| Unit | Size | Assembled weight | Supported weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ski-Row Air+PWR Check Discounted Price | L:103" W:35" H:84" | 150 lbs | 350 lbs | Air & magnetic, 20 levels | Time, Time/500m, Stroke rate, Distance, Watts, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Intervals, Bluetooth |
The EnergyFit Ski-Row SR-7 is a dual-function fitness machine that can be used as a rower or as a ski trainer. It is pretty similar to the SR-5 model that we’ve already covered here. However, instead of a 10-level damper on its fan casing, this machine is equipped with a 20-level magnetic resistance system plus the fan. It’s also motorized and comes with a slightly different console that allows you to adjust the magnetic resistance. It is also referred to as Ski-Row Air+PWR.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions (rower): 103L x 35W x 33H inches (262L x 89W x 85H cm)
- Assembled dimensions (ski trainer): 53.6L x 35W x 84H (136L x 89W x 213H cm)
- Assembled weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Frame: Steel & aluminum
- Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
- Resistance: Air and magnetic, 20 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, time/500, stroke rate, distance, watts, calories, pulse, goals, intervals, Bluetooth
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 2 years
Frame construction
The EnergyFit Ski-Row SR-7 rowing machine & ski trainer features a heavy-duty commercial-grade
construction so it can be used either in a home gym setting or in a commercial gym setting. It’s built on a frame consisting of steel, aluminum, and ABS parts. Its main rail is made of extruded aluminum and reinforced with a stainless steel plate similar to the rail of the Concept2 Model E. The front base frame and rear stabilizer are steel-made, while the fan casing and resistance system guards are made from a durable ABS plastic material.
All the steel parts and the unit’s rail are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The stainless steel plate on the rail is not painted but it is highly resistant to corrosion. The plastic guards combine black and gray in order to fit the color theme of the unit, while the fan casing has a red ring on its perimeter for an extra aesthetic touch.
The Ski-Row SR-7 is one of the largest rowers available at the moment. With the frame set to the rower position, it is 103″ (262 cm) long, and 35″ (89 cm) wide. The exact length of the rail is not specified, but it offers at least 65″ (165 cm) of travel for the seat, so the rower should be able to accommodate users of all sizes. Its front section (the console arm) reaches approx. 33″ (85 cm) above the floor.
In its ski trainer position, the machine’s height is 84″ (213 cm), so it will not fit in a room with a 7-foot ceiling. Its footprint is 53.6″L x 35″W (136 x 89 cm). It is also recommended to leave at least a few feet of clearance on each side and at the rear of the machine for ease of access and safe usage.
The Ski-Row SR-7 HIIT trainer is also pretty heavy. Its net weight is 150 lbs (68 kg) so its transport should be done by two persons. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front base features transport wheels. Also, its large base frame stabilizer is equipped with two adjustable levelers.
Seat and other parts
The EnergyFit Ski-Row SR-7 features a seat made for optimal comfort. It is approx. 12.5″ (32 cm) wide, and 
stands at approx. 14.5″ (37 cm) above the floor. Its top integrates a layer of padding and is contoured in order to provide a better positioning for the user.
The base of the seat is made of steel. It incorporates four sets of wheels. Two of them move on top of the rail while the other two slide under the edges of the rail’s top metallic plate for extra stability. The wheels integrate sealed bearings and have a rubber shell on the outside for a smooth motion and for reduced noise.
The rail with the seat fold up so that you can use the machine as a ski trainer. There is a pedal on the front unit of the machine which disengages it from its position. Also, the folding mechanism uses a hydraulic cylinder which slowly lower the rail to prevent damage.
The Ski-Row SR-7 trainer is equipped with a set of large footrests. They’re made from a durable thermoplastic material. They are adjustable and have heel guards at the rear for improved foot stability. They also have adjustable straps so you can perfectly secure your feet on them. They do not pivot on their axis and they’re set at an angle of approx. 45°-50°.
The rower features a pretty standard pulling handle. It consists of a short metallic bar with rubber-foam grips for a better contact. It does not have pulse sensors or other controls. It attaches to a heavy-duty rope made from synthetic fibers which are highly resistant to abrasion.
The machine’s rail also integrates a set of two ropes for ski training. These ropes that pass are finished with two ABS handles. They also have rings at their ends so they offer the possibility to attach a short bar or a lat bar to them, as well as other accessories, to be able to execute various exercises more easily.
Resistance system
As we’ve mentioned above, the EnergyFit Ski-Row SR-7 features an air and magnetic resistance system. To
begin with, it has a large flywheel-fan which provides air resistance. This enables the machine to deliver a dynamic response during usage. In other words, the resistance will vary, depending on how hard you pull the handles. This can be a plus, especially for rowing as it resembles up to a point, the sensation of rowing a real boat through the water.
The magnetic resistance system consists of a magnetic brake, a small servo motor, and an internal metallic flywheel. The motor mediates the magnetic brake and the console. Therefore, when you adjust the resistance from the console, the motor moves the brake so that the magnets cover a larger or smaller portion of the flywheel. This allows you to increase or decrease the overall workload.
The machine’s resistance system offers 20 distinct levels. The lowest level doesn’t provide too much magnetic tension; you basically work with the resistance delivered by the fan. Conversely, on the 20th tension setting, the machine delivers considerably more resistance. This setting offers quite a challenge even to the most seasoned athletes, great for stamina and strength improvement.
One last aspect to mention here regards the noise generated by this ski trainer and rower machine. Just like any other fitness machine with an air resistance system, the unit’s fan can be heard when in use. The noise generated by it is not too loud, though. For example, it shouldn’t cover the sound of a TV set on a moderate volume level.
Console
The EnergyFit Ski-Row Air+PWR trainer is equipped with a fairly decent console. Even if it isn’t compatible
with any fitness apps, it still offers plenty of workout modes and settings to keep you motivated.
The unit features an LCD display divided into 8 sub-sections. It indicates time, pace (time/500m), stroke rate (strokes per minute), distance, calories, watts, heart rate, and the selected resistance level. Distance is shown in meters and you cannot set it to English units. The pulse reading function requires you to wear a 2.4 GHz heart rate chest strap and sync it with the console as the rower doesn’t have any grip sensors. The heart rate strap is not included.
In terms of workout programs, the console has several. First of all, there is the Quick Start mode with allows you to work freely while the console counts your strokes, distance, calories, etc. Next, the unit offers three workout target settings for time, distance, and calories. If you select a target for any of these metrics, the unit will count down from the selected value.
Two interval programs are also available on the machine’s console. One allows you to create a time interval with the desired work/rest periods. The other one is similar, but you get to select distance intervals instead of time intervals.
The console unit features six buttons. The first button from left to right is the program selection key. Next, there’s the Start/Enter button that commences your workout and covers the confirmation function for various settings. The +/- buttons allow you to adjust the magnetic resistance or add/reduce values when setting up your workout. The Stop button pauses your workout, and finally, the Bluetooth button enables the Bluetooth connection for a wireless ANT+ strap.
The console unit runs on 4C batteries which are included. It starts recording your workout data when it detects activity on the machine. It also automatically turns off after approx. 30 seconds of inactivity on the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s drive and resistance unit comes pre-assembled. The other parts require user assembly. You will basically have to connect the large base stabilizer of the front unit, the rear stabilizer of the rail, install the seat, connect the rail to the main unit of the machine, add the console mast, the console, and several other small covers. This shouldn’t take more than one hour of your time. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear step-by-step assembly instructions.
Once the machine is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. All you have to do is wipe the sweat that may fall onto the frame at the end of the workout, keep the unit clean, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts. The internal mechanism does not require periodic lubrication.
The Pros
- 2-in-1 fitness machine – rower and ski trainer;
- Heavy-duty, commercial-grade construction;
- 350 lbs weight capacity;
- Extra-long rail;
- Hydraulic element for unfolding the rail with ease;
- Contoured and padded seat;
- Adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
- Ergonomic pulling handles;
- Air resistance for a dynamic response during usage;
- Motorized magnetic resistance with 20 available levels;
- HIIT fitness monitor included – it tracks time, time/500, stroke/min, distance, watts, calories, and pulse;
- Target programs for time, calories, and distance;
- Interval programs for time and distance;
- Bluetooth connectivity for ANT+ heart rate monitors;
- Multiple exercises available including plyo jumps, tricep extensions, tricep pulldowns, lunges, ab crunches, skiing, wood chops, straight grip pulldowns, and more;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included;
- Transport wheels and adjustable levelers;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- The fitness monitor is not compatible with any apps;
- ANT+ fitness monitor is not included.
Summary
The EnergyFit Ski-Row SR-7 is a commercial-grade rower and ski trainer machine. It features an air resistance system, a 20-level motorized magnetic resistance, and a console with target programs and interval programs. It also has an extra-long rail and a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs. It is a machine for users of all levels, that offers the possibility to execute a variety of exercises, such as pulldowns, plyo jumps, rowing, ab crunches, wood chops, and more.