Indoor Rower?
An indoor rower, or rowing machine, is a machine used to simulate the action of watercraft rowing for the purpose of exercise or training for rowing. Modern indoor rowers are often known as ergometers (colloquially erg or ergo) because they measure work performed by the rower (which can be measured in ergs). Indoor rowing has become established as a sport, drawing a competitive environment from around the world.[1][2] The term "indoor rower" also refers to a participant in this sport.
Price, Delivery, Unboxing and Assembly
On July 5, 2023, I purchased the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine w/350 lb. Weight Capacity and LCD Monitor, Silver. 1K bought within that past month and Amazon's Choice. Overall rating 4.4 from 6,000 customer reviews. Why not?
It was hard to overlook a rowing machine for $125. Surprisingly, it arrived within a few days, in one, manageable, big box.
I couldn't ask for an easier assembly. With a flawless, descriptive user manual, my 19-year-old niece assembled it in 20 minutes or less.
My first week rowing experience
The first 3 days were smooth sailing, I rowed 45 minutes each day. I became concerned because the scale would fluctuate between 1-3 lbs. each day I weighed in.
By day 4, I spruced up the minutes to 60 because I liked certain features I was beginning to notice. I noticed though that I wasn't burning as many calories as I burned with my elliptical, but my jeans were still falling off my waist.
By day 5, I noticed a significant change in my facial components and a slimmer side profile as I looked in the mirror. This is when I believed that this exercise machine was destined to help me achieve my health goals. I also conducted a few searches in quest to discover why my scale was stagnant even though it was evident that I was losing weight. I came across a few videos which explained that my body was burning fat while building muscles, a process called Body Recomposition. I checked off all the signs: 1. Gaining weight 2. Clothes fitting indifferently 3. Building strength 5. Body composition is changing.
The only thing I couldn't check off was 4. Getting bulky per Trifectanutrition.com
By day 6, I was sore and became concerned about continuing to row or taking a break. So, I took a day off from rowing and decided to do a moderate paced walk in my neighborhood. I did a few stretches, which I think I'm horrible at, but hey. I increased my water intake from 4 cups to 8 cups, to make sure my body isn't dehydrated.
By day 7, I'm still mentally gearing up to continue rowing today, while I watch the new episode of one of my favorite reality tv shows. My biggest fear is that I'll be in too much pain to complete an hour of rowing.
Pros and Cons
One of my favorite things about the rower is that I can drag it anywhere, unlike the $800 elliptical my older brother gifted me some years ago. It's just easy. Switching from indoor to outdoor is a mood changer as well. So, if you're looking for mobility in a rowing machine, this little frugal machine is your guy.
I dislike the fewer calories the monitor displays. It seems to burn only a fraction of calories of what the elliptical burns, which I use for only 30 minutes. So, in 60 minutes or the rower I'll burn about 200 calories. In 30 minutes of the elliptical I'll burn 300 calories. However, with the rower, the progress is slower, I guess, but the results are worthwhile, because I'm toning while burning fat. I keep this in mind each time I weigh myself on the scale.
I found this product on Amazon.com and Walmart.com both priced the same. I chose to purchase it through Amazon so I could apply my Amazon Prime rewards points.
Final ratings
I've been on my failed weight loss journey for 17 years and I've tried a few machines. I'm rating this rower 5 stars and 2 thumbs up!
Do you have any experience with rowing? Leave a comment.
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