| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Drive | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WHMH 1678 Check Discounted Price | L:72" W:25" H:51.5" | 250 lbs | Dual chain, Oar action | Motorized magnetic, 14 levels | Time, Distance, Strokes, SPM, Calories, Watts, Goals |
The Women’s Health Men’s Health 1678 rower is one of the fitness machines released by Paradigm Health & Wellness in 2021. Similar to the Fitness Reality 4000MR, it is equipped with a set of oars, rather than a pulling handle. It also has a dual-drive system; each oar attaches to its own resistance cable.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 72L x 25W x 51.5H inches (183L x 63W x 131H cm)
- Assembled weight: 116.4 lbs (52.8 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Footrests: Adjustable, non-pivoting
- Resistance: Air & magnetic, 14 resistance levels
- Exercise meter: Time, split/time, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, calories, watts, goals
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 3 years / Electronics 2 years
Frame construction
The Women’s Health Men’s Health 1678 rower features a pretty durable steel frame double-coated with a 
corrosion-resistant paint finish. The main color used is black, this being the only color available for this trainer at the moment. The only exception is the metal sheet that covers the machine’s rail. This is made either of stainless steel or extruded aluminum so it doesn’t have a paint finish.
The fully assembled machine is fairly large. It is approx. 72″ (183 cm) long, and 25″ (63 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance at the rear of the unit and on each side, for ease of access and correct usage.
The rower is also pretty heavy. Its net weight is 116.4 lbs (52.8 kg). This being said, it provides superior stability, but on the other hand, the transport of the packaged unit may require two people. Once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front base is equipped with transport wheels.
The unit’s rail system is foldable. By folding it up, its footprint becomes approx. 45″L x 25″W (114 x 63 cm), while its height will reach approx. 59″ (150 cm). Also, when in usage position, the rower rests on three bases; each one of them is equipped with adjustable levelers. When in the folded position, it rests on the front and middle stabilizers.
The rower’s rail system is rectangular. It is approx. 38″ (96.5 cm) long, and the applicable maximum inseam length is 41″ (104 cm). This being said, the rower should be able to accommodate comfortably users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm), allowing a complete leg extension. It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 250 lbs (113 kg).
Seat and other parts
The Women’s Health Men’s Health 1678 rowing machine is equipped with a fairly large seat. It is approx. 
13.5″ (34 cm) wide, and 10″ (25 cm) long, so it provides plenty of contact surface. Its top is made of high-density foam for improved comfort. It is also contoured with elevated edges for a better positioning.
The base frame of the seat is made of steel. It integrates three sets of rollers. Two slide on top of the rail, the third slides under it for improved stability. The rollers integrate sealed bearings for a smooth motion and have a rubber layer on the outside to reduce noise.
The machine’s rail is slanted and compared with other rowers, the seat of the WHMH 1678 model is pretty high, for an easy entry and exit. It is approx. 21″ (53 cm) above the floor level when at the front of the rail, and 22.5″ (57 cm) at the rear.
As opposed to many other rowers, the WHMH 1678 is equipped with a set of oars rather than just a pulling handle. They have long, curved grips with ball grips at the top. They attach to the resistance cables of the machine, and to the middle base of the frame. They have a tilt-and-swivel system. Therefore, not only that you can move them forward and backward as you row, but you can also move them laterally, so you can simulate the motion of rowing a real boat.
Along with the oars, a set of two standard D-handles are included with the machine. You can attach these to the resistance cables of the trainer if you want to perform a different type of workout.
The rower is equipped with a set of large footrests. Their bases are metallic while their top section is made of a durable and flexible thermoplastic material. They are size-adjustable so they can accommodate athletic footwear of all sizes. They also have heel guards and adjustable straps so you can secure your feet perfectly on them.
The footrests are fixed (they do not pivot), attached to the front section of the frame. Their angle is approx. 45° so they deliver a comfortable foot positioning.
Resistance system
The Women’s Health Men’s Health 1678 rowing machine combines air and magnetic resistance elements.
The main resistance generator is the large fan system at the front of the unit. The fan spins into its casing when the cables are pulled generating resistance. The resistance provided by the fan is dynamic. In other words, if you pull faster, it will provide more resistance, similar to rowing a real boat through water.
It’s important to mention that the two resistance cords can be pulled independently. You can use only one if you want, or attach them both to only one oar. You can also perform other exercises rather than rowing, such as standing rows, resistance punching, and even front presses.
The machine’s air resistance system is augmented by a magnetic brake and a small internal flywheel. The magnetic brake is connected to the tension knob on the front unit of the machine through a steel cable. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, the brake moves closer to the metallic flywheel which adds resistance to the ride. Conversely, if you turn the knob to the left, the magnets move away from the flywheel which reduces the workout load.
The rower makes available 14 resistance levels. The first one delivers a fairly light difficulty. You will basically work only with the resistance generated by the fan system if you select level 1. Conversely, the 13-14 levels provide considerably more resistance, offering the possibility to undergo a very consistent, full-body cardio workout.
Fitness monitor
The Women’s Health Men’s Health 1678 rowing machine is equipped with the same type of fitness monitor 
that is included with the WHMH 1638 model. It features an LCD display divided into six windows which indicate time, spit/time, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, calories, and watts. The strokes per minute (SPM) and the distance functions share the same window and are shown alternatively.
The fitness monitor unit does not have a pulse reading function, nor it has any workout programs. However, it does have target settings for time, distance, strokes, and calories. Thus, if you select a target for any of these metrics, the unit will count down from the selected target until the value reaches zero.
The monitor unit is Bluetooth enabled and compatible with the MyCloudFitness app. This app is available for both iOS and Android. It has a free, basic version which you can always use, and also has a paid version with multiple extra features. The basic one allows you to track your progress and view your workout history. The premium version offers access to multiple videos provided by professional trainers, interactive rowing sessions, and more. There is also a free trial for it.
The monitor unit uses four AA batteries which are included. It starts up when you begin rowing but also automatically shuts off after several minutes of inactivity on the rower.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front unit of the machine with the fan and the other resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will basically have to connect the front stabilizer, insert the seat on the rail, connect the rail, add the rear stabilizer, the footrests, the oars, and the fitness monitor. The task is pretty straightforward and shouldn’t take more than one hour of your time. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
The machine’s maintenance doesn’t require much. You only have to keep it clean, especially the rail, to prevent any damage to the seat rollers. The internal parts shouldn’t require any maintenance or lubrication for a long period of time and the fan casing can be vacuumed from the outside in case it accumulates dust.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame construction;
- Long rail – 41″ applicable inseam length;
- Folding design;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on all base stabilizers;
- Padded and contoured seat for optimal comfort;
- Independent oar action which simulates the rowing of a real boat;
- D-handles for cable exercises included;
- Large, adjustable footrests with straps for maximum foot stability;
- Dual chain drive system for extra rowing motion stability;
- Air resistance for a dynamic response;
- Magnetic resistance with 14 levels of difficulty;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, split/time, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, calories, and watts;
- Goal functions for time, distance, calories, and strokes;
- Bluetooth connectivity;
- Compatible with the MyCloudFitness app for online workout history tracking;
- Device holder included;
- Batteries for the fitness monitor are included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No pre-set workout programs.
Summary
The Women’s Health Men’s Health 1678 is an air & magnetic resistance rower. It features a dual-action oar-based rowing system for a natural rowing feel and a dynamic response. It has a pretty sturdy construction, a 38-inch long rail, adjustable footrests, and a fitness monitor that tracks all the important workout metrics. The monitor unit is also compatible with the MyCloudFitness app for online workout history tracking. In all, it is an excellent machine for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina and strength development, and weight loss.