Rowing machines are expensive and long. Even if you can store them upright, then they are just tall! It might seem realistic to solve one of these problems, but is it impossible to solve both? We test it out with the affordable and folding rower, the ProForm 750R.
One thing that made me skeptical about the ProForm 750R was how short the monorail looked. The folding mechanism takes up a bit of real estate, so I was curious how well the rower would perform once I tested it out. Fortunately, I got to test it, its iFIT subscription, and magnetic resistance!
The ProForm 750R is priced below a thousand dollars. It folds in half with a hinge between the rail and the body of the rower. It is a problem-solving design, but we investigated whether other problems arose as a result. Keep reading to find out how this compact and affordable rower performs.
ProForm 750R Rower Review: Bottom Line
ProForm 750R vs Similar Rowing Machines
Our handy chart below will help you compare the 750R to its top competitors.
 ProForm 750R |  NordicTrack RW700 |  Hydrow Wave |  Aviron Strong | |
| Price (MSRP) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | ||||
| Bottom Line | The ProForm 750R folds up and out of the way when you are done with your trainer-led iFIT classes—a great feature for such an affordable price. | The NordicTrack RW700 supports iFIT’s vast library of content, allowing athletes to train alongside top coaches in studio and outdoor settings. | The Hydrow Wave’s magnetic resistance and training content create the most realistic on-the-water feel with a lighter frame and lower price than other machines in Hydrow’s lineup. | The Aviron Strong Rower turns your workout into a game, entertains you with streaming apps, and guides you with trainer-led workouts. |
| Awards Earned | ||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | ProForm 750R | NordicTrack RW700 | Hydrow Wave | Aviron Strong |
| Workout Experience | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| Specs / Features | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Build Quality | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| Overall Score | 74 | 82 | 90 | 82 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 21 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | $39/month | $39/month | $44/month | $29/month |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | Netflix, Prime (in beta-testing) | N/A | YouTube, Max, Disney+, Hulu, Prime, Spotify, Paramount+, Netflix |
| Display | High-contrast digital screen | 10” HD touchscreen | 16” HD touchscreen | 22” HD touchscreen |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 86.5” x 22” x 45.5” | 81.5" L x 21" W x 49" H | 80" L x 19" W 43" H | 84” L x 27” W x 48” H |
| Pedal Type | ||||
| Storage | folding | Vertical, horizontal | Horizontal, vertical | Vertical, horizontal |
| Rower Weight | 116 lbs | 146 lbs | 102 lbs | 114 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs | 250 lbs | 375 lbs | 507 lbs |
| Resistance Type | magnetic | magnetic | magnetic | Hybrid magnet & air |
| Max Resistance | 24 resistance levels | 26 resistance levels | 300 (drag factor) | 16 magnetic resistance levels |
| Height Limit | 6’5” | 6’5”+ | 36” (inseam) | 6’8” |
| Warranty | 5-year frame, 1-year parts and labor | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 5-year frame; 12-month parts, screen, and labor | 10-year frame, 1-year parts |
| Additional Features | Automatic resistance adjustments, Bluetooth, tablet rack | Automatic resistance adjustments, tilt & pivot screen, Bluetooth | Belt drive, Bluetooth, frame color options | Belt drive, air ventilation, tall seat |
Dimensions/Storability
The rower folds up by hinging in the middle. Remove the pins that secure the track and then lift the base of the track up to reduce floor space when not in use. This is another handy feature of the ProForm 750R.
The ProForm 750R folds up when not in use.
The ProForm 750R Rower’s dimensions are 86.5” by 22” by 45.5”.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
There are onboard workouts and additional training options through iFIT.
Onboard Workouts
10 Calorie workouts and 10 Watts workouts line the console for easy selection. You can toggle through options using the buttons on the bottom of the console.
iFIT Workouts
iFIT will sync with your rower if you use an iFIT-compatible tablet and download the app. This opens up your options tremendously, as iFIT contains hundreds of classes and content that can be used on or off the rower.
In addition to studio-based classes that give excellent instruction on rowing form, outdoor routes are filmed all over the world in some of the most beautiful waters. You can row as if you were gliding along the Thames River in London or take a leisurely ride around a placid lake in New Zealand. iFIT opens up your training options significantly.
The studio rowing classes are filmed in a studio with a trainer on a rower in front of you and other participants rowing alongside. Trainers are excellent at cueing form since it can be easy to develop sloppy form when rowing. The resistance is automated, so it will automatically adjust to whatever the trainer is doing.
The outdoor routes are filmed all over the world. This is where iFIT excels. No other program can compete with the extensive iFIT outdoor content. You can choose courses from rivers all over the world. You see the perspective of the rowing trainer with an occasional drone shot or an overhead view of the water.
Console
The high-contrast screen sits in the middle of the console, with workouts on either side. The right side features Calorie Workouts, listed from 1-10 in red. The left side shows Watts Workouts from 1-10 in yellow.
The ProForm 750R console is clean and simple to use, it also includes a tablet holder for your device.
Below the screen, buttons allow you to select either a Calorie or Watt workout. You can also reset the metrics and display different stats if desired. Two large buttons with a – and + at the bottom of the console scroll through resistance levels. There are also smaller buttons to adjust the volume if you plug your music in via the Aux-In port.
Tablet Holder
At the top of the console, a tablet holder lifts out with an adjustable clip to hold your personal tablet securely. From here, you can watch a program or read a book on your tablet — or you can download and use iFIT via the iFIT app. This app will sync with your 750R rower to show various iFIT rowing classes and outdoor routes.
Storage Options
There are no fans, storage, or cup holders on the 750R. Since the console sits so low to the ground, it is easy to set items to the side, such as a phone or water bottle. These could be placed on the floor alongside the rower and within easy reach.
Build Quality
Frame
The ProForm 750R has a folding frame that reduces its footprint by folding in half when not in use. The steel seat rail is sturdy and supportive, and the seat slides smoothly back and forth during your drive and release. Ergonomic pedals and sturdy footboards support a healthy drive, while nylon straps keep feet securely in the pedals.
I love the pedal’s pivoting motion, which allows a bit of ankle flexion to reduce knee and ankle tension.
It weighs 116 lbs and supports a maximum user weight of 250 lbs. This rower feels nice in use and is a great way to strengthen all the major muscle groups in your body!
Foot Board & Pedals
The wide pedals have a ledge around the base and edges to support good foot position. Wide, nylon straps with velcro overlay hold the user’s shoe snugly in the pedal. These pedals will work for pretty much any size shoe. A gentle checker-pattern texture on the pedal surface provides a bit of traction so your shoe stays still and doesn’t slide along the pedal surface.
The frame of the ProForm 750R folds in half, help save plenty of space.
The footboard feels solid underneath the pedal overlay and supports a healthy drive through the legs and back.
Handle
We’ve read reviews that indicate the handle is too narrow for some users; however, it worked great for us. Since the console sits up above the flywheel, the catch and flywheel are slightly lower on the 750R than on comparable rowers. This requires a bit more forward lean at the catch and may not be an ideal setup for users.
Seat
The molded seat is slightly cushioned and has a few superficial contour lines. It isn’t very large, nor is it very contoured, but it does slide smoothly up and down the track. This seat may be too small for larger users, but the 750R only supports 250 pounds, so it will probably work fine for anyone in this weight range.
Flywheel
The flywheel on the ProForm 750R is inertia-enhanced and geared for a smooth drive. When resistance is high, the tension holds the nylon cord tight, so there is no floppiness during recovery.
The flywheel helps power the magnetic resistance.
The 24 levels of magnetic resistance are silent, so you can use the 750R rower at any time of day or night without disturbing those around you. There is a bit of airflow noise, but this is just a bit of a “whirring” sound. The digital resistance is nice because you can find the same amount of resistance at each level for consistency.
Noise Level
The ProForm 750R is quiet when rowing. The seat glides silently up and down the track, and the flywheel makes minimal noise. There is the typical “rowing” noise from the cord moving, but this is subtle. The only real noise on the 750R occurs when you change resistance levels. The manual dial clicks to indicate each resistance level, and this clicking is slightly noisy.
Should You Buy the ProForm 750R Rower
The ProForm 750R rower is a sturdy, well-built rower that features multiple training options. Users can select from Calorie or Wattage workouts right on the console itself. These simple routines do not require a wifi connection or a subscription, and they are a great way to challenge yourself via the display screen.
For more training, the 750R rower includes an integrated tablet holder that will hold your iFIT-compatible tablet. The iFIT app can then sync with your rower to provide you with more classes and routes for training. We love the multiple options on the 750R! It has a comfortable seat and supportive pedals, so you get the most out of your workout without lower back pain.
Look into the ProForm 750R Rower today — you may find it’s just the right fit for you!
ProForm 750R Q&A / FAQ
Can you use the ProForm 750R without iFIT?
Yes, you can use the ProForm 750R without iFIT. It does not have a touchscreen, so iFIT does not feel as crucial to your training experience on the 750R. There are onboard training programs on the 750R that do not require a subscription to access.
How much does the ProForm 750R weigh?
The ProForm 750R weighs 116 lbs.
What is the weight limit on the ProForm 750R Rower?
The ProForm 750R has a maximum weight limit of 250 lbs.
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