Peter's Blog

Hi Peter,

Thanks for putting your blog in the world for me to find.

I am currently considering the purchase of a rowing machine. I'm tempted to buy the cheaper wal-mart target sort of models (Fitness Quest Integrity 3000 Air Rower for instance) first. If I used it, my plan is, to sell it on eBay and then purchase a Concept II rower.

However, of course, I could always just buy the Concept II rower first and then if I didn't like it, sell it off on eBay.

As someone who elected to not purchase a Concept II, do you now regret that decision?

For what it's worth: I highly suspect I will use it. I have a treadmill that I use a bunch (but the noise annoys my downstairs neighbor after 10p, which is my peak usage time). . . and I've been an avid computrainer user since about 1999. I'm also a triathlete. . .

So, well, any help you can provide would be fantastic!

--Craig.

Hello rowing enthusiasts! I am going to purchase either a used model C or a Tunturi R701 over the weekend...can you help me decide? I don't know much about either except that they are both commmercial level units. I have heard great things about both, however, your imput is of great importance to me. The model C has wear on the wind guard, frame scratches and a broken monitor that can be replaced for $90. The unit is also missing a lock that goes on the bottom that can be replaced for $9. The dealer is selling it for $300 since it is fully operational. Does it sound like a good deal? should I go for it? The tunturi also has a broken monitor that is over $200.00 to replace and it is being sold for $200.00 by a private seller that has been the only owner since buying the unit in 1997. HELP! thank you.

If you are a serious trainer and a triathlete, I would go for a Concept 2. If you like to compete then you can do it with a Concept 2, racing over the internet. The training documents on the Concept 2 site are excellent.

I didn't buy one because of the cost: I could not and still cannot justify paying £940 (about $1900?) for one which is what they cost everywhere in the UK, nobody offers them new for less than this. Given the exchange rate they are a lot cheaper in the US.

I know from the gym how noisy treadmills can be, especially with heavy-footed people. The rowing machine should be quieter for your neighbour than the treadmill. I don't use a treadmill because I get terrible shin splits if I try to run over 6mph and less than that isn't much of an exertion.

Peter

I'd grab the Concept 2 for that money. It is a much better machine and you can measure your performance against other people, giving it a whole different dimension of interest (like deathmatch vs single-player if you are a gameplayer). Hell, I'd ship it over to the UK and it would still be a bargain.

I wouldn't say my Tunturi 710 was robust enough to be used in a gym like Concept 2's are. Maybe the 701 is a different class of beast as the 710's monitor is just a basic LCD thing and is in no way worth $200.

Peter

You can also check about the Life span RW1000 rower at exercise-equipment-today.com/press/

We just bought a BodyCraft VR100 rower for home use and am happy with the workout. My problem is that my feet slip out of the foot pedals - no matter how tight I cinch the velcro straps. My husband has not had the same slipping problem. I am small (5'1") with small feet. Do you have any suggestions for remedying this problem?

Thanks!

My feet are size 8 (UK) and I've never had this problem.

Maybe you are moving your feet too much? I'm not sure of the absolute correct rowing technique but I think it is ok to push as if you are standing up rather than pushing through the toes like when riding a bike.

Peter