One of the FR 1000 Plus Magnetic Rower’s major selling points from Fitness Reality is the price! It’s one of the market’s least expensive magnetic rowing machines and still has excellent resistance and good build quality. This exceptional blend of price and quality is why it has received so many positive reviews!
The low-impact workout on its 39-inch slide rail targets your whole body, including your back, legs, thighs, biceps, triceps, forearms, shoulders, and more. It is suitable for people at different levels as it offers 14 dual transmission magnetic resistance levels for a more comfortable or challenging workout.
The FR 1000 Plus magnetic rower works with the MyCloudFitness (MCF) App, available on IOS and Android. Therefore, you’ll track your Distance, Calories, Total Count, Strokes per Minute (SPM), and much more with the 30-day free trial. Your data is always at your fingertips and compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit.
With the $14.99 a month premium membership to MCF, you’ll get access to hundreds of on-demand classes in Rowing, Cycling, Yoga, Bodyweight Exercises, and more. Get flexible, personalized workout programs based on your schedule. Take a picture of your food and track Calories, Carbs, Protein, Fiber, and more.
Learn more in my complete review below!
Product: FR 1000 Plus Magnetic Rower
Price: For a great deal on this rower, merely go here on Amazon
Warranty: 1 year
My rating: is 9/10
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 88.5L x 21.5W x 21.5H inches (225L x 54.6W x 54.6H cm)
- Assembled weight: 63.3 lbs (28.7 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Footrests: Pivoting, with straps
- Resistance type: Magnetic, 14 levels
- Fitness Monitor: Time, distance, SPM, total count, calories, Bluetooth, scan
- Extras: Smartphone holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
1000 Plus Frame Construction
The Fitness Reality 1000 Plus rower features a durable steel frame with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. It can support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg). The color used for all the steel bars is gray. In addition, its construction has several ABS parts: the footrests, the side covers of the resistance system, and several other small covers.
The machine comes equipped with a slightly longer slide rail than other models. It is approx. 88.5″ (225 cm) long and 21.5 (54.6 cm) wide, while its rail inseam length is approx. 39″ (99 cm). Thus, the machine can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension.
The rail is not completely horizontal. Instead, it inclines forward by a few degrees. Therefore, it provides a slightly better workout for the legs, and the recovery movement is a little faster.
The machine has a folding design. The rail with the seat can fold up and lock in an upright position to save space. With the rail folded up, the unit’s length is reduced to 39.5″ (100 cm) while its height becomes 53.5″ (136 cm).
Also, the fully assembled unit is not very heavy; it only weighs approx—63 lbs (28.7 kg). Therefore, one person can transport and build the rower. Once completed, its relocation is made easy by the small wheels incorporated in its front base.
An important aspect is the foot pads attached to the front base bar. These can serve as support for a variety of exercises apart from rowing.
Depending on your feet’ positioning, you can perform bicep curls, tricep extensions, stand-up rows, front raises, side raises, and many more. Unfortunately, many rowing machines do not offer these possibilities.
The rear base of the unit comes equipped with adjustable, rubberized stabilizers. Therefore, you can perfectly level it on any floor.
Seat and other parts
The Fitness Reality 1000 Plus magnetic rower features a reasonably large seat. In addition, it features a layer of high-density foam for extra comfort and is also contoured to adapt better to the user. It is approx 13.5″ (34 cm) wide and 11″ (28 cm) deep, providing plenty of contact surface.
The seat’s base is steel-made, like the rest of the frame. It integrates six wheels, two under the slide rail and the other four on top. They have a rubberized outer layer to minimize noise during seat movement and have internal ball bearings for a smooth seat journey.
The seat base frame almost entirely covers them to prevent your clothing from being caught in them during rowing.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, the slide rail of the rower is slightly inclined forward. Therefore, the seat height ranges between 9.5″ – 12″ (24 – 30.5 cm).
The unit’s footrests are relatively large as well. They are heavy-duty ABS materials featuring a textured surface. In addition, they are equipped with adjustable straps and heel guards to provide maximum foot stability.
The footrests have a pivoting design. Therefore, they can tilt forward and backward on their axis to provide the perfect angle for your feet during each rowing motion. Of course, they also have stoppers at the heel for a better push.
The unit’s pulling handle is an ergonomic short straight bar. It has rubberized grips for extra comfort and an abrasion-resistant nylon mesh strap. Unfortunately, it does not integrate pulse sensors or resistance controls.
1000 Plus Resistance system
The FR 1000 Plus rower comes equipped with a dual transmission mechanical, magnetic resistance system. Therefore, the unit does not require an external power source. Also, its fitness monitor does not control the resistance in any way.
The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake that connects to the tension knob placed on the machine’s front section through a steel wire. When you turn the knob clockwise, the brake covers a more significant part of the flywheel, which leads to increased rowing difficulty.
As opposed to other manual magnetic rowers, the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus offers 14 levels of resistance. The lowest level provides reasonably low resistance, which is excellent for anyone who wants to regain stamina or recovery training.
Conversely, the 14th tension level allows you to burn more calories or benefit from a more consistent workout during arm exercises.
An essential aspect of the unit’s resistance system is that it does not offer a dynamic response. In other words, the resistance doesn’t vary with how hard you pull as for air resistance rowers or fluid resistance rowers. Instead, it remains constant, given by the selected tension level.
Therefore, the rowing feel is not entirely “natural”; it may not be the best choice for a professional athlete. However, the unit does offer the possibility to undergo quite a consistent cardio workout.
Fitness monitor
This rowing machine comes equipped with a simple fitness monitor. However, it integrates an internal Bluetooth module, which allows you to sync it with your smartphone and use the MyCloudFitness (MCF) app for goal setting and online progress tracking. The app is available for Android and iOS and offers a free 30-day trial.
The monitor features a 3.5″ LCD divided into two sections to simultaneously view up to two workout metrics. It tracks time, distance, strokes per minute (SPM), total strokes (total count), and calories burned.
Unfortunately, it does not have a pulse reading function. In addition, although it has internal Bluetooth, you cannot sync it with Bluetooth HR chest strap transmitters. Thus, if you want to monitor your pulse, you need a separate device.
The monitor is relatively easy to use. It requires four AA batteries, which come with the rower. It has only one button, which allows you to switch between metrics or select the Scan mode. The workout metrics will alternate if the Scan mode is ON, each displayed for a few seconds.
The button also allows you to reset all the monitor values by pressing it continuously for several seconds. It starts when you press the button or begin rowing and self-shut down after several minutes of inactivity on the machine.
1000 Plus Assembly and Maintenance
Like most magnetic rowers, the front unit with all the resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only have to add the front and rear stabilizers, attach the seat to the slider rail, connect the rail to the front, and add the footrests.
Consequently, it shouldn’t take more than an hour of your time. The manual provides step-by-step instructions; an essential toolkit comes with the rower.
The machine’s internal parts do not require any lubrication or maintenance. You only have to keep the unit’s slide rail clean and free of dust, textile fibers, or small objects that may damage the seat’s wheels or cause nicks into the rail. Also, a periodic check for loose parts and bolts is advisable, and retighten if necessary.
Pros
- Fairly sturdy construction – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Folding frame;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Folding footpads on the front base for stand-up rows, curls, or other exercises;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Cushioned and contoured seat for superior comfort;
- Pivoting footrests for a perfect foot position with each stroke;
- Relatively long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’5″;
- Smooth magnetic resistance system;
- 14 levels of resistance;
- Fitness monitor included – it can track time, distance, count, SPM, and calories burned;
- Integrated Bluetooth and compatibility with the MyCloudFitness (MCF) app;
- Smartphone holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance is required.
Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- The fitness monitor LCD does not have a backlight.
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Magnetic Rower Summary
The Fitness Reality 1000 Plus is a full-magnetic rowing machine offering 14 levels of resistance. In addition, it has a sturdy and foldable frame construction to support users up to 250 lbs. It also has internal Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the MyCloudFitness (MCF) app.
Even though it’s not a professional rowing machine, it can still provide a consistent full-body cardio workout and several other exercises besides rowing, such as bicep curls, stand-up rows, front raises, etc. Moreover, it’s a great trainer for muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.
Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.
I have been in the market for some kind of home cardio equipment for a while now. Then I came across your review. I’m fully convinced to go for a rowing machine, and I think your review of the FR 1000 Plus Magnetic Rower is so compelling I think I might have to invest in my fitness. Thanks!
Hello Jamie,
Thanks for your interest in the FR 1000 Plus Magnetic Rower.
All the best!
Robert
This machine looks perfect for working out at home. When I used to go to the gym, whenever I needed to do cardio, I’d prefer the rowing machine over everything else.
I like the fact that it’s sturdy and lightweight as I don’t have much space at home. I also like its versatility. Besides working out my legs, I would be able to do other exercises. That’s great. I also think adding Bluetooth connectivity was a great idea by the manufacturer. I’ve been using myCloudFitness for some time, so it’s excellent they sync.
I checked the Amazon link, but it’s out of stock. It seems it’s popular among shoppers. How much does it cost?
Thanks for sharing. I look forward to your reply.
Hello Enrique,
Thanks for your interest in the FR 1000 Magnetic Rower. Due to COVID-19, Amazon and other retailers are experiencing shortages. When in stock this rower usually goes for around $300.00. Might I interest you in the MaxKare Magnetic Rower? It’s similar in specs and it is in stock now.
All the best
Robert
Many exercise equipment, such as a magnetic rower for a home gym, comes with a high price tag. So it is great to find that the FR 1000 Plus Magnetic Rower is affordable yet provides excellent quality and resistance. And even better, it works with MyCloudFitness (MCF) App to motivate you and try different programs.
I like that this rower is also foldable, taking up much less space for storage, perfect if you live in a smaller area. Thank you for sharing this detailed review.
Hi there, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. Would you please let me know if I may further assist you with exercise equipment? I’m always happy to help.
Kind regards, Robert
It’s a pleasure to find a quality piece of exercise equipment at a reasonable price. A rowing machine can give you a total body workout—a great way to keep in shape and do it without leaving home. Also, folding the machine allows it to take up a smaller footprint in my house when not in use. Thank you for introducing me to the Fitness Reality brand. I want to look into it further.
Hi Caroline, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. Would you please let me know if I may further assist you with exercise equipment? I’m always happy to help.
Kind regards, Robert