Most individuals searching for a rowing machine will match into certainly one of two classes: those that are already dedicated to the rowing way of life, and those that simply need a good exercise. I fall into the latter. I used to be just lately supplied with certainly one of Merach’s magnetic rowing machines to check out, and I discovered that it has been a terrific house exercise possibility that is quiet, transportable, and inexpensive whereas I work to rehab my ACL—but it surely might not be for everybody.
Simple to arrange, quiet, and straightforward to maneuver
This rowing machine is available in three variations: the QS1 Magnetic, the Q1SW Magnetic Silent, and the Q1S Professional Electromagnetic. I examined the middle-of-the-pack Q1SW Magnetic silent. It is marketed to make lower than 20 decibels of noise, however judging from a decibel sound scale, it is nearer to 40 decibels. That stated, I can work out in full swing whereas nonetheless with the ability to hear the TV and with out bothering my fiancée as she works from house. It was additionally very simple to put in, taking me about half-hour.
Credit score: Daniel Oropeza
As I discussed earlier, one of many principal issues I used to be searching for in a house rowing machine was portability. I needed one thing that was sensible to make use of, transfer round, and stow. The Q1SW does that effectively. It has wheels on the entrance that makes shifting it round very simple, it’s gentle sufficient to maneuver with one arm, and it suits neatly towards a wall with minimal effort (you simply must tuck the display screen down).
Credit score: Daniel Oropeza
Stable construct high quality, aside from the display screen
The Q1SW rowing machine feels very secure, and I by no means apprehensive about tipping to the perimeters, even when going all out. That stated, it might not be a snug expertise for tall rowers.
Credit score: Daniel Oropeza
Merach advertises this machine as appropriate for customers as much as 6 ft 5 inches tall, however I can not think about it being a snug expertise. I am 5 ft 7 inches tall, and I discovered that the handlebars sit very low to the bottom and do not come out far sufficient at first of the drive. This made it really feel like I used to be cramped up in a small row boat. It additionally made it tougher to get any stress in my arms at first of my stroke except I leaned again far sufficient—which, as any rower will inform you, isn’t good type. It is a comparatively minor subject that seemingly will not trouble anybody like me who’s simply making an attempt to get a exercise in, but it surely would possibly drive a rower mad.
The Q1SW has 16 ranges of resistance that you just manually alter with a rotating lever, however for me, even the very best resistance nonetheless feels fairly weak. Nonetheless, as senior well being editor Beth Skwarecki famous in her submit about frequent rowing errors, you don’t need plenty of resistance once you row for the reason that level is to imitate the resistance of water. When you’re a rower, that is in all probability essential to you. When you’re somebody making an attempt to simply get your coronary heart pumping and get a leg exercise and again exercise, do not count on to get the identical resistance you’d discover in a rowing machine at your native fitness center.
Credit score: Daniel Oropeza
The show display screen actually exhibits the place Merach was making cuts. It is underwhelming and feels low cost. There’s additionally no backlight, so I could not see it when the room lights had been dimmed. Nonetheless, Merach does make up for this considerably with its Bluetooth compatibility and free companion app. I might very simply join the rower with my telephone and get much more info on my exercises with the app. I usually propped my telephone up in entrance of the machine’s display screen and received a significantly better concept of what I used to be doing.
Credit score: Daniel Oropeza
The app additionally logs knowledge and exhibits much more info as soon as the exercise is full, like energy burned, common frequency, common resistance, max energy, and many others. The app additionally has “extremely burning,” “goal apply,” “timed apply,” and “free coaching” preloaded exercises.
Credit score: Daniel Oropeza
Ending ideas
Merach’s Q1SW row machine is an effective alternative amongst a sea of price range rowing machines on Amazon, particularly with its surprisingly strong companion app expertise. The machine feels sturdy, and it is vitally sensible for these searching for a quiet and sensible exercise at house. When you’re a rower, although, you may not be content material with the design that just about encourages poor type. And should you’re taller than 6 ft, the rowing machine would possibly really feel too cramped for you.
Whereas the itemizing value is $329.99, you may simply discover this rowing machine effectively under $300, which is a reasonably strong value for one thing like this. On the time of this writing, there is a $90 on-page coupon on Amazon, bringing the value right down to $239.99.