Last Updated on October 21, 2021 by Jeff
Overview:
The ProForm 440 R Rower was designed and manufactured to provide an excellent cardio workout as well as full-body strength training. This rowing machine has a very smooth rowing action for an entry-level machine. But what really makes the ProForm 440R special is that it combines a traditional rowing machine with a low-pulley station for an extensive upper body workout. While standing upright over the end of the rower, you hold the soft-touch, ergonomic handlebar and can workout out your biceps, shoulders/deltoids, triceps, and quads (see Exhibit A below).
Exhibit A
When you’ve completed your session, storing this ProForm rowing machine is extremely simple and can be performed in one simple step. For a budget end rowing machine, the ProForm 440R Rower is decently built and comes with a solid frame, parts, and labor warranty.
Click here to see the price of the ProForm 440R Rowing Machine on Amazon.
Technical info:
Assembled dimensions:
- Height: 20.5 inches
- Width: 38.3 inches
- Length: 76.6 inches
- Weight: 68 lbs
Features:
- Pivoting pedal with adjustable foot strap designed to keep your feet in place.
- Transport wheels for fast and easy transport.
- Inertia-enhanced flywheel for smooth, steady bike pedal stroke.
- SpaceSaver design allows the machine to be folded in one simple step.
- Oversized aluminum seat rail that is lightweight and durable.
- Adjustable ergonomic molded seat for guaranteed comfort during workouts.
- Maximum User Weight: 250 lbs.
Computer Features:
- Large, easy to read LCD screen.
- Scan mode displays each data set for a period of
approximately six seconds before moving onto the next set. - Workout data includes:
- Strokes
- Strokes/Minute
- Total Strokes
- Calories Burned
- Time
- Distance
Warranty:
The frame has a five (5) year warranty against breakage. It also has a 90-day parts and labor warranty.
Shipping and Assembly:
ProForm provides an instruction manual with fully-illustrated pictures to demonstrate the process. The rower does not come pre-assembled and additional tools will be needed to complete the assembly.
Packaging dimensions:
- Height: 20.1 inches
- Width: 11.2 inches
- Length: 50.4 inches
- Weight: 71 lbs
Company/Manufacturer info:
The 440R Rower is manufactured by ProForm, a well-established company in the health and fitness industry. They have a reputation for delivering highly professional and budget-friendly exercise equipment. Besides rowers, they manufacture many other pieces of fitness products including elliptical machines, treadmills and hybrid trainers.
What We Love About the ProForm 440R Rower:
Versatility
The ProForm 440R Rower is a good budget end rower specifically designed for full body cardio and strength training. Its versatile design allows this rowing machine to be used is two very different exercises. It is obviously used as a typical rower, but it can also be used as a stand-up strength trainer. While exercising, you’ll also be impressed with the machines rowing motion. This rowing machine has a very smooth and realistic rowing action that you often don’t find in a budget or entry level rower. And when the workout is complete, the ProForm 440 R Rower stores away quickly and compactly.
Smooth & Quiet Rowing
Another nice feature about the ProForm 440R Rower is that its magnetic resistance provides for a very quiet workout. As a rule of thumb, people generally know that the larger the flywheel, the quieter and smoother the rowing action will be. The 440R Rower defies this logic. Despite its small flywheel, this rowing machine provides a very realistic rowing feel.
Space Saving
A handy feature of the ProForm 440R Rower is that it is easily stored. It folds in one single step and can be easily moved on the front wheels. At only 68 lbs, moving this rowing machine is very simple. In a smaller home, or confined area, this is a design that will work for you.
What Isn’t So Great About the ProForm 440 R:
Assembly
Almost every reviewer has listed assembly as a drawback of the ProForm 440R Rower. Most reviewers claim that even with the illustrated assembly manual, the rowing machine is quite difficult to put together. Some of the issues included “fixes” that need to be done to the parts, equipment alignment since this machine two separate exercise movements and none of the parts were pre-assembled. All of the reviewers estimated their assembly times to be longer than normal for this machine. For first time users, this may be a difficult build.
Comfort
At a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs, the ProForm 440R Rower is not capable of fitting everyone. Even if you are getting close to this maximum weight, you may find this rowing machine uncomfortable. Even the seat was found by a number of reviewers to be on the small side. The biggest comfort complaint with the 440R Rower was the handle. Most reviewers found the handle to be too small and thin. Reviewers had a difficult time gripping the handle while exercising.
Budget Computer
This is a budget monitor. It has a large, readable display and a function that scans through all of the settings, but that’s it. The computer has no advanced functions at all. You can find other rowers in the same price range that provide advanced rowing functions, as well as, heart rate monitoring. The ProForm 440R Rower does not have a heart rate monitoring option.
Final Word on the ProForm 440R Rower:
In the neighborhood of $399, the ProForm 440R Rower is a little on the expensive side for what you’re getting. That said, the versatility of this rowing machine is definitely what sets it apart. The machine’s design allows for both cardio and strength training, which is a nice feature. And for the money, you are also getting a rowing machine with very smooth and quiet action. Something that is again uncommon on this end of the market. Our recommendation is to compare it along side of the Kettler Favorit Rowing Machine and the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower.
A strange video of a guy rowing his ProForm 440R in interesting locations: