Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower

Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower is mid-range, foldable, home rower. It comes with several preset and heart rate programs, chest strap for monitoring heart rate and the user manual. Although it is strong and robust, its maximum allowed user weight is somewhat low.

Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower has magnetic break system, which is very quiet and provides smooth ride.

Rower comes with 12 workout programs including 6 cardio profiles, 1 manual, 4 custom user programs and 1 heart rate program. Heart rate program adjusts the resistance according to the heart rate detected by the chest strap heart rate monitor which is included.

Rower uses LCD backlit display which tracks time (up to 99 minutes), stroke count (up or down - 9999 strokes max), covered distance (up to 999 miles), burned calories (up or down, 999 kcal max), rowing speed (strokes per minute - from 0 to 999 strokes per minute), heart pulse (from 40 to 240 beats per minute) and rowing power (measured in watts - from 0 to 999 W). Controls are rather simple and allow on-the-fly adjustments.

Note: rowing handle is above display and personally, I don't like it. I prefer display above rowing handle - such display is easier to see during entire stroke. But, this is highly personal experience.

Also, burned calories depend on many things not taken into account, so use this counter only as one of the parameters to compare individual exercises.

Rowing handle is foam-padded and feel comfortable during rowing. Seat is molded and it offers more-or-less comfortable workout - if you are used to rowing. If you are not used to rowing, don't force yourself for longer than 10-15 minutes in the beginning. If you want to exercise longer, make 5 minutes breaks between rowing sessions and walk and gently stretch your body.

Foot plates have 'standard' pivoting mechanism for less ankle stress, while straps hold feet securely in position - just be sure to position your feet properly on foot plates.

Rowing beam is made of extruded aluminum and ensures smooth movement during stroke, while keeping the rower's weight acceptable.

Rower frame is made of steel and it is foldable for easier storage. Also, rower has transport wheels for moving from position to position, but it is best practice to keep the rower on the permanent position and row whenever you have time - 5 minutes of slow rowing burns more calories than 5 minutes laying down on the couch! :)

Maximum allowed user weight is 275 pounds (~125 kg) and although it is enough for most of the trainees, it could be better.

Rower's weight is 75 pounds (34 kg) and folded dimensions are 36" long x 20" wide x 53.5" tall (~92 x 51 x 136 cm). When in use, rower dimensions are 81" x 20" x 24.5" (~206 x 130 x 63 cm) - it is rather big piece of exercise machine, which requires space.

Note: although it is rather stable unit, don't allow kids and pets to play around the rower, especially when it is folded. If it tips over, that aluminum beam can punch really hard! Seriously!

Rower is powered by small adapter which must be plugged into the wall socket, while heart rate chest strap uses one lithium 3V CR2032 battery.

Warranty: 90 days on the parts and three years on the frame from the date of the original purchase from an authorized retailer, if rower was under normal use, service, proper assembly and proper operation. Also, don't forget to register your unit, when purchased.

Assembly is required, but it is relatively easy (two persons recommended) and all required tools come with the unit.

Before doing anything, read the manual, at least once.

Long story short - very good home rowing machine. If you don't mind its shortcomings (limited number of programs, low maximum user weight), consider this rower - treat it properly and it will serve you for a long time.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower Amazon link (link opens in the new window).