Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower
$449.99
$1,000
55% off
Reference Price
Condition: New
Color: White/Silver
Top positive review
25 people found this helpful
Really nice machine
By LittleReadBooks 'n' More on Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2013
I agree with all the other reviews for the most part. Very nice, solidly built, machine. Have had it for less than a week. I got it because aside from weights, treadmill, and recumbent bike, I also swim laps in my pool, but I'm closing it for the season soon and needed a machine that works my upper and lower body at the same time. I had considered an elliptical, but since I also own both a recumbent bike and a treadmill, really wanted something that would work my upper body more, and would be lower profile (my gym is in attic with sloped ceilings.) I didn't need to brain myself with an elliptical, nor did I want to purchase a $1000 machine in the hopes of avoiding the dreaded squeak so many develop. The only thing I wish is that the bar was smaller - I have small hands and I wish my fingers could go around the bar completely. It doesn't look like it's something you can remove or replace on your own, so I'll have to make do until my finger/hand muscles acclimate. Also, unlike one of the other reviewers, I find the seat plenty comfortable, altho my butt does hurt a bit after 20 minutes. Same thing happens on my recumbent bike, tho - and then it actually goes to sleep a bit. LOL. I wouldn't advise wearing danskin-type pants, tho, because I did the first time and I was sliding all over the seat. After using it twice so far, I find that my trapezius muscles are definitely getting a workout, as are my hand muscles (from holding onto the bar,) the insides of my forearms, and, most surprisingly, my stomach muscles - more specifically, my lower abdomen. I had a laparotomy in December 2013, and the surgeon gave me a midline (vertical) incision in my lower abdomen - so all those muscles were cut and stretched. So I'm not sure if I'm feeling it more because of that. It of course works legs, back, biceps, as well, but I feel it most in the first ones I mentioned. I have found that if I get my shins in perfect vertical position during the catch phase (when you go forward and bend your knees), my knees really start to hurt. So if you have bad knees, you'll probably want to avoid going too far forward until you've had a chance to strengthen your knees a bit until they feel comfortable. I also feel it in my hip joints, but it's not pain so much as muscle aches from previous non-use. It's a good ache. I've only used program 7 so far (intervals) because it looked the easiest one without being monotonous for a newbie (and seems to be.) It's good and gets my heart up. I tried using the heart monitor, but didn't have much success. I ended up having to wear it at the top of my bra (i.e., over my heart), rather than beneath it. I did wet it first, and I was pretty sweaty when I started using it, so it had plenty of contact with skin as it should. The manual says using it with the heart rate, the rower will keep your heart rate at a minimum of 90bpm. Well, I think it was either not reading my pulse right, or trying to kill me. The program that it had in mind was way above what I was capable of doing, at least for as long as it wanted me to do it. I have both a recumbent bike and a treadmill with heart monitors, so I'm very aware of how I feel at my target rate, and the rower was nowhere close. I hope that it's pilot error on my part, and will try it again soon. It is long - the 72" mat I got for my recumbent bike is too short. I'm guessing an 86" or 90" would do the trick. I've made up the difference for now with a yoga mat under the front. It is very quiet. Not as quiet as my recumbent bike, but not nearly as noisy as my treadmill. The box was heavy - around 100lbs if I had to guess. And probably 4' wide by 3' high, by maybe 18" deep. Came in excellent shape - no dings to the box. And all parts present and accounted for, with no breaks or bends. Pretty easy to put together - everything machined well. Seems to be worth the money so far. If that changes, I'll be sure to add to this post.
Top critical review
Extreme quality and reliability issues
By OJ Alexander on Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2022
I've had constant issues with this rower from the start. The onboard computer has the worst connectivity to heart monitors. It loses connection and is extremely frustrating to fiddle with before workouts. It also doesn't work well with third-party monitors using gymlink. I've received a new computer and strap to no avail. It shouldn't be this complicated for a machine this expensive. In addition, the rear stand cracked on this machine. This should be one of the most robust pieces on this machine. I don't know how in the world it would crack. I do not move this machine around or do anything with it outside of its intended use. This is a SAFETY issue. I had my mother using this for rehab because of its low impact on joints. What if this part failed in the middle of her workout and she was further injured? These types of things are not supposed to happen. Smart companies at least have a warranty long enough to cover these types of issues. All I can think is that Stamina sells a product that they don't truly know or care about. I was told to buy a new rear stand by a representative. No shock, no apology, just buy a new piece. What if the next one breaks? What guarantees can you give me about the safety of this machine?
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Really nice machine
By LittleReadBooks 'n' More - Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2013
Verified Amazon Purchase
I agree with all the other reviews for the most part. Very nice, solidly built, machine. Have had it for less than a week. I got it because aside from weights, treadmill, and recumbent bike, I also swim laps in my pool, but I'm closing it for the season soon and needed a machine that works my upper and lower body at the same time. I had considered an elliptical, but since I also own both a recumbent bike and a treadmill, really wanted something that would work my upper body more, and would be lower profile (my gym is in attic with sloped ceilings.) I didn't need to brain myself with an elliptical, nor did I want to purchase a $1000 machine in the hopes of avoiding the dreaded squeak so many develop. The only thing I wish is that the bar was smaller - I have small hands and I wish my fingers could go around the bar completely. It doesn't look like it's something you can remove or replace on your own, so I'll have to make do until my finger/hand muscles acclimate. Also, unlike one of the other reviewers, I find the seat plenty comfortable, altho my butt does hurt a bit after 20 minutes. Same thing happens on my recumbent bike, tho - and then it actually goes to sleep a bit. LOL. I wouldn't advise wearing danskin-type pants, tho, because I did the first time and I was sliding all over the seat. After using it twice so far, I find that my trapezius muscles are definitely getting a workout, as are my hand muscles (from holding onto the bar,) the insides of my forearms, and, most surprisingly, my stomach muscles - more specifically, my lower abdomen. I had a laparotomy in December 2013, and the surgeon gave me a midline (vertical) incision in my lower abdomen - so all those muscles were cut and stretched. So I'm not sure if I'm feeling it more because of that. It of course works legs, back, biceps, as well, but I feel it most in the first ones I mentioned. I have found that if I get my shins in perfect vertical position during the catch phase (when you go forward and bend your knees), my knees really start to hurt. So if you have bad knees, you'll probably want to avoid going too far forward until you've had a chance to strengthen your knees a bit until they feel comfortable. I also feel it in my hip joints, but it's not pain so much as muscle aches from previous non-use. It's a good ache. I've only used program 7 so far (intervals) because it looked the easiest one without being monotonous for a newbie (and seems to be.) It's good and gets my heart up. I tried using the heart monitor, but didn't have much success. I ended up having to wear it at the top of my bra (i.e., over my heart), rather than beneath it. I did wet it first, and I was pretty sweaty when I started using it, so it had plenty of contact with skin as it should. The manual says using it with the heart rate, the rower will keep your heart rate at a minimum of 90bpm. Well, I think it was either not reading my pulse right, or trying to kill me. The program that it had in mind was way above what I was capable of doing, at least for as long as it wanted me to do it. I have both a recumbent bike and a treadmill with heart monitors, so I'm very aware of how I feel at my target rate, and the rower was nowhere close. I hope that it's pilot error on my part, and will try it again soon. It is long - the 72" mat I got for my recumbent bike is too short. I'm guessing an 86" or 90" would do the trick. I've made up the difference for now with a yoga mat under the front. It is very quiet. Not as quiet as my recumbent bike, but not nearly as noisy as my treadmill. The box was heavy - around 100lbs if I had to guess. And probably 4' wide by 3' high, by maybe 18" deep. Came in excellent shape - no dings to the box. And all parts present and accounted for, with no breaks or bends. Pretty easy to put together - everything machined well. Seems to be worth the money so far. If that changes, I'll be sure to add to this post.
Great workout on a solid unit
By RadRox - Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2018
Verified Amazon Purchase
I am a casual user, middle aged mom, living in an apartment. I bought the rower because I was looking to complement my treadmill routine with some upper body work and have something at home to use in inclement weather. I’ve had it for a few months. EASE OF ASSEMBLY: Assembly was VERY easy. Actually, my 11 year old son did almost all of it with just a bit of coaching from me. FUNCTION: SO smooth! I just love the fluid feel of pulling the rope with just the right amount of self-adjusting tension. Both my son and I use it while watching TV, and it makes both activities so much more enjoyable. I kind of wish there was a way to change the hand position instead of just using the horizontal bar, but they all seem to be designed that way. DESIGN QUALITY: Very sturdy. Looks and feels like this unit will last for a long time. There is practically no noise - I don't have to worry about disturbing my apartment neighbors. My only complaint is the Velcro strips that hold the feet in place. They do the job well enough, but 1) once I go through the “sticky” production of getting strapped in, it’s a pain to get out again – so make sure to have the remote and water close at hand before starting! – 2) not sure how long these straps will really hold up. I’d love to have something that it is stronger and easier to manage. PROGRAMMING: I haven’t used anything but the manual program, so I can’t comment on the more complex fitness routines. But the electronic unit is simple enough to use, easy to see, and within reach while in use (which is good since you can’t get your feet out of the straps to move closer). Also, you can still row without it if you don’t have electricity nearby. PORTABILITY: The one real disappointment. I was planning to fold up the unit and roll it into a corner when not in use. In reality, it is practically impossible to roll on the carpet. I end up storing it by folding and then just shoving it over a few inches after use. At least it folds easily. But it lives in an awkward spot in the room. THE SEAT: There is a lot of mixed opinion about the seat on other reviews, so I have to weight in. I really thought it was fine, but my son hated it (maybe it's because he has less natural padding!), so I ended up buying a padded gel seat. He likes it better so I leave it in place. But if he loses interest, I'll probably take it off. FITNESS: I’m not an aggressive fitness guru, but I do work up a good sweat as I row for 30 minutes while I watch TV. As a full time desk worker, I was really feeling the poor posture, endurance and strength effects of never doing any upper body work. After only a few weeks, I felt much stronger in my back and core, and my pants fit better. Overall I am very happy with this unit. Even with the flimsy foot straps and having to look past the folded-up bar that sticks up in the middle of the room, I still give it 5 stars.
Computer broken on arrival. Fixed with subsequent shipment.
By S. Palmer - Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2017
Verified Amazon Purchase
The rowers computer is broken. The packaging inside was damaged upon arrival and the computer was hanging by its wires. The rower went together pretty easily, but the computer doesn't work. This will be a pain in the butt to return. What a hassle. It is basically unusable with a broken computer since you can't adjust the resistance. I can say that the mechanics of the rower are solid and it glides nicely on the track and is pretty silent. Update: About a week after purchase, they sent me a new working computer. I am pretty happy with the purchase. It makes a bit of noise now when you turn it on, but I am thinking that is pretty normal. Positives: I like the workout options that the computer gives and the movement is smooth. Very smooth. I feel like I am getting a good whole body workout that isn't going to destroy my knees. Very quiet while working out. Good customer service. Negatives: The handles feel like they are going to wear out over time, they have a tacky porous feel. This is in contrast to a water model I used to use. Delivery issues seem to be not isolated to me based on the reviews. That said, they fixed the issue pretty quickly and didn't ask me to send the broken one back. Overall: I would recommend it even with the hassle of having to have a broken component shipped out and installed by myself.
Excellent piece of gear and well worth the price.
By Johnny Trigger - Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2016
Verified Amazon Purchase
Nicely made- Assembly was super easy- if you have tools I suggest making the process even easier by using metric wrenches vice the supplied wrenches but even with those the product is very easy to assemble. The parts and material are of high quality and the fit and finish is substantially good. I am 6'4 with 34 inch inseam x 250lbs and I can fully extend. My wife is 5'7 128 lbs and is a fitness buff. I rowed in school. Even with the big differences between my wife and I (I am a monster- she is not) transitioning/set up for her workout or mine is very easy. I think I'd be 100% on board if I could get just a little bit more resistance. I also seem to prefer the water or air resistance type rowers because the resistance is variable more effort more resistance but the magnetic is constant resistance until the cycle changes. I knew that when I purchased so can't fault the machine. Overall if you are looking for a great piece of gear for training this is the way to go. The rower at least for me seems to provide a relaxing exercise that is actually very beneficial. Aside from swimming laps I personally think rowing is the best all around exercise. You aren't wrecking your joints, the benefit of using large muscle groups and increasing your cardio fairly rapidly is a huge plus. And since increasing decreasing your heart rate to ensure you are at your most beneficial BPM is really easy- you simply increase or decrease your effort a little and you are right where you need to be at all times. I have been fairly rough on my body over the years and rowing is a great way to rehab from a surgery or injury and while I am not smart enough to understand why it is but rowing is one of the rare exercises where you can absolutely push yourself really hard and still feel relaxed and really good.
Extreme quality and reliability issues
By OJ Alexander - Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2022
Verified Amazon Purchase
I've had constant issues with this rower from the start. The onboard computer has the worst connectivity to heart monitors. It loses connection and is extremely frustrating to fiddle with before workouts. It also doesn't work well with third-party monitors using gymlink. I've received a new computer and strap to no avail. It shouldn't be this complicated for a machine this expensive. In addition, the rear stand cracked on this machine. This should be one of the most robust pieces on this machine. I don't know how in the world it would crack. I do not move this machine around or do anything with it outside of its intended use. This is a SAFETY issue. I had my mother using this for rehab because of its low impact on joints. What if this part failed in the middle of her workout and she was further injured? These types of things are not supposed to happen. Smart companies at least have a warranty long enough to cover these types of issues. All I can think is that Stamina sells a product that they don't truly know or care about. I was told to buy a new rear stand by a representative. No shock, no apology, just buy a new piece. What if the next one breaks? What guarantees can you give me about the safety of this machine?
2 weeks and some clunking
By Alive and Well - Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2019
Verified Amazon Purchase
I will give updates as often as I have them: Ordered on 6/29/19. @ 2 day free shipping it arrived7/2/19: The item arrived today and so far so good. Packaging was done well and there was no damage to my product when I unboxed it. All the parts were there. The package with the majority of the nuts and bolts came loose so, if that happens to you, check all your boxes and keep things organized. **The instruction manual listing the item (bolt) numbers and the package itself holding them are DIFFERENT, so you have to eyeball and do process of elimination - not very hard at all..*** They do include all the tools necessary however if you have a full sized or powered wrench (be super careful with powered not to over tighten to the point of breaking!!!) that will make your job easier. All the parts were easy to assemble except for the 1 bolt connecting the seat rail to the main chassis. This should have taken me 5-10 mins to install. It took nearly an hour because of that ONE bolt. The hole that I passed the bolt through (connecting the seat rail to the chassis) was serrated the entire way through. No big deal except either the bolt or the inner threading wasn't shaved enough so that I had to crank the sh** out of the tiny wrenches to get it through (think about wearing gloves if you dont like raw hand/fingers; ddidn't bother me). I used a laser to ensure the holes lined up well so that ruled out incorrect alignment on my part. Had they shaved that bolt/thread hole better, I would have had this thing in one piece within that 5-10 mins; The pictures are very very self explanatory. So, after that 55 of getting that one bolt through, I tested it out. As advertised, it is a super silent operation which is perfect for me since I live in NYC. It's more silent than my air conditioner. The manual is handy and gives you a nice idea of what type of programs there are. The Heart beat strap so far is working. I banged it down 1 star (so far) because of that QA issue of the manual part number being different than on the packaging. The main reason for the 1 star knock down was more because of how much time I had to spend threading through that one bolt. Doesn't make sense when all the other parts connected smoothly... 7/6/19: So I just did a 60 minute row and as other people have mentioned the seat is very uncomfortable for anything intense. The seat is rather hard and you would benefit from a cushion of some sort. The resistance isn't the same as wind rowers but if you exert more energy (as you really should), you can hit your target heart rate. The full extension is long enough for me (5'11) and there is definitely more room on the rail so it should easily accommodate someone 6' tall. The foot straps aren't that necessary to use if you maintain good form. The pre-programmed settings aren't intense at all so if you want to get a convenient work-out with this machine, use the custom setting and crank the difficulty all the way to the top. You also will need to (again) not just rely on the magnets but the amount of energy you exert. These two things can help you reach your desired heart rate. The LED panel stays on for a few minutes but then turns off automatically if there is no activity. 7/8/19 - Dropped it a star. The Heart rate monitor is faulty. During my 45 min row it would reset every 5 mins. 7/14 - Heart rate monitor resolved. However now the seat is making clunking noises as I go back and forth...
Excellent workout
By Susan Ob - Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2016
Verified Amazon Purchase
This is a good machine for aerobic exercise, easy to use and gentle on the joins. i bought this machine thinking that will also be a leg endurance workout but is not. There is no resistance on legs, you just push with the legs without any effort, you will feel it more on the arms and ABS. I called the manufacture because I thought I did something wrong during the assembling, maybe there was supposed to be something to create resistant under the seat on the puller...and they told not, that there was not resistant on the puller, so I asked them if my form of rowing was wrong because I didn't "feel" I was doing any effort with my legs, just like pushing back and forth, and again, the operator told me that was the correct form, that there was not suppose to be any effort or resistant from the legs. But anyways, I really like this machine, makes exercising fun, its very quite, I can watch TV while rowing with normal volume level, the computer is easy to use, it has 12 pre-set exercise programs but still allows you to increase or decrease the settings manually if you want. The seat and the pedals are very comfortable. The machine is well built and steady. And a big plus for me: is portable, you can fold it without a problem and move the machine from one room to another without much effort. On sunny days (I live in Floirda ;-)) I take mine outside by the pool next to the lake and pretend I am actually rowing on a canoe. This machine will help you to loose weight and stay active because is so easy to use it, and fun too. Oh, and I DID NOT buy this machine on discounted price, I paid FULL PRICE, and this is my honest review
Good machine very quiet
By ElleyKnowsRocks - Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2022
Verified Amazon Purchase
I’ve seen a lot of reviews about this rower with people bitching about how uncomfortable the seat is. Clearly they’ve never actually sat in a canoe or kayak for any period of time. The seat is more than comfortable. I do over a 30 minute workout every day with no problem. The machine is extremely quiet has variable settings for resistance that work well. Very smooth action on the seat and the pull cable. The bolts for the foot rests do come loose from movement but I used some Loctite and they work great now. Don’t let that be a deterrent it’s what bolts do, they can move. Very easy to assemble I think it probably took me maybe 20 minutes it took me more time to break down the box and throw it away than it did to actually put the machine together. It’s light weight for how durable it is.
Computer failure after 1 year. Great equipment until then.
By Amazon Customer - Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2016
Verified Amazon Purchase
Update 7-2017: I joined a local health club that provided a Concept rower. After trying it I was disappointed. While the electronics were impressive, the resistance was poor. Perhaps it needed maintenance, but I couldn't use it because I couldn't get a workout from it. I use program 1 at maximum level on the Avari for 30 minutes. A decent workout. The Concept didn't compare. I'm raising my review. If the electronics were more reliable, I would rate it 10 stars. The annoying unreliability of the electronics makes me give it a 4. Update: 5-2017: It just broke after one year of normal use. The computer failed on it. This is the 2nd computer failure. It came with one that did not work but the mfgr replaced it quickly. Right now, it's just junk. The computer looks like a $20 board with a lcd panel attached all in a plastic frame. I'm going to call them up later to talk about replacement of it. If they won't replace it free or for a low cost, I will have to toss it out after only one year. The electronics on it only carry a 90 day warranty. Not great for a rower that cost $699. Update: Called Stamina. Asked for free replacement board. They offered a free chip that I would need to swap out of the board. It did not work. Going to call about a replacement board. Rep said they cost $50 during call. Had I known about the lack of reliability, I would not have bought this machine. I hope I don't end up tossing it out after 1 year. Just noticed several other reviews mention computer reliability problems. Update: Ordered and received a new computer panel. The normal cost is $50. They sold me one for $20 plus shipping.It works fine. Observation: a 90 day warranty for the computer panel is too short. Perhaps 24 months with an advertised replacement cost of $50 or 12 months with an advertised replacement cost of $20. It's cheaper than a service contract, covers Stamina's cost, and keeps customers happier than what happened above. Or, a redesign that adds stamina to the electronics. ******************* Original Review ******************************************* I purchased one to supplement a treadmill and a stationary bike I have in my home gym. So far, it's great. The treadmill doesn't supply overall toning. The stationary bike does wonders for my leg muscles and aerobically. This rower appears to do the rest. I'm 6' 2" and have plenty of leg room. The seat has more range than I need. The computer was bad and needed to be replaced. Stamina did it immediately upon a single phone call. No issues otherwise.
Perfect Fit for Me
By StevenBetsy - Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2016
Verified Amazon Purchase
I have been using the Stamina Avari Magnetic Rower for over a month now. I am extremely happy with the product. This is my first foray into serious rowing, so take my opinion for what it's worth. One thing I think everyone will like is how quiet it is! Since resistance is determined by a magnetic set-up it is crazy quiet. I could be rowing in my bedroom and most likely not wake my wife. I really like the pre-programmed "courses", it offers variety without having to spend a ton of time trying to program it yourself. However, there are 4 (I think) slots available for the user to make customized courses. I haven't done that yet so I cannot comment on the process. The pre-programed courses allow for on the fly adjustment (difficulty) whilst maintaining the same pattern. Finally, a little about my personal situation as it may help someone like me: I had back surgery (lower, fusion) and it didn't really help my situation. Over the years I have been able to do less and less physical work/exercise because of my back. I had been trying to work out at the local gym for a couple years, but there was nothing there that wouldn't eventually get to my back and cause me to have to take a break. What I was wanting was a full-body work-out (basically) with low/no impact and no torso-twisting...I was asking a lot. Then I started looking into rowing machines. The gym I belonged to didn't have any, and there weren't any in the stores around me. So I did a ton of research, talked to medical folks I knew--basically I did everything I could to find out if rowing would be detrimental to my back. I ended up buying this rower on Amazon without ever having rowed once. I know I could have tracked down a rower to test out before I bought it, but the reality is that I wouldn't be able to tell how my back was going to handle it until I did it for a continuous amount of time. It didn't feel like a gamble because I felt confident of the research I had done. I actually learned that if I took the pains to work on proper form (posture and the stroke) it would actually help strengthen my core and help ease some of my specific back issues. I'm writing this review because it has really helped me so far. I took the first 2 weeks to just work on my form. I didn't worry about distance, time, calories, heart-rate...anything, I just worked on making my body get into the habit of sitting and rowing properly. It soon became a natural position and since then I've been rowing a couple miles every day, and I'm slowly working my way up from there. I hope this helps someone else like myself. I feel like I've found something that I can work into being a normal part of my lifestyle and I don't have to go to a gym or leave my house. The machine itself folds up and has built in wheels that allow for easy storage moving. I've heard many people complain about the seat, it hasn't bothered me one bit (except for the time I rowed wearing jeans--DON'T!). It seems like a well-built, sturdy machine that I should get many years use out of.
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