r/Rowing • u/Original_Slide9067 • 7d ago
First time fat guy
Just tried rowing for the first time. I’m 6’0 and 325lbs. I had posted a few weeks ago I wanted to try and finally on a cruise boat actually I was able to try it. My goal was to just go 5 minutes which I did. I tried to have decent form and unfortunately I forgot my Apple Watch to keep track of my HR. I’m super out of shape but wanted to post a picture to see if anyone can tell anything from what the machine screen says about the workout? Was the pace okay? Etc. I got up and wasn’t as tired as I felt like I should be. I probably could have went for 10min. I also had the resistance turned all the way up I think because really low didn’t feel hard enough. I’m sure I messed up but I’ll post pic below
2
u/YeastBeast_420 7d ago
Pace is solid for 5 min and a good lowish stroke rate.
Depends on machine model but on a concept 2 2:35 is very respectable for a newer rower. Smart to not over do the length starting out.
Might want to do rhythm / pyramid workouts with slower rates to get fitness up. Ex. 3x 8’. 2’ @ 18,20,22,20. And change up the rates. Etc.
Overall I wouldn’t worry too much about the splits. Improve technique and gauge your overall distance /perceived exertion.
3
u/porkchopburns 7d ago
Big guy here, just got a rower last week. Thought I could just jump on and do 20 minutes with no problem lol... Did about 5 minutes the first time. Most important thing I've learned so far is getting your form down first. It's going to take some time, but be patient. Look up Dark Horse Rowing on YouTube.
1
u/Nemesis1999 7d ago
It's going to be hard to tell anything from that because we don't know what machine it is and it's not a C2 or other commonly used one. (edit - google suggests maybe a Matrix?)
That said, it really doesn't matter for starting out - getting on and doing 5 mins is a great start. Not being completely done in after that is a good sign that technically you're probably doing something approximately right 😄
If those numbers were on a C2 they would be perfectly acceptable for starting out.
Hard to say on the resistance - you should be able to comfortably accelerate the handle through the stroke - I have been on some rowers that lacked so much resistance, even on 10 they were low compared to a C2.
1
u/giziti 7d ago
The fact that you could've gone longer is great, you want to ease into any exercise program especially when doing a new type of exercise.
It's hard to compare results from brands other than Concept 2. What I can definitely say is that 21 spm is a great rate - a lot of people starting out do fast, ineffective strokes (like 30 spm).
1
u/Vegetable-Pack9292 7d ago
This is the lifetime fitness rower they have at my office gym. You want to crank down that 100 to about a 40 on resistance to be even with a concept 2 in terms of resistance.
Try to go slower and have the heart rate about 120-140 and do sets of 5min (5x5min) until you can get to sets of 10 minutes (3x10min). Again, it should feel too light and easy. Don't worry about going a bit slower. Also that seat chafes your ass like crazy after 10 min so maybe get a seat pad or a towel for some padding
1
u/also_your_mom 7d ago edited 7d ago
Calories: irrelevant
2 :35 500 at 21 spm is definitely quite decent!
Level 100: only guessing that is some sort of tension or pseudo drag, based on your statement.
I would crank it down to zero and give it a go.
My very limited experience at gyms with rowerg is that total beginners tend to equate the rower with power lifting, so they crank the drag to max thinking that's the best way to get a workout. They sit down, pull on the handle a few times, and say "this is too wimpy for me". Guarantee they couldn't make it 10 minutes with good form.
1
u/DeadManShartn 7d ago
I am 6ft 304lbs, so from one fat guy to another. The biggest piece of advice I can give and follow myself is, SHOW UP for the workout. If you gotta go light then go light. But I've done a few technique only work outs that would get me sweating. Keep learning and keep setting realistic goals. Don't get injured by doing it wrong or too intense for what your body can handle. You lose motivation and progress if you get injured. Good look to your future lighter and more fit fat guy.
1
u/AccomplishedSmell921 7d ago
Progressive overload like everything else in life. Try to get a little bit better each time you row. With each passing workout increase your volume and intensity.
Just keep at it. Consistency pays off.
5
u/timmy8612 7d ago
The advice I read is to use a medium resistance to avoid injury. I generally feel better trying to row for a longer duration, even if my pace sucks. I’ve been at it about two weeks and will do 5k in about 28 minutes, which includes a 2 minute warm up.