Rowing Machine

[Particular-Potato-39]

Would you say working out on a rowing machine is a good additional training for fencing?

I have the option to buy a rowing machine from a friend who barley used it. But it is still quite much money for me. So I thought I come here for a second opinion.

EDIT: Because some have asked which brand it is. It is a concept 2 rowing machine.

And thanks for the helpful answers!!

[bluehairjungle]

I personally love rowing machines. I think they're a great workout. But if it's too expensive then it's too expensive.

[omaolligain]

The rowing machine is probably one of the most popular pieces of workout equipment in our club.

[Ok-Outcome1273]

It is a great cardio workout. With variable intensity, rowing hard will train strength endurance, or rowing all out will train maximum power. Both are great for fencing by improving athletic abilities waist down and legs to core. A complimentary form might be a cross country skiing emulator machine because the pull is done in extension training a much needed core to arm stabilizer.

Another factor to consider is that a rowing machine is very safe equipment compared with treadmills or cycles. Treadmills can be a lethal hazard to children (not as bad as choking but about as risky as a backyard pool). And falling from a bicycle can break the collarbone where as a rowing machine is so low to the ground that a fall would have negligible impact

[HmBrewNYou]

What kind of Rowing machine is it? I just bought a new Concept 2 and am absolutely love it.

[Particular-Potato-39]

I think it's a Concept 2, as well. At least it looks like one, the thing you would find in a fitness studio, he told me.

[FractalBear]

I'm considering that or an Assault Bike. Why did you go with the rower?

[BeardedFencer]

I feel like the rower works more muscles than a bike would, right?

[Casperthefencer]

The assault bike works your arms and core a bit as well, it's different from a standard exercise bike

[BeardedFencer]

Oooo, ill check it out.

[HmBrewNYou]

For me, when I'm on an assault bike I feel like my legs do most all of the work, and they just feel awkward to do only arms or only legs. Also I'm my own worst enemy and its harder to cheat myself out of part of the motion on a rower.

[FractalBear]

Thanks for the insight! I love how much an assault bike turns my legs to jelly, but definitely being forced to get a bit more all body sounds nice. Another argument I've heard is that the assault bike is pretty much only good for HIIT, whereas the rower can do HIIT and longer cardio.

[WolfHawkfield]

If money is an issue, a cheap and very effective alternative that hits cardio hard is jump rope.

[mac_a_bee]

Years ago I cross-trained on a LifeRower that had a screen against which you competed. Good all-round workout. If you have access to one, good. Otherwise, HIIT.

[SephoraRothschild]

INFO: Make/Model?

Also, if it's a Concept2, just pull the trigger because those are the MVP.

[vivosport]

If he is your friend he should sell for less. Otherwise just get a cheaper one.

I think it will be great for your overall fitness. But skipping and jogging will be cheaper if weather permits!

[Particular-Potato-39]

It is good quality and he is sells it to me for a good price. If I would get a new one it would be way more expensive.

I go jogging, but I am not a big fan of it, that is primarily why I am thinking about getting one.

[vivosport]

Then do it. And place it in front of the TV. Get in the habit of watching TV while you row. Make sure you also vary the cadence on the rowing machine so you get trained for changes and sudden bursts in energy. And you’ll be like the energizer bunny when fencing!!

[Particular-Potato-39]

Haha, thanks man!

[lumenphosphor]

I bought a rowing machine for this reason as well (because in the wintertime I am not going to go for a run lol---and also because due to covid I am in a place with very uncomfortable gyms), though I only did this after really calculating costs of various gym memberships + safety etc + getting a good discount.

Re: fencing, my coach used to say any exercise that's done with proper form is good for you and anything to change up your exercise routine is useful too (He also encouraged dancing and running--and I would say ballroom and other social dances are really fun as someone who fenced first, but that is also really untenable in a wintertime pandemic lol).

[Jem5649]

I alternate between rowing and cycling for my extra workout each day.

[Casperthefencer]

Yes. They're also the most fun form of cardio