[justinelauren]

I'm looking for other rowing enthusiasts, both indoor and outdoor. Do any of you use rowing as your main mode of exercise?

I just had my second baby in April and my husband gave me a Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower! I've been using it 4-5 times a week and cross-training with hikes and yoga. I have a goal of rowing 260 kilometers by December 31st(260km is the maximum width of Lake Superior so I thought it would be a good number to strive for.) I haven't done any on-water rowing this season because I'm still trying to decide between boathouses and I need to take a class in sculling. I was a sweep rower in college, but never had a chance to take out a single scull.

If you haven't tried the indoor rower, try it out! It's a great, full-body workout.

[HokieLoki]

I just started!

I moved to a lakefront house a couple weeks ago and bought two kayaks for my friend and I. We have gone out several times now and are both loving it. I used to canoe with my mom when I was younger, and a boyfriend a few years ago, but that's the extent of my rowing. I have never even used the rowing machine at the gym.

But this is so fun, I am really getting into it. It feels like something I will really want to stick with.

[ennay]

I row inside, but only for X training. I have to go to the gym to do it. But it makes the back look fantastic!

[OnMyWay21]

I'm just getting back here after a long absence. It was so great to see people talking about rowing!

I discovered indoor rowing a little over a year ago through a company called UCanRow2 and started getting really serious with it in January. Since then I've lost about 20 pounds (and counting), added a ton of muscle, and pretty much completely transformed my body.

I'm 47 and have struggled with my weight my entire life despite being a regular exerciser. Indoor rowing is the first activity I've found that gives my whole body a great workout, while being easy enough on my joints and the rest of my body that I can do it every day.

One caution though for people who are new to the rowing machine, it's important to do it right so you get the most out of the workout and prevent injury. Concept 2, the company Justine mentioned that makes rowers, has a good video explanation at Concept2 dot com, look under Training for Technique.

Happy rowing!

[fivestone]

I wish all you guys the best! I used to do crew in college, and I would use the machine indoors either for extra exercise/toning, or when the weather was bad and coach made us do indoor "erg relays". I really miss it -- it was a true full-body workout.

OnMyWay21, it's great that you mentioned that video. Whenever I would go to the gym I felt really bad for people who used the machine and had never been trained on technique, because I know they weren't getting the most out of their workouts. The proper resistance is important, too.

justinelauren, it will be cool to hear how your sculling works out. I only did sweep myself (though on both port and starboard), but I always thought I might like to try sculling in a single when I got older.

Power 10 in two!

[motivated chickie]

I've done rowing machines at the gym and they are fantastic, but a difficult workout. I was able to get to the point where I could row hard for 20-30 minutes. It was entertaining to watch newbies hop on the rowing machine next to me and die after 3 minutes.

I have a bowflex at home that can be a rowing machine, but it is not nearly as good as a Concept 2. But since I am not a member of the gym, I use it.

Rowing is definitely a tough workout and great for every part of the body. I highly recommend it.

[dmk70]

I had my first 'Learn to Row' class last night and felt completely humiliated! I'm not sure if it's weight, weird body structure, lack of leg/ab strength, or just fat belly in the way but I have never really been able to stand from a sitting position without crossing my legs indian style. That's not really an option in the scull. Any one else have a similair problem or is it just me? Any suggestions would be so very appreciated. I really want to continue the class but this could be a bit of a problem.

[Mahalia]

I just was this thread and was excited! I am in the middle of taking a rowing class (outdoors). It was a great option for me, because right now the only exercise I get is cycling. I ride my bike for transportation, and get 40-90 miles a week in, so getting plenty of cardio but not doing much for my upper body. I'm loving it!

It seems so easy that I don't feel like I'm burning many calories although I can definitely feel that I'm working my muscles in new and improved ways.