ProForm Pro R10 Rowing Machine Review – It Folds!

Dimensions/Storability

We really like the fact that the ProForm Pro R10 folds in half and can be stored easily. It also has two transportation wheels for convenient moving, and the two handles make it simple to maneuver.

Being that the ProForm Pro R10 rower is foldable, it is actually pretty sturdy.

Geometry

• Footprint: 86.5″L x 22″W x 45.5″H
• Pedals: 12″ L
• Saddle: 12″W x 9″D
• Belt Drive: 24″ H from where the strap emerges
• Monorail: 13″H x 40″L x 3.5″W

I use the top handle in front of the seat to fold and move the rower.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

When you purchase the Pro R10, ProForm offers three years free of an iFIT family membership through their ProForm+ Program. An iFIT membership lets you get the most out of the 10″ touchscreen.

I really appreciate having iFIT integrated into this rower.

However, you can use manual mode without an iFIT membership or even without an internet connection. This way, if you just want to row, you can see your metrics and adjust your resistance for an intense workout.

However, we recommend taking advantage of ProForm’s current promotion and subscribing to iFIT. With the membership, you’ll get up to 5 profiles so other members of your family/household can use iFIT on the Pro R10 and the mobile app. Everyone will have their own profile to submit their stats, take classes, schedule future classes, and track their workout history.

iFIT has a robust library of content that extends beyond rowing to other types of machines and classes entirely off of equipment. Some of the other classes include running, cycling, meditation, strength training, yoga, and more. On the ProForm Pro R10 Rower, iFIT’s rowing classes help keep you motivated and engaged and offer guidance.

Most of iFIT’s classes are led by knowledgeable, world-class instructors. When I took a rowing class with Alex Gregory in the Caribbean, he gave positioning cues that beginners and even more seasoned rowers could appreciate. Plus, the camera panned to show more of the landscape, which made the class more engaging and interesting.

We love iFIT because of their outdoor classes, which are filmed in real locations worldwide. There are also indoor studio classes to mix it up. The filming is of high quality, and there are live and on-demand classes to choose from.

Another great feature is that you can follow along with the trainer to have the Pro R10 adjust the resistance based on the trainer’s cues. This way, you can have a hands-free experience and continue rowing the entire time. If you need to change the resistance in class, you can override this feature anytime.

Console

I noticed right away that I could reach the screen when my feet were strapped into the pedals. I’m about 5’1″ tall, so I have problems reaching the touchscreen on other rowers. I wish the screen swiveled like the Echelon rowers. They both have the option to see the screen from multiple areas off of the rower, which is beneficial when taking mat classes.

The console on the ProForm Pro R10 rowing machine contains a 10″ HD touchscreen and adjustment buttons for changing resistance.

A nice feature of the screen is that the neck can be lowered or raised to your eye level. So, no matter your height, you can see the screen. We’ve tested rowers with screens that are too high or too low, so it’s nice that you can adjust this one. Some probably will think the 10″ screen is a little too small, which is fair. However, I found it sufficient and could see the iFIT content.

I could also hear the music and my iFIT trainer well. The built-in speakers can go pretty loud. You can also use the audio auxiliary port on the console.

I didn’t have a problem changing my resistance while rowing because I could reach the console. As a team, we really like quick-touch buttons. We’ve become accustomed to using them on treadmills, so we like having them on the Pro R10 Rower, too.

There are eleven of these buttons to quickly switch between different resistances, which range from 2 to 24, the max resistance level.

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Build Quality

Something to keep in mind is that it only has a 250 lb weight capacity, so it won’t work for larger users. Users up to that size should be able to get plenty of use out of this compact rower, though.

Frame

The steel frame components definitely add to the overall quality of the R10. When unfolded, the rower sits firmly planted on the floor with no rocking. The monorail is also made of steel, and the seat glides over it smoothly and quietly.

The rail is long enough to accommodate a wide variety of users of various sizes.

Footboard & Pedals

We like the Velcro adjustable foot straps. They make strapping and unstrapping your feet quick and efficient. They’re also pretty thick. We didn’t have to worry about the straps becoming loose even when we pushed our feet against the footboard. Your heels should stay planted in the pedals while working out, too. They offer nice ankle flexion and are about 12″ long.

The handle does rest at the top of the pedal, so it gets in the way when you’re adjusting the pedal length. I had to move the handle to adjust my pedals.

Handle

The handle is round and nicely padded for comfort. It isn’t angled however like the Echelon rower. It’s more similar to the RW600 from NordicTrack. It also doesn’t allow you to do any single arm rowing, unlike the Concept 2 that has vents in the middle for your fingers to allow for this.

Even though it doesn’t have these features, I found it to be slim enough for my smaller hands to grip, and I didn’t experience any discomfort or fatigue in my hands from using it while rowing.

Seat

The seat is slightly molded to support your tailbone. It’s similar to the RW600 rower. It does have some padding, and we didn’t find it uncomfortable to use. It might be a little too small for some users, however.

The seat isn’t quite as contoured as other rowers.

It sits about 15″ high off the ground, which is a nice height for rowing. There are other rowers that sit lower, which can make getting on and off more challenging. This seat height is easier to get on and off.

Flywheel

A belt connects it to the handle, which also helps reduce noise. The Concept2 uses a chain instead of a belt, so there is little noise output when using it.

The 90″ pull strap is plenty long for users. However, we did notice that at the end of the drive, the belt gets a little loose, especially when at a lighter resistance.

When in use, the flywheel on the ProForm Pro R10 rower is pretty much silent.

Resistance

The main reason for the Pro R10’s lack of noise is that it uses magnetic resistance. The flywheel works against a magnetic brake and can be adjusted for more or less tension to pull against.

Though magnetic rowers are really quiet (if not silent like this ProForm one), their max level of resistance might not be enough for some users. This is especially true if you’re strong or used to air rowers like the Concept 2 Model D, which has unlimited resistance.

Air rowers make quite a bit of noise compared to magnetic rowing machines, so where there’s one upside, there’s also a downside. Because the ProForm Pro R10 is so quiet, we recommend it for apartments, shared spaces, and homes where noise could be problematic.

Warranty

ProForm offers a 5-year warranty for the frame and a 1-year warranty for labor, which is fair. The frame warranty is half as long as NordicTrack’s, but ProForm’s is more extensive than Echelon’s.

Should You Buy the ProForm Pro R10

We are pretty impressed with the ProForm Pro R10 rower. It gives you everything you need for an upscale gym experience right in the comfort of your own home. Interactive fitness machines are all the rage right now, and with the extensive iFIT library and 10″ touchscreen, the Proform R10 rower fits the bill.

The advertised free 3-year iFIT membership is an excellent deal, and we recommend taking advantage of it to get full functionality out of the Pro R10. iFIT has thousands of trainer-led classes filmed all around the world, so you’ll never get bored while working out.

This extremely quiet indoor rower works well for someone doing cardio in a shared space or in homes where noise needs to be minimal. This allows you to exercise at a challenging level without bothering your partner or neighbors. Although it’s not best for larger users because it has a limited weight capacity, it folds up and can be stored out of sight when you’re not using it.

We recommend checking out the ProForm Pro R10 rowing machine if you want a quality, foldable rower that is quiet and comes with engaging content.

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ProForm Pro R10 Q&A / FAQ

Can I use the ProForm R10 without iFIT?

Yes, you can use the ProForm R10 without iFIT. You can only train in manual mode without the internet or an iFIT account. You can take one featured class with the internet and a free iFIT account.

Who makes the best rower?

Some top rowing machine brands include Concept2, Hydrow, NordicTrack, Aviron, and Ergatta. ProForm is a more affordable alternative to NordicTrack’s rowing machines.

What level should I set my rowing machine to?

The ProForm Pro R10 takes the guesswork out of setting your resistance level. When you train with iFIT, the R10 automatically adjusts resistance. Over time, iFIT will improve your training level and adjust it more specifically to fit your training needs.

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