Anyone looking for an indoor rowing machine on a tight budget should definitely check out the ProForm range of rowers. The ProForm Sports RL rower will be right up your alley when you want an indoor rower in a reasonable price. Despite its price, the machine still manages to pack in a lot more than you would expect in its sleek and modern design.
The Workout Experience
Rather than using friction based resistance, the ProForm Sports RL uses silent magnetic resistance (SMR). There are a host of advantages of this kind of resistance. To begin with, even when used at high speeds, the rower is very quiet, which means you do not have to worry about the noise disturbing anyone when you are using it in the home gym.
Secondly, it also has a very smooth action during the entire rap, not to mention a longer lifespan. In addition, you will find that the ProForm Sports RL has 24 levels of resistance and this is a huge benefit because it means that everyone can get a good workout regardless of their fitness level.
Footprint and Portability
In terms of size, you will find that the ProForm Sports RL rower is quite big. It measures 87-inches long, 22 inches wide and 46 inches high. This means it has a big footprint, but the advantage here is that it comes with a folding mechanism. You can fold it in half, which is a huge relief because the length takes up a lot of space. In terms of transport, the advantage is that the rower comes with wheels. As far as the weight capacity is concerned, the rower supports up to 250 pounds.
The Design and Ergonomics
First and foremost, the ProForm Sports RL is a well-built and solid machine and it looks quite good. But, most importantly, you will find that the rowing machine is also very comfortable to use. Even if you are tall, you will not have any problems in doing the full rowing stroke due to the size of its main rail, which is longer than most other rowers in the market.
The wide footplates are very comfortable and can accommodate people of different sizes easily. The wide handlebars are also appealing because they ensure that you will be able to find a comfortable position regardless of how thin, thick, long or short you might be. While the seat is surprisingly thin and small, it is still highly comfortable.
Technology
The ProForm Sport RL comes with a 5-inch LCD display that shows you data, such as distance, time rowed, strokes per minute and more. There is also a tablet, or smartphone holder and you can use it for watching your iFIT workouts, as it is compatible with the machine. You can also listen to your own podcasts, or music with the front-facing speakers.
The rowing machine is also Bluetooth-enabled, so it can be used with fitness devices, heart rate monitors and Bluetooth headphones.
Pros
- Folding capability
- 1-month iFIT membership
- Good warranty
Cons
- Big footprint
- Small display
The Verdict
If you are looking for a decent rowing machine for a good price, you cannot go wrong with the ProForm Sport RL.
ProForm Sport RL Review
Summary
Anyone looking for an indoor rowing machine on a tight budget should definitely check out the ProForm range of rowers.