To get a really good cardio workout, where should the settings be?
1835457
I adore my machine. I bought a book on proper posture and form, which was helpful. The book stated that moderate rowing is a 3. I am pretty fit and find myself very comfortable at 4.5 for 5000 meters. I am 46. If I do intervals then usually a 4. If I power row, all in, a 5. Posture and breathing are key. Each person is different, though. My 38 year old husband find a 4.5 pretty challenging for 60 minutes.
1835458
If you are in hood shape set the resistance to about 7 and keep your pulls to 35 or 36 for 5000 meters
1835459
I think thirty minutes on the six setting is a great workout. However, if I'm short on time I'll set it in 10 for about fifteen minutes and can definitely get a good burn.
1835460
Set stress at 5.5 - 6.5, row 30-45 minutes at 26 stokes per minute. Make sure you do the full stroke (makes all the difference in the world). Warm up and down for 3 minutes each. Have a great day.
1835461
For me, I set the fan setting on 4 or 5. That should probably get you 99% of the exercises you will need. After that, focus on two numbers only on the display: 1) strokes per minute (s/m) and 2) split time ("x"/500m). Target s/m during training of 18-30. Target a split time of whatever is comfortable. I would recommend a trial cardio of 26-28 s/m and split time of 2:05-2:15. Start at goal of keeping that up for 5 minutes, then add in more time and faster split times (it is hard to get faster than 32-34 s/m, so adjust duration of workout and/or split time). If you don't get a good cardio workout with these targets, you are already a super athlete...or you are some sort of supernatural being! For me, I set the fan setting on 4 or 5. That should probably get you 99% of the exercises you will need. After that, focus on two numbers only on the display: 1) strokes per minute (s/m) and 2) split time ("x"/500m). Target s/m during training of 18-30. Target a split time of whatever is comfortable. I would recommend a trial cardio of 26-28 s/m and split time of 2:05-2:15. Start at goal of keeping that up for 5 minutes, then add in more time and faster split times (it is hard to get faster than 32-34 s/m, so adjust duration of workout and/or split time). If you don't get a good... » Read More For me, I set the fan setting on 4 or 5. That should probably get you 99% of the exercises you will need. After that, focus on two numbers only on the display: 1) strokes per minute (s/m) and 2) split time ("x"/500m). Target s/m during training of 18-30. Target a split time of whatever is comfortable. I would recommend a trial cardio of 26-28 s/m and split time of 2:05-2:15. Start at goal of keeping that up for 5 minutes, then add in more time and faster split times (it is hard to get faster than 32-34 s/m, so adjust duration of workout and/or split time). If you don't get a good cardio workout with these targets, you are already a super athlete...or you are some sort of supernatural being! « Show Less
877531
Yes, you have to go where the mode button is. After pushing the mode button, just keep pushing until you get to the amount of minutes you have worked out. Basically, the seconds are included with your heart rate. I hope this helps out!
1816750
You have to set the resistance all the way up to make it an efficient workout.
1509830
Hi Amy, if you have it on the last setting than that's the best you're going to get. I'm having the same problem too. I Decided to use the rower for muscle building/toning and get my cardio on recumbent bike. Of course there are other ways to get cardio exercises. I hope this helps.Good luck, Frank
408844
Yes, on one end. But I have to caution that I was disappointed at the weak resistance (to pedaling) of this unit -- even at the highest setting, 8, it's really too easy to get your heart rate up very much. My wife, who uses a "professional" unit at her company's gym, says that this is hardly more than just freewheeling. I even wrote to the company to ask whether there's any way to increase the resistance and they completely ignored my inquiry -- I wouldn't expect any customer support for anything about the bike from them. The only good thing was that assembly was intuitive and very straightforward.In all, I would reduce my score, having used it for a few months now. Yes, on one end. But I have to caution that I was disappointed at the weak resistance (to pedaling) of this unit -- even at the highest setting, 8, it's really too easy to get your heart rate up very much. My wife, who uses a "professional" unit at her company's gym, says that this is hardly more than just freewheeling. I even wrote to the company to ask whether there's any way to increase the resistance and they completely ignored my inquiry -- I wouldn't expect any customer support for anything about the bike from them. The only good thing was that assembly was intuitive and... » Read More Yes, on one end. But I have to caution that I was disappointed at the weak resistance (to pedaling) of this unit -- even at the highest setting, 8, it's really too easy to get your heart rate up very much. My wife, who uses a "professional" unit at her company's gym, says that this is hardly more than just freewheeling. I even wrote to the company to ask whether there's any way to increase the resistance and they completely ignored my inquiry -- I wouldn't expect any customer support for anything about the bike from them. The only good thing was that assembly was intuitive and very straightforward.In all, I would reduce my score, having used it for a few months now. « Show Less
469079
There is no feedback on the monitor regarding tension. It's strictly feel. I get continuity between workouts by adjusting the crank to the first touch. I warm up for a couple of minutes there, then increase tension by set amounts - quarter turns or eighth turns from there. It actually goes smoothly and reliably. My basic ride profile is a mountain top finish with ever increasing tension.
805938
You don't exactly run on this machine. I would recommend searching for videos on YouTube that show people using this piece of equipment. That said, you are in control of the movements. You can make slow, deliberate strides, hold them for a pause to really feel a burn...or go fast.
457299
I am finding the best results come from supplementing with a good cardio routine. For me, the "rapid weight loss" workout does not provide enough of a cardio workout. In terms of the other exercises, I definitely feel that I have had a workout afterwards (I typically combine 3-4 plus the warm up and cool down). Hope this helps. Good luck!
2133429
Just hold the side button down and it will cycle up and down through the settings. Hope this helps.
1639037
Make sure the protective coverings have been removed. I wipe mine down with alcohol prep pads. A light grip gives the best accuracy is what I have found. I wear a heart monitor most of the time when working out and it is within 5-7 bpm on the high side in comparrison. I hope this helps.This is the best investment of health equipment I have ever bought. I did add 1" pedal extentions to bring my legs away from the center console which worked out great as well.
1121
It depends on your balance and how fast you use it. Think Stair Stepper. Going slow - it should work. I use mine with a pair of walking sticks and work it as fast as I can at high resistance - In 5 minutes you have a sweat - Turn it into a moderate jog pace and you can get in 30 minutes to an hour of heart strengthening workout depending on your time and you will feel you also got a good aerobic workout.
47488
I have just started using the bike... and I find that if I just don't use any of the aerobic options and just stay steady with it at one, it's okay. I don't believe you can get the resistance any lower, but you can build up your strength using level 1 until ready to start using the workout aerobic trainers. I don't choose anything... when I get on the bike I just start to petal... and let it stay neutral like I'm on a level terrain track. I can only do 10 min at a time right now.
1074802
I have found this to be the case for me too. I have not been able to use the programs, other than the lowest setting. I also have strength in my legs. Otherwise I like the machine a lot. I do wish we could reduce the resistance to enjoy the workout programs. Maybe Xterra could answer this issue???
1250333
This great piece of equipment has to be plugged in. Depending on the nature of their disability some folks might require a little help getting situated. If you can sit, lift your leg and turn 90 degrees you should be able to mount the Physiostep by yourself. Once you are in the seat and the machine is properly set up for you (the handles adjust in and out and the seat moves up and back) it will provide safe, personally adjusted workouts. This is a five-star machine.
1093965
not sure you can. this watch is very basic and I only use it to measure my heart rate. I am a med student that understands the zones i should be in for each exercise/run so I just check to see but basically running you should be at 85% of your heart rate max which 220-age. so your aerobic zone is (.85x(220-age))
150764
Unless you have a cardiac or pulmonary problem, you figure your max heart rate - which is 208 minus (0.7 x your age). Then you select a target heart rate zone that will be somewhere between 40% to 80% of the max rate, depending on your current fitness level. One way to select is to work at a given target zone for 20 minutes. It needs to be high enough to get your heart rate above your normal walking-around rate - try 60% at first. Note your heart rate at the end of that. Then wait a minute and check your heart rate again. If it is only 20 bpm less than your heart rate you took a minute ago, then you're recovery rate is poor, reduce your current target zone. If it is more than 40 bmp less, your recovery rate is excellent and you can increase your current target zone. If you can't work at your selected target zone for at least 20 minutes, either reduce it or break it up into smaller intervals of 5 or 10 mins with cool down periods in between. Work towards being able to spend at least 20 minutes to 30 minutes in the 70% to 80% training zone, plus time before to stretch and warm up and time after to cool down and stretch some more, for about an hour altogether. Here is a pretty good description of how to make training zones work for you, and how to check resting, target, and recovery heart rates: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=80256
1349513
It's not just cardio. I was really out of shape when I started, and have gained balance, flexibility, range of motion, and lost inches especially from the toning video. It does not use weights, their "toning sticks'' are one pound, the heavy ones are two and a half. If you are looking to just tone, you probably will need a program that focuses on that. These are dance workouts which mainly work on your core, and gives a broad spectrum of good results.