LifeSpan Rowers
LifeSpan is a reputable fitness and workplace equipment company serving the US, Canada and the UK. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. They produce a wide variety of affordable exercise equipment for homes, clubs and medical centers. LifeSpan products are now distributed all over the world. They also specialize in active workplace solutions, manufacturing everything from treadmill desks to ergonomic workplace accessories. LifeSpan’s customer service gets high ratings from our in-house editorial team as well as from the vast majority of customers posting reviews online. Check out our top LifeSpan rowers, and learn about the pros and cons of the brand’s rowing machines below.
Top LifeSpan Rowing Machines
Model
Rating
Resistance Type
Weight Capacity
Folding
Resistance Levels
Pricing
Reviews
LifeSpan Rowing Machines
LifeSpan currently makes two rowing machines: the RW1000 Indoor Rower and the RW7000 Commercial Rowing Machine. The RW1000 sells for as little as $499 directly from LifeSpan. It’s a very basic rowing machine without preset programs, and it’s meant for trainees seeking not-so-strong resistance. There are five tension levels to choose from. The rower can support up to 300 pounds and will accommodate inseams up to 38”, so it’s suitable for most trainees. Its seat height is adjustable from 11” to 14.5”.
The Great
- Quick Assembly: Assembling the LifeSpan RW1000 typically takes 15 to 30 minutes according to customer reviews.
- Quiet Operation: Magnetic rowers are popular for home use because they run quietly. When using the RW1000, a person can listen to radio or TV at the normal volume.
- Easy-to-Use Console: The computer monitor is easy to use. It shows distance, time, calories, stroke count and strokes per minute. It uses a battery so that no power cord is required.
- Long Length: The LifeSpan RW1000 rowing machine is sized for people with inseams up to 38”.
- Quick Fold: The LifeSpan RW1000 is rather long at 90”, but it becomes compact when folded. Its folded dimensions are 34″ L x 19″ W x 64″ H. This allows for easy storage. Moving the machine is easy with the help of the attached wheels.
- Warranty: The RW1000 is sold with a generous warranty package despite its low price. It has a five year frame warranty, a two year parts warranty and a one year labor warranty. This is much better than what’s offered with most low-priced rowers. It’s also competitive with the warranty packages on more expensive rowing machines.
The Not-So-Great
- Light Resistance: The magnetic resistance on the LifeSpan RW1000 is rather light. It’s ideal for gentle exercise, muscle tone and calorie burn, but won’t support intense workouts. The top resistance level delivers 16.5 pounds of force. In contrast, rowing machines that use water or air for resistance can satisfy any rider’s preferred intensity level. Many other magnetic rowers are more powerful too.
- No Programs: The RW1000 has a data monitor but lacks preset programs.
- Plastic Parts: Given the price, it’s not surprising that this rower uses lots of plastic parts instead of metal ones.
- Small Footholds: Customers with larger feet have complained that their feet come loose from the pedals. The Velcro straps might need to be reinforced.
- Machine Moves: In a few customer reviews, larger trainees have complained that the rowing machine moves across the floor when used vigorously. Placing it on a rubber workout mat could help.
Our Conclusion
LifeSpan’s budget residential rowing machine—the RW1000—isn’t as robust as its other equipment. That said, it provides very good value for people who are seeking a machine that will support light to moderate cardio workouts at home. What’s more, it likely has the longest warranty of any rowing machine sold for $499 or less.
Pros
Cons
1. LifeSpan RW1000 Indoor Rower
The budget-friendly LifeSpan RW1000 Indoor Rower supports low-impact, full-body cardiovascular exercise. Designed for shared living spaces, it operates quietly and can be easily folded up when your workout is through. Resistance on this rower is magnetic, divided into five levels adjustable by a knob. It operates in manual mode only; there are no preset workout programs. For comfort, there are padded handlebar grips and swiveling foot pads. It’s not a particularly high-quality rower, and we do have some concerns about its durability. But for just $499, you will get a rower that’s easy to assemble, use, and store after light to moderate training sessions.
Read the Full LifeSpan RW1000 Indoor Rower Review