LifeCore R100 Rowing Machine Review
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UPDATE MAY 2020: Due to the current situation with COVID-19, this model is difficult to get your hands on. An alternative is the excellent LifeSpan RW7000 Commercial Rower.
The R100 rower is a serious rowing machine and the main contender in our view to challenge the crown of the ever popular Concept2 Model E. So what do you get for the price? A heck of a lot! The first impression you get when you sit on the R100 is that it's a solid machine, and we mean solid. The aluminium frame and solid steel supports give a rock solid feel and Lifecore claim it will handle a user of up to 600 lbs! That's no mean feat in our book and as far as we know, no other rower comes close in the sturdy stakes. The seat is very comfortable even after 30 minutes, and it slides smoothly and quietly up and down the track. The range of resistance (uses both air and magnets for a varied experience) will be wide enough for anyone - you can row fast and free or ramp up the levels and really work those muscles with a short, hard burst. The magnetic resistance mechanism also means the rower can adjust to your heart rate without you needing to stop and do it manually - see heart rate programs. This really means you get the best workout possible - even if you've only got 10 minutes to train. Many types of fitness equipment now offer heart rate training programs and the science makes sense. If you can keep your heart beating at a specific percentage of your maximum heart rate (MHR), then you'll get more from shorter sessions than longer, slower workouts. The ergonomics of this machine are great and will suit all sizes. Our reviewers ranged from 60" to 76" and all found it comfortable and a joy to use. The tilting foot rests also help you get the best, most efficient technique ensuring you can work you buns off without straining your lower back.
So anything that keeps you coming back is a big plus. The variation of the programs on the R100 will do just that. It will also keep a record of your past performances so you can see your progress and race against yourself - it will store data for up to four people.
Summary: Yes, off course it's a lot to pay for a rowing machine - but when you consider that one built as well as this with all its features will keep you fit and in shape for the years to come - it's not a bad return on your investment. If other family members are going to row then it's an excellent purchase. There are very few rowers that can match the Concept2, but the majority of us here think the R100 comes pretty close with some actually putting this one ahead.
LifeCore R100:
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QUICK REFERENCE
Click images to enlarge  
 Lifecore R100 rower
Good seat
 Lifecore R100 Display / console  Lifecore R100 folded |
Also worth a look:
The R100 is a serious contender to the best selling Concept2 Model E's crown. If you have a few hundred bucks to spare, checkout the VR500 from Bodycraft with its great selection of programs and some innovative features.
Owner's comments
"I highly recommend the R100. The combination of air and magnetic resistance make for a great workout. The fan is a little noisy at times but that's my only gripe. The choice of computer workouts keeps things interesting and keeps me coming back for more, and all the performance stats really help to motivate me to keep getting better. A great rower!" John K. (owner for 5 months)
"The R100 is more than I expected and I am getting a very good work out with it. I do not know if I will ever be able to row 5000 meters in 30 minutes or not but it is my current goal. I used the option of making my own program in my user profile with a lot of different resistant settings. I think it would be nice if I could have more than one custom program. My wife got on the machine and is really hooked already she likes it so much more than her treadmill." Skip Davis, Dan Diego (owner for one month)
Update from Skip after 7 months: October 2015: "Other than two minor issues with the HRM (possible interference from WiFi) and dust getting into the seat rollers, this machine been completely trouble free. I really enjoy supplementing my training by rowing. I expect this machine to endure many years of use."
"Lovely smooth glide on this machine. I've tried many rowing machines and this one is easily the best I've sat on. The only small annoyance is that the screen can sometimes lower itself during a tough session. But this doesn't stop it being a great rower." Jackie (6 months plus)
"If you can only afford one piece of fitness equipment for your home - get this! It's great for all-round fitness training and the workout data will show you exactly just how you've come. Love it!" William Jackson (over 12 months)
Let us know your view:-
"The R100 is more than I expected and I am getting a very good work out with it. I do not know if I will ever be able to row 5000 meters in 30 minutes or not but it is my current goal. I used the option of making my own program in my user profile with a lot of different resistant settings. I think it would be nice if I could have more than one custom program. My wife got on the machine and is really hooked already she likes it so much more than her treadmill." Skip Davis, Dan Diego (owner for one month)
Update from Skip after 7 months: October 2015: "Other than two minor issues with the HRM (possible interference from WiFi) and dust getting into the seat rollers, this machine been completely trouble free. I really enjoy supplementing my training by rowing. I expect this machine to endure many years of use."
"Lovely smooth glide on this machine. I've tried many rowing machines and this one is easily the best I've sat on. The only small annoyance is that the screen can sometimes lower itself during a tough session. But this doesn't stop it being a great rower." Jackie (6 months plus)
"If you can only afford one piece of fitness equipment for your home - get this! It's great for all-round fitness training and the workout data will show you exactly just how you've come. Love it!" William Jackson (over 12 months)
Let us know your view:-
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