Hi, there, fitness freaks
I am considering buying a fitness machine so that I have no more excuses when I get out of the office too late to go to the gym. So, my physiotherapist recommends a rowing machine to strengthen the back and work on legs, arms etc.

I went to the Migros, and the salesperson said that an elliptical was better than a bike, and he was not too impressed with the Migros brand, also because it had two years of guarantee while the Kettler ones have three years. Questions, questions...

Has anyone bought one in Switzerland? Any recommendations or machines one should not buy? I have not found any official websites with test results, just some pages that seem to be fed by the manufacturers.

Thanks
Idgie

Hi

We have a concept 2 which is suppose to be one of the best around and is used by most of decent gyms.

Can't remember who we bought it through but it was on the web and it arrived in the post. I can probably look for the receipt if you need.

Hope this helps

Cheers
Nats

Hello fitness freakI agree with the migros guy-the eliptical is likley going to give you more for your money and fitness.I previously owned some fitness clubs and from my experience,the concept 2 rowing machine is the one to go with where rowing machines are concerned,its a great workout as well as very well constructed,easily fixed without a technician,doenst take up much space...I have had 2,those who love em-love em.My preference-the elipitcal and some weights,a fit ball,skipping rope and some full on music...and a boxing bag,if you know what to do with it.Good luck!!

Agree with all the other posters:

• Rowing machine concept2 dominates the market.
• Elliptical cross-trainer is better than rowing.
• Or join a gym and use both.
• Also dumbbells and barbells are more effective in strengthening muscles than endurance machines.
• Again joining a good gym, with competent trainers, will ensure that you use the right equipment and correctly.

I agree with all the above. The Concept2 is the dogs bollox.
For a really good session set to intervals (40 sec row like a mother, 40 sec rest, and then repeat) and see how unfit you really are.

Concept2 have plenty of useful info on the internet, including illustrated recommendations for rowing exercises. Also take a look at videos on YouTube.

My old rowing club had concept 2.
They are good but you can't beat being on the water

www.concept2.co.uk

Thanks a lot to everyone. What a unanimous vote! I have just seen that they have a showroom in Adliswil - with opening hours that do not cater for working people. But there are also several internet stores, so I guess I will do that.
Great!
Thanks, again
Idgie

Here's a vote for a Kettler elliptical which I have been using for a couple of years now. I agree with the comment that an elliptical is "better" than the rowing machine (and with the comments that say the Concept 2 is the only rowing machine to buy). That said, the only good machine is the one you use.

Why not buy a good pair of running shoes and save yourself a thousand or so CHF?

Nothing beats running.

Running is good:

• Low investment
• Fresh air
• Maybe run with or after others!

Running disadvantages:

• Impact on joints
• Upper body less activated
• Not fun in bad weather
• Winter cold air not good for lungs

Suggest:

• Run out in good weather and with company
• Elliptical cross-trainer everyday at home

or buy a bicycle and cycle to work every day. Excersize should be part of your daily routine because this removes the tendency to not excersize when you don't feel like it... And with a bicycle if you want some more strenuous excersize you can just cycle up your favourite hill...

Cycling may not be feasible for white collar city jobs. Heavy traffic, nowhere to park a bike, and need a shower. Also temptation to not bike when weather is bad.

Concept 2 are excellent, you need the flywheel effect, which the cheap machines don't have.

Elliptical trainers are good for multi workouts too without the impact of treadmills if that is important.

One point I would raise is : Are you in an apartment ? If so, what floor. These things do make noise, both subbass and whirring...thats not to mention your panting

dave

Sorry, where does this story come from? After running several winters in up to -30C temperatures, I always roll my eyes when people say running in Zurich "winter" temperatures is "not good for you".

Edit: A dose of reality from Runner's World.

Some are top fit. Others are not. Some experts say this and some say that!
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/...ntid=100148802
Wheezing in a Winter Wonderland
"... cold air-induced bronchospasm and exercise-induced asthma (EIA). While the specific reason why winter air triggers asthma symptoms in certain individuals is not proven, it is thought the cold and dry air irritates the airways, resulting in a constriction and narrowing of the very passages that allow airflow into your lungs. Adding exercise to this impairment further strains the ability to breathe normally in those affected by exercise-induced asthma, leading to more airway spasm..."

Thanks a lot for all the good advice. I have bought the Concept2 (they had it on store at the Triplexstore in the city (http://www.triplexfitness.ch/), and they delivered the same evening.

DaveA: Yes, I was worried about my floor, especially as I live in an old building and an elliptical can weigh more than 100kg. So, I am much better off with the rowing machine.

So - off to new shores!
Thanks, again - Idgie

I'm also considering a rowing machine, but am a bit worried about the noise and the size. Are those magnetic rowing machines any good? Does anyone know of one which folds easily?

Anyone wanna sell me their Concept 2?

The only good rowing machine is the concept 2. I hate them oh so much.

I am looking to buy a seconf hand Concept II rowing machine. Can anyone enlighten me as to what sort of price is reasonable to pay for one please. For example I saw one advertised that is 9 years old with 8k on the clock for CHF500. Is that sort of price a good deal? Cheers.