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3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
3,780,000+ meters for me Feb 22, 2010
I started rowing at my gym, where they used the concept2 model D. After awhile, I found that mostly what I was doing at the gym was using the rower, so I decided to buy my own. Maybe expensive, but not really when I know that I'll probably be using this rower for the rest of my life (I'm 40 now). It holds up really well. The concept2s at the gym are used heavily and show no signs of wear other than that the instructional stickers on the frame have been worn off.
I have put over 3,780,000 meters on mine with 488 workouts with an average time per workout of 45 minutes. It has held up beautifully with very little maintenance other than occasionally lubing the chain (which is very easy to do; I prefer to use my bike lube).
I really like that they send you the concept2 newsletter as well and it has been useful and motivating. You also become a member of this concept2 user community that is out there and you can post your stats on the web site and compete in events and stuff, though I haven't done these things yet. It is nice to be part of the community even if you don't really participate in it.
I like to watch tv as I row. I do have to turn up the volume fairly loud (the rower is not noisy exactly, but it can be hard to hear dialog sometimes; dvds with no english subtitles piss me off). The sound of the rower itself is actually kind of relaxing and sounds similar to a fan being turned off and on).
This and my powerblock weight set are investments I'm really happy with and I'll be using for the rest of my life.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Awesome Machine Feb 20, 2010
This machine is great!!
It only took a few minutes to put together. The pictures are a little difficult to understand at first, but once you look at the parts and then the pictures it's totally obvious how to put it together, and there's only like 8 screws. The box it came in is much smaller than I thought it would be, and light enough for one person to lift and move.
If you go to the Concept 2 website and read through the beginning exercises they recommend not getting on and just rowing for 30 minutes your first session, but rather row for a couple of minutes, get up and walk around, then row a couple more minutes, get up and walk around, and repeat for about 20-30 total minutes. After a few sessions on it I'm still only rowing for about 20 total minutes but easily hitting 28-32 strokes per minute so it doesn't take long to get into a good rhythm. If you push hard with your legs and follow through with strong upper body strokes this machine can be used for a great whole body cardio and strength workout. It is really a great machine for those who don't have lots of time to work out, but still want to be in good shape.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Simply the best equipment going Feb 20, 2010
I own a C model and use the D at the club. In more than 30 years of different exercise and sports this is hands down the best piece of indoor training equipment I have found. Durable, simple and most importantly it works. This is the only piece of indoor equipment that I have used that I really feel like carries over well into actual outdoor activities. (and not just the obvious rowing) If you ever notice, these are almost impossible to find used because people never sell them. There is a reason.
If you are new to rowing(erging) then please do yourself a favor and go to the concept 2 site. Great support and help from the c2 community and the company. I really like the variety of competitive ranges 500 meters and up which inspire you to work a range from anaerobic and power to longer aerobic rows. Whatever your fitness level the Concept 2 can help you move up. Large people actually benefit from the mass so don't be afraid of rowing. Would suggest these to anyone serious about health or fitness.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Concept 2 Rower Feb 17, 2010
Looking for a low impact exercise machine to complement free weights, so we researched rowers. The nice thing about a rower is that you make your workout what you need; long and steady strokes or intense quick strokes. It doesn't cause excessive wear and tear on my joints, especially in the knees, which is important to me.
We looked at several types of rowers, read the pro's and con's about each, and Concept 2 was always mentioned as top of the line. An added advantage was they have two of these machines in the gym I used to go to, so was familiar with their use. Ordered the rower from Amazon, painless like everything else I've bought from them. Had it up and running in 30 minutes from the time I started opening the box, so it was really quite simple.
My personal pro's and con's...
Pro's- easy to set up, very easy to manipulate the workout monitor (we purchased the D version which doesn't have the heart rate function), solidly built, quiet enough to watch TV while using, provides an excellent workout for whatever you're game for.
Con's- really nothing. You get what you pay for, so although it was an initial chunk of change to plunk down, it should last a long time!
My girl and I would have to give this baby two thumbs up, and we'd like to consider ourselves discriminating shoppers.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Simply the Best Feb 14, 2010
I have had a Concept 2 model D for about 7 years now and it works just as good today as it did when I bought it. I have a PM3 monitor and a wireless heart rate monitor that I use with it. If you are serious about working out at home a Concept 2 rowing machine is what you want. Here is what I love about it:
1) Very well built, you will be hard pressed to find something in a comercial gym that is built better! I have used this machine hard for 7 years and have never had an issue. Furthermore, if you were to have an issue replacement parts can be purchased relatively cheaply. Also, because the machine is relatively simple, most could replace parts easily. Also, keep in mind that a Concept 2 machine is the standard for professional rowers and rowing clubs around the world.
2) Low maintenance, I clean my machine about twice a year and occasionally add some oil to the chain.
3) Tracking your Health! I have a card reader that I use to plug the card from the PM3 monitor into the computer. With concepts's free software it is easy to upload your workouts into an online database. I can track all of my workouts over the past 7 years! The duration, distance, strokes per minute, split times, heart rate, etc of all your workouts are recorded on the logcard. Therefore, it is simple to track your progress day by day, month by month, year by year! I also have a elliptical machine I paid twice as much for, but it tracks no personal data over time and therefore is a huge disappointment compared to my rower.
4) The online Concept 2 community rocks! There are many thousands of people from all over the world that regularly log their Concept 2 workouts online. As well concept 2 hosts regular challenges and regularly gives out prices. You can compete against others in these challenges or simply compete against yourself. You can also join a virtual rowing team (of which there are hundreds) and compete against other rowing teams. Again, nothing fancy here just a wonderful tool to keep one motivated which is what it is all about.
4) It is simple! Nothing fancy about a Concept 2 if you wan't bells and whistles that keep you excited for the first few days you use a piece of equipment, look elsewhere. If you wan't a great workout get a Concept 2.
5) The machine itself is relatively light and low key. It is no problem to unhook the machine and move it around if you want to. Some even travel with their machines to rowing events. However, if you just want to leave the machine in one place fine. It is long, about 7 feet, but certainly does not overtake a room.
I do not write many reviews, I save them only for the best and the worst. This machine is the best! One usually has to pay about 10 times this much to get such a well built and reliable piece of exercise equipment.
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