Rowing and Rowing Machines

[Blackjack]

I'm pretty sure this has been discussed around here at some point, but it appears as though the search function isn't available right now.

I've been putting equipment together over the last year at home in my basement. Started with a home-made squat rack and a 300lb O-set. Added a bench, some adj dumbells. Pretty well set weight-wise. Now I'm looking for some cardio equipment to add for my upcoming cutting cycle. I've done sprints outside in the past, but winter in SE Wisconsin makes this difficult.

I'm looking into purchasing either a stationary bike or a rowing machine. Most likely spending 200 to $300 on one or the other. Would be doing mostly intervals on both per TT guidelines.

The bike would be good, but the rower sounds interesting and beneficial.

Questions: Where to buy? Which to buy? Intervals on rowing machine, anyone do those? For rest periods do you simply slow down or actually get off and rest? Any suggestions? Sources of information?

Thanks in advance.

Ted

[tossedup]

I can't really comment on the rowing machine since I haven't used one in quite some time but when I did I really liked it. The one I used had a screen on it which showed a rowing racing kind of like a video game. I am sure it was pretty expensive though. I have a stationary bike that I use a couple of times per week. I prefer to ride outside but I get up when it is dark (5am) and don't want to ride in the dark so I watch sportscenter and pedal away. I got mine at Sears for $399. The only complaint I have is that the straps on the pedal will not stay in place when pedaling so your foot slips off of the pedals sometimes. As for HIIT I slow down for my rest periods but do not stop completly.

[BjsAust]

I bought a spin bike for my home gym, WELL worth the money compared to those fat seat electronic bikes you find in commercial gyms (outside of the spin class). If you decide on a bike go with a cheap spin bike.

Rowing machines are great. I dont have one atm but used to use them in the gym a lot for warmups or just as a workout when travelling (small hotel gyms). Cant give much advice about buying them, I'd recommend actually hopping on and trying them out before buying though, they can be quite different. I'd just go slow and fast for interval training, a few people here have mentioned doing their HIIT on rowing machines.

[Terry Monk]

I've got a row machine and use it for HIIT along with my jump rope, and stationary bike.
I can control the tension but I normally just speed up and slow down.