Overview of the Indoor Rower
If you have been rowing for some time or even if you are a beginner who wants a good reliable rowing machine for home gym, concept 2 model D rowing machine is one of the best options you can consider. The machine is very popular with people who like indoor rowing. Whether it is professional athletes or someone who is looking for fitness equipment for his family, the machine fits in perfectly.
So what is it that makes it so popular and is this the machine you would like to have in your home? We will give you a complete review that will help you in making an easy decision. However, if you already know about it and you want a short and sweet version of our review, here it is.
Concept 2 Model D rower is a durable and good quality indoor rowing machine which uses air resistance technology. The machine is capable of giving you a full body workout as per your need. The non-impact, smooth movements are also good for people who have problems with their joints. The faster you row the more resistance you will have so everyone can row according to their own speed and resistance – no adjustments needed, simple.
It may feel a bit expensive to some users but then you get an equipment which is built to last. A light, flimsy, ineffective but cheap fitness equipment is of no use. This is like investing in your health. The best part is that the rowing machine is very easy to maintain and is almost maintenance free.
So where can you buy Concept 2 Model D rowing machine?
We have already researched some of the buying options for you and Amazon is your best bet.
Here is the link to buy the rower at Amazon.com
Ok, now we come to the detailed review. Read on if you want all the nitty gritty of it.
As we have already mentioned that Model D is quite popular with professionals and beginners. The main reason for this is the smooth and effective movement along with durability and quality of the machine.
Air Resistance Technology
A user pulls the handle which spins the fan flywheel. This fan causes the resistance. The concept is very simple. As you pull in harder and faster, you will feel more resistance. When it comes to rowers, there are other resistance types also available like water rowers, hydraulic rowers and even magnetic ones. Each one can have some of the advantages over the others. Machines with water and air resistance give you smoothest workouts.
The machine is so effective that even some Olympic teams use it. The feel of using the rower closely resembles the actual feel of rowing on water.
This kind of a variable resistance is also perfect for HIITs or High Intensity Interval Training where you have to increase or decrease your pace to maximize the benefits.
The only downside of air resistance technology is a bit of noise. That is actually quite normal and even expected out of a moving fan with air going in and out of it. It never gets too loud to bother anyone unless you are working out in pin drop silence. So in our opinion, this is a very minute thing in comparison to the benefits you will be getting.
PM5 (Performance Monitor 5) Monitor
This is the monitor which has set high standards for others to follow, it is that good. You have a mini computer in there with all the data and metrics you will ever need.
Having your workout monitored is always good. You can see how good you are getting and this is one of the big motivating factors for most people. You can track everything from speed, time, strokes per minute, calories, watts and a lot more. It also gives you the averages of these metrics.
Monitor has a big, easy to read, backlit display. So just glancing through the data gives you a lot of information.
There are 5 different graphics displays available to choose from. You can choose between all data, force curve, pace boat, bar chart and large print.
You can also monitor your heart rate with an additional chest strap attachment which you can buy separately. The monitor also supports wireless heart rate monitoring with Bluetooth smart technology, so when you are getting yourself a heart rate monitor, you can opt for a wireless one. Just be sure that it is Bluetooth Smart compatible.
Some workout programs suggest you to keep your heart rate in a certain range. Tracking your heart rate will help you in that.
You can also connect the monitor with USB drive so that you can keep a safe record of all your workout data. All this data can be logged into apps and third party programs.
All these features mean that you can keep a detailed record of all your workouts and see where you need improvement and where you have already improved. You can measure your consistency and do a lot of things with that data.
Using the rowing machine
The machine is comfortable enough for most users and it can take years of abuse. The contoured seat is nice and padded. Handles are well designed and are covered with rubber grips. Footrests are flexible and your feet will never slip off them during workouts. These are small things but they make the equipment comfortable and safe for users.
The motion is nice and smooth and well simulates the feeling of rowing on an actual boat.
Storage
Now this is an important aspect to consider. You have to measure up the space before you order any kind of a fitness equipment. A lot of people make this mistake of ordering a bigger machine than what they can accommodate.
Concept 2 model D has a large footprint but when it comes to storage, the size is almost halved.
To store this machine, you will have to separate the monorail and flywheel sections. Then you can just rest flywheel on its head and make monorail section upright. This may sound difficult but it is actually pretty easy to do so.
Rower itself is not very heavy at around 60 pounds which makes it easy to move around.
Here are the dimensions
- In-Use:
- 96.0″ x 24.0″ x 14.0″ (L x W x H)
- 244cm x 61cm x 36cm
- Seat Height:
- 14.0″
- Stored Dimensions:
- 25.0″ x 33.0″ x 54.0″ (L x W x H)
- Machine Weight:
- 57 Pounds [26 kg]
- Space Recommended for Use:
- 9.0′ x 4.0′ (L x W)
Assembling
With machine so good, it has to be easy to assemble, and that it is. It requires only 8 screws and washers to put together everything, with a wrench that is included in the package.
It takes around 15-30 minutes to assemble this and instructions are easy to follow.
Warranty
- Frame: 5 year limited warranty
- All parts : 2 year limited warranty
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