My gym got some rowing machines recently and I’ve been using them for cardio, and honestly, I’m not impressed. Maybe I’m missing something but it’s just not that hard. I have it set on 9 out of 10 and am doing 2000m in 10 minutes but my heart rate barely goes up. I’ll hit 140+ on the stair climber but barely 100 on the rower.
I haven't tried a rower in a long time but when I was I had the same reaction. I always heard how awesome they were so I just thought I was missing something.
What was your stroke rate? It can be a challenge to find your optimum stroke rate, as explained in this article (if you are using a flywheel resistance rower, that is): https://www.concept2.com/news/rowing-stroke-rate-explained
Endurance rate, according to the article. I can't remember my rate, but I was burning up after my interval workouts.
10 minutes for a 2000 meter row is very slow, old women on our rowing team are at 8:30. A fit man should easily be at 8:00. Your damper is set way too high, should be about 4 or 5. Stroke rate should be 30-34.