Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine

A good value, the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine is sturdy, fairly smooth, and versatile in arm movements (more on that later). With a ball-bearing roller system, the seat glides back and forth.

The hydraulic resistance also is smooth for continuous rowing to work the legs, core, arms, and back.

What does it sound like?

One hydraulic piston/cylinder positioned under the back of the sliding beam provides the resistance.

Overall, users describe this erg as “very quiet”–quiet enough to hear the television or listen to music, but “not silent.”

Nonetheless, we read several reports of squeaking from loose or rubbing parts needing tightening or oiling, like the seat rail, footrests, arms, bolts, etc.

Going down?

Resistance stays consistent for 15 to 25 minutes of hard rowing. Several people note, however, as they use the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine for a longer period of time, the resistance started to decrease.

Therefore, if you plan to row longer than 25 or 30 minutes, you may need to stop and increase the resistance setting.

Warning:

As the fluid in the hydraulic piston heats up from use during a rowing session, be careful when adjusting the resistance: turn the dial itself, not the heated piston/cylinder.

Many reviewers also note a burning smell as the piston gets hot. Also, we noticed several reports of the piston leaking oil, which reduces resistance and could ruin the floor.

As a proactive measure, place a mat under the rowing machine.

Here’s the good part

What users really like about the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine is the pair of arms that allow a full range of motion.

Unlike many models where rowers pull a single handle attached to a chain or cord, this machine has two separate arms which provide more versatility in movement and can even operate independently of each other.

What does this mean?

Rowers love that they can:

• row forward or backward
• move their arms in more circular motions, simulating actual sculling
• pull the grips close together for conventional rowing machine stroke
• hold the grips apart to work different arm, shoulder, and upper back muscles
• keep the seat in one place and do curls for the arms and chest
• keep one arm low in order to work the other arm and side of the body
• and perform whatever other movements/exercises they want

This “free-arm” versatility makes the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine very appealing.

Positive news

This compact machine is fairly quick and easy to assemble, requiring about 20 to 50 minutes and only one person. Directions for assembly, operation, and maintenance are in this manual. The machine is easily folded and stored standing on one end. Just be careful not to grab the hot cylinder/piston when folding the machine after a long rowing session.

By contrast

The main parts disliked by reviewers are the footrests, the foot straps, and the computer. The wide footrests are “flimsy” with a “low lip” to prevent heels from slipping off. The straps don’t hold feet securely against the footrests. Although easy to use with just one button, the machine’s computer earned negative feedback because of mediocre quality, inaccurate calorie count, and simply not working early on (unless replaced by customer service or hit to start).

To see the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine in action, watch this demonstration video.

Features

• Dimensions: (unfolded) 71.9” long x 20.7” wide x 31.5” high
• Dimensions (folded): 36.4” long x 20.7” wide x 47.3” high
• Weight: 55.1 pounds
• Maximum user weight capacity: 250 pounds
• Eight levels of hydraulic resistance
• Two arms instead of one handle for pulling
• 90 days parts/1year frame warranty