4 ms·
My personal suggestion is the ergometer, or rowing machine. Low-impact, cheap as exercise equipment goes, (a brand-spanking-new Concept2 will run you about $930
by omegaham 11y ago
My personal suggestion is the ergometer, or rowing machine. Low-impact, cheap as exercise equipment goes, (a brand-spanking-new Concept2 will run you about $930, which is much less than a gym-quality elliptical or treadmill) and useful for everything from long-distance to high-intensity training. Plus, a large number of gyms have them, and no one uses them because they don't allow you to slack off like an elliptical machine or exercise bike.
Just don't put the damper at 10 like the Crossfit folks do.
- kansface 11y agoWhy is that?
- omegaham 11y agoQuick background - the damper controls how quickly the flywheel comes to a stop. A typical rowing stroke is mostly a leg exercise. You build up momentum by driving with your legs, and then finish off the stroke with your back and then (at the very, very end) your arms. By the point that you're using your back and arms, however, there is enough momentum in the flywheel that you don't put much load on them. During the recovery, (when you're bending your legs and preparing for the next stroke) the damper slows the flywheel back down. Wash, rinse, repeat. The load is repeatedly taken by the legs, with the back and arms adding a little extra at the end of each stroke. Putting the damper at 10 knocks this all to hell. The damper removes enough of the momentum during the stroke that you're putting a significant load on your back at the end of each stroke. At best, this will tire you out early. At worst, it can injure you. You want the damper to be between 4 and 6. I usually row with it halfway between 4 and 5. If you want a more intense workout, drive harder and pick up the stroke rate.