Rowing machine workout for beginners and experienced rowers - follow along with me for 21 minutes of easy cardio. I'll row 5K while you row for however long works for you. Low-intensity steady-state training with technique coaching throughout. Perfect for building a daily rowing habit on your Concept2 or other indoor rowing machine. Just company, conversation, and consistent movement.

Today's row is a bit different - I'm testing the Merach rowing machine (a Concept2 copy at less than half the price) using the SmartRow handle for accurate data. The Merach's stock monitor is rubbish, but the SmartRow handle proved 99.99% accurate in testing - only 3 meters difference over 30 minutes compared to a Concept2 PM5. I'll explain the whole setup while we row, plus dive into technique today.

The workout:

21 minutes of rowing at an easy, conversational pace

Around 19-20 strokes per minute

Keep rowing while I keep talking if you need more time for your 5K

Perfect warm-up intensity (zone 2)

What you'll get:

✅ Easy cardio on your rowing machine - no pressure, just company

✅ Deep technique breakdown: hands away sets up posture reset, using body momentum to roll forward, don't pull on foot straps to bend knees

✅ Real talk about Concept2 patent expiring and copycat machines appearing

✅ SmartRow handle accuracy testing results (3 meters difference over 30 minutes!)

✅ Chat about the morality of copying designs vs affordability

Today's chat covers: Why I'm rowing on the Merach machine today (£400 vs £900+ for Concept2, use code JOHN15 for discount) , how the SmartRow handle measures force and stroke length through chain vibrations, testing data showing 99.99% accuracy against PM5, Concept2's patent expiration and the flood of copies, the moral dilemma of copied designs vs accessibility, detailed technique breakdown about hands-away momentum, fixing a person's technique from Sunday's row (they were pulling on straps to bend knees), upcoming My Row filming session, blistered fingers getting black tape for professionalism, and why everything should flow without stopping points.

If you're interested in buying one, they gave me a link, which give you 15% off (I also get 15%).

https://uk.merachfit.com/?ref=JOHNSTEVENTON (for UK Shoppers)

https://merachfit.eu/?ref=JOHNSTEVENTON (for EU shoppers)

The philosophy: "It's not about hitting exactly 5,000 meters. What matters is spending those 21 minutes rowing, focusing on your form, and enjoying the time on the machine. Everybody's different. We all have our strengths, things we're good at, things we're learning to get better at. As long as we're trying to get better at everything..."

Technique focus today: Hands away from the finish creates the posture reset. Your body mass moving forward is what bends your knees - don't pull on the foot straps. Use momentum, not muscle, to roll into the front. Everything should flow - the only stop point is the turnaround at the catch.

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🔴 DISCLAIMER 🔴

Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness program to ensure it's appropriate for you. Do not begin this workout if advised against by your healthcare professional. Participation in any exercises or information provided on this channel is at your own risk. John at RowAlong will not be held liable for any harm, injury, or damage resulting from use of this content.

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