The Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine provides a full body workout that provides for both strength training and cardio workouts. It does look like it is from the future with its sleek design. The company claims it is fully adjustable and is made from sturdy and robust materials that should cope with the strains of exercise. It comes with a LCD display to monitor your performance.
It has been stated that this is a remarkable piece of exercise equipment. But in this review we look at the question as to whether it does live up to its looks or is it all show and no substance?
Specifications
- Average Price: $1260
- Size: 7′ 11″ x 24″
- Recommended Space: 9′ x 4′
- Weight: 65 lbs
- Adjustable Seat: Yes
- Adjustable Handles: Yes
- Adjustable Resistance: Yes
- Visual Display: Yes LCD
- Materials: Steel Frame with Powder Coat and Aluminum Rail
Pros
Full Size: You get a piece of equipment that is a full sized rowing machine not some cut down version of what you see in the gym. Because of this you don’t have to squeeze into a machine that is too small for you. You can comfortably sit and exercise without being cramped up. If you have a larger frame you can use this machine and it is fully adjustable to cater for different sizes. It has been designed for the real person in mind to make it as comfortable as possible. It takes up an area of 9 by 4 feet to accommodate in your home, so you do need space for this machine when you are exercising. It is great machine for people looking to strengthen muscle and to lose weight
LCD Display: This is known as the PM4 and is well made and accurate monitor of your performance according to our research. It monitors your heart rate, distance rowed, calories burnt and watts generated to give you a full picture and let you know how you are going against your exercise goals.
It starts when you start to row and begins keeping a track of your performance. It doesn’t get much easier than that – no buttons to press to get started.
There are a number of different settings to choose from to add some variety into the training. You can compete against your previous personal bests if you want or row against a pace boat, have animated rower, play a fishing game or some other pre-set programs.
With this PM4 performance monitoring system you get a removable card which logs your performance. You can take your records with you when you train on other machines. You can put the data into your computer too for more in depth analysis and if you really want to you could share this information with your friends over the internet.
A neat little thing about this computer and display unit is that the rechargeable battery iss charged by you as you row. This is a nice touch.
Low or No Impact Exercise: With this machine you don’t have any impact or jarring movements as you exercise. This means it is great for you if you have any joint issues of any kind that could be made worse by high impact exercising.
This is also a very quiet machine with the flywheel providing years of smooth and continuous exercise. This helps you to get a good cardio workout while you strengthen your muscles and tone your body. It does give you to a certain extent give you the benefit of two types of workout all rolled into one.
Cons
Big: As noted above this is a full size machine, so it does need a lot of room. It needs a space at least 9 feet long to accommodate it when you have it set up and are using it. You can take it apart for storage and shipping but this is not that easy a process. So if you wanted a compact rowing machine this is not the one to choose.
Cost: This is one of the more expensive home rowing machines, but you do get a lot with it and it is considered to be one of the best ones by many people. As with most things you do get what you pay for and fitness equipment is no different in this respect.
When looking at the price of this rowing machine you need to consider that you are able to do both cardio and strengthening exercises on the machine. If you bought a treadmill for instance, you would also need to buy some free weights to be able to get the strengthening aspect of this machine.
Should You Buy The Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine?
The short answer is yes. If you are looking for a rowing machine that will deliver a safe reliable cardio workout and strength training this is an ideal purchase. It has a great LCD display for monitoring how you are getting on and is well designed to give a comfortable ride while exercising. In this price range, you will probably not be able to find a comparable machine. The Concept2 Model E Rowing Machine is a machine that looks good and delivers on its promise of cardio and strength workouts.
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