Working out at home is convenient, but storing the equipment can be cumbersome. The Stamina Air Rower 1399 folds up into a very small footprint and is convenient to store. Once folded, the wheels on the base make it easy to move. The last thing you want to do when working out at home is get overheated and leave your house smelling like a gym. No matter your fitness level, you’ll stay cool because this rower uses wind resistance as the source of your workout intensity. The harder you work, the harder the fan blows!
Main Features
The Stamina Air Rower 1399 may require some assembly when it arrives, but needs little storage space and doesn’t need electricity. You will need batteries for the display screen, and it can tell you the distance you’ve rowed and how many calories you burned. This rowing machine is quite simple to operate and can give you a gentle warm-up, an arm workout or a full-body workout.
The 1399 is built on a steel frame that’s rated to 250 pounds, and customers well over 6 feet tall have experienced good luck with getting full leg extension on this rower. The base is very sturdy and has rubber grips to keep it stable no matter your flooring.
The padded seat glides up and down the steel rail while you pull the rowing bar to your body. Every time you pull the bar, the fan kicks out cool air. There are comfortable large footplates with adjustable straps on either side of the fan for stability.
For a warm-up or beginning rowers, you can start with your knees bent slightly and just work your arms and back. Draw the handle to your chest with your palms facing down to work your delts and upper back, then flip your hands and do a set of bicep curls. As the fan gets rolling, you can continue with a cooling arm workout or start curling your legs to getthe seat moving as well.
Additional Info
Maintenance: The Stamina Air Rower 1399 needs no maintenance. Of course, abusing this machine may cause damage, and it’s important to note that while the frame is steel, other portions are plastic and can snap if knocked around. Contact the supplier if you find any portion of the fan assembly rubbing or chattering. Finally, pay attention to the weight limit; bending or over-stressing the frame will make this machine very hard to use.
Warranty
A three-year warranty is available on the frame and the parts are guaranteed for 90 days. Some owners have had problems with the rowing belt fraying and got good responses from the supplier. Be certain to register your purchase and keep all documentation should anything fail. The manufacturer’s warranty is the only warranty available for this product.
Accessories
There really aren’t places to attach accessories to this tool, though some rowing fans like to purchase a Stamina-Fold-To-Fit equipment mat. The 1399 rower has rubberized feet to reduce sliding and maintain stability, so the mat is not required.
Recommended Routines
No matter how fit you are, warming up is critically important. Start gently and either begin an arm workout while keeping your legs slightly bent, or, if you want to use your legs, don’t fully compress or fully extend your legs. Start by pulling the bar to your ribs with your elbows high to engage both your arms and your upper back, then add intensity as your body warms up. Consider using the timer and engage in intervallic training, pushing your speed for 30 to 45 seconds, then slowing to a steady rowing beat. Take care not to tug the rowing bar to the extreme end of the strap feed so you don’t damage the retraction method.
Product PROs and CONs
The Stamina Air Rower 1399 offers owners of home gyms a great way to improve their health conveniently and privately at home. Below are a list of issues to consider before investing in this tool.
PROs
- No power cord. You can use this rowing machine in any space in your home and don’t need to plug it in.
- Cools you while you work! The fan mechanism blows right on you as your row.
- Flexible. The large footpads make this a usable tool for nearly anyone under 250 pounds; it works well for legs and arms of most any length.
- Folds and stores easily. You can put this in a closet when you’re not using it.
- Padded seat. Rowing can be a real workout for your low back, and a padded seat will give you support.
CONs
- Noisy. The fan mechanism is boxy and will generate quite a racket when you really get rolling. You will probably need headphones for music or television watching.
- Plastic components may rattle and chatter as the fan moves.
- There’s assembly required; tightening the footpads in place may be a challenge if you don’t have any help
- There’s no back on the seat; this can be uncomfortable for some users.
- The warranty on parts is only good for 90 days. Be sure to get it put together and put this machine through its paces so you don’t miss out if something fails.
User Reviews
Most users found this machine quite easy to assemble and put to use. It’s important to point out that the fan mechanism can be loud. If you plan to work out early or watch television while you row, your housemates may not appreciate your dedication. Some found the padded seat to be insufficient or feel a bit unstable. Many users discovered that the 250 pound weight limit was overly cautious and had no problems using the machine even though they were pushing the published limits of the frame.
Verdict
For the money, the Stamina Air Rower 1399 is a great rowing machine. You can use it at your leisure and fold it up and store it easily if you need the space. It won’t take up a lot of room, and you can use it to build muscle and improve your calorie burn all day long. Because you’re engaging so many muscle groups, including arms, legs, core and spine, be sure to stretch after enjoying your rowing workout!