WHMH Bluetooth Magnetic Rower | Feel Good and Live Better

Women’s Health Men’s Health (WHMH) Bluetooth Magnetic Rower is a one-stop solution, and even you would be surprised by the results it brings to your body. The low-impact workout targets forearms, biceps, triceps, shoulders, legs, thighs, and more, with additional exercises focusing on your whole body.

This WHMH-branded rower is a solid choice for no-hassle home rowing workouts. Furthermore, the 1638 magnetic rower has 14 levels of resistance, Bluetooth connectivity for data tracking and guided classes, and a fold-up design to keep its footprint small when not in use.

The WHMH 1638 rower has a fitness monitor with an LCD that displays distance, time, calories burned, total count, strokes per minute, total strokes, split time, watts, and real-time changes. Unfortunately, the monitor does not have a pulse reading function or offer preset workout programs.

This WHMH rower measures how HARD you pull, what DISTANCE you pull, and what RESISTANCE Level you use. Follow trainer-led classes, enjoy scenic routes, track your workouts, and more with the MyCloudFitness App, accessible for 30 days. After that, a paid subscription is required.  You only need one machine to get your whole body fit and toned!

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Women’s Health Men’s Health 1638  Bluetooth Magnetic Rower

Price: For a great deal on this rower, merely go here on Amazon

Warranty: 3 Year Limited / 180 days for electronics

My rating: 8.5/10

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: 80L x 23W x 28.5H inches (203L x 58W x 72H cm)
• Shipping weight: 74.3 lbs (33.7 kg)
• Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
• Frame: Steel
• Resistance type: Manual magnetic, 14 levels
• Fitness Monitor: Time, split time, total count, strokes, strokes per minute, watts, calories, goals, Bluetooth
• Compatibility with the MyCloudFitness app (free version or premium paid version)
• Extras: Device holder

  

• 3 Year limited / 180 days for electronics

1638 Frame construction

The WHMH 1638 rower features a durable steel frame with a rail and seat assembly with a maximum user weight capacity of 250 lbs (113 kg). In addition, all the steel parts in its construction feature a durable corrosion-resistant black paint finish.

The unit also integrates several ABS plastic parts in its construction. For example, the drive and resistance elements casing, the base bar caps, and the footrests are durable thermoplastic materials.

Although it’s not a machine made for commercial use, the Women’s Health Men’s Health 1638 rower features a reasonably long rail. As a result, it will comfortably accommodate users up to 6’6 ″ (198 cm), which is not bad for a home-use machine.

The fully assembled unit is approximately 80″ (203 cm) long and 23″ (58 cm) wide, while its highest point (the front part of the drive mechanism) reaches approx. 28.5″ (72 cm) above floor level.

This rowing machine is foldable. The rail with the seat can fold vertically and be locked in this position with a pin to save space. With the rail folded up, the machine’s length reduces to approx. 41.5″ (105 cm) while its height becomes 57.5″ (146 cm).

The unit’s front base has small transport wheels, while the rear base features adjustable stabilizers.

Last but not least, the fully assembled trainer is not extremely heavy. Its net weight is approx 70 lbs (31.7 kg). Therefore, one person can transport the assembled rower.

Seat and other parts

The WHMH 1638 rower includes a standard rower seat. Its top is high-density foam and features some contouring for better positioning. It’s not super comfortable, but not extremely hard, either. So, I can safely say it offers optimal comfort.

The base of the seat is steel-made. The seat and the rail are durable enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg). It features three rollers that integrate ball bearings and have a rubberized outer layer for reduced noise. Two rollers slide on top of the rail, while the third slides underneath for improved stability.

The seat is at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level. It’s not extremely low, so it shouldn’t pose difficulties even for users with specific disabilities. Also, its top is approx. 12″ (30.4 cm) wide, providing plenty of contact surface.

The unit’s footrests are made of durable ABS material. They have a pivoting design. Therefore, they slightly tilt forward and backward as you row, adapting better to your feet’ movement and positioning. However, they have stoppers at the heel so that they won’t tilt back over 45°.

The footrests feature a textured surface. They also have adjustable straps and heel guards for maximum foot positioning. Their size is non-adjustable, but they should accommodate athletic footwear of all sizes.

The rower’s pulling handle consists of a short straight bar attached to a heavy-duty abrasion-resistant nylon strap. Thus, the unit’s drive system doesn’t need any lubrication. Also, the pulling handle doesn’t have any pulse sensors, and the integrated performance monitor doesn’t have a pulse reading function.

1638 Resistance system

The WHMH 1638 is a full-magnetic rower. It doesn’t have any air or water resistance elements, so the machine doesn’t generate a dynamic response during rowing. Therefore, the resistance doesn’t depend on how hard you pull. Instead, it strictly depends on the selected tension level.

It shouldn’t be inconvenient as the rower provides a consistent workout helping you engage more than 80% of your muscles. However, the rowing feel doesn’t resemble the rowing of a real boat through the water as much as it does for an air or water resistance rower.

The machine’s resistance system is manual. Therefore, you don’t need a power adapter, and you don’t have to connect it to a power source to adjust the resistance.

It consists of an internal magnetic brake attached to the tension knob on the machine’s front unit. Therefore, when you turn the knob, the brake moves closer or farther from the flywheel, increasing or decreasing the rowing difficulty.

The resistance system offers 14 difficulty levels. The first ones deliver a relatively light rowing difficulty, great for cardio training and stamina development. Conversely, the top levels add considerably more tests to your workout.

As a general idea, even a professional athlete may not sustain a steady pace on this difficulty level for more than a few minutes.

The exact weight of the rower’s flywheel is not specified. However, it should be approx 12 lbs (5.4 kg). It’s not perimeter-weighted for enhanced inertia, as is the case for spin bikes, but it provides a consistent and smooth rowing motion.

In addition, the rower has a dual-drive system. Thus, it adds to the overall rowing difficulty and the smoothness of the ride.

Fitness Monitor

The WHMH 1638 rower integrates a multi-function fitness monitor. It features an LCD divided into six sub-sections: track time, spit/time, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, calories, and watts. The strokes per minute (SPM) and the distance functions share the same window and are displayed alternatively.

Unfortunately, the monitor does not have a pulse reading function, nor does it has any workout programs. However, it does have target settings for time, distance, and calories. Thus, if you select a target for these metrics, the monitor will count down from the chosen target until the value reaches zero.

The fitness monitor has a built-in Bluetooth function. Therefore, you can sync it with your smartphone or tablet via the MyCloudFitness app. This app is available for both iOS and Android.

It has a free, basic version that you can always use. However, a paid version with multiple extra features is available. The basic one allows you to track your progress and view your workout history.

The monitor uses four AA batteries, which come with the rower. It starts when you begin rowing and automatically shuts off after several minutes of inactivity on the rower.

1638 Assembly and Maintenance

Like most magnetic rowers, the Women’s Health Men’s Health 1638 model requires user assembly. However, the front section with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only have to connect the rail to it, insert the seat on it, close it with the rear stabilizer, and attach the front stabilizer and the footrests.

Consequently, it shouldn’t take more than an hour of your time. The included manual provides all the necessary assembly instructions, and a set of essential tools also comes with the machine.

The machine’s maintenance doesn’t require much. You only have to keep it clean, especially the rail, to prevent damage to the seat rollers. Likewise, the internal parts shouldn’t require maintenance or lubrication for an extended time.

Pros

• Sturdy frame for home-use machine – can support users up to 250 lbs;

  

• Folding design;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base bar;
• Transport wheels on the front stabilizer;
• Padded and contoured seat for optimal comfort;
• Pivoting footrests for a perfect foot position with each stroke;
• Relatively long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’6″;
• Quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system;
• 14 levels of resistance (many other magnetic rowers only offer 8);
• The fitness monitor included;
• Six windows on the monitor to view as many workout metrics as possible simultaneously;
• Goal setting functions for time, count, and calories;
• Phone holder included;
• Batteries for the monitor included;
• Tools for the assembly come included;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance is required.

Cons

• The fitness monitor does not have a pulse reading function;
• The fitness monitor LCD does not have a backlight.

WHMH Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Summary

The WHMH 1638 is a magnetic rowing machine for home use. It comes equipped with a full-magnetic resistance system featuring 14 difficulty levels. In addition, it has a folding design with a long rail that can accommodate users up to 6’6″. Also, the WHMH 1638 includes a fitness monitor that tracks time, split time, strokes per minute, watts, and calories burned and is compatible with the MyCloudFitness app.

It’s a decent machine for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It costs a bit more than the average magnetic rower in this feature range but offers excellent value.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic 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.