Training & Nutrition - Rowbikes

I saw this posted on another website... It might have been posted here already.

http://www.rowbike.com/


This looks like a cool workout! I've always though rowers were a nice easy (low impact on the over body) yet intense workout. But it's so borring to be inside, looking @ a wall, or the idiot box.

I'd definatly like to try this. I wonder what this is like in terms of efficiency (speed vs energy spent).

Definitely cool and original, looks like a good workout...but definitely not as good as a regular bike as far as efficiency and speed are concerned. The body positioning is very upright, not great for aerodynamics. Since the power is delivered in pulses instead of a constant output like a regular bike with clipless pedals, the bike accelerates on the power stroke, then decelerates on recovery. With every stroke, not only do you work to fight air resistance or gravity like you would with a regular bike, you also work to accelerate, increasing your kinetic energy with every stroke, then losing it again. A lot more energy spent to go the same speed or climb the same hill with the rowbike...compared to a regular bike. If a workout is your concern, go for it...but don't expect to win any races any time soon (not like its UCI legal anyways).

Definitely cool and original, looks like a good workout...but definitely not as good as a regular bike as far as efficiency and speed are concerned. The body positioning is very upright, not great for aerodynamics. Since the power is delivered in pulses instead of a constant output like a regular bike with clipless pedals, the bike accelerates on the power stroke, then decelerates on recovery. With every stroke, not only do you work to fight air resistance or gravity like you would with a regular bike, you also work to accelerate, increasing your kinetic energy with every stroke, then losing it again. A lot more energy spent to go the same speed or climb the same hill with the rowbike...compared to a regular bike. If a workout is your concern, go for it...but don't expect to win any races any time soon (not like its UCI legal anyways).

I don't think you are getting it here--the idea is to be less efficient so you can get a better work out. I think I'd rather try one of these things than sit indoors to work my upper body and torso out. . .

I obviously do get it...I was the one who pointed it out that its less efficient in the first place. BenyBen was wondering about the speed vs. efficiency relationship...so I explained it. I even said that if you're looking for a good workout, go for it. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that it uses the same body motion as an indoor rowing machine, so that it works the same muscles.

I obviously do get it...I was the one who pointed it out that its less efficient in the first place. BenyBen was wondering about the speed vs. efficiency relationship...so I explained it. I even said that if you're looking for a good workout, go for it. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that it uses the same body motion as an indoor rowing machine, so that it works the same muscles.

Oh, ok.

Yes, I had my doubts that it would be less efficient, but I was wondering if it was very drasticaly so.

If you take an average speed drop of 3-4 km/h, then it might still be a good way to commute. Commuting AND a full body workout. :)

I def like the idea.