Brand | Stamina |
---|---|
Special Feature | Stroke Rate;Time/duration;Calories |
Color | Silver/Black |
Resistance Mechanism | Hydraulic |
Product Dimensions | 42.5"D x 58.25"W x 18.13"H |
Maximum Weight Recommendation | 250 Pounds |
Model Name | BodyTrac Glider 1050 |
Frame Material | Carbon Steel |
Item Weight | 38 Pounds |
Tension Level | Adjustable Tension |
Material | Aluminum, Carbon Steel |
Power Source | Manual |
Number of Batteries | 1 AA batteries required. |
Display Type | LCD |
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 50 x 11.6 x 9.2 inches |
Package Weight | 17.49 Kilograms |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 58.25 x 42.5 x 18.13 inches |
Brand Name | Stamina |
Country of Origin | United States |
Warranty Description | 1 year frame; 90 days parts |
Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
Number of Items | 1 |
Manufacturer | Stamina Products, Inc. |
Part Number | 35-1050 |
Style | Glider 1050 |
Included Components | Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine |
Size | One Size |
Sport Type | Exercise & Fitness, Rowing |
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Stamina BodyTrac Glider Hydraulic Rowing Machine with Smart Workout App - Rower Workout Machine with Cylinder Resistance - Up to 250 lbs Weight Capacity
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Stamina |
Special Feature | Stroke Rate;Time/duration;Calories |
Color | Silver/Black |
Resistance Mechanism | Hydraulic |
Product Dimensions | 42.5"D x 58.25"W x 18.13"H |
Maximum Weight Recommendation | 250 Pounds |
Model Name | BodyTrac Glider 1050 |
Frame Material | Carbon Steel |
Item Weight | 38 Pounds |
Tension Level | Adjustable Tension |
About this item
- STAMINA ROWING MACHINE - Our full-motion rower provides effective, natural rowing movement suitable for toning major muscle groups and stimulating the metabolism for fat burning. Experience more and support your overall cardiovascular health with our rower.
- ALL-IN-ONE CARDIO EQUIPMENT - This versatile hydraulic rowing machine offers different workout possibilities suitable for strength training, targeting specific muscle groups, and toning the overall body and muscular core.
- HYDRAULIC CYLINDER RESISTANCE - This row machine cardio is equipped with a ball-bearing roller system that allow low-impact movements that mimic rowing on the water. It offers 12 levels of adjustable hydraulic cylinder resistance for a smooth rowing stroke.
- COMFORTABLE AND SPACE SAVING - The row machine is designed with a padded and molded seat for comfort during longer rowing routines and textured footplates with straps to keep your feet secure. When you’re done rowing, the exercise rower folds to save you space.
- SMART WORKOUT APP - Experience connected fitness with this home gym equipment with the müüv app. With smart guided coaching, exercise demo videos, personalized workouts, assembly videos, and more, müüv provides the best workout and fitness experience with your Stamina Rower.
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From the brand
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At Stamina, we’re passionate about providing quality yet affordable home exercise equipment to people regardless of experience or skill set. Whether you’re a fitness pro looking to add more to your home gym, or a beginner who just wants to get in shape, we’re here to help.
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Stamina
We create innovative, affordable fitness & recovery equipment for our customers.
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Stamina X
A line of full-body exercise equipment for serious fitness enthusiasts. Each workout machine can support HIIT training.
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Aeropilates Reformer Machines
Stamina Products is proud to offer our customers a wide selection of Pilates reformer machines for home use.
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From the manufacturer
Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 | Hydraulic Rowing Machine
The Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Hydraulic Rowing Machine provides effective, natural rowing movement suitable for toning major muscle groups including back, legs, arms, abs and glutes, and stimulating the metabolism for fat burning. Full-motion arms, a ball-bearing roller system, and the adjustable hydraulic cylinder resistance allow smooth, low-impact movements that mimic rowing on the water. Its unique design allows for a full-body, effective workout for every major muscle group.
Foldable Row Machine | Save Space and Easily Store Away
Fold the arms after you've completed your workout for an easy way to save space.
This exercise rower includes features to enhance your comfort. Stay focused during exercise with an easy-to-read LCD monitor and see your workout time, stroke count, calories burned and total strokes accumulated. When you want to increase or decrease the intensity of your stroke, simply adjust the hydraulic cylinder. Adjustable nylon straps make the foot plates ideal for nearly all feet sizes. The ergonomic, molded seat offers comfort during workout sessions of all lengths.
The BodyTrac Glider is designed to maximize your short-term results while also supporting your long-term goals.
Experience connected fitness with this home gym equipment with the müüv app. With smart guided coaching, exercise demo videos, personalized workouts, assembly videos, and more, müüv provides the best workout and fitness experience with your Stamina equipment. Download the müüv app on the Apple App Store or the Google Play store.
Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399 | Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1052 | Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 | Stamina EasyRow Hydraulic Rower | Stamina X Air Rower | Stamina X Magnetic Rower | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars
1,933
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
6,842
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
6,842
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
548
|
3.9 out of 5 stars
271
|
4.2 out of 5 stars
369
|
Dimensions (LxWxH) | 77"L x 18.75"W x 22"H | 58.25”L x 18.125”W x 42.5”H | 58.25”L x 42.5”W x 18.125”H | 70"L x 23.25"W x 43"H | 78.5"L x 18"W x 29"H | 60" x 22" x 27" |
Resistance Type | Dynamic Air Resistance | Hydraulic Cylinder Resistance | Hydraulic Cylinder Resistance | Hydraulic Cylinder Resistance | Dynamic Air Resistance | Magnetic Resistance |
Max weight | 250 lbs. | 250 lbs. | 250 lbs. | 250 lbs. | 250 lbs. | 250 lbs. |
Max Height | 4’9” up to 6’4” | 4’9” up to 6’4” | 4’9” up to 6’4” | 4’9” up to 6’4” | 4’9” up to 6’4” | 4’9” up to 6’4” |
Foldable Frame | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No | ✓ | No |
Workout Monitor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Pivoting Foot Plates | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Steel Frame | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
müüv supported | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No | ✓ | ✓ |
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B000AMUFPS |
---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #65,911 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors) #49 in Rowing Machines |
Date First Available | July 1, 2003 |
Feedback
Videos
Videos for this product
0:19
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Customer Review: Feels like really rowing a boat
L.D.
Videos for this product
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Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
Merchant Video
Important information
Safety Information
As with any exercise program, consult your physician before you begin.
Ingredients
Material:Steel frame, aluminum center beam Produ
Legal Disclaimer
Assembly required See video @ ask.com/youtube=stamina+body+trac+glider+manual
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the ease of assembly of the rowing machine. They mention that it comes with all the necessary tools for assembly, making it relatively quick fix. They also appreciate the arm workout, saying that it's a great full body light workout that helps them motivate toward keeping a good pace. Customers also appreciate that it is a decent product for the price. They say that it works fantastic and that the results are miraculous. Customers are happy with the glide, but some have issues with stability. Customers differ on durability, and squeak.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the product fairly easy to put together. They say it's straightforward, easy to use, and comes with all necessary tools for assembly. Some customers mention that the product comes mostly assembled, with all of the holes lined up for the parts they need. Overall, most are satisfied with the ease of assembly and the quality of the product.
"...[2] The owner's manual has clear, step-by-step assembly instructions, and the machine is easy to assemble...." Read more
"...2. Assembly wasn't really all that difficult, but directions in manual could have been a bit clearer...." Read more
"...We had the resistance on 3 <i think!> and it was very easy, and it was easy to increase or lower the resistance....." Read more
"...The item was very well packaged and had no real trouble to assemble...." Read more
Customers find the arm workout great, full body light workout that helps them motivate toward keeping a good pace. They also say it's a great starter machine, good for low impact exercise, and entertaining. Customers also say the machine is quiet and works large muscle groups while being easy on their joints.
"...2. Provides nice smooth range of motion and raised heart rate nicely. Twelve levels of resistance provides nice range of intensity.3...." Read more
"...My muscles are screaming at me, muscles that I haven't been able to use in a very long time, and that's a good sign that I am getting a good workout...." Read more
"...Good starter machine, good for low impact exercise, small footprint, low cost, but not for real rowing training...." Read more
"...The resistance is good. I feel like I get a good workout. I'm 5'4 and have no trouble getting a good full body extension...." Read more
Customers like the value of the product. They mention that it works great and feels more expensive than it is. They also say that it's definitely worth the purchase, and it can be easily corrected.
"The Quick List:Pros1. Price point is great and free super saver shipping made it even more affordable...." Read more
"...not use better monitors, however I still think this machine is worth every cent. It is well-built, feels durable, silent, and total space saver...." Read more
"...Good starter machine, good for low impact exercise, small footprint, low cost, but not for real rowing training...." Read more
"...It is cheaper than many other types of machines and works the whole body, and is low-impact as well as low-profile...." Read more
Customers like the performance of the rowing machine. They say that it works fantastic, the oars work nicely, and the results are miraculous. Some customers also mention that the machine is OK, but could use some work in design. Overall, customers are satisfied with the performance and recommend it to others.
"...(2/2018) -- This rowing machine has been working well and without any problems after 3¼ years of systematic use on my part (40-60 min, 5 days/week)..." Read more
"...The machine works perfectly except for the monitor which is a crap. Most reviewers mention that...." Read more
"...The rower also performs well and the paddles are able to stretch out at a long distance...." Read more
"...1 month update: machine still working like new. I now understand why my rowing daughter says it is not like rowing...." Read more
Customers like the glide. They mention that the movement is smooth, the seat glides very smoothly, and the track makes for a smooth ride while exercising. They like the motion of the arms a bit better than the traditional T-bar on most rowing machines. They also say it's easy to assemble, quiet, and has a good range of motion. Customers also say that they get the full rowing motion with the articulated arms.
"...Delivery was within 5 days of ordering.2. Provides nice smooth range of motion and raised heart rate nicely...." Read more
"...The machine operation, itself, is very enjoyable. It runs smoothly and silent, so you can exercise at any time without annoying the neighbors or..." Read more
"...This rower is a hydraulic rower however the range of motion I say is a plus because it works more of my arms core and back than the magnetic ones..." Read more
"...Construction: All the metal is very solid, the wheels move very smoothly, the oars work nicely...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the durability of the product. Some mention it's a sturdy product with good quality, while others say it broke almost right away. The foot rests were plastic and seemed to be flimsy upon first inspection. The seat is also a little too floppy, and the product is unreliable.
"...inherently reduced by its narrow and elongated shape, but its stability is strong as long as the center of gravity of the system is both relatively..." Read more
"...The machine is rendered useless if one cannot keep his/her feet on the pedals, so I do expect Cadillac-level on this...." Read more
"...It's a strong, sturdy machine, in our opinion...." Read more
"I’ve had this rower for years and it has held up well! The earlier reviews about the footplates not keeping your foot in we’re true for me...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the squeak of the product. Some mention that it's surprisingly quiet, making a small puffing noise for each, and does not interfere with hearing the TV. Others say that there was some minor squiaking during their first workout, but that resolved.
"...It makes no noises with the exception of the rowing and the seat going up and back <which I would think is normal!>, it doesn't get hot,..." Read more
"...resistance is provided by a hydraulic shock absorber, the BodyTrac is a bit noisy, and there is some squeaking from various parts until they are..." Read more
"...It is well-built, feels durable, silent, and total space saver...." Read more
"...It's surprisingly quiet as well, only making a small puffing noise for each stroke...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the stability of the product. They mention that their feet tended to slip out of the foot rests and the pedals kept slipping off. They also say that the adjusting knob slides off the piston pretty easily, and after just a few reps, their feet will come out of them.
"...I was aware that the foot pedal slippage problem was a reality for many, if not most, of the reviewers...." Read more
"...would work better because if you're trying to go fast, your feet will come out...." Read more
"...I like that data is displayed in rotation.Need shoes to workout - tried in socks and bare feet and the bottom ridge hurt my heals...." Read more
"...The footholds don't release without extreme effort...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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.
I bought this comparatively low-cost machine to use at home because all rowing machines at my gym are the flywheel type with a single pulling T-bar, which at a much higher price provide neither the feeling nor the distribution of muscle load of two-oared sculling.
SPECS
[1] The BodyTrac 35-1050 includes a meter providing a number of functions displayed in its "scan" mode; calorie consumption is described as "an estimate for an average user" but since no description is given of what is an average user, these calorie values should be taken with considerable distrust. The rowing machine, made by Stamina Products, Inc. (a three-decade old company based in Springfield, MO), is built for users weighing less than 250 lbs.
[2] The owner's manual has clear, step-by-step assembly instructions, and the machine is easy to assemble. It folds quickly to be stored standing on one end; once folded, however, it does not offer comfortable grip points to lift and move it around. At 35 lbs, it may be a bit too heavy for some people, so adding wheels on the front stabilizer --which would allow the folded machine to roll when tilted-- would be a good design improvement. Also, the seat would be less uncomfortable with a redesign conformal with the shape of modern scull seats. I wear tennis or jogging shoes when rowing and, unlike some other reviewers, I have no issues of foot-strap slippage (I am 6-ft tall and have a shoe size 9.0 to 9.5).
[3] As expected from a machine whose resistance is provided by a hydraulic shock absorber, the BodyTrac is a bit noisy, and there is some squeaking from various parts until they are warmed up by friction. Nevertheless, this does not interfere with listening to music or to a television while rowing. The fluid of hydraulic absorbers heats up a lot with use; do not grab the absorber (located under the rear of the sliding beam) when folding the machine after a session, as the cylinder may be very hot.
STROKE MECHANICS
[4] Rowing provides a non-weight-bearing exercise for ALL major muscle groups. In this respect, a distinct advantage of the articulated arms of this machine is that --after an initial phase focused on legs and hips to create the power during the stroke, just as in a power clean lift-- you can emphasize the exercise load during the remainder of this propelling part ['the drive' in sculling] either on the chest/shoulders or on the mid-back, depending on the manner for completing this part of the stroke. One manner is to open the arms when sliding towards the front, and then lower the hands while pulling back with the handles close to one another (they cannot be perfectly aligned since there is not enough separation between them). This focuses the main pulling effort more on the pectorals and shoulders than the back. The other manner is the reverse sequence by sliding forward (i.e., towards the scull's rear [the stern]) while keeping both handles low and close together --a motion equivalent to 'the recovery' in sculling when the oar blades are brought above water towards the scull's front [the bow]-- and then lifting the hands while pulling back with the handles up and apart. This focuses the main effort more on the mid-back than on the chest and shoulders. The possibility of selecting the region of main load is very useful for a chest/back balanced exercise; it can also help to avoid too much muscular development of one of those regions if so desired. This is something a flywheel with a single pulling T-bar cannot provide.
ELEVATING THE DEVICE
[5] I wanted to increase the exercise load on the rower's legs by elevating the rear end of the Body Trac. Instead of using an elevating block or platform, which would add another item to store after a session, I decided to increase the length of the 'leg' of the rear foot so that the sliding-seat beam forms a 10° angle with the horizontal plane (see my figures). To do that I used two thin walled metal tubes : one, a container of aquarelle pencils of one of our children, with an outer diameter that almost fitted the inner diameter of the rear single tube leg of the machine; the other, a metallic flashlight with rear-end diameter a bit smaller than that of the previous tube, and with a flared out front-end diameter fitting perfectly the receiving plastic well of the rear foot (see figure with panel A). To withstand the rower's weight, these tubes were filled with quick-setting cement in two steps -- in the first one I filled the bigger tube (with a red color in the inset of panel B before it was spray-painted black) to 2/3 of its length; and in the second step I finished filling this tube and filled the smaller tube with cement, placing the latter inverted into the former. Then I sealed the narrow gap between the tubes with glue to achieve a moist curing of the cement to provide a higher compressive strength. The cement was left to cure for 3 weeks. I spray-painted black this extension and tightly inserted it into the machine's rear tube leg using turns of reinforced duct tape for shimming. The new leg maintained the 97° angle with the beam of the sliding seat (see panel B of the figure). To preserve stability, the bottom of the rear foot was shimmed along its rear edge to compensate by the 10° angle also formed there.
[6] The cement-filled extension withstands my 181-lb weight without any issue so far. The machine stands on the floor on three points (two in the front, and one with a wider contact area in the rear). The *lateral* stability of this tripod is inherently reduced by its narrow and elongated shape, but its stability is strong as long as the center of gravity of the system is both relatively stable and low. By elevating the single rear foot, however, I changed that equilibrium, likely decreasing stability when the seat reaches its rear-most sliding position, as this changes the dynamic center of gravity. If you were to implement the change I made, avoid sudden, large side jerking movements at the end of the stroke that might tip you over, and make sure there are no objects in the vicinity of the rear of the device that could harm you in that case.
SUPPORT
[7] While the machine deserves it, another reason why I also give it 5 stars is the quality of the customer service of the company. The BodyTrac 35-1050 I received had scratches on several of its components, so I contacted Stamina's customer service and emailed them pictures of the defects. They quickly replaced all the affected parts at no cost --including the entire center beam and rowing arms-- in less than 2 weeks. A good customer service is paramount for online purchases.
__
UPDATE (2/2018) -- This rowing machine has been working well and without any problems after 3¼ years of systematic use on my part (40-60 min, 5 days/week), a more recent use on the part of my marathoner wife for back and legs workout, and what seems very occasional use by the oldest children. It is cleaned well after each session and, about once a month, I lubricate rolling or friction points of moving parts. It has provided us a superb service and fully deserves my original 5-star rating.
UPDATE (7/2018) -- The molded sliding seat of this machine often feels uncomfortable after a long rowing session. At the imperative demand of family members claiming rowing ought not be proctodynic, I added to the seat a so-called coccyx pad, whose memory foam I had to trim and carve to a contour approaching that of a good scull seat. (From my experience as a sculler, the best seat has a smooth, front-to-back ridge at the middle, dividing the slightly concave halves of the seat, each of which has a tapered hollow of ~1/5 the total width to accommodate the seat bones [seat on your hands to locate yours], plus a straight front edge and a back edge having a butterfly's hindwings-like contour to provide tail-bone comfort -- It resembles a sleeping mask but with eyeholes.) Redesigning the current heart-shaped seat would avoid a not uncommon complaint of discomfort, and distinguish this rowing machine from Chinese near-copies (e.g., bit.ly/2uGCh0C) as well as American aftermarket-generic-copies (e.g., amzn.to/2GJaote).
UPDATE (12/2019) -- The machine has now been in more or less continuous use over the last 5 years without any problems. With my children now using the machine while watching television in the family room, the addition of wheels on the front stabilizer to allow rolling the folded machine when tilted is sorely needed.
UPDATE (10/2021) -- Almost 7 years since I bought it, and with a lot of use by all family members in 2020 and just by myself in 2021, the device keeps working well without issues. Unlike many of the things I have purchased from Amazon, it deserves taking the time to write updates. My DIY 10° slide elevation described above also works well, and has made quite a difference in the long term.
UPDATE (6/2022) -- Still with no issues and working well. A rare find.
--
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2022
.
I bought this comparatively low-cost machine to use at home because all rowing machines at my gym are the flywheel type with a single pulling T-bar, which at a much higher price provide neither the feeling nor the distribution of muscle load of two-oared sculling.
SPECS
[1] The BodyTrac 35-1050 includes a meter providing a number of functions displayed in its "scan" mode; calorie consumption is described as "an estimate for an average user" but since no description is given of what is an average user, these calorie values should be taken with considerable distrust. The rowing machine, made by Stamina Products, Inc. (a three-decade old company based in Springfield, MO), is built for users weighing less than 250 lbs.
[2] The owner's manual has clear, step-by-step assembly instructions, and the machine is easy to assemble. It folds quickly to be stored standing on one end; once folded, however, it does not offer comfortable grip points to lift and move it around. At 35 lbs, it may be a bit too heavy for some people, so adding wheels on the front stabilizer --which would allow the folded machine to roll when tilted-- would be a good design improvement. Also, the seat would be less uncomfortable with a redesign conformal with the shape of modern scull seats. I wear tennis or jogging shoes when rowing and, unlike some other reviewers, I have no issues of foot-strap slippage (I am 6-ft tall and have a shoe size 9.0 to 9.5).
[3] As expected from a machine whose resistance is provided by a hydraulic shock absorber, the BodyTrac is a bit noisy, and there is some squeaking from various parts until they are warmed up by friction. Nevertheless, this does not interfere with listening to music or to a television while rowing. The fluid of hydraulic absorbers heats up a lot with use; do not grab the absorber (located under the rear of the sliding beam) when folding the machine after a session, as the cylinder may be very hot.
STROKE MECHANICS
[4] Rowing provides a non-weight-bearing exercise for ALL major muscle groups. In this respect, a distinct advantage of the articulated arms of this machine is that --after an initial phase focused on legs and hips to create the power during the stroke, just as in a power clean lift-- you can emphasize the exercise load during the remainder of this propelling part ['the drive' in sculling] either on the chest/shoulders or on the mid-back, depending on the manner for completing this part of the stroke. One manner is to open the arms when sliding towards the front, and then lower the hands while pulling back with the handles close to one another (they cannot be perfectly aligned since there is not enough separation between them). This focuses the main pulling effort more on the pectorals and shoulders than the back. The other manner is the reverse sequence by sliding forward (i.e., towards the scull's rear [the stern]) while keeping both handles low and close together --a motion equivalent to 'the recovery' in sculling when the oar blades are brought above water towards the scull's front [the bow]-- and then lifting the hands while pulling back with the handles up and apart. This focuses the main effort more on the mid-back than on the chest and shoulders. The possibility of selecting the region of main load is very useful for a chest/back balanced exercise; it can also help to avoid too much muscular development of one of those regions if so desired. This is something a flywheel with a single pulling T-bar cannot provide.
ELEVATING THE DEVICE
[5] I wanted to increase the exercise load on the rower's legs by elevating the rear end of the Body Trac. Instead of using an elevating block or platform, which would add another item to store after a session, I decided to increase the length of the 'leg' of the rear foot so that the sliding-seat beam forms a 10° angle with the horizontal plane (see my figures). To do that I used two thin walled metal tubes : one, a container of aquarelle pencils of one of our children, with an outer diameter that almost fitted the inner diameter of the rear single tube leg of the machine; the other, a metallic flashlight with rear-end diameter a bit smaller than that of the previous tube, and with a flared out front-end diameter fitting perfectly the receiving plastic well of the rear foot (see figure with panel A). To withstand the rower's weight, these tubes were filled with quick-setting cement in two steps -- in the first one I filled the bigger tube (with a red color in the inset of panel B before it was spray-painted black) to 2/3 of its length; and in the second step I finished filling this tube and filled the smaller tube with cement, placing the latter inverted into the former. Then I sealed the narrow gap between the tubes with glue to achieve a moist curing of the cement to provide a higher compressive strength. The cement was left to cure for 3 weeks. I spray-painted black this extension and tightly inserted it into the machine's rear tube leg using turns of reinforced duct tape for shimming. The new leg maintained the 97° angle with the beam of the sliding seat (see panel B of the figure). To preserve stability, the bottom of the rear foot was shimmed along its rear edge to compensate by the 10° angle also formed there.
[6] The cement-filled extension withstands my 181-lb weight without any issue so far. The machine stands on the floor on three points (two in the front, and one with a wider contact area in the rear). The *lateral* stability of this tripod is inherently reduced by its narrow and elongated shape, but its stability is strong as long as the center of gravity of the system is both relatively stable and low. By elevating the single rear foot, however, I changed that equilibrium, likely decreasing stability when the seat reaches its rear-most sliding position, as this changes the dynamic center of gravity. If you were to implement the change I made, avoid sudden, large side jerking movements at the end of the stroke that might tip you over, and make sure there are no objects in the vicinity of the rear of the device that could harm you in that case.
SUPPORT
[7] While the machine deserves it, another reason why I also give it 5 stars is the quality of the customer service of the company. The BodyTrac 35-1050 I received had scratches on several of its components, so I contacted Stamina's customer service and emailed them pictures of the defects. They quickly replaced all the affected parts at no cost --including the entire center beam and rowing arms-- in less than 2 weeks. A good customer service is paramount for online purchases.
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UPDATE (2/2018) -- This rowing machine has been working well and without any problems after 3¼ years of systematic use on my part (40-60 min, 5 days/week), a more recent use on the part of my marathoner wife for back and legs workout, and what seems very occasional use by the oldest children. It is cleaned well after each session and, about once a month, I lubricate rolling or friction points of moving parts. It has provided us a superb service and fully deserves my original 5-star rating.
UPDATE (7/2018) -- The molded sliding seat of this machine often feels uncomfortable after a long rowing session. At the imperative demand of family members claiming rowing ought not be proctodynic, I added to the seat a so-called coccyx pad, whose memory foam I had to trim and carve to a contour approaching that of a good scull seat. (From my experience as a sculler, the best seat has a smooth, front-to-back ridge at the middle, dividing the slightly concave halves of the seat, each of which has a tapered hollow of ~1/5 the total width to accommodate the seat bones [seat on your hands to locate yours], plus a straight front edge and a back edge having a butterfly's hindwings-like contour to provide tail-bone comfort -- It resembles a sleeping mask but with eyeholes.) Redesigning the current heart-shaped seat would avoid a not uncommon complaint of discomfort, and distinguish this rowing machine from Chinese near-copies (e.g., bit.ly/2uGCh0C) as well as American aftermarket-generic-copies (e.g., amzn.to/2GJaote).
UPDATE (12/2019) -- The machine has now been in more or less continuous use over the last 5 years without any problems. With my children now using the machine while watching television in the family room, the addition of wheels on the front stabilizer to allow rolling the folded machine when tilted is sorely needed.
UPDATE (10/2021) -- Almost 7 years since I bought it, and with a lot of use by all family members in 2020 and just by myself in 2021, the device keeps working well without issues. Unlike many of the things I have purchased from Amazon, it deserves taking the time to write updates. My DIY 10° slide elevation described above also works well, and has made quite a difference in the long term.
UPDATE (6/2022) -- Still with no issues and working well. A rare find.
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Observations: The jointed rowing arms is really great. Wide range of motion and you can change your rowing technique to work different muscles. Machines that you just pull straight back don't have this versatility and I wouldn't consider another machine that doesn't have this style "paddles".
The display is good enough. It counts time, how many rows you make, and calorie burn. I don't think it is sophisticated enough to know what tension setting you are using, but rather like a calorie per row count. It would be greatly improved if they showed you the rate at which you are rowing such as "30 rows per minute". That would be helpful to know if you don't want to drift under a certain rowing rate, otherwise you have to do math in your head as you're using it by trying to divide rows done by the time you've been on it, which is nearly impossible when you're disoriented, breathing heavily, and miserable.
The tension setting is kind of weird, you just turn the knob on the hydraulic and have to kind of guess what tension it is one by trial and error, it doesn't click into place and there isn't an arrow indicating what level you have it set on. No biggie.
The legs aren't very sticky. You definitely need to put this on a rubber mat of some kind if you don't want to scoot all over the place. Also, because it doesn't weigh much if you are really getting into it you can pick up the front and back during the workout forcing you to go easier. This isn't much of an issue for me because I can't maintain that level of rowing for more than 30 seconds anyway.
It isn't loud, but it does make the hydraulic "door closing" sound. I blast music anyway so not a problem, but I do live in a condo building and haven't had any nastygrams come under my door so there's that.
Many reviews complain their feet slip out of the foot pedals. I have not had this issue, but one of the foot pedals cracked on me. I contacted Amazon and they got in touch with the manufacturer to send me a new foot pedal. No harm no foul, it is $150 and kind of expected.
So am I an exercise convert? Do I love it now? No, it stinks, but it kind of works out for me because I hate it and it gives me anxiety just knowing that I have to do it, much like everything else in life including things that I enjoy. That said, it is a great machine and arguably the best $150 I have ever spent.
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Merci