BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine

I bought this rowing machine as my New Year's resolution to get back in shape and I hate jogging. I read lots of reviews. I needed something small and well built, but not too expensive. This was the perfect machine.

I keep it in my basement and even with the fan blowing, I can still hear my TV set 20ft away - and it's not blaringly loud. The seat slides smoothly on the rails. the pull in nice and even, and the computer works well, though I found that I sometimes had to push the connection back in to the back of the computer - guess it ocassionally vibrated out - that's the only comment even close to negative I'd have for this. After more than 100 hours on this machine, it still rides like the day I bought it and I still get a good workout and am not even at level 6 in intensity yet. (I'm a 50yr old woman who was in avg shape to start).

A few other pleasant surprises -

I only wear a size 6 shoe and the foot holders actually hold my feet down - though the strap does come over my toes and not further down. I tried other rowers and my feet were too short. My husband, who wears a size 10 !/2 shoe also had no problem.

Both of us get a good range of motion and workout - he at 5'10" and me at 4'11" - again, not something we usually find easily.

I didn't spend the money for the heart rate monitor. A few months after I purchased this machine, Costco was selling the Nike Women's heart rate monitor and watch for $50. I bought it, thinking I'd use the watch and monitor. To my surprise, the monitor was automatically discovered by the rowing machine computer and I see all my vitals right in front of me - I didn't have to do any setup.

There are no programming settings, so you're on your own for a workout, however, if you want a decent aerobic workout without putting on your shoes and heading out the door, this is a great find.

Like Bodycraft stuff--a good product for the home. Not really built for commercial use but clearly does the job at home. The build is good enough neither creaky nor rock solid--the front end plastic--is just that plastic. The machine is not quiet--no unhealthy grating sounds, just a lot of wind noise. Computer is iffy--heartrate monitor doesn't work with the exercise--too much chest motion.

Still, unless you're some type of superathlete--this machine will do a very respectable conditioning job; of course you have to hold up your end of the bargain. I don't know if I can beleive the calorie count but I can burn 800 in 30 minutes at 45 strokes a minute--and machine recommends 60 to 70 strokes a minute.

So a reasonable machine for around the house. Not superb but very good.

I needed a low impact workout that will still challenge me, that I can vary in intensity. A friend recommended this machine, and I'm thrilled with it.

Opening the box was daunting. The instructions include an exploded parts view with many, many parts that made the machine look very complex. In reality, though, it took about half an hour to assemble, I did it by myself, and the instructions were clear and simple so that I never had to back up and do something over again. All the tools were included.

If you're not in shape, get someone to help you move the box. It's big and clumsy, and one end is heavier than the other. Getting it in and out of the car, and up the steps was challenging. The box weighed about 75 pounds, I think. But the individual pieces are very manageable and easy to assemble.

Once together, this thing is a dream! The movement is very smooth, operating it is simple and straightforward, and the display is obvious. It's solidly built - doesn't rock, or move around on the floor, and is very quiet despite the fan. The fan is perfectly positioned to help keep you cool. The seat is comfortable and glides easily, and the pull is smooth and firm. Intensity adjustment is simple, obvious, and fine enough to accommodate varying fitness levels.

This piece of equipment is very near the gym quality machines I've used at a much lower price. I'm pleased, and will put this manufacturer at the top of my list when I'm looking for other pieces of equipment.

This thing is solid. Ignore the comment from one reviewer saying that the front lifts off the ground. When properly set up for rowing, the middle leg is locked in place above the ground. There's no way the front could lift when only the front and back legs are touching the ground. The middle leg is only used when the rower is folded for storage.

I'm 6'2" with longer legs and there's plenty of room left on the slider when my legs are fully extended. (I used to hit the end of a piston rower.)

This machine is well-built, easy to assemble and provides a great overall workout. It is a solid machine and it appears to be one that will last for years.