u/Tweetle_cock

I got my new rowing machine with the little budget I had, and this is my first proper fitness device after my walking pad that I got for myself to start working out. For quick context, I have never gotten gym equipment in my life before this. I know how a rowing machine works, at least basically, but there’s this constant feeling that my form is not right. Even when my posture is probably okay and everything seems fine, I still feel like I’m doing something wrong. Then I start overthinking every stroke, and it honestly demotivates me before I even get into the workout. I also have some app options too, like merach has its app and I have the subscription. It has videos/workouts on it too, so technically I should be using those to learn the form better, but I’m not even utilizing it properly. Maybe it’s just my brain making this harder than it needs to be. How did you stop overthinking your posture and just build the habit?

Over the past few years I've been getting gifts for my mom for Mothers Day and it's either something creative that I make for her and she keeps it but never uses it or I try getting something for her kitchen use that she needs.

But recently, I did my research and decided to get her something practical and got her power banks since she never had one and her phone is always down to the last battery percent. I wanted to get her something that won't just sit on the shelf and she will use it with her phone. I got her something useful and heres how you can get practical tech gifts for your non tech savvy moms.

P50 powerbank for portability:

This is for daily usage or when she travels. Easy to carry and fits inside sling bags and purses very easily. Very lightweight and comes in a lot of different colors so you can choose one that your mom would find cute. Charging is fast and can easily charge a phone and wireless earbuds.

P60 powerbank for capacity:

This is for long trips where she'll need multiple charges for her phone or tablet. It has more capacity and tends to charge multiple devices at the same time, so with the P63 she will be able to charge her phone and iPad with ease. More functional and won't need constant charging.

Getting my mom what she can use every day or when she needs may sound way practical but if you include engravings like I did with the powerbank and add a hand written note, then it becomes really personal.

I’ve been going back and forth on trying high performing tinted lenses for migraines/light sensitivity. I spend most of my day under fluorescent lights staring at a screen (office life). My optometrist mentioned them a while ago but I kept hesitating mostly because I didn’t want super intense tinted glasses that feel awkward to wear at work.

But but but I finally ordered them last month from firmoo. I went with a 25% lighter tint and it’s perfect. It looks like a stylish choice rather than appearing as really obvious.

The best part was the price. I managed to get the frames and these specialized lenses for around $40 which is wild considering some brands charge hundreds for migraine specific tech. Even with the added anti-reflective and anti-oil coatings, it stayed super budget friendly. I did have a small hiccup where I accidentally entered the wrong axis for my prescription but the support team was really helpful. They caught it, helped me resolve it quickly and my glasses still arrived at my doorstep here in Illinois within 11 days. Plus, because I added a backup pair and hit the $79 mark, the shipping was completely free.

I definitely recommend. They aren't always strong enough for prolonged screen time but for light sensitivity, they have been the best.

Started rowing in February. Got a merach r50 because I didn't want to spend Concept 2 money on something I might quit in a week. Been doing about 20-25 min in the mornings, usually 4 days a week. Some weeks 3 TBH

Weight hasn't changed much. Started at 198, currently at 193. But I wasn't eating that differently so that's probably why. My pants fit a bit better though and I don't get out of breath as fast when I take the stairs at the parking garage.

I was kind of hoping for more tbh. Like you see people posting these crazy before/afters and I definitely don't have that. But I also know I'm not really pushing that hard so it's fair.

The thing I didn't expect was how much it helps with my back. I sit at a desk all day and my lower back used to be stiff by day end. That's mostly gone now. Also sleeping a bit better.

Planning to start watching what I eat more seriously and maybe add some bodyweight stuff on off days. We'll see. Just wanted to post this because most rowing posts I see are either people who went super hard or people asking what to buy. Figured someone in the middle might be useful too.