Viavito Rokai Folding Multi-Function Rowing Machine

OVERALL: This rowing machine is compact, easily storable and has a multitude of different settings allowing for a variety of different exercise techniques to be used with just one machine, at a very reasonable price! GENERAL: I have now owned my rower for several months and so far have noticed no signs of wear and have only enjoyed using it more as I learn how best to use it to suit my needs. The total weight of the machine is under 35kg, so it's really easy to move around single-handedly, even for a small female (I am only 5"5' and weigh around 50kg, but find moving it about a doddle!). Putting it together was not overly complex either, though I recommend reading the instruction manual carefully all the way through before attempting, as well as doing so with a friend or family member so that it's an easier and quicker task and you can muddle through any queries about which part is which. I think it's important to note that you shouldn't expect it to feel exactly like you're using a professional gym rower, but at 1/3 to 1/4 the price I don't think that's anything of a let down; it still functions smoothly and efficiently and tracks your rowing style on a digital interface, as well as having a solid variety in resistance levels that is equal to that you'd find in a gym (In my opinion, though I am comparing this to the Concept 2 machines set up in my local gym and other gyms/rowers may vary). USE: It's mains powered and the cable isn't overly long, perhaps 1.5m? Possibly slightly longer, but it's important you aren't planning to set this up on the opposite side of the room from your electricity sockets. Once set up and plugged in, the rower comes to life with a loud beep, displaying a simple start up panel that allows you to simply press start and begin rowing, changing settings as you go, or to choose from a list of preset programs and begin a particular length/style of workout. These include the ability to race against the computer and target HIIT workouts with built in recovery periods for the end of the workout. I have yet to explore all of the different programs, but may return and review later once I have tried them. There are 16 different levels of resistance, ranging from very weak to a level that can be used for lower level resistance training outside of rowing. I tend to row with the machine on setting 7 as a standard, though I might go up to 9 or 10 if I was doing a HIIT workout. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU PUT THIS ROWER ON FLOOR WHICH HAS SOME KIND OF GRIPPING QUALITY. For the first week of use I was very frustrated to find myself bouncing around my garage as I pulled the rower wildly in jerky bounds across the room- this is not surprising as the floor is painted concrete and the rower is lighter than me, with a great resistance capacity! TRACKING: You can pair a Bluetooth chest-strap with the machine in order to track your heartrate as you row and receive more accurate information about energy used and cardio benefit, I have yet to do this, but it is also something I plan on doing and will update this review once I have purchased a chest strap and given it a go. It tracks number of strokes, distance travelled and calories burnt without the need for any more equipment. STRENGTH: This rower can also be used for resistance training! You simply stand behind the machine on the little foot pedals and then use the cable as you would a pulley from a low angle in the gym. This part of the rower is where I would be a little less positive, at the highest level of resistance I find it useful for some resistance training, such as oblique turns, but the pull-back on the cable is not sufficient to really perform proper pulley-based exercises and the overall resistance level is too weak to be useful in instigating muscle growth IMO. If you wanted to use it for high-rep low-weight style exercises for weight loss however, it would definitely be more than sufficient! I find many of the exercises offered in the guide that comes with it to be more useful when done one-handed on each side than as depicted, but again, this is because I am looking for a higher level of resistance for strength training. NOISE: It's not in any way silent. The magnet used to create the resistance and the movement of the cable within the machine makes a grating noise each time you pull it. It's not painfully loud, it's easy to mask with music through headphones and if I decide to use a speaker for my workouts I normally want the music at a volume that masks the sound anyway, though this may not be the case for everyone. If you enjoy silent or quiet music level workouts, plan on setting it up and using it in living spaces used by others or want to watch tv or listen to a podcast whilst exercising it probably won't work out well. I'd conclude that it's not as fabulous as an air-resistance rower in the gym, but for the price and convenience it does very well at coming very close and is genuinely a brilliant piece of home kit.

I received this as a Christmas gift. Although mechanically reasonably well designed and quite easy to assemble it is let down by a heart rate display that displays a reading while the rowing machine is in use without any heart rate sensor being used. I contacted Support to be told that this could be avoided if a Heart Rate belt was used. The EMC Directive was supposed to avoid this sort of problem. Perhaps make sure you buy a Heart Rate belt if buying one of these. Since I don't have one, I can't confirm that this will stop the problem, however.

I have used this repeatedly and I have enjoyed it. Disappointing it is with a cord that clips on the back of the frame. Resistance is good, programmes are fine nothing over strenuous but not too easy either. It I would recommend they give the heart rate chest strap free with this product though. Decent enough buy.

I found this easy to assemble, it's easy to use and it's getting us fitter at a price we could afford. Win win

I am 54 year old, quite athletic and tall but not that big and there isn't enough resistance with this. Also the pulley goes slack at the beginning of the stroke causing an annoying mini tug at the beginning of each stroke. I guess this might be fixable. The lcd monitor is okay. Otherwise nice and quiet and sturdy.

This m/c is just perfect, well made, reliable (so far) and easy to assemble, absolutely no complaints and would certainly recommend as a good buy.

Good

Should have spent more on a more solidly build machine. Very creaky despite all the nuts and screws being tight. Can hear the noise in the room below. Plus I got sent the wrong size metal rods on which the feet rests go. The company sent out new ones very quickly though.