Lifespan Rower 441 Rowing Machine Review
Please note that I was informed this product has been discontinued and replaced with a new model Lifespan Rower 442. Click here to read the review.
I once had an officemate who confided in me that she really wanted to have firmer and more toned bottoms, legs, abs, and arms. She knows what she must do but she told me her work responsibilities usually got in the way.
That is why she wanted to buy fitness equipment for her small home. Unfortunately, most of the machines she saw were very expensive and that they only managed to target certain groups of muscles. Out of frustration, she totally gave up on the idea of getting and staying fit.
The thing is we’ve all been there. I, myself, have experienced the woes every beginning fitness enthusiast has to go through. It would seem as if it’s a rite of passage. You’d have to be firm and tough enough to weather the storm. The good thing is that, in the course of my fascination with fitness equipment, I came across several products that actually address many of the concerns that my officemate had.
It won’t break your bank and it targets more muscles than 3 other fitness machines combined. It’s also a great way to lose weight, boost endurance, and tone the different muscles of the body. One of these great products is the Lifespan Fitness Rower 441. And, I have been blessed enough to take it for a very thorough spin so I can run you through its pros and cons and why you should consider it if you’re just beginning to lead a fitness-filled life. This is my Lifespan Rower 441 review. Read on.
Overview of the Lifespan Fitness Rower 441
The Lifespan Rower 441 is an entry-level rowing machine (see this top 5 review). It comes with certain features that you’d see in a few higher-priced brands. What I would like to reiterate is for you to keep in mind that this is an entry level rower. As such, you might also want to lower your expectations a bit. Honestly, I had a more difficult time dissociating this fitness machine from another Lifespan rower, the 605, which I already said was quite an impressive machine.
The Lifespan Fitness Rower 441 is a small, compact, and very lightweight beginner’s rowing machine that only requires space that is about 1.78 metres long and 53 centimetres wide. This is when it is in its fully extended form. Once you fold it, it only requires less than a quarter of a metre in length.
I can honestly say that the Rower 441 is light despite the fact that its frame is made of durable tubular steel, pretty much like the Rower 605. And in case it will still feel heavy for you, then its roller wheels will surely come in handy. I could easily bring the Rower 441 from my makeshift storage compartment under the stairs and into my improvised fitness room. If I can do that, I know you could, too.
The design of the 441 is very unlike the 605, reminding everyone that it is indeed an entry-level exercise equipment to begin with. Instead of the strong-looking, muscular, and sturdy build of the Lifespan 605, the 441 comes with a very simple base that looks more like a pie when viewed from the side. The pedals are mounted on both sides of the ‘pie’ base while a small LCD screen is already integrated into the upper half of the base facing the rower and just below the handles for the rower cable. The single rail upon which the contoured seat is mounted attaches to the base via a quick-release pin mechanism that allows it to be easily folded. Technically, if you are really going to look at the Lifespan Fitness Rower 441, you’d think that you can make one yourself. And you know what? I believe you could.
An impressive compact, entry-level machine
But the beauty of the 441 is not really in the simplicity of its design, but rather in the flywheel that is encased in that pie-shaped base. Unlike traditional rowers, the Lifespan Fitness Rower 441 comes not with one but two magnetic flywheels that have been meticulously tested to deliver a maximum resistance of 14.5 kilogrammes. I know 14.5 kg doesn’t sound like much, but considering that the 441 is especially designed for women as well as men who weigh not more than 120 kilogrammes, then the 14.5 kilogrammes of tension is already quite formidable.
Going back to the twin magnetic flywheel, I would say that this is something unexpected from a budget rowing machine. Of course, the bottom line will still be the maximum output which is pegged at 14.5 kilogrammes. However, considering that most machines at this price range only come with single flywheel mechanisms, the addition of another flywheel elevates the 441’s ability to provide you with better results as to your fitness goals. The levels of resistance can also be adjusted or selected from 1 to 10. Sadly, being an entry-level equipment, the selection is done manually. But, I think that’s a relatively small price to pay.
The Lifespan Fitness Rower 441 also comes with a very simple screen that displays basic information about your strokes, time, and calories burned. At least, you’ll never have to guess how much more time you need to hit your calorie-burn goal.
Click Here to Read the New Lifespan Rower 442 Model
A Look at the Features of the Lifespan Rower 441
Dual magnetic flywheel system
It doesn’t run on water resistance, but the inclusion of two magnetic flywheels into the operation of the Rower 441 helps ensure you get the best results for your fitness goals. This is especially important since you don’t normally see this in exercise equipment at this price range. The dual magnetic flywheel mechanism also helps ensure an almost whisper-quiet operation plus a smoother feel with each stroke of the rower cord.
Variable tension settings
The Lifespan Fitness Rower 441 may not have automatic controls for its variable resistance levels, but you can still manually dial in the level of tension that you would like your muscles to exert against. It comes with 10 different resistance levels, easily accessible by simply turning a knob located at the base of the 441.
Lightweight, compact, and durable design
Despite the fact that it is classified as a budget rowing machine, the Lifespan Fitness Rower 441 still comes with a durable tubular steel frame construction complete with commercial-grade roller wheels for ease of movement and storage. It features a quick-release pin that easily dislodges the rail connection to the base, allowing it to be folded to secure a folded footprint of just 74 centimetres by 53 centimetres. It is exceptionally light, too, weighing in at just 28 kilogrammes yet fully capable of holding the weight of a 120-kilogramme grownup.
Simple yet very useful computer
The Lifespan Fitness Rower 441 doesn’t come with preset workout programmes. Yet it does come with all the necessary information you need to help you keep abreast of your progress in your workout sessions. It provides information on the time spent on the machine including the number of strokes performed and the total calories burned.
Pros and Cons
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- Twin 7-kilogram magnetic flywheels for a combined maximum resistance of 14.5 kilogrammes
- Comes with fully adjustable tension up to 10 levels
- Simple LCD screen that displays basic fitness data such as time, stroke count, strokes per minute, and calories
- Ultra-quiet belt drivetrain for smoother and quitter operation
- Foldable, compact, and lightweight design complete with commercial quality roller wheels
- Contoured seat and padded handles complete with large pedals and secure foot straps
- Maximum user weight capacity of 120 kilogrammes
- Requires a very small amount of floor space at only 178 cm x 53 cm when fully extended
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- Doesn’t come with preset workout programs as well as racing modes and customisations
- The 14.5-kilogramme maximum resistance may not be adequate for stronger individuals
- The pedals which are US shoe size 14 may not sit well with individuals who have larger feet
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Should You Get It?
Some of you may think that Lifespan Fitness Rower 441 is a bit lacking of features compared to other brands. However, do keep in mind that the 441 is essentially a beginner’s rowing machine. It comes with certain technologies that most equipment in this price category can only dream of. Of course, when compared to the likes of the WaterRower Natural or even the Lifespan Fitness Rower 605, the 441 simply sits at the cellar. However, you cannot disregard the fact that it is a very effective and efficient machine to get you started on your journey of healthier living.
It’s a space-saver, and efficient machine, and for a machine that is under $500, it is a great value to have in one’s own home. Clearly, there isn’t anything more that you could possibly ask for.
Testimonials
Here are some of the testimonials I could find online regarding this machine
“The Rowing Machine is well made and easy to use and meets expectations.” – David L
“Great value item, wouldn’t pay 5X for a Concept 2 that’s for sure!” – John P Sokol
“Fantastic item, very good quality for the price!” – Leonlec
