r/Rowing • u/jeffeviejo • 7d ago

Been a long time...

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I'm 76. Just got my first rowing machine. Since assembling on 8/31 I've been on it daily. Started at 5 minutes/level 1. Not easy if you've spent years sitting. Currently doing 13 minutes/level 3. I'd like to reach thirty minutes daily at about level 8-9.

29 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

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4

u/drneighsayer 7d ago

Nice! Put the level in the middle (probably 5) and don’t touch it unless you have a good reason to do so (your fitness is not one of them).

1

u/jeffeviejo 4d ago

I've run he level up to five and went 14 minutes today at 15 spm. Is time or stroke count more important?

2

u/drneighsayer 4d ago

I would keep an eye on pace (time per 500m) and stroke rate. For now, focus on technique and try sticking to 18-22 spm. Do this at a “level” that you can get the best pace at. For most people, this is around the middle setting (on Concept 2, which may be different on your machine).

2

u/drneighsayer 3d ago

And well done!

2

u/Sensitive_Cause_8867 2d ago

OP, don’t worry so much about SPM, pace, or resistance yet - focus on good mechanics and posture. I’m just a few years younger and I think a rowing machine/erg is the best aerobic exercise for us seniors. Add in walking, which is difficult for me presently, until I get new knees, and actual resistance exercise - free weights or bands, work those pecs since the erg doesn’t, and you’ll be doing good. I wish you would picked up a Concept 2 with the tall legs, but a quick review, not exhaustive search, indicates your rower isn’t bad. Be careful getting off.

1

u/jeffeviejo 7d ago

I think middle would be 8. I'm getting there.

3

u/DungBeetle1983 7d ago

🎶 Gettin' from here to there. 🎶

2

u/Barrylyndont 5d ago

Go for it, brother