Diet/Exercise/Health/Wellness Support Thread

Tears for me too…and a :open_mouth: when Meb went down at the finish line!!!

What do the arm sleeves do?

“Compression Arm Sleeves will keep blood flowing to your muscles, keeping them warm and loose so you can perform at your maximum level.”

I have also thought about getting a rowing machine. Anyone with one at home? Do you use it?

Yes and yes. Concept 2 is the leading brand. You can find a lot of them used on Craigslist, because people must tend to buy them, not use them, then sell them. Some with very little use

I actually prefer the Assault Air Bike, but those aren’t often found used. But a similar version of it made Schwin called the AirDyne is good as well and can be found used on Craigslist.

Both are excellent workouts. Just have to commit to use them.

Thx. There is a concept 2 on Craigslist near me for $600.

Make sure it’s the latest model, which is a D or an E. The E is about $100 more expensive new. The Model D has a little lower seat like an actual row boat. The Model E is a little taller to make it a little easier to get on or off. The difference is very small.

Also, the newest models have a “PM5” monitor. There’s also a “PM4” (older) and PM3 (oldest). The difference is graphics, the PM3 monitor is fine.

If it’s Model D or E, in very good shape (used indoors only), then $600 is a very good price. If you can get for less then all the better.

Maintenance is minimal. The chain will need to be oiled every so often. They also can come with a cover and a rubber mat to put in on, which would be nice to have, if the owner has them. Also, it splits into two pieces which makes it easy to move (light anyway) and to stand up in a corner.

Rowing machines are the most abandoned piece of exercise equipment. If you aren’t very dedicated, you won’t stick with it. I would spend some time with one before you make a purchase.

Our family had a rowing machine back in the day and I used it regularly for about two years. Then I got very bored with it and off it went to the sporting goods consignment store. If I were buying something now, it would be a treadmill or the Airdyne. I guess it just depends what you like doing!

I like the rowing machines in the gym, but am not currently a member of one. I walk/jog but would like something for the upper body/abs (besides planks). We don’t have a basement so space is an issue.

Have you tried TRX? Free weights?

You can get a great workout with the TRX - including cardio.

That is something I have considered. I would need to hang it onto a door which I guess would work.

Rowing is an excellent workout, but IMO, it should only be a portion of your workout. Rowing, assault bike/airdyne, running/walking, bicycling,free weights should all be utilized for a nice variety of disiplines. Rowing is a staple of CrossFit and is programmed into my workout several times per week, but not everyday. And you definitely don’t row for long periods of time.

You do get some amazing deals on Craigslist. Dumbbell sets, rower, kettlebells, GHD (glute ham developer), etc. can be purchased rather cheaply when folks have to move, join a gym or just get tired of the equipment.

March-April may be the best time to snatch a bargain on Craigslist or eBay because by then folks who get them as a part of their NY resolution plan in December-January get tired of the machines that sit collecting dust and do some spring cleaning. :slight_smile: No, we are not selling our stuff! :wink:

I can’t tell you how many rowers that I’ve seen that were advertised as “used 2-3 times and then put in storage.”

A very simple workout with a rower is something along the lines of (adjusted as necessary):

Every 5 minutes, for 15 minutes, complete:
Rower x 20 calories
Kettlebell Swings x 20 reps

And to increase the difficulty you could add those always lovely burpees. ^#(^

@BunsenBurner Yep, spring cleaning is always a great time of year for bargain hunters.

My cardiac rehab has C2 rowers. I like doing it, but my bum neck and shoulders aren’t so thrilled, so I have to limit my time on the machine. I’ll keep using it there, but I wouldn’t buy one for home use.

Interesting article for those of us who train and race but then sit all day
http://www.cookinglight.com/healthy-living/healthy-habits/how-sitting-causes-exercise-injuries

Good find, @Classof2015!!

Thanks BB! I can’t take the credit thought – it was sent to me by my running group. I’m going to try some of the exercises today at work.