OK - anyone have their own treadmill???
#226440 - 11/21/05 08:15 AM
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I need some help. My friend decided that instead of renewing her gym membership, she would get a treadmill. I'm thinkin it's a good idea for me, too, since the hardest part about exercise for me is getting out the door. Any brands you would recommend?
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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...and so far we just love having it here. It's so convenient and you're left with *no* excuses, lol.
(Two main reasons for the exercise bike over the treadmill or something else: 1) heck of a lot cheaper, and 2) takes up way less space and we don't have much of it in our apartment to begin with.)
I cancelled my gym membership too at the end of the summer, for financial reasons, but I still have access to a gym through my school. However, while the weight room is tolerable, the cardio area is always insanely overcrowded and you always have to wait for a machine. So it made a lot more sense (financially, and for convenience) to stop paying $40 a month for the gym and to instead shell out the dough for a bike at home.
The one we have is an upright bike made by Pro-Form. It wasn't too expensive and so far it's working great. My parents actually have the treadmill made by the same company so they recommended it to us. It (the treadmill) is nice too, I used it in the summer. It has a heart rate monitor, an incline, and a nice track image to let you see how far you've run. Not sure how much that cost though.
I think if there were no financial or space constraints, I'd probably buy a rowing machine (ergometer) actually. That's an incredible full-body workout.
HTH 
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I'm off to surf for rowing machines. GREAT idea! Probably less expensive, and easier to store and move around. We weren't quite sure just where we were going to put a treadmill. Thanks again for the wonderful advice, Laurel!
What would we do without you, girl!
Hugs, Alicia.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Hi Alicia,
I have been rowing since 1988. I've had some excellent coaches and incredible training. I've gone to summer rowing camps for many years and I've spent hours and hours on our rowing machine. My hubby was a rowing coach. For a long time, rowing was our lives.
Rowing requires a LOT of fitness training, most of which is done on an "ERG", or rowing machine, manufactured by Concept II in Vermont. All rowing clubs have ERGs; they're the best rowing machine made. In order to determine what a rower can pull, coaches always "test" their rowers on ERGs, watching their output on a little computer-like monitor on top of the machine. The coach will then put the rower in the boat, depending on his output.
Are you following me so far?
I have put in many, MANY hours on the ERG! It's an incredible training device. All rowers have their own in their homes so they can work out when weather does not permit them to be on the water. All university crews have to train on ERGs.
Okay, here's the bottom line: it is CRUCIAL that you are TRAINED on how to use the rowing machine properly. If you do not, you can VERY easily throw your back out by "driving" with your back instead of your legs. Hubby and I have gone to many, MANY fitness centers and watched customers using their ERGs improperly, and we have grimaced each time, because we know what's happening to their backs. The proper rowing sequence is, basically: "legs, backs, arms" during the drive, then the "recovery" is just the reverse, or "arms, backs, legs." If the rower does not get this right, he can throw out his back.
Also, many rowers will open up their legs in order to get more "compaction" and will begin the "drive" with their backs because their legs are in a weak position opened up like that. Also, to be kind of gross (sorry), a person with a big tummy will of necessity open their legs up that way because their tummies get in their way. This is a BIG mistake, because, as I said, they're unable to drive with their legs, thus they use their backs instead. That's just asking for back trouble!
Another common practice is to "rush the slide." Rowers think they're getting a more strenuous workout that way, but it's a misnomer. It's the strong leg drive and slow recovery that produce the best results.
Rowing machines are fabulous exercise devices, but only when used properly, and only when the rower knows what they're doing. I don't mean to discourage you, but unless you get good training on it, I'd recommend a treadmill instead.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Thanks, dearest. I've already been hunting down the concept 2. They are apparently THE standard for rowing machines. I got a price on a couple and they come with an instructional video. Plus, I can hire a PT to come to my home to get me started.
I won't by a crappy quality machine, nor will I go into it blindly. Thank you so much for your advice! If you have any more suggestions, feel free to throw them my way!!!
I like the idea of the rowing machine because of the total body workout and it takes up less space, and is moveable. A huge honkin' treadmill would cramp our style a tad. 
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Alicia, I doubt a trainer will be able to help you on the rowing machine unless he's a rower. The instructional video is your best bet, provided you follow it carefully. I'm interested in who the instructor is on that video? My favorite coach of all time actually works for Concept II, and we visited him at the plant there in Vermont. Larry was the only coach who never needed a megaphone. In fact, they gave him one for Christmas one year, with a pillow stuffed in it! 
If you decide to buy an ERG and want to hire a PT to come train you, I strongly recommend hiring a ROWER (ideally a coach) in your area. Call the closest rowing club and ask them.
" . . . it takes up less space, and is moveable." Actually, this is not true. Our ERG takes up the entire right side of the bonus room here over the garage. We designed this room around the machine! Although it can be moved and comes apart in two pieces, it is not easy to do; you would not want to do it every day. The treadmill we had took up FAR less space.
I am partial to the treadmill because it got me into shape faster than anything. However, when I had my knee surgery and all the cartilege removed, I could no longer jog, and even walking is very painful. Rowing was the most therapeutic exercise; thus, I use the ERG now instead of the treadmill.
If you do decide on a Concept II, you won't be sorry; it is the best on the market. In fact, I wouldn't even consider any other kind of rowing machine; they're all junk to a rower.
The monitor is an excellent coach; it gives you your output. You want to keep your stroke rate down to around 21-22, but you want your output to be in the 200 range if you can. It's not easy! The trick is to drive REAL hard with your legs, and then SLOW up the slide on the recovery. Also, do not pause before driving again; you don't want any time to lapse between strokes, which on the water transfers to the boat actually slowing down. Just be sure to keep your knees together, regardless of how large your tummy might be. Drive with your LEGS, not your back!
If you DO get an ERG, and you really get into rowing, you should order "The Rower's Companion," a video published by U.S. Rowing Assoc. that we use when we're in shape. They mounted a camera on the bow seat of an eight comprised of Olympic rowers, and they do three different workouts on the Charles River in Boston. You actually feel like you're in that boat with them, and you just follow them on the ERG. It's a FANTASTIC workout! You're sweating bullets before you realize it because you're having so much fun rowing with them.
I hope you do decide to get the Concept II, but more importantly, I hope you get some really good coaching on it. I have thrown out my back more times than I care to remember.
Bevvy
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Bevvy, I was a coxie in high school (5 ft 100 lbs) and the trainer in our town is excellent. He's coached even some Canadian championship finalists (younger kids). So I know him and I'm sure I could talk him into coming over.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Coxie or Cox'n?
#226684 - 11/22/05 11:16 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Interesting! You were a "coxie" were ya? Now I have a pretty good picture of what you're really like! You're a TOUGHIE!
In the States we call you guys "cox'ns." Actually, there are quite a few different rowing terms, which I discovered the hard way. When we moved to B.C., we joined a rowing club there and were looking forward to rowing with the Canadians. On our first row, they put me in the stroke seat. I followed the commands of the cox'n, of course, but when he said, "Easy!" I began rowing easy, but noticed no one was following me. Everyone stopped rowing, for some strange reason. Who would have known that what he meant was "Way 'Nuff!"
5 ft. 100 pounds, eh? Yep, GREAT size for a cox'n!
Your trainer coached? PERFECT! Yep, definitely hire him. However, if you've coxed before, you've already pretty much got the rowing stroke down pat. You won't have any problems on the ERG. GO FOR IT!!! And don't forget that video I recommended; it's excellent. You can get it from "The Rower's Bookshelf" here in the States. If you can't find it online, let me know.
There's only one problem with the video: you really can't hear the cox'n's commands very well over the sound of the oars splashing through the water. But you'll LOVE rowing on the Charles; it's fabulous!
By the way, Alicia, you can find used ERGs for a lot less money than a new one. Rowers trade in their old ones for newer models. We sold our "C" model in order to buy the new "B." So check the bulletin board of your nearest rowing club -- or ask your trainer. Also, either U.S. Rowing or Concept II sponsors an indoor rowing championship twice a year, using all BRAND NEW ERGs, then, after the event, they offer those once-used ERGs at a huge discount. You might give that some thought. If this has some appeal for you, don't hesitate to contact them because they go fast.
Bevvy
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Coxie I think!? Short for Coxswain or something like that???? I am no longer 5 ft and NOWHERE near 100 pounds anymore.  Plus, I did it only very briefly (1 season) and I don't remember a darn thing (it was oh, a good 15 years ago).
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Hi there,
So as mentioned, I have an elliptical machine. I got it on Boxing Day at a big sale for like 50% off. I like it, but to be honest I don't use it as often as I should. It is convenient, and a pretty good workout.
It is, however, not as good as the ones at the gym.. as expected, but I do like having it so I don't have to go all the way to the gym to get some cardio in.
Hope this helps!
--Steph
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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.
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