Conference rocks::weight_control

    I've found most rowing machines are hard on your lower back.
    The only ones that I've tried that are not are the LIFEROWERS.
    The difference in motion is this
    	Usual rowers - have two handles and resistance tubes on each.
    		Rowing motion starts upright with knees bent, ends
    		leaning back with knees straight.  This leaning back
    		puts pressure on your lower back.
    	Liferowers - has one T-handle on a cable, resistance is provided
    		by something unseen inside the front of the machine.
    		Rowing motion starts with bent knees and leaning forward.
    		Ends with knees straight and back upright.  No leaning
    		back while you pull.  Much better on your back.  Also
    		quite expensive, computerized etc.
    
    Now, if they sell something that duplicated the liferowers' movement
    and was cheaper, I would go out and get one.  I have not been looking
    too hard, but haven't seen one.
    
    --Louise

    I have one, brand name wai or mai.  I'm definitely glad I got it.
     The best feature is that it's instantly available exercise, regardless
    of what the weather is like outside or the time or day.  Great for
    reducing guilt and aggravation when your weight is stuck.  It's
    good for the shoulders, back and arms, it also works the stomach
    muscles if you lean back far enough, and it seems to be working
    the leg muscles too, judging from the results -- it doesn't feel
    like it's working them very much when I use it.  I make it a point
    to push with the legs, an dnot just use the arms.  I am thinking
    of getting an exercise bike as well;  a friend has one and that
    feels like it works the thighs a lot.
    
    I tried the various rowing machines out in the store.  The one I
    got (>$200) is extremely sturdy and never feels unstable.  My friend's,
    whose brand I've forgotten, seems somewhat unstable;  I would think
    this would be distracting.
    
    It's okay for the knees as far as I know.  I have a knee problem
    and it never hurts to row.  In fact, my knees seem to bother me
    less in general since I've started rowing.  The doctor says the
    extra muscle support is helping them.
    

    I've just read reply .1.  The motions described as being back for
    the back and just what I find helpful in working the stomach muscles.
     I guess this depends on the state of your back.  I do find that
    after using the machine, my back is totally unstressed and relaxed.
    

    I have a rowing machine and find that although it doesn't do much
    in terms of building muscle, the main benefit I derive is the aerobic
    activity.  It is VERY convenient, sometimes I'll just row for
    an hour while I'm watching television.  
    I have had back problems and knee problems and have found that with
    proper posture, neither of these conditions are aggrevated by the
    rowing.
    
    nan

    I use my rower as an aerobic alternative, too.  One article I read
    on exercise suggested balancing lower and upper body activity for
    the best balanced development.  So I alternate my rower with walking;
    walking works my lower body, the rower works mostly my upper body.
    When I walk, I perform calesthenics for my upper body; when I row,
    I perform lower body exercises.  That keeps me from overworking
    any one group and injuring it.
    
    Marcia

    I work out twice a day, almost every day.  The morning session is
    on my stationary bike as described in another note.  The evening
    session is at a well equipped health club (Hampshire Hills).  Alternate
    evening sessions are intended to improve strength (I was a 240 pound
    weakling), and are spent on the Nautilus gear.  The other evening
    sessions are aerobic --- stairs, rowing, and/or swimming.  The rowing
    is on a high tech device similar to one described in an earlier
    reply (cable, sliding seat, and selectable resistance).

    I believe there is correlation between my rowing and a nagging lower
    back the next morning.  I am even more certain of correlation with
    swimming the orthodox breast stroke.  Ten years ago I had a severe
    back problem surgically corrected.  I may be starting to have another
    back problem now.  Until this summer I was quite obese.

    Thanks for the replies - I knew this was the place to ask!  It does
    sound like we should wear sweats when we go shopping and try them
    out.  Unfortunately, Mike just got the opportunity to invest in
    a vintage 1934 Harley Davidson Indian, and the rowing machine pales
    in comparison!  But I told him we've got to get the rowing machine,
    too, so that we can properly "profile" on the Indian!!