WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine

The WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine has a wooden construct and a black water tank similar to that of the Gorowingo Water Rower. Although, it is not entirely made of wood because its rail is made of aluminum.  

It’s one of the rowing machines that could teleport you to the real world of rowing on the water while you are in the comfort of your home. It’s a no-brainer that a good WaterRower provides a rowing experience that is nearly as good as rowing in the open water and this unit offers that.  

The WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine operation is much less noisy than an air resistance rower, thus, you can work out without being concerned that others around you might be disturbed.   

Users ranging from beginners, intermediaries, up to advanced rowers will definitely find this rowing machine suitable and useful. It can accommodate users as tall as 6’4’’ or those with an inseam of 39’’ or less. The frame supports 275 lbs./127 kg maximum user weight capacity.  

The integrated A1 monitor tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, Intensity (watts), Strokes per Minute, and Stroke Rate (500m split) 

Its price is competitive as well; so, those that are interested in purchasing a water rower could consider it.  

Click right here to have a peek at the price of the WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine on Amazon.  

The Frame and Construction 

The WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine is a handcrafted unit that features a frame that is made of American Ashwood and black powder-coated aluminum.  

It has anti-skid rubber pads underneath to ensure stability.  

Although, it’s a lightweight rower that only weighs about 61 lbs./28 kg when it’s without water and 98 lbs./44.5 kg (with water in the tanks) but nevertheless boosts its overall stability. The use of a protective rubber mat may not be necessary but may use one at your own discretion.  

Just like most typical indoor rowing machines the WaterRower A1 Home is sizeable and would require a little bit of space for a workout but a lot less for storage. The overall assembled dimensions are 83.5’’ long by 22.2’’ wide by 20’’ high. Differently put, the workout area perimeter for this rower would be 7’ length by 1’9’’ width while the floor-to-seat height is 10.5’’.  

Also, keep in mind that extra additional clearance of 1-2′ will be required all around the rower for safety and easy access purposes especially if it’s going to be used in an area that is confined or congested.  

Storage of the rower doesn’t require much space because it is stored in an upright position which takes only 1/3 of an average indoor cycling bike storage space. The storage dimensions are 20’’ depth by 22.2’’ width by 83.5’’ height.  

The WaterRower can easily be maneuvered thanks to the integrated transport wheels at the front base. This rower provides low-impact full-body cardio exercises that help you lose weight, and improve your cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance.   

The Seat of the WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine 

The A1 Studio Rowing Machine’s seat is ergonomically designed, textured, and thickly padded to provide lasting comfort that enables you to work out longer.  It is contoured to perfectly contain the butt preventing any sort of slipping during an intense exercise.  

It is attached to a monorail that runs smoothly and quietly.  

As aforementioned, the height of the seat from the floor is 10.5’’, thus, it won’t be difficult for you to mount and dismount the rower.  

The Handle of the WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine 

The handle of the WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine is about 17’’ long and it’s coated with a soft foam material that provides a secure and comfortable grip. This means you can train all you want and there won’t be any experience of soreness, blisters, or slippage.  

A durable 1-inch nylon strap also known as the recoil belt is attached to the handle and connected to pulleys and the water tank. In other words, no matter your rowing intensity it won’t snap.  

Pedals/Footrests 

The WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine has large footrests with nylon adjustable straps that are attached to the footboard. They are large and adjustable to securely accommodate different foot sizes comfortably.  

The nylon straps provide quite a firm grip on the foot. They (pedals) accommodate standard gym shoes.  

The Resistance System of the WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine 

The WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine features a water resistance system, and it is common knowledge that the water resistance system is dynamic and suitable for all users. In case you don’t know, it’s good for beginners, intermediaries, and professional rowers. Folks that are recovering from an injury could also use it to strengthen the muscle groups even as they improve their overall physical well-being.  

The resistance system consists of the water tank that contains the paddles also known as the flywheel which swirls the water when you pull the handle. Ultimately, it mimics rowing in the open water.  

There are no resistance adjustments…well, the only way to increase or decrease the resistance intensity is by adding less or more water into the tank. Moreover, the resistance intensity is also dependent on your workout intensity.  

The resistance tends to be difficult when you work out faster (pull the handle faster) and less difficult when you don’t. Therefore, the resistance generated is proportionate to your input and your overall physical fitness, thus, suitable for everyone.  

A manual siphon pump is included in the package to help you add or remove water from the tank.  

The water-resistance system is also environmentally friendly in the aspect of noise pollution. It is less noisy than an air resistance rower even though they both have dynamic resistance systems.  

It is possible to use the Waterrower A1 Rowing Machine in an environment where a sleeping baby is present. If anything, it makes a soothing sound, not distractive when watching a TV show or listening to music.  

The Console  

The WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine has a console that features a rather basic performance monitor that tracks your workout progress. This keeps you focused and motivated as it displays workout stats such as Time, Distance, Intensity (watts), Strokes per Minute, and Stroke Rate (500m split).  

These stats are all displayed simultaneously through the segmented display windows.  

A1 vs. S4 Monitor 

Although, the A1 monitor is very limited in what it can offer or cover. For instance, it doesn’t have a heart rate function, PC/Software compatibility, Average Intensity Units, Interval Workouts, Manual Program Storage, Projected Duration, Projected Distance, Ratio Display, Tank Volume Settings, Total Distance Rowed, Firmware Upgrade functions and more.  

Basically, the A1 monitor is simple and that could also explain the reason behind the affordability of the WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine.   

Besides, most users appreciate its simplicity because they achieve their fitness goals nonetheless.  

However, if you wish to have additional advanced functions you may consider getting the Waterrower model with the S4 monitor which will be more expensive.  

But have it in mind that most of these missing features on the A1 monitor are not really necessities but they are more of a luxury. In other words, you can still achieve your fitness goals just as the individual using the S4 monitor. 

The A1 monitor is powered by 2 AA batteries which are included in the package.  

The Storage of the WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine 

The WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine is stored in a vertical position. It is lightweight and portable. It takes a lot less space when stored in an upright position.  

Approval Rating 

The WaterRower manufacturer has decades of good reputation in the design and production of rowers and the WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine is no different.  

At the time of this review, the majority of users on Amazon have a favorable view of it and as a result, it has an impressive approval rating.  

Pro/Features Overview 

• Durable and handcrafted  
• Frame construction consists of Ash Wood and Aluminum  
• The seat is textured, contoured, and cushioned to provide lasting comfort and safety 
• The digital performance monitor tracks workout progress  
• The water-resistance system is dynamic and suitable for all users 
• Its operation is seamless and smooth 
• It provides low-impact full-body workouts 
• Working out with the rower engages over 80% of the muscle groups in the body 
• It’s easy to move and store away without occupying much space 
• Stable and floor-friendly base 
• Supports 275 lbs. /125 kg maximum user weight capacity 
• Users of different heights can be accommodated (up to 6’4’’) 
• Easy to mount and dismount as the floor-to-seat height is 10.5’’ 
• The pedals are large with adjustable straps; suitable and secure for different foot sizes 
• The 17’’ handle is secure and comfortable 
• The rower mimics the performance of a real water rower 
• Manual siphon pump included 
• Tools and instruction manual included 
• Water treatment tablets included 
• The maintenance requirement is low 
• Assembly is relatively-easy (assembly video available on YouTube) 

Cons 

• No heart rate function 
• The monitor is rather basic (lacks advanced features) 

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Product Dimensions and Specifications 

• Length 83.5’’ 
• Width 22.2’’ 
• Height 20’’ 
• Storage space dimensions: 20 D x 22.2’’ W x 83.5’’ H 
• Maximum user weight capacity: 275 lbs./125 kg 
• Assembled weight without water in the tank: 61 lbs./ 28 kg 
• Assembled weight with water in the tank: 98 lbs./44.5 kg 
• Shipping dimensions box one: 2’ L x 2’ W x 2’ H 
• Shipping dimensions box two: 4’ L x 1’ W x 2’ H 
• Seat: Textured, contoured, and cushioned 
• Rail: Monorail 
• Handle: 17’’ long 
• Footrest: Large, with adjustable nylon straps 
• Resistance: water and dynamic 
• Frame: Ashwood and aluminum 
• Transport wheels: Yes 
• Display: LCD monitor tracks Time, Distance, Intensity (watts), Strokes per Minute, and Stroke Rate (500m split) 
• Siphon pump 

Warranty 

• 5 Years for Frame 
• 3 Years for Parts 

Shipping 

The WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine is shipped out in two different boxes that contain the frame and the water tank.  

Amazon provides free standard shipping and makes the delivery in a couple of days.  

Assembly 

The assembly of this rower is fairly simple. Anyone with any level of skill can easily assemble it. An assembly video is also available on YouTube; so, if you are more visually inclined you can always look it up.  

Moreover, it’s accompanied by an instruction manual and tools needed for the assembly.  

Maintenance 

The WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine does not need serious maintenance. Basically, you only need to periodically replace the water in the tank in order to avoid fungi elements growing in it.  

Water treatment tablets are included in the package as well.  

Aside from that, just ensure that the rower is kept clean.  

Conclusion 

The WaterRower A1 Studio Rowing Machine is just as useful as other Waterrower models even though it has a simple monitor. It is affordable and capable of providing low-impact full-body workouts that allow you to lose weight and enhance your overall physical fitness even as you enjoy the splashing and soothing sound of the water.