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I have never run out of breath on a rowing machine - not even close. It seems like a good exercise, don't get me wrong, but I can row and (talk, sing or whistle

I have never run out of breath on a rowing machine - not even close. It seems like a good exercise, don't get me wrong, but I can row and (talk, sing or whistle) at the same time with no problem. I set the "fan" on the highest level and row for 30 minutes at a time. I could row harder but I fear breaking the bicycle chain at the core of the machine. I could row longer but it really is boring. But I have never met anyone else who rows like I do. The rowing machine quickly exhausts some individuals whom appear to be in outstanding health. I always wrote it off to their being out of shape, reformed smokers, recovery from illness, etc. But if you're normal then I may be somewhat unusual in my cardiovascular capacity.

cycomanic 6y ago
I suspect you are simply rowing without proper resistance, it's similar to how you can ride a bike by simply barely resting your feet on the pedals. Rowing machines generally work you out very well, because they engage so many muscle groups and the same time, thus requiring a lot of oxygen being delivered to them. In fact rowers typically have the highest lactate tolerance of most endurance athletes. Next time on the rower try to row with 2:00/500m timing using a stroke rate of ~24. If you can do that for 30min without having rowed for quite a bit i would be seriously impressed.
- galangalalgol 6y ago
  He said he set the fan on its highest setting. I've never used that type. But I've also never worried about breaking it. I think if you don't come back forward as fast as you can, and don't fire in order, legs, back, shoulders, then arms, that you can get away using a very strong upper body to go kinda fast but without using lots of O2.
- giardini 6y ago
  The air resistance is at max. I move forward until my knees are bent almost as far as possible, my arms straight, elbows extended and then pull back until my legs are nearly straight, my hands at my chest, my biceps tight and the chain nearly at the limit. I'll try what you suggest. Maybe all the machines I've used (about 6 of them) at various gyms are mistuned/broken in some way. These machines don't get the best of care in a gym setting. I didn't say it wasn't a good workout or that it doesn't work me out well; in fact I said the contrary. But it doesn't challenge me in any particular way while it does seem to challenge some apparently healthy persons(i.e., trim, muscular shape, young, etc.). I've read the machines' instructions, seen others use the machines, live and on videos, and, while rowing is not difficult for me, it does provide variety. But I was wondering why rowing wasn't more difficult. Contrast with my recent return to swimming: I swam much of my life but left it about 15 years ago for other sports. I'm trying to get back in swim shape and, while my heart has no problems, I badly want more air faster! Rowing is graceful b/c air is readily available. But in swimming you have only a moment each stroke to breathe. And parts of swimming are anaerobic (sprints, first ~10 seconds of a race). So in swimming I see a clear personal limit to extend.
  - galangalalgol 6y ago
    I bet swimming is good for vo2. I'm not that fit and I'm double fast twitch so endurance sports aren't my thing. I've just noticed that elliptical machines, climbers, and stationary bikes can make me sweat but not wheeze for breath like when I'm running or rowing.

cycomanic 6y ago

I suspect you are simply rowing without proper resistance, it's similar to how you can ride a bike by simply barely resting your feet on the pedals. Rowing machines generally work you out very well, because they engage so many muscle groups and the same time, thus requiring a lot of oxygen being delivered to them. In fact rowers typically have the highest lactate tolerance of most endurance athletes. Next time on the rower try to row with 2:00/500m timing using a stroke rate of ~24. If you can do that for 30min without having rowed for quite a bit i would be seriously impressed.

galangalalgol 6y ago
He said he set the fan on its highest setting. I've never used that type. But I've also never worried about breaking it. I think if you don't come back forward as fast as you can, and don't fire in order, legs, back, shoulders, then arms, that you can get away using a very strong upper body to go kinda fast but without using lots of O2.
giardini 6y ago
The air resistance is at max. I move forward until my knees are bent almost as far as possible, my arms straight, elbows extended and then pull back until my legs are nearly straight, my hands at my chest, my biceps tight and the chain nearly at the limit. I'll try what you suggest. Maybe all the machines I've used (about 6 of them) at various gyms are mistuned/broken in some way. These machines don't get the best of care in a gym setting. I didn't say it wasn't a good workout or that it doesn't work me out well; in fact I said the contrary. But it doesn't challenge me in any particular way while it does seem to challenge some apparently healthy persons(i.e., trim, muscular shape, young, etc.). I've read the machines' instructions, seen others use the machines, live and on videos, and, while rowing is not difficult for me, it does provide variety. But I was wondering why rowing wasn't more difficult. Contrast with my recent return to swimming: I swam much of my life but left it about 15 years ago for other sports. I'm trying to get back in swim shape and, while my heart has no problems, I badly want more air faster! Rowing is graceful b/c air is readily available. But in swimming you have only a moment each stroke to breathe. And parts of swimming are anaerobic (sprints, first ~10 seconds of a race). So in swimming I see a clear personal limit to extend.
- galangalalgol 6y ago
  I bet swimming is good for vo2. I'm not that fit and I'm double fast twitch so endurance sports aren't my thing. I've just noticed that elliptical machines, climbers, and stationary bikes can make me sweat but not wheeze for breath like when I'm running or rowing.