Concept 2 more than just a machine-community +more
Written: Apr 04 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great web site/community for motivation, Free incentive programs, On-line workouts/races
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: Concept 2 is an outstanding machine. It will last forever with little maintenance. Concept's web site will keep you motivated. Wide global acceptance as a quality machine.
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| philips949's Full Review: Concept II |
I have been using the Concept 2 Rower for about 1 year now. My goal was to lose weight and improve my overall fitness level. This review will cover 2 primary subjects: 1)Concept 2's web site and programs and 2)The machine itself. In less than 1 year I have lost 35 pounds and still going. How??? I tried the c2 at my gym and found that I could burn the same or more calories as a treadmill. The c2 does not have the impact issues like the treadmill and gives a full body workout. Besides being a great piece of equipment Concept 2 has an incredible web site loaded with information, motivation programs, and provides on-line racing or workouts for free on their e-row server. To do the workouts with other rowers on the Internet you will need the PM2+ monitor (available as an upgrade for older machines). The c2 web site has a logbook where you can record your workouts, rank yourself, on-line - very active forum, participate in challenges(and win prizes), and much more. No other fitness company on earth has this level of support, motivation, or sense of community.
Now for the machine itself... The Concept 2 is incredibly durable. The c2 at my gym is at least 5 years old and gets heavy daily use. Despite this heavy use the machine operates smoothly and I have never seen it break. I started looking for a used model and found that the c2 has the highest re-sale of any fitness machine on e-Bay. A nice used c2 sells for well over $600 on eBay. Not bad when a new c2 sells for $795. Even older machines form the 80's are still selling well. I decided that with such a high re-sale value it was worth taking the plunge for a c2 at home so I could participate in on-line races. What fun these races are!! I race in the privacy of my basement with others from anywhere in the world. These on-line racers have been a great source of motivation. Check out the spin-off web site called supercanoa (http://www.supercanoa.de/) as well.
The action of the c2 is very smooth and easy on the body joints. The key is to simply start easy and work on your form. I have had no physical issues at all with rowing the c2 despite being obese and out of shape when I started. I just made sure I was sensible and took my time getting in shape. Contrary to popular belief rowing does not in itself make you muscle-bound. Rowing at a moderate pace is an excellent fat burning tool. I started at 268lbs and in less than a year I am now 233 without changing my diet. Ok, I row a lot and that has helped. I feel 20 years younger now. The c2 is not going to work miracles without commitment so you need to do it to get results. The machine uses a fan/flywheel for resistance so it does not need to be plugged in. The only maintenance really needed is oiling the chain once in a while and wipe down the rail to keep it clean. If you use the machine a LOT in a dusty area you may need to vaccum dust from the fan for peak performance.
The c2 has been on the market for over 2 decades and is a proven machine free of useless gimmicks. Colleges, gyms, highschools, hotels, corporations often buy these machines because of the durability, quality of workout, and reasonable price. Almost every rowing club has a few c2's for its members to use in the winter. There are many c2 racing events held around the world for those who like to compete in a live setting.
My wife and 2 kids also started using the c2 as well and really enjoy it. I will have rowed 3 million meters in less than a year since starting. For me I will use the machine for the rest of my life. I could not thank c2 enough for this machine which has given me a new lease of life.
If you want to get in shape, cross train, can no-longer run, lose weight, look good etc. the c2 is for you.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
philips949
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Member: Philip Siebert
Reviews written: 22
Trusted by: 2 members
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