Concept 2 rowing workout machines were introduced several decades ago in 1981. The snowfall in Vermont, where Concept 2 rowing machines are made, pushed this company to start producing them in response to the harsh elements. That was the driving thought to develop a means by which rowers would not have to wait for the temperatures to get warm to engage in their sport. Another great concern was the desire to develop the very best using superior standards for design and materials. I have the unique view to write about this since I have been using a Concept 2 for about a decade. So I'll talk more about a few more particulars in this review of Concept 2 rowing workout machines.

The options are pretty upfront, you can purchase the Model D or the Model E. If you wish to spend less, then the Model D is the model you want to look at. Each rowing machine typically comes with a performance monitor of which there are two types, the PM3 and PM4. If you prefer a better monitor with the Model D rowing machine, then you will have to pick out the D model with the improved monitor. The more expensive Model E always includes the PM4 with it as the main monitor. The Model D has the least pricetag of $900 and higher price with the improved monitor.

The monitors, PM3 and PM4, are sleek designs that provide the most important metrics for monitoring your heart rate and rowing stats. There is an enclosed pulse monitoring device that is placed across your chest, and there is a strap that keeps it in place. You may think heart rate monitor will be noticeable and cause discomfort, but that is not the case. The moment you you go rowing you will hardly notice the monitor is there. There are no wires either as the info is transmitted to the monitor.

The Concept 2 design utlizes a flywheel assembly that you will use to produce the resistance and make you feel that you are rowing on water. The flywheel is inside a plastic housing so you won't come into contact with it while you are rowing. You can set the amount of resistance using a small lever found on the flywheel housing. If you are thinking this is something that will create noise, then that is not the case since it is very quiet. The flywheel rotates when you row, and it generates a soft air movement that is very quiet. But it is much more silent than any fan because you will not be creating the same amount of RPM's as an electrical fan. You could put this rower in just about any room and be able to use it without disrupting anyone who is sleeping.

You can watch your rowing speed, plus other information, from the PM3 or PM4 monitoring devices. There are adequate data types to fulfill the needs of either competitive rowers or someone who wants a great workout. Your approach will for the most part depend on by your current physical health and general reason for using the rower. This chiefly depends on whether you are rowing for general fitness, or if you row in competition and what level you enter in.