| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ativafit Mag Rower Check Discounted Price | L:60.6" W:21.2" H:26.0" | 220 lbs | 40.7 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Count, SPM, Calories, Scan, Goals |
The Ativafit magnetic rower is one of the fitness machines released in 2019. It’s similar in design and features to the Stamina X 35-1102A. However, it comes with a fitness monitor with several extra features. It’s a rowing machine made for home use but offers a fairly decent construction and sturdiness.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 60.6L x 21.2W x 26.0H inches (154L x 53.5W x 66H cm)
- Assembled weight: 40.7 lbs (18.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance type: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, count, SPM, distance, calories, goals, scan
Frame construction
The Ativafit magnetic rower features a frame made of steel tubing. However, its main rail is reinforced with two
side beams made of extruded aluminum. These not only protect the paint on the rail, they also contribute to the overall motion smoothness of the seat.
All the steel parts in the machine’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this trainer. The guards of the drive and resistance mechanism are made from a durable thermoplastic material. The casing combines black and white panels for an extra aesthetic touch.
The rower is not too large. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 60.6″ (154 cm) long, and 21.2″ (53.5 cm) wide. This being said, it doesn’t have a super long rail either. Its exact length is not specified, but as a general idea, users who are taller than 6’1″ (185 cm) may not benefit from a complete leg extension.
The rower does not fold. However, it can be stored vertically, resting on its front stabilizer and the small rubber bumper on the top part of the front unit. In vertical position, its footprint will become around 26″L x 21″W (66 x 53 cm), while its height will reach approx. 60″ (154 cm).
This Ativafit rower is not too heavy either. Its net weight is around 40 lbs (18.5 kg). This being said, it can be carried, unboxed, and assembled by only one person. Plus, once it is assembled, it is even easier to move as its front base integrates small wheels.
Seat and other parts
The Ativafit mag rower is equipped with a pretty standard seat. Its top section features a layer of high-density
foam material for extra comfort. It is contoured to provide a better positioning for the user. It is approx. 14″ (35 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface.
The base of the seat is pretty durable, made of steel. However, the rail and the seat are only rated for a maximum user weight limit of 220 lbs (100 kg). The seat integrates three sets of wheels. Two slide on top of the rail, while the third slides under the rail’s edges for improved stability. The wheels have internal ball bearings for a smooth seat travel.
It’s also important to mention here that the unit’s rail is not horizontal; it is slightly inclined forward. Thus, the machine provides a better workout for the legs. Also, the seat is a bit higher when it’s close to the rear end of the rail. Its maximum height is approx. 11.8″ (30 cm).
The rower is equipped with two large footrests. They’re made of thermoplastic material. They have a textured surface and adjustable straps. They feature a pivoting design, so you can slightly tilt your feet forward when rowing. They have heel stoppers, though, so they won’t tilt back past an angle of approx. 60°.
The rower’s pulling handle is a simple short bar with foam sleeves for an improved grip. It is attached to a durable, abrasion-resistant nylon strap. This being said, it generates less vibration during rowing than a chain. It also doesn’t require lubrication. Since it’s a pretty basic machine, the handle doesn’t integrate pulse sensors or resistance controls.
Resistance system
This Ativafit rower is equipped with a full-magnetic resistance system. It does not have an internal air fan for a 
dynamic response, like the Sunny SF-RW5730 model, for example. Also, its resistance system is manual, so you don’t need a power adapter or an external power source for it.
The machine’s resistance system uses a magnetic brake which is connected to the tension dial on the front unit of the machine by a steel cable. Therefore, when you turn the knob, the magnets move closer or farther from the internal flywheel which increases or decreases the rowing difficulty.
This magnetic resistance system comes with two main advantages. First of all, the brake does not touch the flywheel, and since there is no fan or water tank, the usage of the machine is whisper-quiet. Second of all, the wear-and-tear of the brake is virtually inexistent, so you don’t have to worry about replacing brake pads.
This Ativafit rowing machine makes available 8 levels of resistance. The first level delivers a fairly light workout difficulty, great for a workout warmup. Conversely, the 8th level of resistance provides a distinguishably higher workout load. However, as a general idea, the machine does not offer a super tough exercising difficulty. It’s great for beginners or mid-level users, but may not be the best choice for a professional athlete.
Fitness monitor
The Ativafit magnetic rower is equipped with a fitness monitor that offers a few extra features over a totally
basic model. To begin with, its LCD display is divided into 6 sub-sections so you can view up to 6 workout metrics at once without having to always swap between them. It indicates time, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, and calories. The unit is not telemetric and does not have a pulse reading function.
The monitor unit does not have pre-set programs, Bluetooth, nor is compatible with any existing fitness apps. However, it does offer the possibility to set workout targets for time, distance, count, and calories burned. Once a target is set, it will count down from the selected target until it reaches zero.
The unit features three buttons. These are Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view on the top, larger field of the display. The Set button covers the workout target setting function. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the unit to zero.
The monitor unit is battery-powered, but the batteries are not included. It requires two AAA batteries. It starts up when you press a button or when you begin rowing. It also automatically turns off after a few minutes of inactivity on the rower.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s front unit with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only have to connect the rail, insert the set on the rail, add the two base stabilizers, the footrests, and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. The manual provides all the necessary instructions accompanied by illustrations. Tools for the assembly are also included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the rail clean to prevent any damage to the wheels. Other than this, you only have to keep the machine clean and periodically inspect it to make sure that all the parts function properly. The internal mechanism does not require lubrication.
The Pros
- Fairly decent construction – can hold users up to 220 lbs;
- Can be stored vertically;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Large, padded, and contoured seat for improved comfort;
- Steel rail reinforced with extruded aluminum side beams;
- Pivoting footrests with adjustable straps;
- Quiet magnetic resistance with 8 distinct levels;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, count, spm, distance, and calories burned;
- Workout target function;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
The Ativafit rower is a fitness machine made for home use. It is equipped with an 8-level magnetic resistance system, sturdy rail, a set of pivoting footrests, and a performance monitor that tracks time, distance, strokes, SPM, and calories burned. It’s an affordable machine, great for users of all levels, for light to medium-intensity cardio training, interval training, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss.