Last Updated on May 28, 2017 by Jeff
Overview:
The RW1000 Rowing Machine is LifeSpan Fitness’ addition to the rowing machine world and is designed to work the muscles of the arms, shoulders, back and legs while giving the user’s cardiovascular system a great workout as well. It’s a high quality rower with a good price point of around $500-$600 that sits it in middle of the market.
The RW1000 rower has a 16.5 pound flywheel and eddy current drive magnetic resistance system that create a smooth and quiet performance while delivering a powerful workout. Its sturdy construction supports a user who weighs up to 300lbs. And its digital console gives the user detailed and accurate information about their rowing sessions. When not in use, the rower is easy to fold up and store post-workout with no tools necessary.
*NOTE: The LifeSpan Fitness is currently out of stock online. We suggest considering the Velocity Exercise CHR-2001 Magnetic Rower which has similar features (and gets better reviews). Click here for our review.
Technical info:
Full dimensions:
- Height: 23 inches
- Width: 18.5 inches
- Length: 90 inches
- Weight: 56 lbs
Folded storage dimensions:
- Height: 64 inches
- Width: 19 inches
- Length: 34 inches
Main Features:
- 16.5 Pound Flywheel
- Eddy Current Drive System
- Steel Frame
- LCD Console
- Maximum User Weight: 300lbs.
Computer Features:
- Workout Duration
- Distance Covered
- Calories Burned
- Strokes per Minute
- Heart Rate
Warranty:
- Five year frame warranty and two year parts warranty
Shipping and Assembly:
Customers report that the LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 Rowing Machine comes well packaged in two boxes. Assembly is simple and takes around twenty or thirty minutes. Instruction manual and tools are included.
What We Love About the LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 Rowing Machine:
Commonly used in gyms nationwide and awarded the Seal of Excellence for the 2008 Gear Awards, the RW1000 from Lifespan is known for being a workhorse. This isn’t a new product but a time-tested piece of rowing equipment. It’s not the fanciest rower out there, but it will get the job done.
Built with solid, reliable materials, including a sturdy steel frame, and designed for comfort with a well-padded seat, the LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 Rowing Machine delivers an excellent workout with minimum friction and noise. It allows the user to easily choose their tension and resistance level. And the rower’s movement capacity creates a workout that follows natural arm and leg movements.
The machine is easy to fold up and store which is great if you are working out in a room that has other uses. We use our rower in the living room because it has the most room and the television. But we don’t want to leave it out of course, and being able to easily tuck the rowing machine away after exercising is key.
Built strong enough to support a larger user weight than most rowing machines it’s one of the most durable out there. It also comes with a long warranty which is reassuring and a great sign of Lifespan’s faith in their own product.
Finally, the eddy current drive system that provides magnetic resistance is a great way to reduce wear and tear on the machine. Magnetic resistance systems don’t have as many parts that may grind and wear out like some other types such as air rowers. This keeps the noise of operation low as well so the machine can be used at night when others are sleeping.
What Isn’t So Great:
For the price, you’d be hard pressed to find too many negative things to say about the LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 Rowing Machine as it’s a very high quality piece of equipment. One small issue is that the console is not backlit. This only really matters in low lighting, but an easy solution is to avoid rowing in the dark. A lamp positioned behind you when using is plenty enough light to illuminate the console.
Some people might feel that if you’re going to invest $500 in a rower then you should level up to a machine like the Concept2 Model D or a WaterRower that have been designed to be even more ergonomic. There might be some truth to that, but the RW1000 is great for beginners and experienced users alike and will definitely get you sweating. And one more thing to note is that the Velocity Exercise Rower comes with electronic resistance control. This is something to consider, but you’ll be paying around $100 more for that feature.
Final Word on the LifeSpan Fitness RW1000:
The RW1000 Rowing Machine will definitely make a great addition to your home fitness regimen and get you losing weight, toning up, or accomplishing whatever goals you’re after. It’s durable, quiet, and very well made overall. Coming in at around $500, it’s not the cheapest on the market, but it’s a good middle-of-the-road priced rower that provides an excellent workout.
*Again, this rower is currently out of stock online. Take a look at one of the rowing machines below:
This video shows some tips for how to row properly: