WOW.........how cool is that! Who would of thunk it? Thanks PG.

I didn't read all the posts, so I'm not sure this has been mentioned.  There is a "paddle adapter"  available for the Concept 2 rower, which actually mimics paddling.

Here is a link: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I have used these before and they are very cool!

[quote]Yoga is awesome.  The best exercise around. [quote]

Awesome, yes it is.
Best Exercise, that depends on what your looking for in a workout program?

Flexibility/ muscle tone/ increased lung capacity/ overall body health, yes to them all.

However if your into a sport that requires long term muscle endurance like cycling/rowing/ cross country asking etc, it will help on your off training days but it won't get you in shape for those activities.
The best exercise for you sport(s) is actually doing that activity. If you can't do the activity you want a workout or exercise machine that can mimic the muscles used and body movements as closely as possible.

The best workout regime is one that combines the Big 3, Cardio/ Resistance work/Flexibility.
You can emphasis one or more for the specific needs of your given activity, but there all important and far to often one or more are overlooked.

Even the best exercise machines have there limitations.
Rowing is a great exercise but it does have a drawback?
Like cycling, rowing doesn't put a load on the skeletal system.
Not an issue until you swing that heavy portage pack/canoe/backpack and head off down the trail.
Cross training is the key. Find cardio/resistance workouts that mimic as close to possible the muscles/movements( if possible) of your chosen activities and you'll be on your way.

S_T & Jimbo are right on about core & hamstrings issues. Good advice there. I had back surgery about 20 yrs ago. Good news is your discs dry up and shrink in time,,,like grapes turning into raisins. So pressures can fade over the years. My aches fade during the canoe racing season when my core muscles are in the best shape. Still have tight hamstrings, hate to stretch, my bad.
Another thing that helps me is using pillows for good support while sleeping. While on my side, I use some between my thighs. It keeps the hips from twisting my back. While sleeping on my back, I slide the pillows under my backside about where a wallet would be. You should feel a light stretch to your back as you slide off. Kind of like you tilted a recliner back too max.
Most chiropractors will have pictures in their offices showing the right way to support yourself while you sleep. A stuff sack full of extra clothes works while camping. If you're lucky you find a nice "hip hole".
Good luck and hope this helps. You kind of have to find what works for you.
Jim

Quote:


The human body is a remarkable " machine"
It's able to compensate for muscle weakness and some injuries.
Before your surgery, you had a bad knee that lacked stability. Your body responds by tightening your hamstrings to help limit your range of motion, in effect helping stabilize your weak knee.
The Yoga by stretching out your hamstrings didn't cause instability, it just exposed the weakness.
If your knee is fixed, Yoga can only help if done correctly. Their are a myriad of home yoga tapes that target specific problem areas. I know theres a number for lower back issues.
Nothing the matter with home exercise tapes, but I would recommend a few lessons with a certified yoga instructor to make sure your doing things properly.
Proper form is the key to any exercise you do.
Sometimes the home DVDS are lax in emphasizing that or the camera angles/edit doesn't give you a proper view of what you should look like in a given pose.
Doing your workout with a couple of mirrors for front and side views is a big plus for making sure your body is aligned properly

Yoga is awesome.  The best exercise around.  If you want to sit cross-legged after retirement yoga will provide.

Wow, tight hammys bad for the back eh? Who knew. That was worth the price of admission. I was getting into the yoga last year but noticed when my legs were stretched out my knee felt unstable.

I'll give it another go this year. Almost caught up on work.....YEAH! Hopefully the knee is actually fixed like the doc said it was. So far you couldn't prove it by me. Ok with the rower but not the stepper.......

Maybe this Yoga will do me some good as far as therapy goes. If not I might have to send my boys over to the docs place and ask him what gives.

Jimbo wrote on Nov 11^th, 2011 at 7:59pm:


Some but not all ( Orthopedic issues aside) lower back issues stem from a weak Core and believe it or not tight hamstrings. A yoga/stretching program that addresses this problem might help with some of your problems or at least helps alleviate some of the reoccurring pain.

If after proper warm-up you can't touch your toes or better yet put your palms on the ground, you have tight hamstrings, not just a sore/tight lower back.
Getting and keeping your hamstrings loose may or may not eliminate all your problems, but it won't hurt either and just might do you a world of good.

Another thing to remember is that as we age we don't recover as fast as we once did. Doing back to back hard workouts working the same muscles is a recipe for disaster.
Mix up your workouts and throw in some flexibility sessions as well. A OFF day is a good idea as well. If you want to keep old age at bay as long as possible you need to work smarter not necessarily harder

If you're trying rowing machines, check out the water rower too.

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There's no harsh snap as you load-up the resistance, and the sound of water swishing as you workout is pleasing. I got one, and have used many others in gyms before. This one is really different. I like it. But I'd rather workout outdoors if possible.

I have a fairly significant low back issue.  I recommend looking at applicable yoga postures for building core strength.  Blend them into your overall workout routine at least 3X/week.

Jimbo