Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => The Knowledge => Health & Fitness => Topic started by: Oscar's dad on 11 January, 2021, 09:57:15 am
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Hello, as discussed elsewhere I am in the middle of upgrading our garage. Part of the garage is a home office, the majority will be a workshop, bike storage and home exercise area.
We'd like to install a running treadmill and / or a rowing machine. Does anyone have any experience of buying these bits of kit, possibly secondhand? What works, what doesn't? What should we go for and what should we avoided? Or should we buy something else like a cross trainer?
Many thanks in advance :-*
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Our pain cave currently has a 10 year old watt bike and 15 year old concept 2, plus a kettlebell, a gym mat and a pull-up bar. All are getting used most days at the moment. We've never had a treadmill, they're massive and it's too much easier and nicer to just go for a run / walk, even when the weather is pants.
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Thanks for your thoughts Mike. In the past, when we had access to a gym, we have both used treadmills when the weather has been pants although that was when we tended to run outdoors first thing when of course the weather is most pants. Last week we have started running at lunchtime which has worked well and the weather has been nicer. Which is why I'm thinking of a cross trainer as its low impact, and a more overall workout, and could nicely compliment outdoor running.
I have also really enjoyed rowing machines at the gym, in 2019 I even did the equivalent of rowing across the Channel in just under 4 hours.
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My approach would be to buy something that I cannot easily otherwise do. Walking and running outdoors are about the most easily accessible forms of exercise. I'd get a Concept 2 if space permitted this.
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My approach would be to buy something that I cannot easily otherwise do. Walking and running outdoors are about the most easily accessible forms of exercise. I'd get a Concept 2 if space permitted this.
Thanks PB.
I should add that we will be giving up our gym memberships shortly so the idea behind buying some form of home gym equipment is to supplement and compliment outdoor exercise.
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I finally knocked my gym membership on the head this month. I haven't been for a session since February and although most of that time my membership has been suspended I just didn't want to go in when I could. Rouvy is a lot cheaper though at present I am frustrated with their really crap website. mllePB is enjoying her Rouvy rides but trying to get the stupid thing to do basic account maintenance is like having teeth pulled without anaesthetic.
I am hopeful that it will eventually fall into place but I'll probably have knawed a leg off before then.
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I'd get a Concept 2 if space permitted this.
I believe they can be taken apart (for storage)?
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I'd get a Concept 2 if space permitted this.
I believe they can be taken apart (for storage)?
Yes. They have quick release and come into two bits and the larger bit can stand on end.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210111/ccdd7a74677cdba5cb8dbaaa72f624df.jpg)
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I'd get a Concept 2 if space permitted this.
I believe they can be taken apart (for storage)?
Yes. They have quick release and come into two bits and the larger bit can stand on end.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210111/ccdd7a74677cdba5cb8dbaaa72f624df.jpg)
That'll easily fit in my spare room (when it eventually arrives). :thumbsup:
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I our humble abode the space for a piece of fitness equipment has been taken by a Wahoo Kickr Core with a one wheeled bicycle attached. We simply do not have the space for more kit at the moment.
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I recently discovered (after a year of ownership) that you can pop the front wheel out and flip the bike to stand vertically on my direct drive turbo.
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My approach would be to buy something that I cannot easily otherwise do. Walking and running outdoors are about the most easily accessible forms of exercise. I'd get a Concept 2 if space permitted this.
Thanks PB.
I should add that we will be giving up our gym memberships shortly so the idea behind buying some form of home gym equipment is to supplement and compliment outdoor exercise.
I'd get weights. The older you are, the more important this is.
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I'd get weights. The older you are, the more important this is.
Use gravity:
Press ups
Sit ups
Tricep dips
Squats
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Interesting points. I like the gravity thing but tell me about the weights fboab.
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https://www.decathlon.co.uk/browse/c0-sports/c1-fitness-and-gym/c3-weight-plates-and-bars/_/N-9lzpc7
You can browse the huge range of weights that are currently out of stock.
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I am looking for a similar option
thinking about the JLL Ventus https://www.sports-supplements-compare.co.uk/jll-ventus-2-air-rowing-machine-uk/
or a concept 2 but cant find any in stock
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I've been a slack arse bastard for the last month, but prior to that I used a weight bag quite a bit.
Advantages:
Cheap as chips. Paid £14 for mine, filled it with dry gravel from garden centre (bagged into 5 and 2kg amounts). about 35kg in mine
Versatile. There are lots of exercise routines on the web for them - I use my own sport specific exercises.
Don't damage floors. Unlike hard iron weights, the bag doesn't scratch or dint floors.
Disadvantage
Slow to change the weight amounts. You can get several bags.
Limited max weight. It's hard to get more than 35kg in them unless you have access to lead. However, the exercises typically don't need high weights. Most weight bags are about 20kg, so 35 is a fair bit.
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I am looking for a similar option
thinking about the JLL Ventus https://www.sports-supplements-compare.co.uk/jll-ventus-2-air-rowing-machine-uk/
or a concept 2 but cant find any in stock
I've never tried the JLL machine but it *does* have a gear lever like a Raleigh chopper, which is probably a good enough reason to get one...
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You can do a lot with just a kettlebell or two, and they don't take up a lot of room. I have an 18kg and a 10kg (could also do with an in between as well) plus weights I've had for 20 years. I use the KBs more these days.
I'd also suggest that for general fitness and functional strength (rather than just getting that ripped look of a body builder), go with compound exercises rather than trying to isolate muscle groups. With KBs (and weights) I include things like
- Turkish Get-Ups - very difficult to do with a heavy weight without getting the technique right first
- Single Legged deadlifts
- Swings
- squats
- Presses
- Lunges - fore and aft
...
With a weight disc you can do a lot of variations on torso twists and core work both seated and standing - you could probably do them with a KB as well
The gravity stuff is great as well
Also, if you can't find weights - an old inner tube bakes a great resistance band and it's progressive in that the more you stretch it the more difficult it gets. I used to throw a couple in my suitcase. You can do things like bicep curls, lateral raises etc with it trapped under your foot, and if you tie it round a table leg or similar, you can do a bunch of leg stuff
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A treadmill would be pretty much the lowest item on my priority list, as others have said if you're going to walk or run then outside is best, even in shit weather.
(There are some people on here where a treadmill might be a good idea due to reduced vision, balance or other issues.)
Saying that, one item I'm contemplating is a really cheap non-motorised walking treadmill that I can unfold under my sit/stand desk. I could really do with the option of being able to do more steps on days when I can't get out so easily (due to work and/or parenting responsibilities) and plodding along for an hour or so whilst on a conference call or reading various bits of work (treadmills don't work too well when having to type) would be good. If I plan ahead I can get out to do things like this but I'd like the ability to do it on a whim and for shorter stints.
Otherwise my magic list would be (in no particular order). Wattbike Atom (for Zwift/etc). Concept 2. Weights machine (bench, with ability for pull down stuff and knee stuff). Kettle bells. Gym mat.
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Some useful thoughts, thanks.
I caught some of a telly programme yesterday evening about exercising at home and they were talking about strength exercising. I confess I hadn't consider it before but can see its something I should look into particularly as its also been mentioned in this thread.
BTW, does anyone have an opinion in THESE? (https://www.trxtraining.co.uk/) I have used them a little at the gym and they might work in a garage setting.
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Some useful thoughts, thanks.
I caught some of a telly programme yesterday evening about exercising at home and they were talking about strength exercising. I confess I hadn't consider it before but can see its something I should look into particularly as its also been mentioned in this thread.
BTW, does anyone have an opinion in THESE? (https://www.trxtraining.co.uk/) I have used them a little at the gym and they might work in a garage setting.
I have some from decathlon and they were only a few pounds. I don’t use them that often. I sometimes combine with a backpack with some weights in.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/suspension-trainer-dst-100-blue-red/_/R-p-309804?mc=8559625&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Surfaces%20For%20Google&utm_content=8559625-2901219&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_106843029532_c_436894719282_w_pla-907416406027_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r_x_pla_y_15177021_f_online_o_8559625-2901219_z_GB_i_en_j_907416406027_s__e__h_9041098_ii__vi__&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI76aFq-Kb7gIVFoFQBh3iQwTmEAQYAiABEgKRzvD_BwE
Not sure why the decathlon ones are only £15 compared to £150. They come with a handy “workout in progress” pennant for the door handle.
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Some useful thoughts, thanks.
I caught some of a telly programme yesterday evening about exercising at home and they were talking about strength exercising. I confess I hadn't consider it before but can see its something I should look into particularly as its also been mentioned in this thread.
BTW, does anyone have an opinion in THESE? (https://www.trxtraining.co.uk/) I have used them a little at the gym and they might work in a garage setting.
Have a knock-off variant bought from Sainsbury's don't use it that often as I've not quite worked it out yet
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BTW, does anyone have an opinion in THESE? (https://www.trxtraining.co.uk/) I have used them a little at the gym and they might work in a garage setting.
They make bodyweight exercises much, much harder than using a fixed bar (or the floor). I made my own with a couple of cheap Olympic Rings and some tie down straps and used them quite a lot for a while - can't remember why I stopped. Proper ones are more comfortable cos the grip is straight, not curved but I'm sure you could create some with some 6" bits of pipe and some bar tape...
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Those are one of the items I intend to get once I've moved house.
They are one of the more versatile items you can get - lots of core work, body work can be done with them.
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Otherwise my magic list would be (in no particular order). Wattbike Atom (for Zwift/etc). Concept 2. Weights machine (bench, with ability for pull down stuff and knee stuff). Kettle bells. Gym mat.
We have
fancy smart turbos
C2 rowing machine
squat rack with a pull down bar
Kettle Bells
Gym Mat
From a time POV I spent, according to Strava, in 2020
264hr on Zwift
9.5hr rowing
14.5hr weight training (We got the rack in August)
12hr pilates
I don't row when I'm doing a weights program and I am much better at going to pilates when I'm going to a class where they notice if I'm there or not.
I think it's clear to see where the money is best spent. (in a pandemic)
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We have a Nordic track treadmill, it's a high end model and is used in a similar way to using a smart trainer like a Wattbike. Good for the following, rehabilitation, getting started, specificity, tracking progress. Convenient. I was skeptical when my wife bought it for herself 2 years ago. I'm a regular runner and have been for decades and the treadmill doesn't replace outdoor running but rather compliments it.
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Had a look for walking treadmills to go under a sit/stand desk. There are some silly prices but the entry level stuff seems to be about £300 for motorised ones that go up to 6kph.
https://origympersonaltrainercourses.co.uk/blog/treadmill-desks
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We have a rowing machine folded up in the garage, been like that for a couple of years! I thought it would be a good idea but never got on with it. I think it's one of these if it's of interest...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/STRIALE-SR-909-Magnetic-Rowing-Machine-White/dp/B009SOU8R4
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We have a rowing machine folded up in the garage, been like that for a couple of years! I thought it would be a good idea but never got on with it. I think it's one of these if it's of interest...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/STRIALE-SR-909-Magnetic-Rowing-Machine-White/dp/B009SOU8R4
Once I have created some space, could I at least borrow it with a view to buying it off you if it works for us?
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We have a rowing machine folded up in the garage, been like that for a couple of years! I thought it would be a good idea but never got on with it. I think it's one of these if it's of interest...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/STRIALE-SR-909-Magnetic-Rowing-Machine-White/dp/B009SOU8R4
Once I have created some space, could I at least borrow it with a view to buying it off you if it works for us?
Yes of course :thumbsup:
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We have a rowing machine folded up in the garage, been like that for a couple of years! I thought it would be a good idea but never got on with it. I think it's one of these if it's of interest...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/STRIALE-SR-909-Magnetic-Rowing-Machine-White/dp/B009SOU8R4
Once I have created some space, could I at least borrow it with a view to buying it off you if it works for us?
Yes of course :thumbsup:
Fab, I'll be in touch, obvs I'll wait until lockdown is over.
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We're moving to a new house with a garage. We won't be using it for car parking so among a few uses it'll be a home gym. It's practically double car length so plenty of room.
Current unused kit includes a cheap tacx smart turbo with my old road bike on it. We've been promised a high end x trainer which was left in the house family bought. We've got a few fixed weight dumbbells and kettlebells. I got a door situp thing but they're useless. Bar is too high to hold my feet in position. Better off with feet under bed, sofa or other heavy furniture.
Recently I bought a set of those resistance tubes with hand, ankle and door grips. They're actually quite good. The effort gets harder the more stretched they get. It means a gradual build up in the weight being lifted plus you're using it full cycle without being able to swing your weights like dumbbells and other free weights. Of you've ever been to a gym you'll see young lads lifting weights too heavy for them to use good form and truly benefit. They swing their body and the weights not really getting the benefits. If you're in any doubt about that effect use your usual dumbbell weight on a preacher curl pad. If you find it no difference from free curls then you're probably using good form. If you can't curl your usual weight it's too heavy, drop the weight and learn good form.
I bought those band things because decent dumbbells and barbells are harder to find these days. I'm now a convert. I'll still get bench, weights and rack one day but they will do for now. Good because I need to build up first.
I'm on the list fit a c2 model d. The pm5 controller is worth the money.
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The reason I chose a rower over any other CV equipment is that it's a full body machine and the most effective for your CV workout. Years ago when I was a regular at a gym I never seemed to get anywhere fitness-wise. Plateaued out. I was using a bike with increasing resistance levels using its internal training option. I could sit on the bike for an hour and only just feel like I'm getting enough exercise.
Treadmill? Ok if it's got a long enough track for you but I've never found one in gyms I use that isn't just long enough for walking pace. My old gyms I've used over the years I was walking pace with lead foot just missing cover at the front of the track and lifting my trailing foot just on time having felt the rear roller underfoot. Running pace is not possible. I'm only 196cm tall.
Imho in terms of CV exercise my order of efficiency is good rower, versaclimber type of kit, stepper, treadmill and last static bike. That's my experience and at my last gym they kept trying to get me away from the bike and onto the rower, c2 obviously. I had a trapped nerve type of pain after 10 to 26 minutes on the rower so it became the stepper. It was amazing because after that re-program I noticed an improvement in fitness within a few weeks. It really made a difference IME.
I'm thinking I need more weights based exercise routine than I currently have. I've got a few aches which i reckon will disappear with strength training. It's one thing to concentrate on fitness to do things but strength training gives you additional health benefits CV training alone doesn't.
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I have been thinking for years about getting a rowing machine for when the roads/tracks around are too stupid to ride on. The few times been in a gym, the only thing I have enjoyed was the rowing machine. Can't be arsed to lift things on repeat and that isn't the style of "fitness" I'm looking for either. I want to be fit, but I don't want to be looking at clocks and graphs every 30sec for that extra push at 66% of a fifth of the 8th repeat of 10 [insert your own weight/distance/height/thumb unit] to win the ruler of the world.
So I just had a little look around on tinterweb, which led me to here.
The one everyone says, according to the general gist of all the reviews I have read, is to get is the Concept2 Model D, normal cost £860 on their own site.
But then virus arrived and EVERYONE wants to be fit at home by the look of it.
The Model D are now going elsewhere and on fleabay for 1100+ second hand even £1425 new !!!
Even the model C that they stopped making in 2003, left overs from closed down gyms are that have been battered for years, is going for more than the new and shinny model model !!!
All the other models/companies people are saying to get if you cant get the Concept2 (because of stock or money) are also on 10-15 weeks back order
This tells me that when we are out on the other side there will be rowers going for cheap and people will have loads of place to hang clothing to dry :)
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to anyone wanting a C2 (and who could blame you :D) try https://www.londonyouthrowing.com/contact
apparently they have a load they bought just before lockdown and are selling them at standard list price. They're an awesome charity too.
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They are out of stock - if you look at this tweet - https://twitter.com/LYRowing/status/1350080298839535622?s=20 where they link to this page - https://www.londonyouthrowing.com/shop/concept-2-rowing-machine also this - "You can either collect the rowing machine(s) from our base at the Royal Docks (E16 2QT) or pay for us to deliver them to you (Greater London only)" you need to be in the smoke to get one :)
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They are out of stock - if you look at this tweet - https://twitter.com/LYRowing/status/1350080298839535622?s=20 where they link to this page - https://www.londonyouthrowing.com/shop/concept-2-rowing-machine also this - "You can either collect the rowing machine(s) from our base at the Royal Docks (E16 2QT) or pay for us to deliver them to you (Greater London only)" you need to be in the smoke to get one :)
someone I know elsewhere got one from them last week.. Definitely worth an email!
and I'm sure a regular courier would pick up and deliver to the frozen North :D
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After spending far too long making my mind up, I decided to take the plunge and buy a Concept2 model D. I looked on eBay but, apart from the cost and difficulties involved in collection/shipping, the prices are silly. I looked at the Concept2 website and it said there was an 11-week waiting list. I had dithered for so long, what difference would another 11 weeks make? I signed up, and began to get a weekly notification of the date on which I had signed up, and a reminder that there was a 15-week waiting list. (What happened to 11? I never found out.) After 15 weeks I got an invitation to make my purchase - no charge for delivery, but the earliest day for dispatch was a week hence, and then another week in transit. A total of 17 weeks. It arrived last Saturday and I'm looking forward to getting my money's worth out of it for some years to come :-)
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Tomorrow I will have waited 6 weeks and the delivery of the waterrower I ordered six week back, should arrive (if the emails/txt from the shipping company is correct).
now what, put it in the corner of the room and hang clothing to dry on it?
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Well true to their word it arrived today and it managed to put it together and added water without any leaks.
Boy is this one quiet, not like roving on water for sure, it does sound a bit like water in a bucket, you could nearly use it in a library. Compared to the mechanical high whining fan noise I have heard on all these youtube videos. I know I wouldn't have lasted long with a C2, it wouldn't be hours before I would have gone spare and stopped using it. I just don't know how people can handle that sound, even with tunes turned to 11.
Do I have to become fit now?
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the waterrower sound always made me need a wee!
the best (shortest, clearest) video I found on technique is on the concept2 site here: https://www.concept2.co.uk/indoor-rowers/training/technique-videos they explain in 2 minutes what others take 30 to do, with hardly a word wasted. There are also some good ideas on their for 'workout of the day' page that will all work fine on a waterrower!
(and if it feels like your knees are coming up too high, sit on a folded towel to lift your bum by an inch - whenever I use a WR in a gym it feels like the feet are slightly too high compared to the seat in comparison to a C2, or perhaps that's just me...)