| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body Xtreme BXF015 Check Discounted Price | L:80" W:20.9" H:23.9" | 250 lbs | 52 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Count, SPM, Calories, SCAN |
The Body Xtreme BXF015 rower is in the same price and feature range as the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5634, or the Efitment RW025. It’s a machine designed for home use, equipped with a magnetic resistance system. There are two versions for this particular trainer, one in black/while, the other in blue/white. These color only stand for the machine’s resistance covers. The frame and the other parts are the same for both versions. Also, both models have the same fitness meter, resistance system, dimensions.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 80L x 20.9W x 23.9H inches (203L x 53W x 61H cm)
- Assembled weight: 52 lbs (23.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness meter: Count, count/min, time, calories, scan
- Accessories: Workout towel
Frame construction
To begin with, the Body Xtreme Fitness BXF015 rowing machine combines steel and aluminum elements in 
its frame construction. The sliding rail is aluminum made, while the front and rear base parts are made of steel tubing. The covers of the drive and resistance elements are made of durable ABS plastic. The steel parts feature a gray paint finish which is corrosion-resistant, while the aluminum rail has its natural polish.
Compared to other rowers for home use, such as the Harvil RM-M, the BXF015 has a larger frame, lengthwise. It is approx 80″ (203 cm) long, and 20.9″ (53 cm) wide. This being said, its sliding rail provides considerably more travel for the seat; the machine can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension.
The machine’s sliding rail does not fold. Only the rear leg stabilizer can fold along the rail. The whole unit can be stored vertically, though. It has an extra stabilizer at the front and it can rest vertically on it and on the front base tube. The middle base bar and the rear base bar rest on rubber pads for a better grip on the floor and to prevent floor scratching. Plus, the front cylindrical base tube features two rotating caps which can serve as transportation wheels.
It’s important to mention that the sliding rail is oblique, not horizontal. It has an incline of approx. 30°. This can be considered a plus, as the unit provides a better workout for the legs and promotes a quicker recovery motion.
Last but not least, the fully assembled machine is not very heavy. It weighs approx. 52 lbs (23.5 kg) which means it can be carried, unboxed and assembled by only one person.
Seat and other parts
The Body Xtreme BXF015 is equipped with a pretty standard seat. Its top is made of high-density foam so it’s 
not extremely hard. Its surface is slightly concave and ribbed, in order to prevent you from sliding backward or forward during rowing.
The base of the seat is steel-made. It integrates three sets of wheels equipped with sealed ball bearings, which provide a smooth travel for the seat. The wheels have an outer layer made of rubber material to minimize noise. Also, both the seat assembly and the rail are durable enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).
As we’ve mentioned above, the rail of the rower is inclined, not horizontal. So, at its highest point, all the way to the back, the seat stands at approx. 15″ (40 cm) above floor level. This can be a plus for users with certain disabilities, as it can provide an easier entry and exit.
This Body Xtreme magnetic rower is equipped with a set of large footrests. They’re made of heavy-duty ABS material. Just as the seat, they have a ribbed surface for superior foot adherence. They also feature heel guards and adjustable straps to improve foot stability.
The unit’s footrests have a pivoting design. This means they can tilt forward or backward on their axis. This allows you to move your feet slightly during each row, providing the perfect angle for your feet throughout the rowing motion.
The machine features an ergonomic, straight handle with rubberized grips. The handle is attached to a heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant nylon strap. The handle does not have any pulse sensors, and the unit does not have a pulse reading function.
Resistance system
The Body Xtreme Fitness BXF015 rower features a magnetic resistance system with manual action. This means it
does not have an internal motor and it cannot adjust the resistance automatically. The integrated exercise meter does not play any role in the resistance adjustment and does not have preset workout programs.
The machine’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake which is attached to the tension dial placed at the bottom of the front unit. Therefore, by turning this dial clockwise, the brake will move closer to the metallic flywheel which results in an increase of the overall rowing difficulty.
The internal flywheel has a balanced structure and weighs 16 lbs (7.2 lbs). Therefore, it generates a very smooth and stable motion.
The rower makes available 8 distinct tension levels. The lowest level is fairly light, great for anyone new to rowing, or for users who require recovery training. Conversely, the 8th tension level delivers plenty of resistance even for an advanced user.
It’s important to mention that the machine does not provide a dynamic response during rowing, as the water resistance rowers, or the air resistance rowers. In other words, the resistance does not depend on how hard you pull the handle; it only depends on the selected tension level. This shouldn’t be an inconvenience, though, as the machine still provides a very consistent, full-body cardio workout. However, a professional rowing athlete may need the dynamic response to benefit from a more natural rowing feel.
Exercise meter
This rowing machine is equipped with a basic fitness meter. It features an LCD display which indicates time, count (total strokes), count/min (strokes per minute), and calories burned. It does not have a pulse reading function and the rower does not have any pulse sensors. So, in case you want to keep an eye on your heart rate during your exercising, you will have to use a separate device.
The meter unit is very easy to use. It only has one button which allows you to change the displayed metrics or select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the metrics, showing each one for a few seconds. As we’ve mentioned above, the meter unit does not have any preset programs.
Last but not least, the meter unit is battery-powered. It uses two AA batteries. It starts up when you begin rowing, and automatically turns off if it doesn’t detect any activity on the machine for a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front unit of the machine with all the drive and resistance elements comes fully assembled. All you have to do is connect the front stabilizer, attach the rail to the front unit, insert the seat on the rail, and finally add the rear stabilizer. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The included manual provides fairly clear assembly instructions and a set of basic tools for the task is included.
For maintenance, you don’t really have to do much. The internal are pre-lubricated. The main aspect to have in mind for maintenance is keeping the machine’s rail clean, free of dust, textile fibers or small objects that may damage the wheels of the seat, or cause nicks into the rail. Also, a periodic check for loose parts and bolts is recommended.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy frame – can hold users up to 250 lbs (113 kg);
- Can be stored vertically to save space;
- Padded and contoured seat;
- Pivoting footrests for a perfect foot position with each stroke;
- Fairly long sliding rail for the seat – can accommodate users up to 6’5″;
- Smooth magnetic resistance system;
- 8 levels of resistance, for light to medium workouts;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, count, count/min, and calories burned;
- Body Xtreme workout towel included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No backlight on the exercise meter.
Summary
The Body Xtreme Fitness BXF015 is a rowing machine made for home use. It is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system and features a long aluminum rail for users up to 6’5″. It has a fairly sturdy frame and can be stored vertically. It also integrates a basic exercise meter. It’s an excellent machine for a full-body cardio workout, great for muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s also one of the most affordable magnetic rowers at the moment.