Asking experienced rowers and rowing newbies to identify the best rowing machines will likely yield different answers. Air rowers or water rowers may best replicate that on-water feel, but “smart” rowers like the ProForm Pro R10 that use magnetic resistance can allow for integration with workout apps like iFIT. Fortunately for the normies among us (hello!), the proliferation of these app-connected rowers has brought virtual studio classes and scenic rows straight to our touchscreens.

The Pro R10’s built-in display is the vessel for iFIT, but as part of ProForm’s Plus program, a three-year subscription will also get you…the rower? Yep — anyone who’s ready to propose to iFIT can technically bring home this rower for free. After strapping in our feet on the Pro R10, we think it’s a good fit for people short on space, short on cash, and who are ready to settle down with iFIT. Take a look through our in-depth ProForm Pro R10 Rower review for all the specifics. Plus, for detailed information on how we test all our equipment, be sure to check out BarBend’s equipment testing methodology page.

Main Takeaways

The 10-inch touchscreen display on the Pro R10 streams studio rowing workouts and scenic, trainer-led rows from around the world.

While you can get the machine for “free,” with the ProForm Plus program, you’ll need to commit to (and pay for) a three-year iFIT membership.

Its SpaceSaver design allows you to raise and lock the alloy steel sliding rail in place, cutting its footprint in half.

ProForm Pro R10 Rower Specs

Investing in an at-home rowing machine can be an expensive endeavor, so when a deal like the ProForm Pro R10 falls into your lap, it may be worth a second look. The machine itself is as solid as it comes. A solid build, a solid display, and a solid stroke. But what separates it from other “smart” rowers is what you get for the price.

As part of the ProForm Plus program, you can technically bring home the Pro R10 for…free? Not so fast. “Free” is what you’ll see on the product page, but you’re actually paying for a three-year iFIT membership. You do get to keep the rower forever, but you’ll either need to drop the $1,404 total upfront or commit to paying $39 per month for 36 months.

Now, $39 per month is the actual price for iFIT, whether you have a connected machine like the Pro R10 or not. So anyone who knows they’re ready to commit to three years of iFIT should be seeing dollar signs. During testing, we did feel like the 10-inch touchscreen may seem a bit small at times, but iFIT’s world-class programming might make it a little easier to squint. 

When your rowing muscles (aka most of your body) need a break, you’ll also have access to over 17,000 workouts, classes, challenges, and races across disciplines like strength training, yoga, Pilates, and even circuits that will have you hopping on and off your new rower. “iFIT programming is absolutely amazing,” our tester says. “You can choose from endless great workouts with plenty of filter options to find your ideal workouts and programs. The trainers are easy to follow and it also works with an app on your phone for different training styles.”

Unfortunately, at 250 pounds, this machine’s weight capacity is around 50 pounds lower than the 300-pound max we typically recommend, but as another of our testers emphasizes, the Pro R10’s alloy steel build makes for a durable, quiet workhorse. “ProForm’s Silent Magnetic Resistance is exactly what it says it is — silent,” they say. At any point in your endurance or HIIT rowing workout, you can either jump straight to a specific resistance level or cycle through them with just a touch of the plus and minus buttons. The fabric belt also helps out in reducing the noise generated by the machine, which will be welcome news for any napping toddlers or snippy neighbors.

OK, so the ProForm Plus program will help squeeze a rower into my budget — but how will it squeeze into my living room? Glad you asked. Many rowers land somewhere around near the 22-inch width and 86.5-inch length of the Pro R10, but not many utilize its foldable rail design. A quick lift of the steel seat rail lets you reclaim half of its footprint and if you need it to disappear, simply roll it away with the built-in transport wheels. In a word, solid.

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the ProForm Pro R10 Rower

The ProForm Pro R10’s foldable design lands it squarely among the best compact exercise equipment we’ve tested at BarBend, but that doesn’t mean it’s a fit for everyone. Take a look at who we think might most benefit — and not — from making this rower part of their fitness journey.

Recommended for:

People who know they want to make iFIT the centerpiece of their home fitness routine

Anyone needing to maximize their floor space

Those who want to keep noise to a minimum

Not Recommended for:

Athletes not sold on iFIT’s virtual programming

People on limited budgets who can’t squeeze in another monthly payment

Someone who prefers a massive touchscreen

Our Experience Training With the ProForm Pro R10 Rower

After climbing aboard over 20 different rowing machines, the BarBend team of collegiate rowers, rowing coaches, and certified personal trainers knows what to look for a in a high-quality model. One of our testers, themself a certified personal trainer, traveled to the iFIT headquarters in Utah to get hands-on with the ProForm Pro R10. After putting it to the test, they rated it on a scale of 1 (boo!) to 5 (yay!) across categories like durability, tech capabilities, footprint, and portability. Additionally, many members of our team (including yours truly) have extensive experience using iFIT, the app powering the Pro R10’s virtual workouts.

Foldability

As anyone reading this in a studio apartment or while being climbed upon by small children can attest, it’s hard to find space for at-home fitness equipment. Fortunately for the space-deficient, the best compact rowing machines — like the Pro R10 — find creative ways to maximize your square footage. In this case, ProForm’s SpaceSaver design can reduce its overall footprint by about half. 

With rowing machines, the width is not typically overwhelming and at just under two feet wide (plus an extra foot or so on each side for your elbows), the R10’s main space consideration is its 86.5-inch length. When you’re mapping out where yours will take up residence, ask yourself whether dropping a three-seater sofa in that spot is feasible before introducing it to your family or roommates. (1)

But as our tester points out, its foldable design helped it earn a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability. “Even though it’s pretty long, using the two handles made folding it up quick and painless,” they say. “Also, once it’s folded up, there are clips to lock it in place so you don’t have to worry about it crashing down.” With those two handles — one under the rail and one between the foot pedals — and the relatively light 120-pound weight, the R10 is a good option for anyone tight on space.

Magnetic Resistance

The mechanism powering the resistance on the ProForm Pro R10 resembles many of the best magnetic exercise bikes we’ve tested. Inside the housing is the inertia-enhanced flywheel with a magnet on each side. As you change the 24 resistance levels on the control panel, those magnets move ever so slightly toward or away from the flywheel, which dictates the amount of effort required to spin it. 

As BarBend editorial member and former collegiate rower Lauren Keary explains, though, it’s far from the only kind. “There are several types of rowing machines, including water rowers, air rowers, magnetic rowers, and hydraulic rowers, and each type offers a different experience,” she says. 

One advantage for magnetic rowers is they are relatively quiet, which could be a boon for those with sleeping babies or ornery neighbors nearby. “The fabric belt on the R10 makes it even quieter than other magnetic rowers I’ve used,” our tester says, rating its adjustability and ergonomics 4 out of 5. “It also pulls really smoothly.” To adjust the resistance, you’ll need to reach for the console. However, the quick-adjust buttons let you jump between the 24 levels in increments of two or cycle through them with the plus and minus buttons.

Tech Capabilities

Where the ProForm Pro R10 shines is the onboard programming provided by its integration with one of the best workout apps we’ve used, iFIT. Its library of over 17,000 total workouts provides a ton of variety, whether you want to hop in a virtual studio class or criss-cross the globe with an on-demand scenic row. There’s a reason it consistently earns scores of 5 out of 5 from our team, especially with iFIT-enabled equipment like the R10. 

Let’s say you decide to traverse the English Channel — no big deal. As your row gets tougher, the resistance on your rower automatically adjusts to match your course, leaving you free to focus on the work instead of fiddling with the controls. “I think being able to utilize iFIT on the built-in screen really makes this rower stand out,” our tester says. They also think the 10-inch touchscreen is plenty clear, but might be a bit small, especially at full extension. The R10’s overall tech capabilities earn a 4 out of 5 from our team.

Part of iFIT’s appeal is its cross-training capabilities. When you browse the library, you’ll find classes that might break up your row with an off-machine strength or cardio workout, as well. Just make sure your WiFi capabilities are up to snuff. “You need a trusty Wi-Fi signal if you don’t want to experience lags mid-workout,” says our tester. “But activation is super easy, plus you can use multiple profiles.”

All this quality training does not come cheap, as an iFIT subscription starts at $39 per month. However, the Pro R10 is part of the ProForm Plus program, which offers the machine for “free” when you commit to a three-year membership. That means, if you’re ready to make iFIT your one-stop-shop for home training from yoga and Pilates to strength and, of course, rowing, this could be a great deal. At checkout, you also can opt for 36 monthly payments of $39 or a one-time payment of $1,404.

Construction

The backbone of the best foldable rowing machines and non-folding models alike is the monorail. On the Pro R10, the alloy steel build of both the rail and stabilizers provide a sturdy workout that kept our tester’s fanny gliding smoothly. “The 250-pound weight capacity is actually a bit below average,” they say, rating its durability a solid 3 out of 5. “When I saw that, I wasn’t expecting such a sturdy workout, but I never felt unstable at all.”

One miniature red flag is the length of the warranty. “Most home fitness brands will offer 5 to 10 years for the frame, plus at least a year for parts and labor,” they explain. “So the 5 years of coverage on the R10 is fine, but it’s kind of the bare minimum.” Our team didn’t find any reason to anticipate issues with its construction, but the Pro R10 still earns a 3 out of 5 for its 5-year frame and 1-year parts and labor warranty.

What to Consider Before Buying the ProForm Pro R10 Rower

Although the ProForm Pro R10 folding capability makes it one of the best rowing machines for apartments and small homes, dropping a sofa-sized machine in your living room or home gym requires careful consideration. (1) Before committing to the Pro R10 as your forever rower, our expert reviewers — certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto and former collegiate rower Lauren Keary — suggest taking a few key factors into consideration.

Type of Resistance: “They’re a bit noisy, but air rowers are sturdy and provide adjustable resistance that can emulate the resistance you’d feel on the water,” Keary says. Consider how important the quiet workouts afforded ProForm’s Silent Magnetic Resistance are when you decide which type of rower is best for you.

Weight Capacity: Most rowing machines we’ve tested can support users up to at least 300 pounds, so the 250-pound max capacity on the Pro R10 falls short of industry standards. Before making it your at-home rower, make sure it’s sturdy enough for all the people who plan to use it.

Footprint and Portability: As Capritto explains, think about whether the folding capability of the Pro R10 will enable it to function in your available space. “Size, weight and portability are important, as you’ll need to ensure the machine will fit in your space and it’s relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary,” she says.

Technology: The 10-inch, iFIT-enabled touchscreen on the R10 unlocks virtual rowing workouts, but as Capritto notes, “Smart rowing machines are more expensive and usually require a monthly subscription to access full functionality.”

ProForm Pro R10 Rower Vs. Competitors

Check out our breakdown to get a sense of how the ProForm Pro R10 Rower stacks up against some of the best home gym equipment we’ve tested for bringing rowing workouts to your home.

The NordicTrack RW900 Rower and the Pro R10 share many similarities, namely their magnetic resistance and iFIT-integration. This crown jewel from NordicTrack does, however, best the R10 with a 24-inch smart HD touchscreen, higher weight capacity, and shorter length. But because it lacks folding capability and weighs 38 pounds more, it may not be the best option for those with limited floor space. 

The Pro R10 also rings up for $500 cheaper than the RW900, and remember, that $1,404 includes three years of iFIT. That number is actually the exact cost of a three-year membership, so if you purchased the RW900 and three years of iFIT, you’d be spending a grand total of $3,403. Yikes.

Comparing the Pro R10 to the Concept2 RowErg is a bit of a category shift because this air rower uses a fan to generate the resistance you feel. We wanted to line up the Pro R10 with a machine like this to provide a sense of what else is out there and the RowErg is one of the absolute best air rowing machines on the market. 

This CrossFit favorite doesn’t offer the touchscreen display and virtual programming of the other two, but that’s because its rugged construction is designed for one purpose: work. Since the user is driving the resistance, this air rower is ideal for interval training and intense workouts instead of gentle virtual glides.

Ordering and Assembling the ProForm Pro R10 Rower

Since the ProForm Pro R10 is part of the ProForm Plus program, you’re essentially paying for a three-year iFIT membership and receiving the rower for free. When you order, you can choose to pay the total $1,404 at once or spread it out over 36 months, which would make your $39 monthly payment equivalent to the typical subscription price.

It’s important to note that, as part of the ProForm Plus program, opting for the 36-month payment option carries a different return policy. “ProForm’s general return policy does not apply to the FREE items promo. You may return your ProForm equipment and cancel your iFIT membership within 30 days of receipt of the product,” the ProForm website reads. “After 30 days, you may cancel your iFIT membership at any time, but your remaining balance will then be due.”

Because our tester, a certified personal trainer, traveled to the iFIT headquarters in Utah to test it out, we didn’t assemble the Pro R10 ourselves. However, their rep explained that it arrives in just a few pieces and takes about one hour to put together.

Places to Buy the ProForm Pro R10 Rower

You can purchase the ProForm Pro R10 at major retailers like Target or Walmart, but to take advantage of the ProForm Plus program, you’ll need to go through proform.com.

Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews

ProForm manufactures some of the best treadmills, rowing machines, ellipticals, and exercise bikes the BarBend team has tested. Along with NordicTrack, many of their cardio machines are integrated with iFIT, which offers top-notch virtual programming.

In our tester’s experience, ProForm’s customer service can be spotty and earns a 3.75 out of 5 overall. “There are several ways to contact ProForm, but it seems like it usually takes up to a week to receive a response,” they say. Customer reviews indicate that, while many people love their equipment, issues reaching the customer care team are consistent.

Warranties

Unfortunately, ProForm’s warranty for the Pro R10 Rower lands right at the minimum for what we typically see from the best cardio machines and garners a 3 out of 5 from our team. While the single year of coverage for parts and labor matches industry standards, the 5-year frame warranty is roughly half of what we like to see on big ticket items like rowing machines.

Final Thoughts on the ProForm Pro R10 Rower

When it comes to mid-range rowing machines, the ProForm Pro R10 offers a lot of value. While much of that value is found in its durability, smooth resistance, and quiet operation, pairing it with an iFIT membership unlocks its potential. Not only will you have virtual rowing workouts pumping through the touchscreen, if you take advantage of ProForm’s unique offer, you can get the rower for free. Sort of. 

If you’re already sold on iFIT and are in the market for a rowing machine, you can lock in a three-year membership and essentially get the Pro R10 for no additional cost. You’ll be committed to using iFIT for several years, but there are worse things in life than gaining access to a huge library of at-home workouts. For those who need a quiet, full-body workout experience and are ready to make iFIT the focus of their home fitness routine, you could do a lot worse than the ProForm Pro R10.

ProForm Pro R10 Rower FAQs

References

Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/

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