by Gary Patterson |
Last Updated: May 16, 2021 Table of Contents
Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower Overview
Stamina is the company to visit for when you need home fitness equipment. With the inclusion of other affiliated brands such as AeroPilates, Avari, and Wirk Office Fitness, they offer a large series of workout gear suited for running, rowing, biking, and more. By marketing themselves to be more affordable, Stamina is designed for those overachieving athletes down to the average workout geek.
Founded in 1987, this Missouri-based brand was the brainchild of 5 different owners: Barrie Laurie, Brent Swanson, Jeff Hutchens, Bob McBride, and Kevin Gerschefske. Friends before business partners, Laurie had the initial idea to kickstart a fitness company. With a bright future ahead, nobody anticipated that it would be a rocky start. Overcoming fraud and even death, Stamina had- well- the stamina to pull through to the end.
Today, the brand is known for its most popular devices, such as the AeroPilates reformers and the American Gladiators Home Gym. Stamina has also been under the celebrity spotlight, as big names like Kathy Smith and Mia Finnegan have used their products before.
While they offer hundreds of models, we will be focusing on one of their most popular machines. Garnering hundreds of reviews online and popularized by several media outlets, the STAMINA AVARI PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC ROWER is the talk of the town when it comes to exercise equipment. Featured in Top Fitness Magazine as a ‘budget-friendly’ alternative, this $1,000 device is part of the company’s rowing collection.
Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower Review
For those hovering over the checkout button, this Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower review will provide you with the ins and outs of this workout tool. We’ll take a gander at its product features, quality, and value to see if it’s worth a deserved space in your indoor gym.
Before we get into this Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower review, let’s go over some initial pros and cons:
Pros
- Saves money compared to monthly gym memberships and inconvenient scheduling
- Equipped with 12 exercise programs to keep things interesting
- Offers a 3-year warranty on the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower
- Positive customer reviews
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
- Free standard shipping is only for American customers
- Their 30-day return policy does not apply to ‘commercial settings’ such as gyms, spas, and clubs
- Middle priced. Not as affordable as Stamina claims to be
Technical Specifications
This Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower review will provide readers with its product features down below:
- Dimensions: 81 x 20 x 24.5 (all in inches)
- Stored Dimensions: its compact frame measures out to 36” x 20” x 53.4”
- Weight: 75 lbs
- Material: Steel frame with an extruded aluminum beam
- Handle: Foam-padded rowing bar with extra grip
- Monitor/Display: Backlit InTouch Fitness LCD Monitor (tracks time, distance, calories, etc.)
- Workouts: includes 12 programs which divides into 1 manual setting, 4 custom plans, 6 cardio profiles, and a heart rate system
- How many videos: non-applicable
- Resistance: custom magnetic tension
- Connections: heart rate transmitter to be worn around the torso and a connecting bracket for the device
- Heart rate: adjusts the machine’s tension according to heart rate readings
- Functions: used for cardiovascular fitness (designed to tone legs and arms)
- Seat: Molded for comfort
- Warranty: 3-year warranty with 90-day parts
Resistance Type
This Stamina Avari prototype utilizes magnets for resistance. Found near the flywheel, this type of function produces a seamless rowing experience devoid of any friction. According to many sources online, users found it quite similar to the real thing. Compared to hydraulic systems, this device keeps your hands and arms at an optimal height for each pull and push.
The great thing about the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower is that it’s virtually silent. Other prototypes such as air and water produce a bit of noise- however, this prototype operates by two rotating magnets that never touch each other. Not only does this ensure a quiet, semi-therapeutic workout experience, but it helps keep things bump-free and smooth.
For an additional cherry on top, the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower provides a full-body workout, which means your legs are in for the long haul. Moreover, this exercise essential is designed to fold up, which is a significant game-changer compared to other brands. With that being said, there are a few caveats with the magnetic Rower. Some users found the stroking machine ‘too smooth,’ as it didn’t simulate those turbulent waters you’d find in real life.
In terms of customization, users can adjust the tension Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower by their own heartbeat. The device comes with a transmitter strap that feeds directly through the device and around your torso. Customers can also use the machine’s arrow buttons to increase stress or workout time.
Price
Now, let’s get into the deal-breaker; how much does this bad boy cost? The Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower is priced at $1,000. According to the brand, their products are marketed to be more cost-effective compared to other companies. However, we’ve found a few prototypes online that would state otherwise.
This Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower review looked through Amazon, BestBuy, and other fitness equipment brands to get a feel of its market price. A few models, such as the ECHANFIT Magnetic Rower Machine, retail for only $200 to $300. More expensive models, like the Nordic Track RW900, cost a whopping $2,450.
From what we’ve seen so far, Stamina is a good middle ground. Cheaper devices don’t come with Avari’s handy features such as a heart rate transmitter and various programs. If you can live without integrated workout videos and opt for an exercise podcast instead, there may be no need to splurge for a pricier model.
If and when you’ve decided to settle for the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower, there are a few ways to purchase this exercise tool. Customers can either order it on staminaproducts.com or by visiting Amazon, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Best Buy. Unfortunately, the brand does not offer any financing or installment plans for this device.
Shipping & Assembly
This Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower review is happy to report that they offer free shipping on U.S orders. Using their main couriers UPS, it usually takes 5 to 10 business days for packages to arrive. They do offer other delivery methods, such as expedited, two-day air, and one-day air. Each option differs in terms of duration and cost. For more details on locations and set rates, customers can visit their company page.
The Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower does require assembly upon delivery. The brand does offer a complimentary manual that customers can use. While your order does come with a few screws and bolts, users are required to purchase a few key wrenches to get the job done. According to a few sources online, this device was fairly easy to assemble, as some finished in under 30 minutes.
Setup
After assembly and product registration, users are instructed to set up their heart rate transmitter. Users are to attach this strap across their waist. The battery monitor must be positioned at the center of your chest in order to get an accurate reading. During operation, this device will emit a tiny red light. This Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower review found out that customers are not required to input their height, location, weight, or account settings onto this device.
When it’s time to row, users are to select their desired program using the LCD screen. You have the option to increase or decrease the workload when running a certain setting. During your training session, customers can view their calorie count, overall distance, time, and pulse by looking at the monitor. We highly recommend reading their operational manual for those looking for more specifics on what the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower is capable of.
Design and Features
Moving forward, this Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower review will take a thorough look at its design, comfort, quality, and capacity. How does this machine stand up to other brands? Is it the next best thing to being on the lakeside? We’ll cover those questions down below by combing through customer reviews and online ratings.
Build Quality
Reinforced with an aluminum rowing beam and sturdy steel frame, the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower ensures a smooth and seamless stroking experience at every turn. It’s fairly average in weight, as it only amounts to 75 lbs. Since this prototype is designed to be foldable, users can easily push or lift this model away for later use. Did we mention that it also comes with wheels on the sides for extra mobility?
Comfort
The Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower is designed to provide users with an effective, semi-meditative workout experience. To ensure safety, straps are built into its footplates to help secure your feet while rowing. This device also comes with a padded rowing grip handle to ensure no slippage from those sweaty hands.
With that being said, this Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower review found varied experiences when it comes to its molded seat. On the product page, some users found no issue in comfort when using the device after prolonged use. Others- such as FitRated.com- stated that the cushion came with ridges, resulting in a less-than-savory workout experience.
Capacity
One of the main disadvantages of the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower is that it can only accompany 275 lbs. Moreover, people who are above 6 feet tall may find that the track is too short. This is especially disheartening to users outside of its given capacity. As a result, people who fall within the average weight or height for their age are best suited to use this device.
For a better comparison, most rowing machines can accommodate up to 300 lbs. While the typical athletic rower is usually tall with long limbs, shorter people shouldn’t be discouraged from using this device. If you happen to weigh a bit more than what the Stamina rower calls for, you can stroke in spirit with other hydraulic or air-resistance models.
Display/LCD
The Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower comes with no bells or whistles attached. It has you equipped and ready to go, as users can quickly input their desired program, resistance, and workout time. This prototype features a Backlit InTouch Fitness LCD monitor, which displays calorie count, distance, pulse, wattage, and more. To change its settings, rowers can use the accompanied arrow buttons.
If you’ve been on the hunt for a good rower, chances are that you may find this monitor to be quite underwhelming. Compared to more expensive models, this device comes with no touch screen, speakers, workout videos, or Wi-Fi. Moreover, some reviewers online found that their backlit display on the Stamina rower was poorly lit, making it hard to see. However, for those who like things old-school and uncomplicated, this could be the model for you.
Membership
Stamina offers a Video on Demand service, in which customers can sign up to gain access to training videos. Led by professional coaches, buyers can access these tutorials by logging into their account. Some of their products come with free online guides. However, it doesn’t seem that the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower comes with complimentary access. So far, we haven’t found any membership plans offered by the brand.
Storage
Compared to most magnetic rowers, this Stamina prototype is designed to be foldable. It also comes with built-in wheels to make the moving process less of a chore. When compacted, it measures out to a total of 36” x 20” x 53.4” with a weight of 75 lbs.
In certain situations, people could store it behind their door or inside the closet. We recommend stowing this model away in a discreet corner of your living space for easier access. Even though the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower is designed to be quite light, you may need an extra pair of hands to help lift this model up.
Warranty
The STAMINA AVARI PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC ROWER comes with a 3-year warranty and a 90-days parts guarantee. According to the brand, their products are free from defects from the time of purchase. This policy doesn’t cover commercial use, including gyms, health clubs, or other public facilities.
In certain situations, the brand will repair or replace your machine- but it is your responsibility to cover return shipping costs. As a side note, some states don’t allow limitations on certain warranties- so it’s best to check if this applies within your city. For a full list of details on their warranty, this STAMINA AVARI PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC ROWER review recommends heading over to their website.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a middle-priced magnetic rower, the Stamina Avari model seems to be the way forward. While it’s not the most affordable model on the market, it does come with an adequate amount of features that other cheaper prototypes don’t have.
This includes 12 different programs, a heart-rate monitor, a decently sized display screen. Compared to other resistance types, the magnetic option offers a quiet, smooth experience. We’re all familiar with the annoying whirr and hum that other machines may emit when put under pressure.
With that being said, the STAMINA AVARI PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC ROWER does come with a few negatives. It mainly has to do with its weight and height capacity, as it can only accompany those who fall within ‘average’ measurements. Moreover, this prototype doesn’t seem as stylish or advanced compared to other brands. There is no touch screen or Wi-Fi connectivity, so you’ll have to rely on your phone for training videos or podcasts.
All in all, this STAMINA AVARI PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC ROWER review generally recommends this type of model- if you fall within its ‘prerequisites,’ that is.
FAQ
Where can I purchase the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower?
Customers can purchase the STAMINA AVARI PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC ROWER by heading over to staminaproducts.com. You can also find it at select retailers such as:
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Walmart
- Sam’s Club
- Hudson’s Bay
Is there a Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower discount?
As of lately, this STAMINA AVARI PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC ROWER review found no discounts or coupons on this select model. However, the brand is hosting a sweepstakes promotion in which customers can receive a free Amazon gift card. If you’re in the market for another product, they do have a sale outlet.
Does the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower fold?
Yes, the STAMINA AVARI PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC ROWER can be folded. Its resulting dimensions measure out to be 36” x 20” x 53.4”.
Can you lose belly fat on a rowing machine?
It is possible to shed a few pounds when using a Rowing Machine. According to Stamina, “Indoor rowing actually increases metabolism for more efficient calorie and fat burning.”
Is rowing better for you than running?
Some experts state that rowing is better than running. Rowers involve both your arms and legs- which provides a full-body workout.
How to contact Stamina Products?
For inquiries unrelated to this STAMINA AVARI PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC ROWER review, you can contact the company through:
- Phone number: 1-800-375-7520
- Email: [email protected]
- filling out their message form
- using their chat function on their website