| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Drive | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body Power BRW3268 Check Discounted Price | L:66" W:30" H:36" | 250 lbs | Dual oar action | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Count, Calories, Goals |
The Body Power BRW3268 is one of the rowers released by Body Flex Sports in 2020. Its rowing system is similar to the Women’s Health Men’s Health 1678 rower as it features two pulling cords and two oars that allow independent rowing. However, the machine is simpler. It doesn’t have an air resistance system and the magnetic resistance system is manual, with fewer tension levels.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 66L x 30W x 36H inches (168L x 76W x 91H cm)
- Assembled weight: 74 lbs (33.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Exercise meter: Time, stroke count, calories burned
- Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Body Power BRW3268 rowing machine features a pretty solid steel frame coated with a corrosion-resistant 
paint finish. Most of the core frame is painted black; the only difference is the oar set which has a gray paint finish. Also, the tubing used for the core frame is rectangular, while the oars are cylindrical and the base bars are ovalized.
Of course, the rower also integrates several parts made from durable thermoplastic material. The most notable ones are the covers of the resistance system, the footrest, and several other small covers.
The unit’s resistance system is placed differently from other magnetic rowers. The unit’s frame has an additional oblique bar under the rail which connects to the top of the rear base and to the front frame base. This particular bar basically holds all the main components of the resistance system. There’s also a set of footplates at the base of the resistance system which can serve as support for standing rows and other resistance band exercises.
Compared to other rowing machines, the Body Power BRW3268 is not too large. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 66″ (168 cm) long, and 30″ (76 cm) wide. Its highest point is the top of the fitness monitor which reaches approx. 36″ (91 cm) above the floor level.
The rear stabilizer of the rower can be folded and the machine can be stored vertically resting on its front stabilizer and the front end of the rail. The fitness monitor with its support bar can also fold back over the rail. In its folded position, the unit has a footprint of approx. 15″D x 30″W (38 x 76 cm).
Last but not least, the rower is not super heavy. Its net weight is approx. 74 lbs (33.5 kg). This being said, the transport of the packaged unit can be done by only one person. Also, once the unit is assembled, it can easily be relocated as its front base features a set of small wheels.
Seat and other parts
The Body Power BRW3268 rowing machine features a seat similar to the one included with
the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5940. It features a high-density top with a contoured and textured shape to prevent the user from sliding backward during rowing. It’s approx. 14″ (~35 cm) wide so it provides plenty of contact surface.
The base frame of the seat is made of steel. It integrates three sets of wheels. Two of them roll on top of the machine’s rail, the third one closes the seat on the rail for extra stability and roll on the bottom of the rail. The wheels integrate ball bearings and have an outer rubber layer for reduced noise during usage.
The rower’s seat stands pretty high above the floor level. Its height is similar to the one of an office chair, approx. 15″ (38 cm). This can be quite a plus especially for users with certain disabilities as it makes mounting and dismounting much easier. The rail is pretty long so the machine should be able to accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm) with no problem allowing a complete leg extension. Also, the seat and the rail are pretty sturdy, rated for a maximum user weight limit of 250 lbs (113 kg).
The Body Power BRW3268 is equipped with a set of pivoting footrests. They can slightly tilt on their axis as you row in order to allow your feet to adapt better to your position throughout each stroke. They’re made from a durable polymer. They feature heel guards and adjustable straps.
Although the footrests have a pivoting design, they also have stoppers at the rear. Thus, they cannot tilt past an angle of approx. 60°.
The unit’s oars are slightly curved. They have PVC foam grips with ball grips at the top. Their base joints allow them to move laterally as well so you can perform a rowing motion that resembles the user of oars on a real boat. They attach to the unit’s drive system power cords. A set of standard D-handles is also included with the machine. You can attach these to the power cords and either perform seated rows with them, or standing rows, bicep curls, or tricep exercises.
Resistance system
The Body Power BRW3268 is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, you don’t need
a power adapter for it or an external power source. However, on the other hand, the unit cannot adjust the resistance automatically like other, more expensive rowers. Also, its fitness monitor does not have pre-set programs.
The machine’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake connected to the machine’s tension knob. When you turn this knob, the brake moves closer or farther from the internal flywheel. This increases or decreases the rowing difficulty.
The unit offers 8 levels of resistance. The lowest level delivers a fairly light rowing difficulty, great for beginners or a light aerobic workout. The 8th level of resistance, although it provides a distinguishably higher difficulty than the 1st level, is not super challenging. But nonetheless, it does offer the possibility to perform a more consistent workout.
The main advantage of the magnetic resistance system is that the brake does not touch the internal components. Therefore, the unit generates considerably less noise than an air resistance rower or a water resistance rower. Also, since the brake does not touch the flywheel, it basically suffers no wear-and-tear.
It’s also important to mention here that since the rower does not have air resistance elements, or water resistance elements, it does not provide a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, the resistance does not increase if you pull the oars at a faster rate as would be the case for a water rower or air rower. This may take away from the genuine rowing feel, but the machine compensates with the two independent oars rowing system.
Fitness monitor
The Body Power BRW3268 rowing machine is equipped with a pretty basic fitness monitor. It has an LCD
display without LED backlight. It tracks time, stroke count, and calories burned. It does not have a split time reading or a stroke per minute reading. It also does not track pulse or distance.
The monitor unit is pretty easy to use. It has three buttons – Set, Mode, and Reset. The Set button offers the possibility to create goals for your workouts. For example, you can set a goal for the number of calories you want to burn, and the monitor will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the metrics selecting the one you want to view on the display. And finally, the reset button clears all the values to zero.
The monitor unit does not have any pre-set programs. It also does not have Bluetooth, online connectivity, and it is not compatible with any fitness apps. It is battery-powered and the batteries are included. It starts up when you begin rowing and also should automatically turn off if it does not detect any activity on the machine for more than a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Body Power BRW3268 rowing machine requires very little user assembly. Most of the problematic parts (i.e drive system, resistance system, etc.) are already attached to the main frame. The manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions. Also, all the necessary tools for the task are included.
Once the machine is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. All you have to do is keep the unit clean and periodically check for loose parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame construction – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Folding design and can be stored upright;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear base;
- 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;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance with 8 levels of difficulty;
- Fitness monitor included – time, strokes, and calories burned;
- Goal settings on the fitness monitor;
- Phone holder included;
- Batteries for the fitness monitor are included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No pre-set workout programs;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
The Body Power BRW3268 is a rowing machine made for home use. It features an 8-level magnetic resistance system, a sturdy steel frame, a drive system with an independent oar action, and a pretty long rail which should be able to accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm) with no problem. It also included a basic fitness monitor. In all, it’s a fairly decent rower, great for a full-body cardio workout.