Long before the invention of treadmills and elliptical trainers, people were effectively exercising on rowing machines. They offer an excellent cardio and resistance workout.

The LifeCore rowing machines are not your cheap models that you find in mass retailers outlets. They are built to be durable and to provide a smooth rowing motion. In addition to their rowers, LifeCore is known for the elliptical trainers.  In fact, they have received several best buys from publications like Consumer Digest and a popular consumer rating service.

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Note: You can buy LifeCore Rowers direct at the LifeCoreStore.com. All prices include free shipping.*

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The Advantage of Rowing Machines

Simplicity of Design — Unlike treadmills and elliptical trainers, the mechanics of rowing machines are rather basic.  There are no motor or complicated electronics, and unlike treadmills, rowing machines do not have to take the abuse of continual impact.  The bottom-line, you are less likely to have mechanical problems and services issues as you are with other cardio equipment.

Low Impact Exercise — As mentioned, with treadmills you are performing an impact form of exercise.  If you are a runner, that impact can be significant.  For example, when you run you can impact as much as 2.5X your body weight with every stride.  With rowing machines you're not subjecting your joints to excessive strain and stress.

Upper and Lower Body Workout — Like an elliptical trainer, a rower exercises both your upper and lower body.  However, with elliptical trainers most of the resistance tends to be directed to the lower body.  People often go through the motions with the upper body exercise on an elliptical.  Very little resistance is applied.  With a rowing machines the workout tends to divide the resistance more evenly between both your arms/chest/abs and your legs.

Light Weight & Compact — Treadmills and elliptical trainers can weigh hundreds of pounds and can be a struggle to move.  You'll find that rowing machines typically weigh less than 100 lbs., making it easy to move about and store. Furthermore, rowing machine generally have a smaller footprint than treadmills and ellipticals. For example, when folded the LifeCore R88 takes up 16"x24" floor space.

LifeCore Rowing Machines

LifeCore is what I consider a boutique fitness equipment company.  They have cut out a successful niche selling quality products through fitness equipment stores, and recently online.  Their products are known for quality construction, and the LifeCore rowers are no exception.  They have three models that are prices from $699 - $1,299.

LifeCORE Rower R88 — $699

The LifeCore R88 is their intro model.  Like all LifeCore machines it is solidly constructed, but has a basic LCD display with a moderate selection of programs.  Features include:

• Adjustable Cooling Air Vent
• Solid Steel Fan/Flywheel
• 6 Manually Adjusted Levels of Resistance
• Extruded Aluminum Frame with Solid Steel Support
• Silent Drive System
• Ergonomically Designed Handle
• Folds For Storage 16"x24" Space
• User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
• 2-year parts and 90 days labor warranty

LifeCORE Rower R99 — $899

The LifeCore R99 is their most popular model.  It is built on the same frame as the R88, and has the features listed above.  In addition you get the following upgrades:

• Large LCD Blue Backlit Computer Display
• 16 Electronically Adjustable Levels of Magnetic Resistance
• 4 Polar-Compatible Heart Rate Control Programs
• 12 Challenging Preset Programs
• Stores Data for Up to 4 Users
• Pivoting Heel Supports
• Plug-in and battery power option

LifeCORE Rower R100 — $1,299

The LifeCore R100 is their commercial grade rower for the home.  It weighs an additional 29 lbs.  It has a larger fan/flywheel, giving you a smoother rowing motion.   Features include

• Large LCD Blue/Green Backlit Computer Display
• 16 Levels of Magnetic Resistance
• 4 Polar-Compatible Heart Rate Control Programs
• 15 Challenging Preset Programs
• Stores Data for Up to 4 Users
• Pacer and Watts Dependent Programs
• Angled Foot Rests with Pivoting Heel Supports
• Folds For Storage
• User Weight Capacity: 600 lbs.
• Plug-in and battery power option
• 5 Year Parts and 1 Year Labor Warranty 

Our Review - LifeCore Rowing Machines

LifeCore rowers are not cheap, but they are some of the best value for a rowing machine in their price range.  And the question is do you want to buy a toy that has a limited life expectancy or do you want a durable machine that will provide a superior workout experience?  As mentioned, LifeCore has a reputation for excellence. That is why you find them in fitness specialty stores and not mass retail merchants.

If you are considering exercise equipment to reduce your weight and to tone up, rowing machines should be a serious consideration.  They have the advantage of being low maintenance, while providing a low impact upper and lower body workout.  And if you decide that a rowing machine is right for your fitness goals, then LifeCore rowers are some of the best value out there.