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With an air rower, you can tone and work your entire body in the privacy of your own home. Until recently, you could do these movements and achieve these results only by going to the local gym. Lately, several companies like Stamina have created and marketed well-built rowers that you can purchase at affordable prices.
You don’t need to spend all your money to buy a decent home rower anymore. Stamina offers multiple ATS Air Rower models and all of them will offer users the chance to perform pro-level cardio workout sessions. Some of these models have a price tag of under $300.
Contents
What Is the Stamina ATS Air Rower?
The Stamina ATS Air is a rowing type of machine used as a home gym system. It relies on variable resistance and you can use it to perform short yet intense workouts such as high-intensity interval training.
Some might think that this isn’t as innovative as other home fitness devices but it does a great job at helping you meet your exercising requirements. Another important perk is that the ATS Air Rower is more affordable compared to many other similar products.
Once I completed my research, I realized that the most popular ATS Air Rower versions designed by Stamina are the following models: 1399, 1402, and 1405.
Stamina ATS Air Rower Review – Main Features
Let’s take a look at some of these rowers’ features and characteristics.
High-Quality Products
First and foremost, we must discuss how well-built these fitness machines are. All Stamina rowers are made of premium materials and they are sturdy and durable. The steel frame is solid and there’s also a highly resistant nylon strap. Any of the ATS Air rowers should last you several years.
The stabilizing feet are covered in rubber to protect your floors from scratches. The rubber also prevents the machine from sliding. These rowing machines are very stable due to the fact that the feet are wide.
Resistance
The most powerful perk of all is the type of resistance these rowers offer. It is a mix of variable and air resistance that enables the rowing stroke to feel very smooth and natural. Compared to magnetic resistance, air resistance is preferred by many more users.
I know that finding out all these types of resistance can be a tad confusing. I also felt confused at first. Therefore, I will detail both air and magnetic resistance types for you to see their benefits
Air Resistance
This resistance type is dynamic and you cannot choose from separate levels of resistance shown on the machine. Resistance is dynamic when the user feels it differently based on how slowly or quickly he or she moves or rows. Slower rows equal a lower resistance, whereas stronger resistance is given by a more intense workout.
Air resistance is the same one you get when you row on actual water.
Air resistance’s benefits are:
- You’re not limited in any way by this dynamic type of resistance;
- The feel of it is more natural than magnetic resistance;
- It is the right type of resistance suitable for HIIT.
Magnetic Resistance
Don’t get me wrong! The things I mentioned above don’t mean that magnetic rowers cannot feel natural. They can also have a smooth movement sensation but they have a magnet located inside the flywheel housing. If the magnet is very close to the device’s flywheel, then the resistance will be stronger.
While with the air rower, you must move faster to increase the resistance, whereas, with the magnetic rower, all you have to do is select a higher difficulty level. Unlike air resistance, the magnetic one is constant.
Magnetic resistance’s benefits are:
- It’s great for apartment use because it is very quiet so you won’t disturb your neighbors;
- These machines cost a little less than air rowers;
- Due to the constant resistance, you can move at a slow pace while selecting a higher level of resistance at the same time.
The Console/Monitor
The monitor of this fitness device is quite basic and simple. It is an LCD monitor with three smaller screens. It does its job without being appealing. However, the data shown on it is pretty accurate and it’s enough for users to keep track of their progress and plan their workouts.
Some users said that it can be a tad tricky to read the lowest screen during their rowing sessions. The first screen tracks the time while the other two measure distance and how many calories you burn.
Assembly and Storage
This rower is very easy to assemble. It takes between 15 and 45 minutes to finish the assembling process so, it’s nothing too difficult or tricky. The box comes with all the necessary tools as well as a list of highly coherent instructions.
Rowing machines feature quite large footprints. Therefore, it is best to opt for a foldable device, especially if you don’t have a lot of space at home. Luckily, the Stamina ATS rowing products are all foldable, and folding them is quick and easy.
All you have to do is pull out a single pin and then fold the machine. It will take a couple of seconds to do that. These rowers also have a very useful feature: built-in wheels for easy transport so moving them around will feel like a breeze.
Comfort
All Stamina ATS air rowers are made for comfort and users have very few complaints regarding this particular aspect. The upholstered seat is padded and the gliding motion occurs smoothly. Most people who have used this machine said they felt very comfy.
Another thing that makes these rowers comfortable is their ergonomic design which comes in handy if your workout sessions are long or intense. The handles feature a textured grip that not only feels comfortable but it will also prevent your hands from slipping.
When it comes to footrests, the company made them large enough to fit numerous shoe sizes. During your rowing movements, your feet will be kept locked in place due to the nylon straps. All in all, this device has a solid foot base that helps you row efficiently and safely.
Some users even prefer to work out on these machines without their shoes because the footrests are very comfortable. They also pivot which enables a more fluid rowing stroke.
Capacity
All Stamina air rowing machines have pretty large weight capacities. That’s a very nice feature to discover on such affordable workout tools. According to the manufacturer, the maximum weight capacity is around 250 pounds. However, I’ve discovered certain users who weigh approximately 270 pounds and they have no problems using the Stamina ATS Air rower.
Most air rowing devices come with longer seat rails which benefit taller people who have longer legs. If you’re as tall as 6 feet 4 inches you won’t experience any issues while using the rower. At the same time, I tried to search for negative comments from shorter users but I wasn’t able to find any complaints.
It seems that even children use this rower, so I guess height doesn’t really represent a problem.
Stamina ATS Air Rower Review – Pros and Cons
Here are the most important pros and cons of the Stamina ATS Air Rower that you should be aware of.
Advantages
- This rowing machine works amazingly for all users regardless of their fitness level of experience;
- The structure is well-built and the frame is made of high-quality materials;
- It is easy to assemble and set up this machine and there aren’t any faulty parts;
- This is a durable rowing device with a sturdy construction;
- The seat is padded for added comfort and the shape is an ergonomic one;
- Stamina has created newer versions such as the 1402 model that comes with an adjustable height so that users can read the monitor a lot easier;
- It’s easy to store due to its foldable features;
- For a rowing machine, Stamina ATS Air is pretty affordable;
- It comes with wheels so that you can move it around as you please;
- The rowing stroke is strong yet smooth and natural;
- The frame comes with a 3-year warranty.
As you can see, all rowing machines created by Stamina have plenty of perks and advantages that can easily convince you to purchase these products.
Disadvantages
- The monitor isn’t fancy; it’s just a basic screen;
- It appears that some Stamina models might be a tad too noisy compared to other, more expensive, air rowers;
- You cannot adjust the damper or the way you feel each rowing movement;
- The units shown on the monitor are not available in the metric system;
- The warranty, while decent, is still shorter compared to the ones of similar products;
- It lacks a heart rate monitor;
- There are no preset programs to choose from.
What Do Users Say about the Stamina ATS Air Rower?
Most users are more than happy with the way the Stamina air rower works. One thing they like a lot is the device’s portability. Another perk is given by the price point; this product is quite affordable compared to most other similar rowers.
I dug even deeper and found out that many users are satisfied with how the seat is built, saying it is very comfortable.
Only a couple of users have complained about the fact that this tool doesn’t provide adjustable resistance. However, most of those statements were pretty inaccurate, if you ask me, since air resistance relies on one’s rowing intensity.
Another potential drawback that a few other users mentioned is the level of noise that this machine makes. In my opinion, it’s not the noisiest I’ve ever heard. Moreover, some amount of noise is normal when you exercise on air rowers.
Stamina ATS Air Rower – Main Alternatives
Let’s take a look at some noteworthy alternatives to the Stamina ATS air rower.
Hydrow Rower
The Hydrow rowing machine is absolutely fascinating but it is also very expensive. If you can afford it, then go for it. It has a modern and sleek design and a sturdy frame made of steel and aluminum. The machine’s feet are covered with soft rubber to protect your floors.
This rower has an ergonomic design and a full HD screen resolution. All its amazing features will definitely take you to the next level of home rowing workouts. You will have access to pre-recorded rowing sessions. The Hydrow rowing machine has a quiet and electromagnetic type of resistance and you will be able to track your heart rate at all times.
Concept2 Rower
The Concept2 rower will allow you to perform low-impact workouts. It is a sturdy and comfortable device. The seat is padded although some users said that the padding can wear over time. The footrests can accommodate numerous foot sizes.
This machine’s rowing strike feels just like the one users would perform outdoor, in a boat. The monitor shows accurate data that enables you to evaluate your overall progress. It features variable resistance and the flywheel contributes to the smooth motion of this tool.
WaterRower
The WaterRower home workout device is like no other on the market. The frame is made of wood and it works due to a water resistance system. This tool comes with enhanced usability and upgraded design. It is a fine combination of classic elements and modern features.
WaterRower is a very quiet and smooth rower and it is easy to store. It comes with a simple yet accurate workout tracker. You can tilt it slightly backward to make sure it accommodates your legs and body well. What amazes me about this tool is its maximum weight capacity of no less than 1000 pounds.
While you’re working out on it, you will always hear the calming sound of water. This machine is suitable for all users, regardless of their age or level of experience.
Efitment Air Rower
This is a very good air rower that features a durable steel frame. It is a very popular option among rowing enthusiasts. It has amazing stability and it is made of premium materials. The Efitment air rower is fairly recent on the market but it already managed to capture anyone’s attention.
Its monitor is quite basic, similar to the one featured by Stamina rowers. Luckily, that was the only drawback I was able to find with this amazing air rower.
FAQs
Question: How Big Are the Stamina ATS Air Rowing Machines?
Answer: These devices are of medium size. All air rowers have a rather large footprint so they occupy quite a lot of space but many of them can be folded before storage. For instance, the 1045 model from Stamina measures 78.5 inches in length. It has a height of 31.5 inches and a width of 19.8 inches.
Question: What Metrics Can the Stamina ATS Rower Track?
Answer: All Stamina rowers, including the basic models, help you keep track of your burned calories, speed, time, and distance. More recent models such as the 1405 rower can also measure the total strokes of each of your workouts as well as how many strokes per minute you’re doing.
Question: Can You Fold the Stamina Air Rower?
Answer: To make storage and transportation a lot easier, the manufacturer has created foldable air rowers and they even feature built-in wheels to increase portability.
Stamina ATS Air Rower Review – Final Thoughts
Overall, Stamina ATS air rowers are very good purchases. They are high-quality rowing machines that aren’t that expensive. If you want to buy an air rower that has great build quality as well as strong resistance, then you should certainly give this product a try.
This type of rowing machine is ideal for those of you who’re on a tighter budget. It’s true that other rowers have greater functionality but they also have higher price tags. With the Stamina air rower, you will perform efficient total-body workouts.