The NordicTrack RW200 is one such rowing machine that comes with an onboard entertainment system. While working out, the user can plug in either a CD player or MP3 player and listen to their favorite numbers with the in-built sound system of the NordicTrack RW200 Rower.
The dimensions of this fitness machine are 86.5 x 22 x 42.8 when it is fully assembled, however, it can be folded to be stored away easily. The NordicTrack RW200 provides additional programming by way of offering 20 in-built workout programs that have been designed by some certified personal trainers.
Read through our NordicTrack RW200 Rower Review 2021 to know all about the rower and its specifications and features. The rower has an ergonomic design and has many adjustable features which make it one of the best entry-level rowing machines.
Best Suited to Whom?
Every gym enthusiast has a dream of having a V-shape body. Irrespective of gender, people strive hard to attain this V shape, however, only a few succeed. Getting a V-shape body does not have any secret code,it requires a lot of hard work.
Rowing exercise works on your lat – these when developed well give your back a stunning V shape that resembles the backs of the elite pro athletes like Jillian Michaels. Rowing exercises help in giving your entire body a workout as in the process of working on your triceps, even your biceps and deltoids are put to work.
The NordicTrack RW200 has been designed to work on your core strength in particular and boost your heart rate. Have a look at some of the best rowing machines 2021 to get an idea about the various models available.
Many trainees have not had a very pleasant experience when it comes to rowing exercises. This is where the NordicTrack RW200 is the best option available and which can change your opinion about rowing exercises.
The RW200 comes loaded with some of the most amazing features that make the user enjoy training with this machine. Results are slower in old school rowing, however, in the NordicTrack RW200, you can see the results faster.
NordicTrack RW200 Assembly, Design and Build Quality
Assembly
When it comes to the assembly process of the NordicTrack RW200, it has an edge over its competitors. Assembling this machine would require not more than 30 minutes. Post unpacking the machine, the only assembling tasks would be fixing the display monitor along with the seats.
However, if necessary, the product can be dismantled further. The assembly process will need the user to have some screwdrivers and wrenches. The instruction manual is pretty straightforward and simple to understand.
Design and Build Quality
The NordicTrack RW200 Rower has a steel rail and a flywheel that is inertia-enhanced. It also has a display that is quite large and backlit that provides all the necessary stats like the strokes per minute, calories, time, watts, and distance.
The programming of the NordicTrack RW200 Rower is quite impressive; it has about 20 preset programs and these are a combination of calorie-burn and interval training workouts.
What is interesting about the NordicTrack RW200 is that this rowing machine comes with an interactive monitor that indicates your data when you work out – this is inclusive of the total time taken, distance, the wattmeter etc.
The NordicTrack RW200 Rower has been designed and created by a popular and trusted fitness company – NordicTrack. NordicTrack is well-known for the production of high-quality fitness machines for the last 40 years. The NordicTrack RW200 Rower comes with a solid build structure along with an oversized seat rail made of steel and a welded steel frame.
The RW200 also has an on-board entertainment – this is one such feature that many rowing machines do not possess, and it aims at ensuring that your workouts are more lively. This operates with either an MP3 or a CD player that is connected to the sound system of the rower.
The measurements of the NordicTrack RW200 are 84.75” long, 22” wide, and 43.5” high. The best part about this machine is that when you do not want to use it, it can be folded into two and stored away. It also has caster wheels that can be used while moving the machine. Have a look at some of our best rowing machines under $1000.
NordicTrack RW200 Rower Features
LCD display
The NordicTrack RW200 Rower comes with a console that is easy to read and makes rowing workouts more interactive wherein you can read the watts, strokes, time elapsed, per minute, calories burned as well as the distance covered.
Additionally, you also get about 20 preset programs that help the user achieve their fitness goals. The rower can also be operated in manual mode. In this machine, the resistance will depend on the pull-intensity that is used on the handle. This leads to the flexibility in using the rower.
The display is divided into three portions – Upper display that displays the watt reading; Middle display that indicates the time and distance, and the lower display that indicates the calories burnt.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The NordicTrack RW200 is a cardio trainer and should ideally come with a heart rate monitor, however, there is no heart rate monitor. You will have to buy a separate monitor in case you wish to keep a check on your heart rate while you work out.
Air-resistance
The NordicTrack RW200 has a fan that uses air resistance and this makes sure that minimal noise is produced when the rowing machine is used, and a cool breeze is sent out as well. As you increase the rowing speed, the resistance increases.
There are about 10 levels of resistance to select from. In order to make use of the air resistance system while you work out you have to set the resistance based on your training level.
The resistance can be easily changed on the machine’s display screen. The resistance levels from 1-4 are perfect for a beginner whereas the resistance levels between 4-10 are ideal for advanced trainers.
Airflow Control
As mentioned, you have to set the air resistance prior to starting the workout and these can be altered anytime throughout the course of the training. Level 1 on the machine lets minimum airflow into the machine’s flywheel.
This means less resistance is created for the movement of the flywheel. This will also need lesser effort on the part of the user to move the flywheel. Level 10 resists the movement of the flywheel as it allows maximum airflow and the user has to exert more to row.
The NordicTrack RW200 Rowing Machine is one of the best variable air resistance rowers. It is recommended for High-Intensity Interval Training.
Rail
The NordicTrack RW200 has oversized rail made of steel and it also has an ergonomically designed handle that is comfortable to use. The motion is very natural and smooth due to the flywheel that is inertia-enhanced. You also get oversized pedals in addition to the soft-touch handle that is quite comfortable.
Cushioned Seat
NordicTrack has been successful in raising the seat thereby making the NordicTrack RW200 a friendly machine for people who face knee ailment. The seat has been positioned in a manner that even long hours of rowing exercise will not lead to pain in your back.
The seats have been created out of the steel rails and are oversized deliberately. So if the user has a big body structure or you like to be very comfortable, the NordicTrack RW200 has been designed especially for you.
You can compare this model with the other models of NordicTrack -the NordicTrack RW500 Rowing machine and the NordicTrack RW900 Rowing machine
Large Pedals
The NordicTrack RW200 comes with large footrests that fit any shoe size. Also, the adjustable straps make sure that the user is quite stable while working out.
The NordicTrack RW200 has pedals made out of superior quality plastic and the upper end has a layer of soft plastic. This makes sure that the leg movement is not tiresome for your ankles.
Resistance Levels
The NordicTrack RW200 comes with 10 different levels of resistance.
Maximum User Weight Capacity
As per the claims of the company, the NordicTrack RW200 is designed to handle a maximum user weight of about 115 kilograms, however, the material used for this machine is such that a person heavier than this can also train on it.
Fixed or Folding
A convenient characteristic of the NordicTrack RW200 is that it can be folded into a small machine. The rower makes use of the convenient and registered Spacesaver design of NordicTrack that allows the machine to get folded vertically and this makes it very easy to clean.
Handlebar
NordicTrack rowing machines are designed ergonomically. The machine is quite comfortable and can be used by people who are as tall as 7 feet. The handles have been covered using a high-quality cushion. The handles are oriented in such a way that they promote a healthy movement of the body.
Transportation Wheels
The machine comes with transport wheels that make it relocation quite. The machine also gets folded vertically into two portions at the pedal area; this feature makes the NordicTrack RW200 a better machine than many other machines of this class.
Play Music
Nowadays rigorous exercising does not mean just exercising all through the workout. It might get boring to just keep exercising with no form of entertainment. The only machine in this category of rowing machines that gives its users a high-end audio system is the NordicTrack RW200 Rowing Machine.
The audio console has a provision for a jack of 3.5mm. Hence, any device having jack support of 3.5mm can be plugged in with the help of an audio cable. The buttons on the monitor help in increasing or decreasing the volume.
NordicTrack RW200 Rower Workout Programs
The NordicTrack RW200 comes with about 20 in-built fitness programs for the user to choose from. These programs are designed with the help of certified professional trainers and are also classified into two different categories of training – calorie burn and watt training.
Each program presents the target that has to be achieved so as to proceed with the workout. The targets are displayed in the form of blinks on the target meter. In case you fail to meet the target, you will get a notification by the monitor.
How to use the NordicTrack RW200 Rowing Machine?
The NordicTrack RW200 Rowing machine has an instruction manual that offers you the steps to use this machine.
Step 1: The machine has to be unpacked carefully. The NordicTrack RW200 Rowing machine’s packing weight is about 145 lbs., and this is about 40 lbs more than its actual weight.
Step 2: The machine has to be assembled. The assembly process of this machine will involve attaching the seat and monitor only.
All the other parts of this rower generally arrive assembled. The assembly process of the NordicTrack RW200 Rowing machine would need a few basic tools such as screwdrivers. You do not have to disassemble anything in order to facilitate the folding abilities.
Step 3: Once the assembly process is done, the resistance, as well as the workout type, has to be set. You have to adjust the seat, secure your feet using the nylon straps that come with the pedals and secure the handle. This rowing machine is good to train your legs.
The leg training involves pushing the pedal along with exerting force by using your calf and thigh muscles. It can be used also to work on your biceps wherein the handle is pulled ensuring your back is kept straight and your hips firm. The complete rowing training involves getting both the steps done together.
NordicTrack RW200 Rower Warranty
NordicTrack provides a warranty of five years on the frame of the NordicTrack RW200 and a warranty of one year on parts and labor. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee that ensures the customers are on the safer side.
NordicTrack RW200 Rower Pros and Cons
Pros
- The “damper setting” resistance of this machine can be adjusted
- It has an in-built sound system
- The machine offers 20 preset workout programs & 10 resistance levels
- The machine has oversized pedals and adjustable straps
- The handlebars are soft and comfortable
- It comes with transport wheels that make relocation easy
- It gives you a very comfortable and smooth rowing stroke
- The machine can be easily folded and stored
- The assembly process is quite easy
- The manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- The machine’s resistance levels may not be great for advanced users
- The console is very basic and has no heart rate monitoring feature
- The machine is quite heavy
- The warranty offered is quite less
Verdict
The NordicTrack RW200 Rowing machine is a highly acceptable piece of fitness machine for home use, however, it cannot be compared with some of the best options like the Concept2 Model D. However, this rowing machine is very cost-effective. It is well-designed and is able to give its users a smooth and reliable performance.
Additionally, it also offers its users about 20 preset workout programs and 10 levels of resistance. The machine can be folded and stored away easily when not in use. It also comes with transport wheels, an inertia-enhanced flywheel, oversized footrests, and ergonomically designed handles and pedals.
It also comes with a very comfortable design and it enhances the ergonomic features and is very stable. Even if this machine is used for a long period of time, it will not give you any issues in terms of durability. The NordicTrack RW200 Rowing machine is a great buy for entry-level trainees and is one of the best rowing machines for beginners on our list.
