Last Updated on October 21, 2021 by Jeff
Marcy Foldable 8 Level Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine (NS-40503RW) Overview:
The Marcy Foldable Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine is the more affordable, less bulky version of the rowers from Marcy, a trusted fitness brand for more than fifty years. With eight levels of adjustable resistance and a basic LCD monitor, this is not a fancy machine by any stretch of the imagination, but it certainly gets the job done.
Another advantage of the Marcy is the ability to fold this machine by simply removing a quick release pin. Using this feature, it can be placed virtually anywhere for storage when not in use.
Technical Info:
Dimensions:
- Height: 31.9”; 46” folded
- Width: 19.7”; 19.5” folded
- Length: 74.4”; 37” folded
- Item weight: Around 60 lbs
- Max user weight: 300 lbs
Features:
- Solid frame with no frills construction.
- Padded seat for added comfort during the workout.
- Adjustable foot pedal angles with adjustable foot strap for security.
- LCD Monitor, which can be angled according to the trainee’s need.
- Adjustable to eight levels of resistance.
- Folds for easy, stowaway storage.
- Transport wheels allow for easy movement from place to place.
- Foam covered handle for comfortable, slip-resistant rowing.
- Monitor Features:
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- Operates on 2 AA batteries. These are not included.
- Angled for easy viewing.
- Tracks time, total count, stroke count, calories burned.
- Scan function scrolls through all metrics.
Warranty:
- Frame: 2 years
Shipping and Assembly:
Shipping costs will depend on where you buy your Marcy Rowing Machine. Free shipping is an option in most parts of the U.S. unless you need expedited shipping or a special service.
Assembly is fairly easy, but the instructions could be greatly improved upon with easy-to-follow diagrams and clearer directions. None of the parts are labeled, which is frustrating, but it is fairly easy to determine where the parts belong. Overall, assembly takes little time once you figure out what you are doing. Most people stopped working with the instructions and diagram and found that the process went far smoother on their own.
What We Love About the Marcy Foldable 8 Level Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine:
Straightforward Machine
It certainly doesn’t look like the latest tech or equipment out there, and you won’t find any major bells and whistles here, but this rowing machine is good for what it is designed for—rowing. Even the monitor is basic, but it gets the job done and shows you all the metrics that you need to see for a great workout.
Higher Seat Means Less Struggle
The average rowing machine seat is very close to the ground, meaning that anyone with lower back pain, bad hips or knees or just inflexible in general may struggle to get on and off the seat. This Marcy rowing machine sits slightly higher especially if you move the seat back toward the very end of the back rail. This allows you to get seated and then move forward to adjust your feet on the pedals.
Easy Fold Design And Small Footprint
Not everyone has a dedicated workout space or even the room to leave a piece of equipment out at all times. This machine is easily folded for quick storage, and the convenient transport wheels allow it to be moved from place to place without struggle.
What Isn’t So Great:
Limited Warranty
Information about the warranty isn’t readily available. The very limited warranty only covers the frame for two years and nothing else.
Only 8 Levels of Resistance
While it is a great machine for trainees who are new to exercise or have never used a rower before, it is not going to provide much of a challenge to those who have some fitness experience. Once all 8 levels of resistance are mastered, the rower can be used for cardio, but most people prefer other forms of cardio over rowing, as it can become tedious without an ongoing challenge to work towards.
Basic Monitor
The monitor is nothing fancy and only tracks rudimentary metrics such as time, stroke count and calories burned. Because it lacks inputs for weight or age, the calories burned is only a rough estimate and should not be treated as an actual evaluation of how hard you worked.
How the NS-40503RW Compares to the Marcy Turbine Foldable Rower (Model NS605ORE):
The Turbine model is the pricier of the two by over $125. it is also bigger, bulkier and heavier without any added benefits for all of that heft. It has the same level of resistance as the Magnetic Resistance model and the same very basic LCD monitor. The turbine does give it a bit of a futuristic appeal, but it also takes up far more room, even when folded.
At around $225, the NS-4053RW is the better value with far less bulk.
Final Word on the Marcy Foldable Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine (NS-40503RW):
The Marcy brand is a trusted name in fitness equipment and has been for more than fifty years. While it certainly isn’t going to pass for a fitness club model rowing machine, it has its benefits including the ability to fold for storage. It is at the mid to lower price range for magnetic resistance style rowing machines and does seem to be pretty solidly built.
While the monitor is nothing special, that can be fixed by adding your own heart rate monitor and using a fitness tracking app instead. With 8 levels of resistance (pretty standard for the industry) this is a basic machine that is built for a simple rowing workout—without any bells and whistles. If you want one with more bells and whistles, this is not the brand or the model and this is probably not the price point for you.
Click here to check the price of the Marcy Foldable Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine on Amazon.