Rowing is one of the best all around activities for cardiovascular fitness and strength. The Stamina 1205 Precision Rower provides a low impact, full body workout that strengthens all major muscle groups. The Stamina 1205 is smaller than most rowing machines, yet built to last. The multifunctional fitness monitor records and displays, distance, time, row count, calories burned, and miles rowed. This rower made it to one of our top picks of the best rowing machine for this year.
Features
- Size fully assembled is 48 inches long x 32.5 inches wide x 27.75 inches high
- Weight 47 lbs.
- Superior ball bearing roller system
- Smooth hydraulic cylinder action
- Adjustable tension controls
- Single button multifunction monitor displays distance, speed, time, row count, miles rowed and calories burned
- Thick padded seat
- Pivoting foot plates
The Good
When a busy schedule and family commitments don’t allow for regular visits to the gym, the Stamina 1205 can be used at home or in the office. With a footprint of only 48” long and 32.5” high, the Stamina 1205 easily fits in spaces that are too small for larger rowing machines.
The Stamina 1205 Precision rower can be used in the home or office for an efficient, effective workout that utilizes all major muscle groups including the back, legs, arms, abdominals and buttocks. Rowing is one of the best exercises for building a strong back. It is one of the most effective low-impact exercises for increasing metabolism rates for a more efficient calorie and fat burning exercise without impacting the joints.
Manufactured by a well-known and trusted brand, the Stamina 1205’s padded seat glides on a ball bearing roller system, providing a smooth and natural rowing motion. Its rowing arms whose resistance is adjusted by hydraulic cylinders are equipped with foam hand grips for stability and comfort. The intensity of the workout can be modified by adjusting the tension controls. Pivoting footplates provide comfort and the proper support during a workout.
An important feature that helps keep track of fitness goals and provides motivation is the single button multi-function monitor. It records and displays speed, distance, time, row count, calories burned, and miles rowed.
Although inexpensive, the Stamina 1205 has features that compare well with more expensive machines.
The Stamina 1205 is manufactured with a steel frame and precision extruded aluminum beam for strength and durability. Assembly is fast and easy with simple to follow instructions that are included with the owners manual. Some part are delivered partially assembled. The weight limit for this rowing machine is 250 pounds.
The machine has a 90-day warranty on the parts. The frame is warranted for 5 years.
The Bad
The Stamina 1205 cannot be folded, collapsed or placed in a vertical position for storage under the bed, against the wall or in the closet.
It is difficult to synchronize the tension settings of the rowing arms so that it is equalized.
Very loud squeaks and creaks have been reported after a few months of use. When this occurs, application of a lubricate may be needed.
The low profile of the machine means that the seat is close to the floor. This may make it difficult for some people to lift themselves up and get off the rower.
The Stamina 1205 weighs 45 pounds. The weight may not be built to support people in a heavier weight range.
The Verdict
Depending on your budget, you might consider competitors like the Kettler Favorit Rowing Machine is a competitor priced at around $399. This rower’s dynamic design is extra biomechanically constructed, and the separate handlebars mean the movement can be even more complex. Like the Stamina 1205 Precision Rowing machine, the Kettler Favorit is a compact machine that easily fits into the home, or commercial gym. In general, it was built for those that are just getting into rowing and don’t want to spend the amount of money required to buy a high priced model. What makes it so smooth and quiet are the hydraulic pistons. They also make sure that the resistance is consistent and spread evenly.
Another unique feature is the handlebars. They are different than the handlebars found on most inexpensive machines. They help to create a snag-free, smooth, challenging, and kinetically aligned workout. The built in computer console tracks and displays time, stroke count, distance, calories burned and heart rate. The Kettler Favorit can be difficult to assembly. After assembly, the bolts will need to be tightened. Also, the machine is costly for a low-end rower.
One other expensive option is the Lifespan RW 1000 Rowing machines that is priced at around $499.00 – with it’s large footprint it is larger in the folded position than the Stamina 1205. The rower has a padded seat, swivel foot pedals with straps, and stationary handle bars. The Lifespan RW 100 computer console displays distance, time, calories, stroke count, and strokes per minute. At more than twice the price of the Stamina 1205, The Lifespan RW may be too expensive for a starter machine.
The Stamina 1205 Precision rowing machine is a great value at the current price point. Offered at a much lower price than its competitors, the Stamina 1205 has important features like a thick padded seat, smooth ball-bearing roller system, rowing arms with adjustable hydraulic cylinders, foam hand grips and a multifunction fitness monitor, that enhance the rowing exercise experience. With a compact footprint, it offers the same workout as machines twice its size.
