DIY Rowing Machine

[Aaron C Bennett]

I saw this and thought it was an interesting DIY project for a rowing machine.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploa...171-024-I2.jpg
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It...l-Fitness.aspx (wfs)

Although I would think for the cost and time required to build such a contraption, you could find a cheap used rowing machine on Craig's List that would serve your purpose more readily.

[Charles Bennington]

Haha..yeah I saw that about a yeah ago. That thing scares the hell out of me!

[Jason Peacock]

It's better than nothing, OTOH it isn't any better than the seated row w/sliding seat on the weight machines. It's just a weight w/linear response, a rower has a flywheel/air resistance which reacts to your acceleration dynamically and results in an entirely different workout

Like you said, for the amount of work it's better to get a Model B rower from craigslist, and you'll get a better workout too.

[James R. Climer]

I wonder if band resistance along with ther weights might help make the
pull feel more real?

[Scott Ponte]

Is that a phantom of the opera mask used as a seat?

[Lee Austin]

Originally Posted by Scott Ponte

Is that a phantom of the opera mask used as a seat?

That's a real rowing seat from an actual scull.

The resistance you feel on the oar isn't constant, it changes as the oar moves through the water as the oar speed changes. That's what the Concept 2 flywheel approximates (after all, ergs were originally rowing training devices, not Crossfit machines. ). You need heavier resistance during the leg drive that during the back swing or the finish with the arms. A weight on a string would feel stupid and either be too light for the legs or too heavy for the back.

[Henry Miller]

If you want to build your own rower, there are plenty of plans online for making a blower. Getting the gearing to turn the blower might be a little tricky. Still there is nothing special about it. As long as you are going through the effort of building a row, why not do it right

[Christian Salas]

No that is not an rowing seat, that is the actual mask from Phantom of the Opera. Look at it! With it you'll get a phantom of a work out.

[James Withington]

Going off on a slight tangent, has anyone here ever tried one of those water based rower type things?

http://gymratz.co.uk/water-rower/usr...er-natural.gif

Basically you drive a fan/paddle thing that spins through water instead of through air like in a Concept2. An interesting idea, and I like the fact it's made of wood, looks really classy. Not thinking of buying one or anything, but looks like a cool idea nonetheless.

Check it out here:

http://www.waterrower.com/ (WFS)

[Tony Stock]

The homemade one is cool. Can it also be used as a trebuchet?