I was morbidly obese, but I dropped over 50lbs and was slimmer than ever before. As I lost weight, I noticed that my upper body lost all its shape.
I felt disgusting.
I desperately needed a way to rebuild the muscle and look toned. With the Schwinn Crewmaster Rower, I was changed.
Considerations Before Buying a Rowing Machine
The beauty of the Schwinn Crewmaster Rower is that it helped me to shape my shoulders, my back, and even my arms – working them out as no other machine could.
Have you ever tried a rowing machine?
It might be the key to building up your muscle tone. If you’ve struggled with building up this area of your body in the past but you need a low-impact workout, then a rowing machine could be the ideal solution for you.
After all, it is perfect for anyone that has joint issues and may want more control over their pace, and it even helps to burn a lot of calories.
As great as these results are, a rowing machine isn’t the right choice for everyone.
If you’re looking for a lower body workout exclusively, or you find it hard to keep up with the sequence of motion, using a machine for one muscle group at a time (like a treadmill or shoulder press) may be a better choice.
Still, what factors should you consider when you choose a rowing machine?
Rowing Machine FAQs
What is The Intended Use of The Rowing Machine?
A rowing machine is meant to replicate the same motions of rowing a boat, but at home.
The constant motions of this machine can burn a lot of calories, working the entire body at the same time in a way that can leave you sweating.
This machine can help consumers that want to get all of the benefits of a vigorous workout but without any of the damage that the joints may be put through with a standard workout.
What Type of Pull System Does The Rowing Machine Use?
Most rowing machines use either a central pull system or a Scandanavian/Latin pull system.
With the central pull system, you get a full workout experience that touches on as many muscle groups as possible.
The Scandinavian pull system replicates the process of actually rowing a boat as closely as possible.
What Type of Resistance is The Rowing Machine Using?
Rowing machines often use either magnetic or air resistance.
When choosing a machine, magnetic air resistance will result in the least amount of noise.
However, the air resistance will make the experience much more like the real thing.
How Sophisticated is The Console?
The console on a rowing machine will show different details that may help you understand how effective your workout may be.
Recording speed, how far you “traveled,” the length of the workout, and how many calories were used are pretty standard with most rowing machines, much like the data on a high-quality elliptical machine or treadmill.
Some models have a programmed routine, so you need to consider how intense of a workout you’re looking for.
Can it be Fitted to Your Home With Ease?
Some machines can be collapsed and placed underneath a bed or in a closet while not in use, which is optimal for small homes or apartments.
Other models are stationary, meant to stay in the same place while not in use.
Consider how much space you have in your home when selecting the type of machine that would serve you best.
The Schwinn Crewmaster Rower
The Schwinn Crewmaster Rower promises to provide the same quality and value that consumers expect to find from the Schwinn brand.
With optional in-home assembly, you get a product manual, but this document can also be downloaded from the official website if it gets lost.
If you’re willing to take the time to learn to use this machine, and you’re seeking a low-intensity workout, this replacement for the Schwinn’s Windrigger model may be helpful.
Using magnetic resistance, the Schwinn Crewmaster Rower offers steel construction to support up to 300 lbs. of body weight, and it can be folded down while not in use.
Despite the compact feature, there is both a comfortable, foam-padded, contoured seat and a long seat rail to adjust to any height.
The telemetric console even lets you check the length of your workout, how far you’ve gone at the RPM you’ve reached, and how many calories you’ve burned.
You can check your pulse while working out as well.
Designed for all skill levels, you create a workout that caters to your needs with the rowing machine, as it offers everything from light to vigorous cardio workouts, as well as interval training and muscle toning.
Overall, considering the price, this rower offers quite an impressive selection of workouts for weight loss and muscle building.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to use for a low-impact workout
- Burns a lot of calories
- Effective for all skill levels
- Folds easily while not in use
Cons
- Low-intensity workout may not work for more aggressive workouts
- Will not support over 300lbs
- May not offer balance
Features and Benefits
Rowing machines usually come in four varieties: air, hydraulic, magnetic, and water, with each variety having its pros and pitfalls.
I would like to point out here that the Schwinn Crewmaster Rower is of the magnetic variety, with 10 levels of magnetic resistance that could be easily adjusted by a large knob in the center of the console area.
But not to rush it. Let us look closely at the features, and benefits, one by one.
Unpacking And Setup
First things first! The Schwinn Crewmaster Rower is fairly easy to set up, considering that there are only two pieces included and that all of the tools are provided with the package.
The manual makes this process pretty easy, but it’s okay if it gets lost in the process – Schwinn offers all of its product manuals on the official website.
One up to Schwinn!
Large, Easily Adjustable LCD
The large LCD display of the Schwinn Crewmaster Rower is another favorable feature.
The large letters and numbers make it easy to read, making it a comprehensive layout.
The display’s position can be adjusted to give you the best view, and the adjustable seat lets you get closer if needed.
All of the metrics will keep users in the loop with how well they are working out. Very nice touch!
Though telemetry and heart-rate-monitor-compatible, the display is not particularly sophisticated.
There are limited workout options and the absence of Bluetooth connectivity for use with fitness apps.
The Schwinn Crewmaster only allowed me to choose workouts based on my goals – such as distance, time, or tracking movement.
The absence of games and lack of workout competitions during my workouts left a very drab taste in my mouth.
Large Comfortable Seat
Schwinn did a great job of making the Schwinn Crewmaster as comfortable as possible, using a foam padding to create more cushion for the user.
While working out while seated can become rather uncomfortable for many people, I found the seat to be rather snug and oversized, making it easy to continue through a long workout without any discomfort.
Oversized And Adjustable Foot Pedals
The Schwinn Crewmaster Rower also features oversized and adjustable foot pedals that work with the largest shoe sizes.
Even with this wide space, I imagine that it is even helpful for smaller feet as well.
As for myself, the straps over the feet helped me to stay positioned properly, and I didn’t have to focus on anything but my own movement as my feet remained on the pedal throughout the routine.
Fairly Easy Storage And Portability
Quality rowers cover a lot of space, and the Schwinn Crewmaster Rower is no exception here.
However, the ability to fold it in half saves a lot of space when it is not in use.
All you have to do is pull a pin, and the whole machine folds down to a flat 50” length.
It fits comfortably under a queen-sized bed, though it can also be put away in a closet or under a coffee table if I didn’t want to keep it in my room.
Magnetic Resistance
The Schwinn Crewmaster Rower comes with 10 levels of magnetic resistance, which you get to choose manually before the workout starts.
With this magnetic resistance, I still get all of the push that I need to keep going, but it won’t be as noisy as other machines may be.
This quiet style may not be for everyone, especially for people that miss out on the splash of the water as an oar would meet it in a regular boat.
While this does not matter if you just want to lose weight or get fit, you will certainly feel the difference between rowing other machines in a gym.
Excellent Warranty
While expensive equipment for commercial use often comes with years of warranty coverage, this same benefit is not always extended to mid-range models like Schwinn’s Crewmachine Rower.
However, you will find that it is not the case for this model.
The frame alone has a 10-year warranty, while three years of protection for parts and one year for the labor are included as well.
This is above and beyond what you get in other rowing machine models, except for models that cost over 2 or 3 times more than the Schwinn Crewmaster.
What Buyers Are Saying
If you won’t take my word for it, you don’t have to.
I looked around and found out what other customers said about this machine as well to help you make your decision.
Here are a few reviews from verified buyers of the product
Review #1 – Nathan Jennings
“Came in on time and assembly was easy. Was what was described just feels a bit different than the air rowers I’ve been using, not the same resistance when the strap is being retracted.”
Review #2 – Doc Dave
“THIS IS A VERY GOOD ROWER, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE PRICE! It was easy to assemble, is very quiet so I do NOT disturb my wife using it while we watch TV, I love this rower!”
Review #3 – Will
“The Crewmaster has a lot going for it. As a magnetic rowing machine, it’s very quiet. The 10 resistance levels should be enough for you to adjust your workout accordingly regardless of your fitness level.”
Rowing Machine Alternatives
If the Schwinn Crewmaster Rower isn’t the right design for you, that doesn’t mean that you should give up on getting in a good workout. Here are a few alternatives to this product.
Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine (SF-RW5606)
The Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine (SF-RW5606) helps users to burn through calories and increase their muscle with a similar low-impact workout.
The maximum user weight is 220 lbs., so it doesn’t quite hold the weight of the Schwinn machine, but the strong steel can still keep up with anyone under this weight.
With elastic cord resistance, there are four different settings that users can choose for their resistance, keeping the same quietness while working out at any time of day.
Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine (SF-RW5606) Highlights
- Four adjustment levels for the elastic cord resistance
- Large seat with assistive handles to reduce discomfort
- Large foot pedals with straps and anti-slip material
- Maximum weight: 220 lbs.
- Dimensions (folded): 38” x 14” x 43”
Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine
The Concept 2 Model D rowing machine offers a 500 lb. weight limit, giving consumers of almost all sizes the chance to use this machine for their own fitness.
The ergonomic handles and adjustable foot rests helps you keep your position, and the 14-inch seat is wide and comfortable.
Working the entire body, Concept 2 Model D includes a quick start guide and a full manual to help with correct operation and to get started on a workout today.
Concept 2 Model D rowing machine Highlights
- Shows real-time data on workout with every movement, recording time, distance, and intervals.
- Backlit LCD display for less eye strain
- Compatible with Bluetooth to connect with fitness apps
- Can back up workouts with USB flash drive (must purchase separately)
- Includes games for further workouts
Circuit Fitness Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine
With steel and aluminum construction, the Circuit Fitness Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine can support up to 300 lbs. of weight and is designed for the purpose of bodybuilding.
The magnetic resistance system provides a similar performance to the Schwinn model, and users can choose from the resistance settings to customize their workout.
Programmed with different routines, consumers can pick out the program that helps them reach their goals or create a bigger challenge.
Circuit Fitness Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine Highlights
- Made from heavy-duty steel and aluminum
- Uses molded seat for optimal comfort and stability
- Offers LCD panel display to keep track of time, calories burned, speed, and other data
Conclusion
The Schwinn Crewmaster Rower provides users with a machine that works for a broad weight range, giving a low-intensity workout that makes a big difference in the body.
With this machine, skill level and joint pain doesn’t matter, because the magnetic resistance and simple motion keeps the pressure off without sacrificing a good workout.
It keeps track of everything the user does with the LCD panel display. If this machine sounds like the right fit for you, check the Schwinn Crewmaster Rower out today.
