Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine
When it comes to functional fitness, there isn’t much to compare to the rowing machine. It will max out weight loss, while also maxing out the shoulder, back, and high strength. The most popular ergometers on the market are undoubtedly the Concept 2 range. But how good really is the commercial gym equipment rower? Does it deserve its exalted reputation? Or is there a better, more cost-effective alternative? This article digs deep to bring you the answers.
2 independent hydraulic cylinders for resistance
3 adjustable rowing positions
Textured, anti-slip pedals
Solidly built for commercial use
Fluid, natural rowing motion
Fantastic workout monitor
Most respected brand in the industry
Sits low to the ground
Takes a lot of space (8 feet long)
Fan is noisy
Can cause blisters at the beginning
Construction
The intensity of the ride is determined by how fast you row. In other words, the faster you go, the harder it will be! This allows users to create their own pace suited best for their fitness levels. This is called variable resistance, and it's one of the best out there. Also, this type of resistance is ideal for HIIT training, because you don't need to stop to adjust the resistance to your needs. You just go until you reach the desired heart rate! The rower needs almost zero maintenance, and if a problem ever does occur it's very easy to fix. One negative with this kind of resistance is the amount of sound it creates. You will hear the air coursing through the fan all the time while you row, and some users can find this annoying. The noise isn't that loud to actually disturb other people, but you will need to turn the Tv or music volume up if you enjoy doing this while working out.
Features
If you own a chest strap heart rate monitor, you can get even more accurate results. The data will be displayed on the console alongside everything else, so you'll know when you reach your desired heart rate without a problem. The consoles support ANT+, Bluetooth, or Bluetooth Smart, depending on what kind of console your model comes with. If your console is the one with Bluetooth Smart, just make sure that your devices are compatible with this. The monitor also has a slot for a USB drive. This way you can save your workout data and review it whenever you feel like it. Concept2 has an online logbook, called Concpet2 utility, where you can upload said data and see the numbers in great detail. A lot of third-party apps are compatible with the data from this rower, and you can even see detailed graphs of what you look like when rowing! It's worth saying that the monitor is quite durable. The buttons are rubber, made to withstand wear and tear damage, while the lettering doesn't fade away, even after a long while.
Materials
Comfort
The seat of the Concept2 is wide, accommodating users of all shapes and sizes, and it's padded thicky to prevent saddle sores. But some users report that the seat tends to get harder and harder to sit on as time goes by. So you will probably have to replace the padding on the seat as the years go by. A removable seat pad, or even a folded towel, are good options.
The handles are easy to grip, thanks to the ergonomic design and molded rubber grips. There were zero complaints about the handles hurting wrists! But new users can expect to get blisters and sores on the palms of their hands, which is even mentioned by the manufacturers. This is because the grips have molded rubber on them, and it needs to soften before it fits your hands. You can always try wearing grips or gloves to make the transition easier.
The footrests have a very cool design that allows people to position their shins vertically, even if their ankles do not allow them to do that normally. The footrests have good traction, preventing your feet from sliding off when you get into rowing. Some people even report that rowing barefoot feels great, even better than with shoes!