2017 Fitness Challenge

[strawberryshortcake]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

Cardio Equipment:
Anyone have any first hand experience with rowing machines such as the dynamic ergs (RowPerfect/RP3, Oartec Slider, Oartec Dx) and the static erg (Concept2, Water Row, Bodycraft VR500)?

How much of a leg workout does one get when using a dynamic vs static rowing machine? Note: Only asking because I don't have access to a dynamic erg. First time trying the static Concept2 last week at 24 hour fitness, despite consciously using my leg drive, it doesn't feel like my legs are getting much of a work out. Obviously free weights would be best to attack the legs, but I am interested in possibly getting a rower for the bedroom in the distant, distant, distant future. Prefer not driving to the gym to get my cardio in.


Resistance Equipment:
Anyone heard or have first hand experience with either the Versapulley or the Kbox4? Disregard the exorbitant prices? This is definitely not the same as simple resistance bands. Both uses flywheel as resistance. Both overloads the eccentric portion of the lift. The harder you perform the concentric phase, the harder the eccentric phase you must resist.

There must be a cheaper alternative DIY for both machines (thousands of dollars). Ideas?

Kbox4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdsZsrs7YHA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04BhEIJUa-A

Versapulley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0acXTskhn-0

[zasbury25]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

Cardio Equipment:
Anyone have any first hand experience with rowing machines such as the dynamic ergs (RowPerfect/RP3, Oartec Slider, Oartec Dx) and the static erg (Concept2, Water Row, Bodycraft VR500)?

How much of a leg workout does one get when using a dynamic vs static rowing machine? Note: Only asking because I don't have access to a dynamic erg. First time trying the static Concept2 last week at 24 hour fitness, despite consciously using my leg drive, it doesn't feel like my legs are getting much of a work out. Obviously free weights would be best to attack the legs, but I am interested in possibly getting a rower for the bedroom in the distant, distant, distant future. Prefer not driving to the gym to get my cardio in.

We switched from a home treadmill to a Concept2 a couple months ago and I am glad we did. The rower is far less impact on your body than a treadmill, but still provides a good cardio workout. My body doesn't ache (I'm 38) nearly as much after 30 min on the rower as it did after 30 min on the treadmill. It has also helped with the issues my wife was having with her hips popping out and has improved her range of motion.

They say that the rower is a full body workout, but I have felt it more in my upper body than in my legs. I was strictly a runner for cardio before, so I would say my legs were already in good shape before compared to my upper body. I do feel that I am getting a better overall cardio workout on the rower than I did with treadmill/running. I am still working on pace and form/technique so all I am currently doing is a straight 30 min row, but hopefully adding intervals in the near future.

As far as the Concept2 is as a workout machine, it is definitely a high quality piece of equipment. I have the Model D and have had zero issues with it so far. The only complaint with the machine at this point is the seat is made of a hard plastic and provides no cushion at all. I bought a seat pad that has helped a great deal with the firmness of the seat, along with some rowing gloves to improve comfort with the grip. The price tag may scare some away, but I feel it was a solid investment for us.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

I started 'Insanity: Max 30' on Monday, and decided to cut down my beer drinking from 5-6 on on the weekend to none or 2. Although after a game last night I drank a glass of lemonade which is just as bad, but hey I carried my team to a hard fought loss. Been a while since I was sore after a workout. Doing wind sprints on Monday's also.

[NDAlum]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

On day 8 of 32 for my clean eating and working out hard. You know we spend months of treating our body not so great and then want amazing results in 7 days. At least I'm guilty of that. Have to remind myself it's going to take at least the 32 days to get where I want to be...or even close.

[KG]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

I need to start doing some dang cardio...

Go to the gym with the mentality of "#1 priority is to do cardio" then I lift and go "meh...I'll set cardio as #1 priority tomorrow".

Trying to eat clean for 32 days straight. Day #4 down. I've gained size unintentionally I need to freaking cut. My life story.

I was in the same boat. Kids + achilles surgery led to me cutting cardio, not intentionally though. Next thing you know I was in a constant bulk phase. Been incorporating a spin bike and some random runs outside into the workout regime lately though in hopes of cutting some of this weight.

Cardio Equipment:
Anyone have any first hand experience with rowing machines such as the dynamic ergs (RowPerfect/RP3, Oartec Slider, Oartec Dx) and the static erg (Concept2, Water Row, Bodycraft VR500)?

How much of a leg workout does one get when using a dynamic vs static rowing machine? Note: Only asking because I don't have access to a dynamic erg. First time trying the static Concept2 last week at 24 hour fitness, despite consciously using my leg drive, it doesn't feel like my legs are getting much of a work out. Obviously free weights would be best to attack the legs, but I am interested in possibly getting a rower for the bedroom in the distant, distant, distant future. Prefer not driving to the gym to get my cardio in.


Resistance Equipment:
Anyone heard or have first hand experience with either the Versapulley or the Kbox4? Disregard the exorbitant prices? This is definitely not the same as simple resistance bands. Both uses flywheel as resistance. Both overloads the eccentric portion of the lift. The harder you perform the concentric phase, the harder the eccentric phase you must resist.

There must be a cheaper alternative DIY for both machines (thousands of dollars). Ideas?

Kbox4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdsZsrs7YHA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04BhEIJUa-A

Versapulley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0acXTskhn-0

I don't know what the name of the row machine I use at the gym is but I like incorporating it on back day. For a warmup I start out with a 1000 meter sprint and then incorporate 500m sprints in-between every 2 sets of back exercises. I finish it up with a 2000m sprint. It's not bad, a bit boring since there's no TV around (1st world problems ftw) but the next day or two my back is sore.

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

Hate the treadmill(sucks for my knees)and not crazy about the Bike...but the Elliptical, I love it.

There was a struggle in the beginning where it took me like 25 mins to do 2 miles but now I can do 3-3.5 in about 20 mins now.

So Stewaat, if you're still trying to incorporate Cardio, definitely give that a try if you already haven't.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

We had an elliptical at my parents house until we ran that thing in the ground from using it so much. Loved it.

[strawberryshortcake]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

We switched from a home treadmill to a Concept2 a couple months ago and I am glad we did. The rower is far less impact on your body than a treadmill, but still provides a good cardio workout. My body doesn't ache (I'm 38) nearly as much after 30 min on the rower as it did after 30 min on the treadmill. It has also helped with the issues my wife was having with her hips popping out and has improved her range of motion.

They say that the rower is a full body workout, but I have felt it more in my upper body than in my legs. I was strictly a runner for cardio before, so I would say my legs were already in good shape before compared to my upper body. I do feel that I am getting a better overall cardio workout on the rower than I did with treadmill/running. I am still working on pace and form/technique so all I am currently doing is a straight 30 min row, but hopefully adding intervals in the near future.

As far as the Concept2 is as a workout machine, it is definitely a high quality piece of equipment. I have the Model D and have had zero issues with it so far. The only complaint with the machine at this point is the seat is made of a hard plastic and provides no cushion at all. I bought a seat pad that has helped a great deal with the firmness of the seat, along with some rowing gloves to improve comfort with the grip. The price tag may scare some away, but I feel it was a solid investment for us.

Based on my limited week of research, it appears proper rowing technique heavily involves the legs. Some say it's almost 60% legs and 30% torso, then 10% arms.

Static vs Dynamic rowers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqykYqlUOM4

Concept2 slides - $290/pair
http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rower...ssories/slides

The biggest concern for users of static rowers/ergs such as the Concept2 are lower back problems. They can be alleviated by using the accessory Concept2 slides or simply rowing on a dynamic rower altogether because both methods reinforce good technique, better mimics a real rower on a boat, and simply not as harsh on the body. While the standalone static units are more forgiving on poor technique; the question is does poor technique pose future problems, either acute or chronic. Individuals working with slides much prefer them over the stand alone unit. However, there are users of static rowers that probably never have problems.

The mechanics of rowing also seem to sort of mirror a deadlift. You're suppose to think of rowing as a pushing exercise first, then a pull at the latter half. Push first, pull second. Push with legs, pull with upper torso. But still a predominantly push exercise; same as a deadlift being a predominantly push exercise to prevent any lower back problems.

If I were you, I would probably consider getting the slides to accompany your brief run with your newly acquired Concept2 to prevent potential future lower back problems, and also to reinforce good technique.

This is why I'm at a standstill. I love the look of the Concept2; and I love the fact that it can easily break down into two smaller pieces for storage, but it's still a static. I could consider the slides, but apparently even with slides, it's not a complete match for a standalone dynamic unit. Some say it's very, very close, while others say not quite but still pretty good. Secondly, I don't think I have the footprint for the slides (need to do some measurements). Or I might just cave and get the Concept2. Still up for debate. But definitely not dynamic offer by concept2 because according to users it's not as good.

EDIT: This guy created his own slides for about $20 dollars. Another person somewhere on the web used two skateboards to artificial create a slide effect.

http://photos.minnesotaboatclub.org/Miscellaneous/2008/DIY-slides-for-the-Concept-2/i-57nhThH

I am considering the following dynamic rower, Oartec Dx, but it's very pricey ($1895, preorder price).

http://www.oartec.com/order/

The gold standard for dynamic rowers is the RowPerfect/RP3. A basically close second gold standard is the Oartec. But extremely pricey. I sent an inquiry to the company just to see what the financial damage could be. "The RP3 rowing machine price is $3450 and the price includes android tablet and app. Transportation is not included and to CA is $150. Let us know if you want to get one and thank you for your interest,"

I was in the same boat. Kids + achilles surgery led to me cutting cardio, not intentionally though. Next thing you know I was in a constant bulk phase. Been incorporating a spin bike and some random runs outside into the workout regime lately though in hopes of cutting some of this weight.

I don't know what the name of the row machine I use at the gym is but I like incorporating it on back day. For a warmup I start out with a 1000 meter sprint and then incorporate 500m sprints in-between every 2 sets of back exercises. I finish it up with a 2000m sprint. It's not bad, a bit boring since there's no TV around (1st world problems ftw) but the next day or two my back is sore.

(A) So you don't get sore legs from rowing? Which is the million dollar question I'm trying to find an answer for. As mentioned above, my general internet research says that rowing heavily involves legs (60% of the exercise involves the legs; 30% torso and approximately 10% arms). If the legs aren't sore, doesn't that mean the technique is off, potentially causing future problems.

I wish there was a way for me to try out a dynamic rower to see if the legs are more involved. And strangely enough, the rowing machine is the only cardio equipment I don't find boring, despite only having a chance to use it two times.

(B) The following is an FYI more than anything else. If you're a proponent of biking, possibly looking into the expensive bike referred to as the "Assault bike." It's suppose to be a very demanding form of cardio, along with Jacobs ladder or the Versaclimber. All three are incredibly pricey. Again, just FYI. I've seen youtube footage of the Assault bike and looks like individuals are completely wiped after 1-2 minutes. Looks intense. Too expensive for me.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=assault+bike

[War Eagle!]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

On day 8 of 32 for my clean eating and working out hard. You know we spend months of treating our body not so great and then want amazing results in 7 days. At least I'm guilty of that. Have to remind myself it's going to take at least the 32 days to get where I want to be...or even close.

This. February/March I went on a absolute poop eating fest. I was eating wings, Chick-fil-A combos, and pizza damn near every day. Then hitting the bar 2/3 nights a week. All that plus a new job sitting 8 hours a day since January i've went from 170 to 198 at my heaviest.

April I cut out the wings, Chick-fil-A combos, alcohol and started gymming it. Exceeded my goal of 8 workouts by 3 but I managed to pack on even more weight probably due to the heavy lifting.

Now i'm in May still watching what I'm eating, working out 2/3 times a week and I get pooped every time I step on that dag on scale and it hasn't moved at all.

Progress is being made though. Weight isn't dropping but my body is shaping up. Losing a lot of the gut that I picked up, chest is lifting up and boy have my moods improved a ton.

No complaints here for real. Just a bit of impatience but heck it took months of eating like crap to get here so i'll have to be patient if it takes months to get it off.

[KG]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

Hate the treadmill(sucks for my knees)and not crazy about the Bike...but the Elliptical, I love it.

There was a struggle in the beginning where it took me like 25 mins to do 2 miles but now I can do 3-3.5 in about 20 mins now.

So Stewaat, if you're still trying to incorporate Cardio, definitely give that a try if you already haven't.

I have a spin bike in my house so if I ride it I'm always watching a game on the TV or Ipad. If I don't, I'll keep looking at my watch every 10 secs.

Based on my limited week of research, it appears proper rowing technique heavily involves the legs. Some say it's almost 60% legs and 30% torso, then 10% arms.

Static vs Dynamic rowers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqykYqlUOM4

Concept2 slides - $290/pair
http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rower...ssories/slides

The biggest concern for users of static rowers/ergs such as the Concept2 are lower back problems. They can be alleviated by using the accessory Concept2 slides or simply rowing on a dynamic rower altogether because both methods reinforce good technique, better mimics a real rower on a boat, and simply not as harsh on the body. While the standalone static units are more forgiving on poor technique; the question is does poor technique pose future problems, either acute or chronic. Individuals working with slides much prefer them over the stand alone unit. However, there are users of static rowers that probably never have problems.

The mechanics of rowing also seem to sort of mirror a deadlift. You're suppose to think of rowing as a pushing exercise first, then a pull at the latter half. Push first, pull second. Push with legs, pull with upper torso. But still a predominantly push exercise; same as a deadlift being a predominantly push exercise to prevent any lower back problems.

If I were you, I would probably consider getting the slides to accompany your brief run with your newly acquired Concept2 to prevent potential future lower back problems, and also to reinforce good technique.

This is why I'm at a standstill. I love the look of the Concept2; and I love the fact that it can easily break down into two smaller pieces for storage, but it's still a static. I could consider the slides, but apparently even with slides, it's not a complete match for a standalone dynamic unit. Some say it's very, very close, while others say not quite but still pretty good. Secondly, I don't think I have the footprint for the slides (need to do some measurements). Or I might just cave and get the Concept2. Still up for debate. But definitely not dynamic offer by concept2 because according to users it's not as good.

EDIT: This guy created his own slides for about $20 dollars. Another person somewhere on the web used two skateboards to artificial create a slide effect.

http://photos.minnesotaboatclub.org/Miscellaneous/2008/DIY-slides-for-the-Concept-2/i-57nhThH

I am considering the following dynamic rower, Oartec Dx, but it's very pricey ($1895, preorder price).

http://www.oartec.com/order/

The gold standard for dynamic rowers is the RowPerfect/RP3. A basically close second gold standard is the Oartec. But extremely pricey. I sent an inquiry to the company just to see what the financial damage could be. "The RP3 rowing machine price is $3450 and the price includes android tablet and app. Transportation is not included and to CA is $150. Let us know if you want to get one and thank you for your interest,"





(A) So you don't get sore legs from rowing? Which is the million dollar question I'm trying to find an answer for. As mentioned above, my general internet research says that rowing heavily involves legs (60% of the exercise involves the legs; 30% torso and approximately 10% arms). If the legs aren't sore, doesn't that mean the technique is off, potentially causing future problems.

I wish there was a way for me to try out a dynamic rower to see if the legs are more involved. And strangely enough, the rowing machine is the only cardio equipment I don't find boring, despite only having a chance to use it two times.

(B) The following is an FYI more than anything else. If you're a proponent of biking, possibly looking into the expensive bike referred to as the "Assault bike." It's suppose to be a very demanding form of cardio, along with Jacobs ladder or the Versaclimber. All three are incredibly pricey. Again, just FYI. I've seen youtube footage of the Assault bike and looks like individuals are completely wiped after 1-2 minutes. Looks intense. Too expensive for me.

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...y=assault+bike

No, you def do hit your legs but I just always feel it more in my back. TBH though, it's probably my form. I've never even thought about looking up the proper row form but I will now!

[NDAlum]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

Day 11 about in the books. Just did a core & cardio day. Great core workout...well pretty good. Then hit a 20 minute run outside and said let's push it and hit up 10 40 yd sprints with walking back to the start line...and it was on like a 3% incline.

Get those summer bodies boyos

PS I still want to eat a cupcake more than anything right about now

[jeremym480]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

Day 11 about in the books. Just did a core & cardio day. Great core workout...well pretty good. Then hit a 20 minute run outside and said let's push it and hit up 10 40 yd sprints with walking back to the start line...and it was on like a 3% incline.

Get those summer bodies boyos

PS I still want to eat a cupcake more than anything right about now

Go ahead... you've earned it.

[NDAlum]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

Go ahead... you've earned it.

Went to the parking deck of my apartment and was stopped by an older guy leaving the deck and he said "were you that animal running in the street?"

I said **** yea *****

Actually said I was happy he was watching and if I pass out next time please call an ambulance


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[Brandwin]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

Any "snack" foods you all can recommend?

[War Eagle!]

Re: 2017 Fitness Challenge

Any "snack" foods you all can recommend?

I've been enjoying the Men's Health mix of Planters nuts. Takes a lot for me not to the eat the whole can. They are satisfying enough though for cravings.
http://www.planters.com/products/mixes/nut-rition-mixes