympic athletes and rowing enthusiasts. There’s even videos of Connor McGregor using a C2 machine as he prepared for a UFC fight!

Additionally, with it’s easy to fold up design, it’s a no-brainer for the home-gym user with space constraints.

Even though the price tag is towards the higher end, if you’re looking for a reliable, high end rower, the Concept 2 Model D is the rower for you.

ACTUAL CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

“The Concept 2 Model D is the Best Rowing Machine Money Can Buy“

Coming from an Ivy League school with a stellar rowing team and living in Florida with both of my kids on rowing teams, the Concept 2 Model D is the best rowing machine money can buy. I can’t speak for other brands nor would I consider other brands, you simply get what you pay for and this is pro equipment that will last you a lifetime. If you are considering lower-end equipment based solely on cost it is understandable, but I would urge you to save up and invest in a Concept 2, hands down. The water rowers are nice but you have to replace belts, deal with potential wood deterioration and the water getting funky. While these issues may not be drastic they just don’t exist on a Concept 2. Now if you are in between a model D and E I would urge you to save the money and go with the Model D unless the 6′ increase in seat height is important, otherwise the differences are negligible and trust me you are not settling for a lesser machine in any way. Plus, I like the ability to fold the computer for a more compact storage, something only the Model D can do. Good luck and happy rowing. -Steve

“The Top of the Line Indoor Rower in Quality and Performance!“

Probably the best purchase I have ever made…. I researched all different indoor rowers and the ratings on it are correct…it is THE TOP OF THE LINE ROWER OF THEM ALL. You can buy more expensive machines, but the Concept 2 is the benchmark standard against which all others are measured. Two items I recommend you get with it are a Fit 2K seat cushion (makes the 5,000 and 10,000 meter rows a bit more comfortable), and a Polar H7 Heartrate monitor (if your are looking to really use it to its full potential, the H7 will help you stay in the zone). -Matt W.

“One of the Best Purchases I’ve Ever Made“

Just over the year mark with the rower. One of the best purchases I’ve ever made. I have logged 5,428,312 meters since purchase. Great workout. I’m coming from almost 40 years of running. Many knee, hip, ankle, foot problems. That’s over. There’s no impact rowing. I have put on some (needed) upper body muscle. I’m still skinny, but my shoulder, lats, biceps, and pecs are all bigger. Abs are more defined. The free C2 app is great. It keeps track of all of my workouts and shows my complete rowing history on the C2 website. This includes distance, time, pace, calories. C2 offers incentives for certain milestones (I just got a free 5 million meter club long sleeve T) and they have rowing challenges throughout the year. The rower is not cheap, but my wife has spent more on gym fees (OTF) over the past year than the rower cost. There’s almost no maintenance. Wipe it down every now and then and oil the chain one or twice a year. There are YouTube videos for C2 maintenance. I watch Netlflix or listen to podcasts while rowing. I use Bluetooth headphones for both…. Buy the rower and watch some videos on proper technique. You’ll love it. -Tom A.

You can read more Concept 2 Model D Reviews here (on Amazon).

WHERE TO BUY CONCEPT 2 MODEL D?

If you’re ready to pull the trigger on getting a Model D rower, I recommend buying from Amazon.

It comes with fast, free shipping + Amazon has the best return policy out there.

It’s much easier to have it delivered direct to your door, versus having to go to a local fitness gear seller and have to lug it home.

Amazon also has the best price.

The post Everything You Need To Know About the Concept 2 Model D rowing machine appeared first on Rowing Machine 101.

If your hands are constantly getting beat up from rowing, getting a pair of rowing gloves is one of the best ways to protect your hands.

The reason why most people’s hands get beat up from indoor rowing is due to the torque that you place on your hands as you row.

If you think about it, you’re using your whole body to explosively pull the rowing handle – your hands take the brunt of that effort. This leads to calluses and blisters, especially if you tend to have sweaty hands.

Thankfully, there are special hand protectors that can make your life easier.

Below I’ve included my list of the best rowing gloves (also known as “sculling gloves”).

1. Sculling Gear Rowing Gloves

Our top rated glove. These gloves by Sculling Gear are the best rowing gloves you can buy.

Designed by a team of passionate rowers, these gloves have everything you want in a protective glove.

First off, they come in a variety of different sizes, from extra-small to extra large. This allows you to get the perfect fit for your hands. This is important as ill-fitted gloves can cause issues.

Second, the grip on these gloves is perfect. It gives the right amount of tack to ensure that your hands stay glued to the handle.

Third, the padding in these gloves is enough to provide protection, but minimal. These gloves were designed to allow you to feel the connection to the oar while building up calluses (and prevent blister ripping).

These gloves get a 9.5/10. I recommend these for most people.

2. Hornet Watersports Rowing Gloves

These fingerless gloves by Hornet Watersports are a great pair of protective gloves. Like the gloves mentioned above, these come in a variety of sizes (from extra-small to extra-large). This is important because it allows you to get the perfect fit.

The major benefit of these gloves is that they provide a thin layer of protection over your hands. These aren’t “bulky” gloves that bunch up and feel uncomfortable.

However, with the thin feel, you give up a bit of durability. If you row a lot, you will eventually wear holes through these gloves.

That being said, they are grippy and comfortable.

Most rowing coaches will tell you that rowing with your bare hands is best, however, if you’ve got a couple of painful blisters, you’ll want to cover them so that you can continue to row, these are good gloves for that.

A thin, protective covering for occasional use.

I give these an 8/10 rating (they lose points for limited durability & padding).

3. Rowing Gloves by ProFitness

These gloves are more of your inexpensive general-use gym gloves.

These are heavily padded gloves, so they’ll give extra padding as compared to dedicated rowing gloves. However, sometimes the extra padding can scrunch up, which can be very uncomfortable.

For a low price, these gloves are hard to beat. Cheap, easy to size, and easy to use.

I give these gloves a 7/10 rating (they aren’t dedicated rowing gloves, so they don’t have all the fancy features of the other gloves mentioned).

Closing Thoughts

Wearing gloves for rowing is a great idea if you’re trying to protect your hands while getting in the rowing meters.

I hope these rowing glove recommendations help you out and keep your hands safe while you row.

Happy rowing!

The post Best Rowing Gloves (Top 3 Gloves Ranked) appeared first on Rowing Machine 101.

In this article I’ll review the Stamina X AMRAP rower and give you the pro’s and cons of this machine.

OVERVIEW:

The AMRAP rowing machine was built as a direct competitor to the well-regarded Concept 2 Model D.

You can see that it has a similar design, as well as price point.

Heck, even the name gives it away as AMRAP is a Crossfit term for “As Many Reps As Possible. This is a nod to the fact that Crossfit has helped to popularize rowing, especially rowing workouts with Concept 2 machines.

That said, in this review I’ll do fairly direct comparison between the AMRAP rower and the Model D. With similar price points and features, I know a lot of people will be interested to see which machine comes out on top.

Stamina X Features:

The big features on the AMRAP rower are it’s durable design, it’s multifunction monitor, it’s damper control settings, as well as a few bonus goodies that Stamina throws in (more on that later).

As I mentioned before, this machine was designed to go head-to-head with the Concept 2 models out there.

Thus, it has major upgrades over the standard rowers that Stamina has manufactured in the past, which tended to be lower quality, entry level style machines.

•Multi-Function Monitor

The major feature on this machine is the multifunction monitor. It tracks distance and interval, time, total strokes/strokes per minute, meters per stroke, watts, calories and heart rate.

This gives a well-rounded data set that will keep the data nerds (like me!) engaged.

This also allow you to do different styles of workouts, for instance, many Crossfit workouts require rowing for a certain number of “calories”. With this machine you can do that.

Being able to track your heart rate (with an included external monitor) and see it on the screen is very helpful.

•Molded Seat

The seat on this machine, while it’s made out of hard plastic, is very nice. It’s designed to set you into a perfect rowing position. This will help you to pull more efficiently and become a better rower.

Many of the lower cost rowers out there have cushy seats, but they aren’t designed to help your posture and row more consistently.

This seat strike the perfect balance between semi-comfortable, but also performance oriented.

•Durable Design

This Stamina machine is built much tougher than their other low-to-mid grade machines. It has a steel frame and a metal chain, two big upgrades!

In general, the less plastic on a rower, the better. Rowers take a beating, even for those just looking for a casual workouts. There are a lot of moving pieces – good design and high quality components are important.

While this design is near the top end for Stamina in regards to durability, the components could still be better. More on that later.

PRO’S:

•Build Quality

This rowing machine is built with Stamina’s best materials. It includes more metal pieces, and less of the easy to break plastic parts that many other rowers have.

The frame is made from steel, so it’s built to last. It also includes a metal chain, which is key for a consistent pull (and minimal maintenance).

•Damper Control

This is a nice feature. Basically, you can adjust the amount of resistance that you feel with each stroke.

Turn the damper up to make it harder, turn it down to make it easier. This allows you to find your efficiency sweetspot when rowing. It also lets you make small tweak to make workouts more effective.

As an example, I like to turn the damper up when I’m pulling a fast 250/500 meter sprint. For a longer 5-10K type workout, I’ll turn the damper down as I set in for a long haul.

•Bonus Goodies (includes heartrate monitor/phone mount)

These are nice little extras that Stamina throws in. This rower includes a heart-rate monitor strap and an iPhone/Android phone holder.

I really appreciate getting these extra value pieces of equipment, they’d retail for close to an extra $75-100 on there own. Well done Stamina!

CONS:

•Hardware Failure

There has been quite a few occurrences of part failures with this machine. While the build quality is high, and this machine does use nice components, it seems like Stamina still has been having some part issues.

I think part of the reason is because this is still a relatively new machine for Stamina, as they continue to produce this machine, they’ll be able to make small tweaks and improvements.

Here’s an Amazon review that’s shows some of the challenges with this product:

That said, this machine isn’t up to snuff against its main competitor, the Model D. The Concept2 2 machine is still unmatched when it comes to build quality.

•Limited Warranty Coverage

In-line with the previous bullet, the warranty on the AMRAP isn’t great. It has a 90-day part warranty, and a 2 year frame warranty. I can tell you already that the frame is fine, it’s steel and isn’t going to have issues.

The parts however, that’s what worries me.

With only 90 days, you’ll barely have broken in the machine. You’ll then be on your own.

I’d like to see a much stronger warranty on this rower. It’s going head-to-head against the Model D, which has Concept 2’s bulletproof 2 year warranty on parts (limited) and a 5 year warranty on major on frame (and frame parts).

It seems like people will be going on out on limb in purchasing the AMRAP over the industry leader in the Model D, the least Stamina could do is match the warranty to its competitor….

•Price

I debated whether to put price as a pro or a con, here’s why:

The AMRAP price point is both good, and bad. Its full retail price (MSRP) on its website is $1,200. That’s a lot of money for a new rower that still has a lot to prove. In fact, it’s more expensive than the Model D, which doesn’t make sense to me….

But, the actual price you’ll pay at Amazon or in-store is probably closer to $800 or so. That’s a much better deal.

That said, it’s only a $150 or so less than the Model D. To me, I’d take the proven machine for a bit more.

So the price could be better, I’d like to see this rower more in the $750 range (retail) with an improved warranty.

TECH SPECS:

• Material: Steel frame
• Resistance: Air resistance
• Comfort Elements: Molded seat
• Includes: Stamina X | AMRAP Rower, Owner’s Manual, Heart rate Monitor Strap, Phone Holder
• Assembly: Some assembly required
• Dimensions (unfolded): 94″L x 24.5″W x 42″H
• Product Weight: 99 lbs
• Weight Limit: 300 lbs.

SUMMARY:

This is a solid rower, but I don’t think it matches up to the other rowers in its class, especially not the Concept 2 Model D.

If you find a smoking deal on this, for under $600, I’d take it.

But if you’re looking at paying full retail, I’d say to hard pass on it.

The Concept 2 Model D is a much better machine, with better parts, better longevity, and a more robust warranty.

If you’re still interested in the AMRAP rower, you can find the best price here on Amazon.

Row on!

-Coach D

The post Stamina X AMRAP Rowing Machine Review appeared first on Rowing Machine 101.

Whether you’re trying to lose weight, gain strength, or simply want to improve your conditioning, rowing is a great way to improve your fitness.

Plus, rowing blows running, and every other form of cardiovascular exercise, out of the water. More on that below.

We’ll dig into the benefits of rowing:

1. Effective Aerobic Exercise

Rowing is one of the most effective forms of cardiovascular (i.e. aerobic) exercise. This type of exercise works your lungs and heart and provides a myriad of health benefits, including: weight loss, increased endurance, and a stronger immune system.

Remember, aerobic exercise is exercise that require oxygen, that’s why you get out of breath. Rowing is excellent for building your cardiovascular base and conditioning.

Having a stronger aerobic base is key for overall health and fitness.

2. Low Impact (and Safe for your Joints)

Traditional cardio workouts, like jogging, produce a large amount of wear and tear on your body. Repeatedly striking the ground with your foot can cause micro-trauma to your shins and joints.While this is ok in small amounts, too much high impact training can cause injury.

Unlike running, using a rowing machine has zero impact on your joints. Your body simply slides back and forth on the rowing machine. All of the benefits with none of the impact. That’s a win-win combination!

Switch to rowing and reduce your downtime while you get more fit.

3. Burn Calories (and reduce belly fat)

Compared to other cardio machines, rowing is one of the best types of exercise for burning calories. It’s estimated that one hour or rowing will burn around 800 calories. To give you context, walking for one hour will burn about 230 calories. That means that rowing burns around 4 times MORE calories!

I put together a handy article to track how many calories that you burn while rowing.

As a note, if you burn more calories than you consume, your body will start to utilize its own bodyfat for fuel. This is how rowing can help you to lose weight (1).

4. Build Lean Muscle Mass

Rowing works your entire body, from your lower body to your upper body. You could make the argument that it works every muscle in your body! Unlike traditional cardio exercises (like running or biking) rowing actually helps to build muscle.

With rowing, you have to pull with your arms/back and extend your legs, these muscle contractions will stimulate the muscles and lead to muscle growth (2).

As a note, this will not lead to Hulk-like muscles. Since rowing is a high rep, low resistance exercise, it will help to build fine, detailed muscle. So don’t expect to looked bulked out after rowing a few times.

5. Improve Posture

Along with the muscle building benefits mentioned in the previous point, rowing helps to reinforce good posture and positioning. When you pull the handle on a rowing machine, it forces you to have your spine straightened and aligned perfectly.

This reinforces good spinal position with your body and will help to improve your overall posture.

Also, as mentioned before, your body will start to build new muscle tissue, especially the little muscles in your back that help to build good posture. Oh, and did I mention that it’s scientifically proven that people with good posture are perceived as sexier?

6. Low Skill Exercise (and easy to learn!)

Rowing certainly has its nuances and special techniques, but overall, it’s fairly easy to learn how to row. You don’t need to have a special instructor teach you, you can simply watch a few videos on technique, or read a few articles, and you should be good to go.

Also, if you have a camera on your phone, you can always video yourself and re-watch it later to see your form. This will allow you to make any needed techniques changes.

It’s also very difficult to injure yourself on a rower, so chalk that up as another benefit!

7. Affordable

With a rower, one piece of equipment is your entire workout. Compared to all of the latest gizmos and gadgets, when you purchase a rowing machine, once you have it, it’s all you need to get in an effective workout.

While rowing machines aren’t cheap (at least the good ones aren’t), they will save you money in the long run. For under $1,000 dollars, you can get a top of the line indoor rowing machine.

Compare that to personal training sessions, which can start at $50 for a half-hour session. Or a regular gym membership, which often costs upwards of $100 a month.

A good rower, like a Concept 2 Model D (our top pick) will last for 10+ years and millions of meters rowed. Buying one of these machines and rowing at home will save you money, and time!

8. Convenience

Working out at home is a major time saver. Even if you live 10 minutes away from the gym, that’s an extra 20 minutes a day of driving per day (and an hour and a half per week!). Plus you have to wait in lines for other people to finish using the piece of equipment that you want to use… It’s a hassle.

With an at home workout, you won’t have any wasted time. You can work out whenever you have a free minute. Your workout gear also won’t be covered in other people’s sweat (gross!).

And, you won’t have to use nasty gym lockers and showers. It’s hard to beat the convenience of an at-home workout!

9. Low Risk Exercise

One of the top benefits of using a rowing machine is that it’s easy on your joints and muscles. It’s nearly impossible to injure yourself on a rowing machine.

Unlike weight training that can pull you out of position and cause injury, using a rower locks you into a safe position and prevents injury. This makes it a great workout option for those that are new to exercising, or that are getting back into exercise after taking a break.

10. Great For Building Lower Body Strength

One of the top benefits of using a rowing machine is that it builds lower body strength. With each stroke, you have to push hard with your legs.

This works your quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteus maximus. If you’re looking to build strong, defined legs, then rowing is the right exercise for you!

11. Great For Building Upper Body Strength Too!

While rowing builds stronger legs, it also works your upper body. When you row, you’re forced to pull with your arms and upper back. This will help to build stronger biceps and will help to create more definition in your back.

There’s a slew of upper back muscles, such as the trapezius, rhomboids, rear deltoids, and others…. They all get worked when you use a rowing machine. If you’re looking to build a stronger upper body, rowing is a great option.

13. Rowing Builds Core Strength

When you row, you have to keep your core properly braced. With each stroke, you have to contract your core muscles. This helps to build strong abdominal muscles (aka “abs”).

Think about it, when you row a couple of thousands meters, that mean that you’ve completed hundreds of “strokes” on your rower. Each of those strokes requires you to essentially do a crunch. No wonder rowers tend to have such strong ab muscles!

If you’re interested in learning more about how rowing builds abs, you can read our article on it here.

14. Rowing Strengthens Your Lower Back

Lower back injuries are one of the most common forms of injury. According to researchers about “70% of adults have at least one episode of back pain per year” (3).

When using an indoor rower, with each pull, you’re forced to contract all of the muscles in your lower back. This helps to build a stronger, more resilient lower back.

Since the force that’s applied to your low back when rowing is equal to how hard you pull, you can modulate your row stroke to find a level that works your back (without aggravating it).

15. Great For Brain Health

Rowing is a form of aerobic exercise (or simply “cardio”), which is exercise that raises your heart rate and increases blood flow to your brain. Your increased heart rate is accompanied by harder breathing, depending of course on the intensity of the workout.

According to Psychology Today, this increased breathing pumps extra oxygen into your bloodstream, which delivers more oxygen to your brain. This leads to “neurogenesis”—or the production of new brain neurons—in parts of your brain that control memory retention and critical thinking.

Neurogenesis increases your brain volume and improves function. Plus it’s believed that adding more neurons to your brain helps to buffer against the effects of dementia.

16. Great For Heart Rate Training

Heart rate training is a great way to have a science-backed workout. By strapping on a heart rate monitor, you’re able to collect data on your workout, as well as have instant feedback on how hard your body is working at all times.

Plus, if you get a Polar H10, my top heart rate monitor pick, you can see your heart rate right on the Concept 2 monitor screen. This makes life really easy!

With rowing, since you’re staying in one place, it’s easy to strap on a monitor and train in the exact heart rate zone that you want to hit. This is more difficult when you’re outside running, or doing other doing other cardio activities like swimming.

17. Rowing Is Great For Warming Up Your Muscles

Since using a rowing machine uses just about every muscle in your body, it’s one of the best ways to warm up your muscles before working out.

Doing a quick warmup prior to exercising is important because it helps to increase your body temperature as well as get all of your muscles firing. Research shows that doing a warmup prior to exercise helps to improve performance, and can potentially cut down on injuries.

Thanks for reading, did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below.

-David

The post 17 Major Benefits of Rowing appeared first on Rowing Machine 101.

However, when you’re buying on the secondhand market, you never quite know what you’re getting.

This is why I decided to put together a checklist for how to buy a used Concept 2 rower.

This will be helpful, whether you’re buying a rower from Facebook marketplace or Craigslist.

Read on below….

Where To Buy a Used Concept 2 Rower

First, you have to know where to find a used indoor rower. Below is my complete list of the best places to buy a used rower:

• Craigslist
• Facebook Marketplace
• OfferUp
• LetGo
• eBay
• Oodle
• Bookoo
• and of course, keep an eye on local garage sales and estate sales

I suspect you know about Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, those two spots are at the top of my go-to list, however, everybody else that’s looking for a used rower will be checking those sites, so you might have to get creative.

I’ve seen a C2 rower (model D) on Facebook Marketplace for $400, a total steal. I messaged the seller within 30 minutes of it being up, however, they already had a buyer that was on the way with cash in hand. Bummer!

So, while Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are great, you need to be quick on the draw. They’re the biggest platform with the most amount of users, so competition is high, which makes it difficult to find a good deal.

TIP – My Hack For Getting The Best Deal

One hack that you can do is to set up “Saved Searches” on FB Marketplace and Craigslist.

When you do this, you’ll get a notification every time a new listing pops up that meets your criteria.

For instance, if you’re looking for a Concept 2 Model D rower, if you set up searches for “Concept 2”, “Concept 2 Model D”, “Model D rower”, etc… you’ll be among the first to see it.

You can learn how to set up a saved search on Facebook Marketplace here.

And you can lean how to set up a search notification on Craigslist here.

Keep in mind, many hardcore homegym gear buyers already know about the search notification hack, so speed is still important when you are looking to get a deal.

I’d recommend jumping on deals and trying to meet the seller in person as soon as possible. I’ve waited a day or two when buying something from a seller (we had verbal commitments) only to have them sell it before I got there. These sites are kind of the wild west of gym equipment sales, stuff comes and goes quickly.

Sometimes people suck, so just be patient and move as fast as you feel comfortable.

What To Look For When Buying A Used Rower

Ok, so now that we know where to find rowers and how to find deals, the next step is to learn what to look for when buying a secondhand rower.

Below is my checklist that I run through:

1. Verify As Much Info On The Listing As You Can

Before you make any plans to meet someone, verify as much info as you can based off of the listing info.

• What model is the rower?
• What’s the asking price?
• What year is it? (finding the year can be difficult, but the model and monitor can indicate the year it was made, here’s the C2 guide on how to check the year of your rower)
• How many meters does it have on it? (this is similar to the mileage on a car, you can use this handy article to learn how to check the meters)
• What monitor does it have on it? (PM5 are the current C2 monitors, they debuted in 2014)
• Are there any flaws or visible problems with the rower? (cracked screen, dings in the plastic, janky rowing chain, etc…)
• Does the machine contain all of the basic gear? (i.e. includes footpads, rowing handle, etc…)

Once you do this, you should have most of the info that you need to make a decision.

You can then move on to Step 2.

2. Set Up A Time So You Can Check Out The Rower

If the pricing looks good, and it fits your specs for model, price, meterage, etc… it’s time to setup a time with the seller for an in-person inspection.

Rowers aren’t cheap, so it’s vital that you check as many things as you can prior to handing over your hard-earned cash.

Ask the seller as many questions as you can (either over the phone or on messenger). They should be willing to answer all of your questions.

If one of your questions requires a little bit of work (i.e. checking them meters) they should be willing to do this for you, if they refuse to check in on anything, that’s a red flag.

You also don’t want to waste your time by driving to meet someone that has a faulty piece of equipment.

3. Go Through A Step-by-Step Checklist To Ensure The Rower is Operational

Here’s my in-person inspection checklist:

• Check the meters (you can read my article here on how to check lifetime meters, as well as this article on how long Concept 2 rowers last)
• Ask the seller if they regular do maintenance on the machine (oil the chain, check the fans, etc…). You should be able to feel the chain and see if there’s any oil on it (it should leave a little residue on your fingers). When you ask them about maintenance, they should be able to tell you right away. If they seem confused or unaware that indoor rowers need maintenance, then mark that as a small red flag.
• Check the monorail for dings, make sure the seat glides smoothly along the track
• Check the plastic fan housing, see if any of the plastic has been cracked or broken off.
• Strap onto the rower and row a couple of hundred meters, does it chain pull smoothly? Do a mixture of hard pulls and soft pulls. Does the fan give the signature Concept 2 “whoosh”?

If all of that checks out, it looks like you might have found yourself a used indoor rower!

Now, to haggle over the price…..

Typical Pricing For Used Concept 2 Rowers

Concept 2 rowers hold their value extremely well (which is one of the main reason they are my top rower recommendation).

That being said, buying used can be a good way to save a few bucks.

As a note, pricing seems to vary quite a bit dependent on where you live. Where I’m at (Midwest, USA), Concept 2 rowers hold an extremely high value on the secondary market. That’s just the nature of the beast.

However, no matter where you’re at, if you are diligent on checking for used equipment, you will eventually find a deal. There’s always someone that’s clueless that’s willing to sell their old gear for cash, so keep hope!

Below is the typical pricing that I see in the Midwest.

Concept 2 Model C:

These machines were made from 1993 to 2003. They have a distinctive cork handle. Even though they are upwards of 15 years old, these machines still work well.

Price Range: I see them for sale in the $300-450 range in my area (midwest). As long as the machine is in good shape, a price around $300 or lower is a good deal.

Concept 2 Model D:

The model D was made from 1993 to the present. You can check the age depending on the monitor, older Model D’s have a PM4 monitor, newer ones (2014-present) have a PM5 monitor.

Price Range: The typical price of a Model D (with a newer PM5) is around $750-$850. As long as the machine is in good working order, anything $700 or less would be considered as being a very good deal. If you see a machine priced at $500 or below, jump on it ASAP!

Concept 2 Model E:

The Model E machine is a great machine. It launched in 2006 (with the PM4) and then later updated to a PM5 (2014). It’s not as compact as a Model D, but it makes up for it with a taller rowing platform, a longer monorail, and a fixed screen that sits closer to your body (and is easier to read).

When buying new, the Model E has a $200 premium as compared to the Model D ($1,100 vs. $900), this is due to the upgraded build materials and larger size.

Read here to learn about the differences between the Model D and the Model E.

Price Range: Pricing for a used Model E (with a newer PM5) is around $800-$900. As long as the machine is in good working order, anything $750 or less would be considered as being a very good deal.

Final Thoughts:

Buying a used Concept 2 rower is a great way to save money on a fantastic machine. Follow these steps and you could save yourself a couple of Benjamins (aka hundred dollar bills).

That being said, if you aren’t finding a good deal on your local secondary market, don’t be afraid to save up an extra feel months and splurge on a new machine.

Concept 2 indoor rowing machines maintain their value like crazy. As mentioned above, you’re seeing 5 year old machines that are selling for $100 less than new, that’s pretty insane.

That’s a loss of only 10% after 5 years of use… that means they depreciate much slower than your car!

If the difference between a used machine and a brand new one is only a hundred bucks or so, getting a new machine with a full warranty is a good way to go.

If you want to go with a new rower, I always recommend buying from Amazon, they have the best prices and the fastest shipping.

Click here to check the best price on a new Concept 2 rower from Amazon.

Whether you buy new or used, I wish you luck with your future fitness endeavors!

If you have a deal you’re looking at, drop a comment below and I can give you some feedback.

Row on.

The post How To Buy A Used Concept 2 Rower (off Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace) appeared first on Rowing Machine 101.

Stamina makes a variety of different types of exercise equipment, but in recent years they’ve become well known for their budget rowers.

While they sell a lot of lower-cost rowers, as a new sub-brand, they’ve launched the Stamina X series of products. These products are geared more towards performance athletes, I imagine seeing these types of products at Crossfit boxes

Below are the products we’ve currently reviewed:

•Stamina ATS 1403 Air Rower

•Stamina X | Air Rower

•Stamina X | AMRAP Rower

NOTE: This page is still in process, please bear with us as we test out rowers and add reviews.

The post Stamina Rowing Machines appeared first on Rowing Machine 101.

Look no further!

In this article I’ll review the Stamina X air rower and list the pro’s and cons of this rowing machine.

OVERVIEW:

The Stamina X was designed as a low-cost direct competitor to the popular Concept 2 Model D.

Most won’t notice these things, but to me it’s obvious how Stamina swayed from their typical design buildout to try and copy some of the Model D’s features.

Whether they executed on those features, we’ll dig into that below.

The Stamina X sits in the mid-grade range of Stamina’s air resistance rowing machine lineup. Not their best machine, but no slough either

FEATURES:

There are a few main features that really helps the Stamina X to stand out from other rowers in this price range.

•New & Improved LCD Monitor

Compared to other rowers in their lineup, Stamina gave the X a better rowing monitor. It’s bigger, which makes it easier to see, while also including more data.

This bigger screen allows you to track more data. As a data nerd, I always appreciate being able to compare my rowing splits from session to session. I like to know that I’m getting fitter and faster.

•Durability

The name of the game for low to midrange rowing machines is durability. It’s hard to meet a good price point while providing a machine that will stand up to everyday abuse.

The Stamina team doubled down by outfitting the X with a steal frame and a rowing chain.

Many other machines within this price range use a nylon strap instead of a chain, and will use a cheaper frame material.

These two construction material choices are key for longterm durability.

•Pivoting Foot Plates

A major innovation for this machine is the included pivoting foot plate design. This allows for more ergonomic rowing.

As you row, the foot plate pivots, allowing you to get keep your foot connected with the foot plate through your entire rowing stroke.

This is a fantastic feature, especially at this price level. In comparison, the well regarded Concept 2 Model D does has a fixed foot plate design.

BENEFITS

The top benefits of this machine is that you’ll get a more-durable rowing machine at a mid-ranhe price point.

It contains a few upgrades over most rowers that you see, including the steel frame, improved monitor, and a metal chain.

The X also includes Stamina’s molded seat. It can also be easily folded.

PRO’S:

•Solid Build Quality

This machine better materials than most of its competitors. With its steel frame and metal rowing chain, it’s got a tough build quality.

As a note, it’s important that these main components (chain, frame, etc..) have strong materials as these are often the first thing to break.

Many cheaper rowers use a nylon strap, I’ve heard many horror stories of these breaking. Not so with an actual metal chain.

•Comfortable

With it’s padded seat and pivoting foot foot plates, this is a comfortable rowing machine. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to get on and off of, and that’s gentle on your body, I recommend the Stamina X rower.

•Price

This is a good value at $400. Will it compete against a C2 Model D? Probably not, but it’s also more than half the price.

For the price, it’s got good components, it’s easy to set up and store, and it allows you to get a good workout out in.

CONS:

•No Changing Resistance

This seems to be a common feature on more budget-style rowers, but there is no ability to change the resistance level on this machine.

For instance, on a Model D, you can make the “pull” harder or easier. This allows for nice variety while you’re working out. As an example, for a short sprint workout you’d want a hard pull so you can rack up the meters quickly. For a long row, it’s nice to decrease the resistance so you don’t burn yourself out too early.

The Stamina X doesn’t have this capability. And that’s a bummer.

•Only Measures Distance in Miles

This is more of a nitpicky thing, but the computer/monitor for this rower only gives distance in miles. This is ok if you’re going for a lnog row, but it’s not ideal if you’re looking to do some short, fast paced workouts.

Traditionally, rowing machines have measured work by ‘meters rowed’. Having a mile calculator is just awkward.

•Durability

This is my main complaint with most budget rowers, but the durability is an issue. After using the machine for a solid 6+ months, you may start to find flaws in the machine/build quality. Some have complained of broken foot brackets and wheels.

The warranty on this machine isn’t great. It has a 90 day warranty. You might end up needing it.

TECH SPECS:

Below are the technical specifications for the Stamina X rower.

• Material: Steel frame, metal housing, plastic fan, rowing chain
• Resistance: Air resistance
• Comfort Elements: Molded seat, padded grip
• Includes: Stamina|X Air Rower, Owner’s Manual
• Assembly: Some assembly required (about 30 mins start-to-finish)
• Dimensions (unfolded): 78.5 x 18 x 29
• Product Weight: 63 lbs
• Weight Limit: 250 lbs.

SUMMARY:

The Stamina X is a good mid-grade machine. It has some durability concerns, so I caution the heavy user away from this machine.

If you’re planning on rowing multiple times a week and plan to use this as your primary cardio device, spend more and get a better machine, like the Concept 2 Model D.

If you’re under 6 feet tall, and are looking to occasionally add rowing to your workouts, and you’re on a very tight budget – this rower is a good option.

Row on!

-Coach D

The post Stamina X Air Rower Review appeared first on Rowing Machine 101.