History of the Concept 2 Rowing Machines
When most people evaluate their overall fitness level, there are very few that do not have goals they would like to meet to improve their performance. There are three major areas or concerns that most people indicate impact on their ability to increase their fitness level:
The time factor. Many people are so busy they simply don t have additional time in the day for longer or more frequent workouts.
The cost factor. Going to the gym or working out at home can be costly both in gym memberships and home fitness equipment prices.
The boredom factor. Whether at home or in the gym the workouts become old quickly and it is hard to get enthusiastic
...trainer and editor at HealthFitnessWorld ( http://www.healthfitnessworld.com) - Health, Fitness, Body Building, Weight Loss, Nutrition - Articles and Resources. HealthFitnessWorld.com is dedicated to providing high-quality, useful, and free advice on health, fitness, body building, beauty, yoga, massage, acnee, medicine, nutrition, ...
These factors are even more pronounced if you are working out at home. Due to space and cost restrictions there are limits on the equipment that most of us can purchase to set up in a home gym. Luckily there are some impressive total body workout home fitness equipment products on the market. One such piece of equipment is the Concept 2 rowing machine.
Unique in its design and geared to provide an intense cardiovascular program as well as working all the major muscle groups this machine is everything the home or club fitness enthusiast could ask for. The design of the equipment and the natural movement of the muscle groups when exercising also provides opportunities for using
...back and out behind you (into a pushup position). Perform one strict pushup and then jump back into your squat position and then stand back up. Keep thinking, the fat is vanishing. Minutes three to four: Jump Rope with only ...
Concept 2 rowing machines are also known ergs. This is a shortened version of the full name, ergometer, which comes from Greek and literally means a work meter . Ergs have changed and developed over time to the effective exercise and training equipment that they now are.
Evolution of the Concept 2 rowing machine
There are currently four models of the Concept 2 rowing machine and each one has improved on the last. The idea for the indoor rower was developed by two brothers, Peter and Dick Dreissigacker, both who are avid rowers and in 1976 were in training for the Olympic trials in pairs rowing. They were designing their
...allow great flexibility in your workout where the machines usually include a huge variety of different exercises targeting all muscle groups within your body. Commonly they include a plate loaded system which ensures a very fast workout. Bench press units ...
1977 the first set of carbon fiber oars were used in the World s Championship.
...to look at Exercise with friends Exercise in front of a TV or radio if indoors Join an exercise class of some kind Try something new Vary your workouts It's no fun This is somewhat related to the above. As ...
1980 the brothers look for ways to keep rowing over the long Vermont winters and experiment with a bicycle nailed to the floor and a pull chain. The concept of the rower is developed and improved.
1981 the Model A, known then as the Rowing Ergometer was produced. It was made largely from bicycle parts.
1982 the C.R.A.S.H B rowing club in Boston called to discuss setting up an indoor rowing race.
1984 the Dreissigacker brothers moved out of the barn and into a commercial facility due to the overwhelming response and demand for the Model A.
1986 the Model B
...work involved, and they put the equipment up for sale. Instead of purchasing something on impulse, decide what kind of exercising you really enjoy, and focus your efforts there. For instance, if you know that you enjoy running but not ...
1991 saw the introduction of the Model C rower. More streamlined and ergonomically designed the Model C rower became very popular for both club and home fitness use.
2003 was the year the final version of the Concept 2 rower was introduced. The Model D rower is the most advanced of all the rowers that Concept 2 offers with a powerful performance monitor, heavy duty construction, ergonomically re-designed handle, quiet performance and impact-resistant flywheel cover. There are significantly more damper settings available on the Model D rower than on any other rower model. The chain can be
...more than ten seconds, performed with a standing start will be most useful. This will help the neuromuscular and metabolic qualities of the muscles involved. Another way of improving acceleration is to practice accelerating as fast as possible during practice. ...
The Model D PM3
One of the most unique features of the Model D Concept 2 rowing machine is the powerful PM3 that is included as a standard feature on the model. This advanced performance monitor is a menu-driven onboard computer that takes all the tedious paperwork and logging out of the rowing exercise. The PM3 uses a C2 logcard that allows you to set up your own personal training workout and use a simple push of a button to start it up rather than having to reprogram every use. In addition the C2 logcard can be removed and the program downloaded
...always exponentially more enjoyable than staring at a TV (or worse a wall) when "doing your time" on a cardio machine. You can get this great "metabolic turbulence" in a boot camp, with bodyweight, at home with dumbbells, or even ...
Indoor rowing competitions
One of the big problems with working out at home is the isolation and lack of competition and support. The indoor rowing enthusiasts have addressed this concern by setting up indoor rowing competitions. The Amateur Rowing Association and other rowing groups such as the C.R.A.S.H-B rowing club have been strong supports of these events.
Indoor rowing competitions have become very popular in a wide variety of settings. Schools across the UK and other countries hold indoor rowing competitions as part of their year long rowing training and conditioning exercises. 2005 will mark the beginning of the Concept 2 indoor rowing competitions for schools. It is free for schools to
...most importantly: you can check someone out, just don t freak them out. It s one thing to sneak a peek while she s sprawled on the stretching mat, but quite another to train your penetrating gaze on her (no ...
The inclusive nature of indoor rowing makes the sport appealing to people of all ages and levels of experience. The categories in a competition depend on both age and weight and are calibrated on a Concept 2 rower to provide a standard for measurement. The indoor rowing competitions are usually 2,000 meters.
C.R.A.S.H-B Sprints
These annual indoor rowing competitions are held in Boston Maschettutes and started in 1980 by a group of Olympic rowers in the area. The original name of the organization was the Charles River Association of
...few pieces of readily available fitness equipment can make this claim. Using the arms, back, legs, and abs in each movement, the rowing machine provides a uniquely balanced path to cardiovascular fitness. The treadmill is one piece of fitness equipment ...
Anyone is able to enter the event and all that you need to supply is your correct name and your last 2000 meter ergonomic score. This allows the organizers to place you in the correct level for competition. The competition attracts people from all over the world, with hundreds competing in each category.
British Indoor Rowing Championship
This competition was first held in 1991 and attracted 200 competitors. Now held
...makes the case for the new role of dogs. Once herders, guard and hunting dogs, now our canine friends have a new work: tending to life, love and family. Dogs need a job, and they will adapt to whatever circumstances ...
In addition to the sprint competition the BIRC includes a 4000 meter four person team relay competition.
The Future of the Concept 2
The popularity of the sport continues to increase and expand. With advances in the science of fitness and health the benefits of a Concept 2 rowing machine become more evident. The Dreissigackers continue to stay on the cutting edge of rowing equipment production and are always looking for ways to improve the product and to promote the sport. With advances in technology and design
...you re looking for something specific. Of course Google has made things a lot easier the last few years but there s still so much out there. Looking for free information is even harder. Of course there s lots of ...
About the Author
John Phung is a certified personal trainer and successful writer for [http://www.all-rowing-machines.com]http://www.all-rowing-machines.com, providing information about [http://www.all-rowing-machines.com/03-flywheel-rowing-machine-for-exercise.htm]Concept IID rowing machines, [http://www.all-rowing-machines.com/02-waterrower-exercise-equipment-rowing-machine.htm]Water Rowers, and more.