New toys!

(Jenn W) #1

I’m still on the hunt for a rowing machine! Second hand hunting and not having much luck.
I did manage to to score myself a nice kettle bell and a pull up bar for my doorway!
I can’t do a pull up to save my life! Actually I had flash backs to my school days and I couldn’t do one then either! My 4 year old got on it and proceeded to do four perfect chin ups! I wanna be like my son!
New goal!!!

(charlson.melissa) #2

Happy hunting!! I love a thrift store quest!

(G. Andrew Duthie) #3

I got the two the rowers I’ve owned on Craigslist.

I first got a Concept 2 model B for $100 or so, and later found a model C for a similar price because the monitor was broken. Decided to spend a bit more for a PM3 monitor that included an input for a heart rate monitor.

You can definitely find some deals… Just have to be patient.

(Jenn W) #4

It’s a tough find in my area. It always seems that when I have the extra cash they are never for sale. If I don’t there are all kinds to find.

(Guardian of the bacon) #5

Have you tried Craigslist?

Here are some MI results
Craigs list/ Search Tempest

(Mark) #6

For the pullup,you can start with a pullup assist bungee strap, perfect pullup makes one or you can find the generic pullup straps on Amazon, also try the reverse grip chin up those are easier to perform than a regular grip pullup,the straps are not terribly expensive, it’s good to have the assist while starting out,you can also do crunches, just hang and bring your knees to your chest,I have one in my laundry room so I stop by a few times a day and get my blood pumping

(G. Andrew Duthie) #7

One tactic is to start with drop-downs. Get a step stool or something similar that will get you into the full up position, and slowly drop down, using your arm muscles to resist your bodyweight.

(G. Andrew Duthie) #8

And back on the rower topic, I would definitely recommend sticking with Concept 2 for a rower. There are lots of other brands out there, but these folks REALLY know their stuff. And having interacted with their support team a bit, they strongly support their customers.

The folks who started Concept 2 are rowers themselves, not just some huge manufacturer with no real connection to the sports they purport to support.

This is the rower I have, though I upgraded the handle and the monitor (mine is a PM3). The price they’re asking really makes me think about selling mine. I think that’s more than double what I paid.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/spo/5970630532.html

(G. Andrew Duthie) #9

OK, One more…found this that talks about crossfit and rowers:

I’m tempted to go jump on my rower right now. But I did two hours of ultimate frisbee yesterday so I’m sore. Think I’ll jump on it tomorrow. :slight_smile:

#10

That looks like a nice rower, like you might get in a gym. Most of the home models are crapola. It’s about the only piece of gym equipment I actually enjoy. I would like one of these.

(Jenn W) #11

My bar came with a bungee but not strong enough for me. Using it for arm strengthening in the meantime. I’ve also been doing the knee raises, 5 every time I walk into my room!! It’s fun.

I’m scared to see how much the concept 2 is. Probably way out of my range for price! I’m going to have a look though. Thanks everyone!!

(G. Andrew Duthie) #12

Yes, they’re expensive compared to cheap home equipment. But even new, they’re far cheaper than any other commercial exercise equipment you will find, very high quality, durable, and as importantly, much better exercise.

Even home (i.e. noncommercial) treadmills and ellipticals are roughly in the same price range. And if you get one used, you’ll almost certainly still get many, many years of use from it. So yeah, definitely expensive. But if you will use it, it’s worth the initial cost, IMO.

(Jenn W) #13

If I could I would… definitely not in my price range! Looking for used even they are like unicorns! For one post of an actual rower there are two WTB for that machine.

In my case there are some issues to get past…

  1. Budget friendly… even if I’m fasting, I still have to feed my kids! I cannot justify that much money put into one machine…

  2. Space consumption… no treadmills or huge sets could fit in my area so smaller and movable would be ideal

(Mark) #14

Another option might be what I have is a Schwinn airdyne stationary bike,it gets much harder the faster you pedal similar to a rowing machine and has a pretty small footprint and involves your arms and legs,you can find them on Craigslist pretty cheap and normally in pretty good condition, I think the older ones are better because they are made out of metal,the newer ones have alot of plastic,and read they break,mine has been trouble free and wiil definitely wear you out if you do hit training sprints,not to expensive, think I paid 150 or 200 and it was like brand new

#15

A couple years ago I sold one of my vintage road bikes to buy a new Schwinn AirDyne. I wasn’t able to find a decent used one locally.
I think they make two different versions. Mine is all metal except for the Display (and obviously the pedal rubber and the knob for adjusting the saddle…speaking of saddle, I installed a Brooks Pro on mine…no tractor seat for me.)

(Mark) #16

I really like it,can do warm up and cool down,and then do some of the all out sprints which are a killer,better than doing running sprints for me,hardly use my treadmill at all anymore,I remember a very long time ago my grandmother had one and remember thinking isn’t that cute,they put a fan on there to keep you cool,I didn’t realise it was to produce resistance, the faster you pedal the harder it is ,she lived to 94,as they say,grandma knows best