GYMAX Hydraulic Rowing Machine - Adjustable Resistance Full Body Workout Rower with LCD Monitor for Cardio Training | Home Gym, Office & Apartment Fitness Equipment for Weight Loss & Muscle Toning

If I had been able to try this I wouldn’t have purchased it. On the lowest setting none of my kids can really get going as it is too hard and that was my main reason for getting this. Many reviews on other cheaper models talk about how little resistance there is so I thought this would work great as we love kayaking. They just can’t get enough of a movement going to really make it work because of the resistance level. As for us adults- Unless you put it on a higher setting, the resistance doesn’t kick in until mid stroke which really throws off the rhythm and doesn’t work the muscles as well. At higher levels where it does work right, the resistance is too strong for a good paced stroke. It is fine for very slow work but not a good clip like rowing is usually. Granted I’m recovering from surgery and six months off lifting but I’m back up to 40 lbs dumbbells on arm and chest work so I’m not that weak and my husband thinks it’s fine but also can’t get going on the higher levels. In fact, he only uses the lowest setting. Also, the back needs to be raised. If you are on carpet then the seat catches near the front and it is just an awkward position for my legs. I raised it about five inches and it is much better. My final concern is all the noise the plastic covers make- they sound like they may not last long and I don’t like the constant clicking sound. Changing resistance is time consuming since you loosen and relocate both sides but more importantly it is very hard to get them even because there aren’t any levels or marks so I recommend making your own with a sharpie if you are going to change. I like to increase during the workout and then go back and it is quite a process.I do like the seat because it is reasonably comfortable and I can turn backwards and work my arms differently though not with the leg action. It seems to count and track correctly. I really like the freedom to change arm positions which is why I bought this style instead of the straight cable pull kind. I’m impressed with the resistance and that it stays even after an hour of use and the hydraulics heating up. I wish there was a little leg resistance but that’s not a deal breaker. I can add a band to it. My feet stay even without the straps so no issues with the pedals. It’s light weight and compact, easy to move and store. If it weren’t for not being able to lower the resistance enough for my kids which isn’t everyone’s goal and the weird mid stroke resistance and clicking plastic I would love this. I would still raise the back though.It broke in 2 months with minimum usage. I used it 20 minutes, 3 times a week mainly as warm up before I do my pull-ups, sit-ups and weights. As shown in attached photos, the bracket at the bottom of the left rowing bar is ripped from the base frame rendering the machine completely useless.Update 1/29/21 after I submitted a refund request, the vendor quickly offer to make it good. They accepted my refund request, which I did not expect after over 2 months. They also gave me an option for a partial refund (even asked me for what I think is reasonable partial refund) If I can still use the machine and not send it back for a full refund. Unfortunately the machine is not useable so I will pack it up and send it back for a full refund. I will update the rating once I receive the full refund. But I have to say, they are a good business outfit that does not screw around.Update 02/06/21. Shipped the rower back and Received full refund. I am changing the rating to 3 star for treating their customers right. They did not try to provide excuse. They provided immediate remedy instead. The one I got could just be a manufacturing defect.I have used the rowing machine for about three weeks, every other day, for a half an hour each time. Okay, first the good: it was fairly easy to assemble, looks like the photos on-line, and can be adjusted to very challenging resistance to keep the workout new.The not so good: At the weakest setting it is too hard for my spouse to use, and I use it only slightly above that level- it would not work for anyone compromised in any way. The rubber boots that cover the ends of the shock absorbers are apparently poorly made because one of them has already ripped in half. But the real problem is the arc of movement the rowing arms make me follow; instead of a straight pull from my toes to my chest it is a path that is like a rainbow, which feels weird and does not give the same workout I have had on other rowing machines. Had I realized this problem I would have chosen a different machine. In fact, now that more time has gone by, I am giving this machine away and have bought a new one with magnetic resistance and a straight line pull stroke. The weird arc stroke hurts my shoulders and elbows.I bought this to fill in until I believe it is safe enough to return to the health club. If I had expected to use this long term I would have bought a different rowing machine.It is lighter. It takes up a smaller space than other types of rowing machines. And it is a less expensive design.What I wish would improve is primarily the seat rollers. If my weight is not centered on the seat then the rollers will bind on the track. This is easily corrected by just keeping my weight centered.The resistance, which is totally adjustable, starts stiffly until the pistons warm a bit. In one minute it stabilizes for the rest of my 22 minute exercise. This may be due to the rowing machine being in an unheated garage.It works well for my purpose at an attractive price.This machine was easy to put together and use. It's not too loud to use in my apartmentwhile watching tv, the only thing I would recommend is to make the cup for your heel on the pedals deeper to hold your foot more securely. Had to buy a chunkier sneaker to help keep my feet in place. I did read a comment from someone about modifying theirs with some pvc pipe for a few dollars and might do the same. It's nothing to return the machine over. Definitely a good value for the price.This rowing machine was easy install, the instruction was clear and comprehensive. It come with a small monitor to help you keep track of time and counts how many set you are doing. It is very easy to use, and adjust the resistance. Overall, i think this product is good and would recommend itDissapointing purchase. In just less than 2 months of buying , something behind the screen broke and the screen is tilted. Why Amazon allow these chinese manufacturers to sell here. Their product is not cheap but extremely fragile.Sticks to the classic design I remember from the 80’s. Easy to assemble, easy to adjust. The digital readout is super simplistic but if you want something fancy, use a smart watch. For the pure exercise aspect it’s good. No bells and whistles, just what you actually need.Very cheap make, lightweight material. Not a sturdy product. The electronics section does not work at all. Would not recommend this product.My original Row Machine was stolen by my ex wife when we separated, just so she could sell it for cocaine!! It took years before I was able to find a replacement Row Machine that was similar to my original.It's perfect for working through my work related injuries.le produit me satisfait pleinement. Il arrive partiellement assemblé . Les instructions pour le reste de l'assemblage sont facile à comprendre . Je fais de l'exercices tout les jours avec cet appareil. Le niveau de résistance de l'appareil me satisfait. (Je suis une femme de taille moyenne) . Le moniteur me plait bien . Il m'aide a évaluer mes progrès . Le rangement est facile. Il se glisse facilement sous le lit.