Fitness Reality 5000X Rowing Machine Review
FR 5000X BACKGROUND
The 5000X is the newest rower (at time of review in March '22) from this mid-range brand. The first thing that strikes you is the vertical water tank fitted to the side. This is good design feature in my view because it gives the impression it's a compact rowing machine (especially if space is an issue in your home), but the rail is a handsome 39" making it suitable for users of up to 6' 3". There's another advantage to the vertical tank, but more on this later.
FITNESS REALITY 5000X
7.5
LISTEN ON THE GO - Fitness Reality 5000X Audio Review
Fitness Reality 5000X
ASSEMBLY
First, let's talk about assembly. Some machines are a real pain to put together, and of course there's always the chance that the vital bolt or nut will be missing. Not so with this model. There's not much to assemble, the instructions are clear, it's straightforward, and shouldn't take longer than 30 minutes at the very most. And you'll notice the build quality is quite impressive for a machine of this price.
So, once the job is done, let's get down to the business of working out. The seat is a standard one you'll find on at least 30% of rowers in this price range. And it's perfectly up to the job. It's comfortable for long sessions and sits 16.5" off the floor which makes it easy to mount and dismount :0)
So, once the job is done, let's get down to the business of working out. The seat is a standard one you'll find on at least 30% of rowers in this price range. And it's perfectly up to the job. It's comfortable for long sessions and sits 16.5" off the floor which makes it easy to mount and dismount :0)
THE HARDWARE
The solid steel frame supports a user of up to 300 lbs, so it feels pretty stable even at high stroke rates. The handle is well-padded, the footrests are wide and have thick Velcro straps to hold your feet firmly in place. But you don't buy a rowing machine just to sit on it, eh :0)
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This is a water-resistant rower which is self-explanatory - see types here. In the last few years, dozens of this sort of machine have appeared on the market, so there's plenty of choice. And of course, more choice means competitive prices - which is good news for all.
The majority of water-resistant rowing machines have a horizontal tank, whereas the Fitness Reality 5000x has a vertical. The vertical positioning of the tank makes the water slows quicker (thanks to gravity) than a horizontal one. This mean the resistance returns as you return to the catch position and there's no lag - which ultimately means you're getting a better workout :0) This model has 6 levels of resistance. You add or remove water to select which best suits you - see photo on the right. If you want a water machine with a lever that selects the resistance for you (without getting your hands wet), you have to pay around $300 more for a machine like the First Degree Newport AR. |
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Some people have reservations about using water machines, but they really don't require much maintenance. You pop a water purifier tablet in every few weeks to stop it going green, and then change the water after three months. It doesn't take long, plus you get a water pump and funnel included with this rower.
Once you're done with your workout, you simply tip the machine up, roll it away on the wheels located at the front, and store it out of the way.
Once you're done with your workout, you simply tip the machine up, roll it away on the wheels located at the front, and store it out of the way.
 Monitor is okay - better with MyCloud |
 MyCloud Fitness App |
DISPLAY CONSOLE
We'll look at the standard monitor first before covering the option of the table.
The LCD display is a reasonable size (5.5") and is up to the job, but it's not backlight and some may find it hard to read while working out. It displays the usual data such as distance rowed, elapsed time, calories burned (estimated), strokes rate and split times, but also watts - which is unusual on a budget machine. Watts is a measure of your work rate and is the basis of Tabata Rowing Workouts - an excellent way to achieve maximum benefits from your workouts quickly.
The LCD display is a reasonable size (5.5") and is up to the job, but it's not backlight and some may find it hard to read while working out. It displays the usual data such as distance rowed, elapsed time, calories burned (estimated), strokes rate and split times, but also watts - which is unusual on a budget machine. Watts is a measure of your work rate and is the basis of Tabata Rowing Workouts - an excellent way to achieve maximum benefits from your workouts quickly.
Other good features include the pre-set programs that include HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), Target workouts (e.g. set a target to row 1,000 in 5 minutes), plus a favorite of mine, race programs where you can race against a virtual rower with a pre-set goal in mind.
However, there is no heart rate monitor which is a shame. This would have really been a neat addition. But the main feature of the 5000x is the MyCloudFItness app when used with your tablet - read on.
However, there is no heart rate monitor which is a shame. This would have really been a neat addition. But the main feature of the 5000x is the MyCloudFItness app when used with your tablet - read on.
The deal-clincher in my view if looking at machines under $500, is the addition of the MyCloudFitness App. We are seeing more of this workout platforms now on lower-priced machines, and on the whole, they're pretty good. Of course they can't compete with the likes of Hydrow or Ergatta with their phenomenally excellent software and graphics, which you do pay a monthly subscription for, but for the price, the fitness app and platform for this model is actually good.
Just call up the app, pop your smartphone or tablet in the holder, and you have access to more than enough workouts to get you into shape. For a start, you can track all your performances to keep an eye on your progress - always a good motivator, plus it's compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit. You also have access to trainer-led workouts which can feel like taking part in a class. The app will also work out a personalized fitness plan based on your details and what goals you have in mind.
Just call up the app, pop your smartphone or tablet in the holder, and you have access to more than enough workouts to get you into shape. For a start, you can track all your performances to keep an eye on your progress - always a good motivator, plus it's compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit. You also have access to trainer-led workouts which can feel like taking part in a class. The app will also work out a personalized fitness plan based on your details and what goals you have in mind.
REVIEW SUMMARY:
The 5000X offers some really good features for a rowing machine costing under $500. The build quality feels like it's a higher priced model, and the clever design makes it a pleasure to use. The MyCloudFItness App is a good addition and it's definitely a better machine when using a tablet. All-in-all, this is well worth considering :0)
Note: This website is an associate of Amazon and a number of other retailers. We earn a commission from sales generated via these links, but this does not influence how we rate the rowing machines we review.
Note: This website is an associate of Amazon and a number of other retailers. We earn a commission from sales generated via these links, but this does not influence how we rate the rowing machines we review.
PROS:
- Good build quality
- Compact, but side tank still means the rail is long
- Bluetooth Enabled
- Good design
- Good value for your buck
- Smooth, quiet action of sear on rail
- 6 x water resistance levels
- 19 pre-set programs, include races
- Works with MyCloudFitness App
- Personalized fitness plans available with the App
- Comfortable seat
- Seat is a good height to save your knees
- Wide footrests and secure Velcro straps
- Batteries included - no mains power required
- Stores vertically after use
CONS:
- The monitor is okay, but best used with a tablet
- No heart rate monitor
- The warranty could be a little more generous in my view
SPECIFICATION
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Resistance type:
Max user weight: Dimensions: Machine weight: Warranty: |
Water
300 lbs 75" x 21.5" (W) x 33" (H) 55 lbs 1 year on frame and parts |
ALTERNATIVES
Other similar-sized water-resistant rowing machines for roughly the same price include the Sunny Phantom Hydro and the Sunny Obsidian. For a $100 or so more, the Xterra 650W is another good option. Or new on the scene is the Merach Q1S with a great fitness app that comes with it.
USER COMMENTS
"This wasn't my first choice rower, but as my space is limited, I decided to for this model. But I was pleasantly surprised by the 5000X. It's very good value for money." Julie. (user for 5 weeks)