ProForm Pro R10 Rower Review

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Key Features:

• Display: 10-inch smart HD Touchscreen
• Resistance levels: 24 resistance levels
• Machine weight: 120 pounds
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds
• Footprint: 22 inches W x 86.5 inches D x 45.5 inches H
• Programming: iFIT compatible or manual mode
• Storage: Folds up to about half its size and has front transport wheels

Rowing is one of the best workouts for overall health. According to Harvard Health Publishing, rowing targets multiple muscle groups, making it one of the best full-body workouts from a piece of exercise equipment. But we can’t all wake up at 4 a.m. to hit the water—not to mention crew memberships can be expensive—which is why home rowing machines are so convenient for staying in shape.

The ProForm Pro R10 Rower is the top-of-the-line model from ProForm’s rowing machine lineup (including the budget-friendly Proform 750r Rower), and comes with a three-year family iFIT membership with interactive training and a wide range of workouts to choose from, such as yoga and cross training. Certified personal trainers not only guide you through your workout, but the Pro R10 automatically adjusts your resistance levels according to the trainer’s cues, so you can keep powering through every stroke with minimal distraction. Its 10-inch HD touchscreen brings interactive workouts and adjustments right to your fingertips.

But is the ProForm Pro R10 worth the price? In this review, a former competitive rower digs into the Pro R10’s specs and customer reviews to see who it’s best for, who should look elsewhere and how this immersive rower holds up to the competition.

ProForm Pro R10 Rower Construction

Seat

The sport of rowing is inherently uncomfortable—requiring grit to push through when your body is on fire—which is why ProForm designed this seat to provide an extra measure of comfort. An ergonomic molded seat means your tush will be supported and more comfortable all the way from catch to finish. Once you’re seated, the solid engineered steel seat rail should support your strongest strokes. However, the seat may be slick to some. One Google reviewer states, “It felt like I was going to slide off a couple times while sitting down on it.” If this happens to you consistently, you may want to invest in a seat cushion to put on top of the seat, which ranges from $25-$100. Since the seat is one of the main points of contact between your body and the machine, make sure you are seated correctly and maintain good form. You can also check the height of your feet to make sure they aren’t too low, which could propel you upward as opposed to straight back.

Handlebars

Regular rowers know that blisters are a sign of grit from hours of oar practice. One of the benefits of indoor rowers like the Pro R10 is soft-touch handlebars. These ergonomic handlebars provide a solid grip with extra cushioning, which may reduce the chances of developing blisters, so you can row longer without discomfort. The 90-inch pull strap allows you to pull back as far as you need to achieve a strong finish without stopping short. This extra-long pull strap offers even more length than some competing brands—like the NordicTrack RW700’s 52-inch pull strap—which is a benefit to those who are tall.

Pedals

As any rower knows, foot stability is the prerequisite for a strong pull. The Pro R10’s oversized pivoting pedals come with adjustable nylon foot straps that are designed to keep your feet from sliding around. The footboard is about 12 inches across and accommodates all but the longest foot sizes. This ensures that, if your feet do slide, they won’t slip off the board.

Flywheel

Unlike water rowing machines, which have a water chamber that causes a “whoosh” sound with each stroke, magnetic rowers like the Pro R10 are quieter and more compact, which is ideal for small spaces. The Pro R10 provides silent magnetic resistance and an inertia-enhanced flywheel. This maintains a smooth rotation, so you can quickly increase your resistance and power without your weight throwing you off balance on the machine. Rowing strokes are meant to be smooth, silent and powerful, and the flywheel enables these smooth transitions without jerkiness or imbalance.

Console and controls

The Pro R10 has a 10-inch HD touchscreen that displays interactive iFIT workouts and workout stats like calories burned, strokes per minute and 500-meter splits. 11 buttons beneath the screen enable you to manually toggle through 24 resistance levels when not using one of the trainer-led sessions. The screen height can be lowered or raised as needed with an adjustable neck, which is helpful for extra-short or tall rowers. While some reviewers mentioned a slow response from the touchscreen, this was a non-issue for most. Additionally, the console houses dual built-in two-inch speakers with volume controls on the top left side of the touchscreen.

Pros of the ProForm Pro R10 Rower

• Access to the iFIT library of rowing and cross-training workouts, including both studio and scenic global classes
• Foldable design that makes it convenient to wheel away and store rower when not in use
• Steel frame provides excellent stability
• Ergonomically molded seat adds comfort
• Magnetic resistance is relatively quiet compared with fan or water rowers
• Foot pedals are adjustable to accommodate a wide range of users
• Purchase includes a three-year family membership to iFIT with five user profiles

Cons of the ProForm Pro R10 Rower

• Some reviewers report that the belt can get loose and cause slack
• iFIT workouts require a WiFi connection
• Has auxiliary port, but no Bluetooth compatibility
• No integrated tablet holder

Working Out with the ProForm Pro R10 Rower

The ProForm Pro R10 rowing experience is set apart by the quiet magnetic flywheel, digital resistance levels and iFIT workout library. Unlike water and air rowers, magnetic rowers use two magnets to generate resistance, which keeps adjustments comparatively quiet and seamless. One of the main comments from customer reviews about the Pro R10 is how users can row in one room without disturbing the rest of the house. This is especially helpful for those who share walls with neighbors or who exercise while roommates or family members are asleep.

The 24 digital resistance levels provide options for beginners, experienced rowers and those in between. You can manually adjust the resistance level using one of 11 buttons at the base of the console, or opt for an iFIT session that gives your trainer control of your machine’s resistance. The one downside to digital resistance is that the intensity is limited, whereas the only resistance limit of air and water rowers is your strength and speed. However, the 24 resistance levels on the Pro R10 should work for most rowers. Plus, the magnetic resistance makes graduating from warm-up mode to sprinting a smooth experience, and many reviewers comment that they don’t notice any noisy, clunky transitions in between levels.

Another element that defines the experience of rowing on the Pro R10 is the iFIT library and 10-inch HD touchscreen. Customers rave about the variety of workouts and scenic backdrops to rowing sessions. iFIT users have access to over 16,000 workout sessions, which practically guarantees that you’ll never get bored with your options. The class length averages about 30 minutes, but there are longer and shorter options, depending on how much time you have. Data from every training session is recorded, and your stats can be accessed from the iFIT app and Pro R10’s console. The family membership (which is included with the Pro R10 when purchased directly from ProForm) can track your workouts and progress for up to five family members. You can even fully customize your goals and favorite workouts so they come up first when you’re searching for a program.

The 10-inch HD touchscreen console is definitely an upgrade from more basic models, but it could be improved with a 180-degree swiveling neck for cross-training sessions on the machine’s screen (the Pro R10’s console is stationary). But remember that you can also access your iFIT library on a tablet, smartphone or smart TV. The audio connection could also be improved—currently, the Pro R10 has only an auxiliary port for connecting the machine to external headphones or sound systems. Bluetooth connectivity would bring this machine into the modern era of home gym equipment.

Who the ProForm Pro R10 Is Best For

If you’re just getting started with rowing or are an intermediate rower, the ProForm Pro R10 rower is a great option that allows you to choose from a variety of guided rowing workouts that meet you at your current experience level and challenge you to perfect your sport. This is also ideal for users who want a low-impact, full body workout and an interactive workout experience through iFIT. The Pro R10’s compatibility with iFIT means the whole family can enjoy the benefits of having an integrated indoor rowing machine and a complete library of integrated workouts through the iFIT family membership. The Pro R10’s foldable design makes it a good option for small living areas like apartments or shared spaces, especially since it’s quiet.

Who the ProForm Pro R10 Is Not Best For

One setback to the ProForm Pro R10 is the weight capacity of 250 pounds, so if you’re above this in weight, then a better option would be the Aviron Strong Series rower, which has a 507-pound max user weight capacity. If you’re already an advanced rower, you may find that the top resistance levels don’t challenge you as much as some other rowing machines that match the power you put into them. If you prefer a more simplistic machine without the smart capabilities, or don’t think you’d use the iFIT subscription, you may prefer a rower with a more straightforward console and programming, like the Concept2 rower.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the ProForm Pro R10

Price

Adding a rower to your home gym is an investment, and the ProForm Pro R10 is not a budget buy. It costs $1,403 (or $39/month for 36 months), and included in the cost is a three-year family iFIT membership. This is a fair price for a rower that includes three-year access to a large workout library, a 10-inch touchscreen and near-silent magnetic resistance, but there are cheaper rowing machines on the market that will offer a similar workout without the bells and whistles; however, you often get what you pay for in terms of durability and features.

iFIT subscription

The ProForm Pro R10 comes with an iFIT membership, and is recommended for this rower. The subscription unlocks full access to the iFIT app and its ever-growing library full of trainer-led workout sessions. If you decide you want an off day from rowing, you can browse through different programs, from running and strength training to yoga and HIIT studio classes. If you’re not in the mood for an iFIT session, you can still row in manual mode or choose from one of the 14 preset programs and see all your stats on the screen. Since this rower comes with an iFIT subscription, if you don’t plan to use iFIT, you’re better off choosing a simpler rower that will likely cost less.

Size

The length of this rower is 86.5 inches, or just over seven feet long. Cardio equipment like ProForm treadmills, rowers, and ellipticals can take up a lot of space, so the Pro R10’s SpaceSaver design is a big plus. When you lift the handle, the rower collapses to a fraction of its extended size. There aren’t many foldable rowers out there, making the Pro R10 stand out to users with small spaces.

Assembly

The Pro R10 assembly includes about 24 steps, and should take about 30 minutes to complete. The packaged rower weighs 120 pounds, so unboxing and assembly is easier with two people. The box comes with hardware and set up instructions, and you can download an app to help you with assembly. You’ll need to activate your iFIT account, and you’ll also want to register your rower to ensure you’re covered by the warranty.

Modes and features

iFIT is recommended for the Pro R10. While you can also row in manual mode or make use of one of the 14 preset programs, you’re better off investing in a more basic rowing machine if you don’t plan to use the subscription.

Warranty and return policy

The warranty for the ProForm Pro R10 rower includes five-years of coverage for the frame and one year for parts and labor. Be sure to register your rower after you unbox it so you’re covered by the warranty. The warranty also only extends to the original purchaser. For replacement parts, you’ll be charged a small handling fee.

If you start rowing and decide this isn’t the rower for you, there is a 30-day return policy, but you should know that you’ll have to pay $250 return shipping, plus a 10 percent restocking fee.

ProForm Pro R10 vs Concept2 Rower

If you’ve been a rower for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of the Concept2 rower—known as the “Erg” and used by many crew athletes for ergathons. Unlike the ProForm Pro R10 magnetic rower’s 24 resistance levels, the Concept2 is an air rower with limitless resistance, which is better for extra strong rowers. Additionally, the weight capacity for the Concept2 is 500 pounds, compared to the Pro R10’s 250-pound weight capacity.

ProForm’s iFIT interactive membership is likely more appealing to those looking for an immersive and motivating experience, whereas the Concept2 has a handful of preset programs, but no personal trainers guiding you unless you use the ergatta app or other rowing apps. Also, the Concept2 costs just under $1,000, compared with the $1,403 price of the Pro R10, so it’s the lower cost rower, though it doesn’t come with the iFIT library.

While the Pro R10 machine weighs more at 120 pounds, its foldable design makes it easier to roll away than the 57-pound Concept2, which breaks down into two parts. Finally, the Pro R10’s smart features automatically adjust your resistance according to your workout and trainer cues, and will pause your workout if the handlebar doesn’t move for several seconds. If you want a more simplistic rower without all the smart capabilities, the Concept2 is the better option.

ProForm Pro R10 vs Hydrow Wave Rower

Known as one of the leading smart rowers, the Hydrow Wave rower offers an all-access membership that includes 4,000+ guided workouts and professional trainers with a monthly subscription. As great as that sounds, the Pro R10 offers over 16,000 instructor-led workouts through an iFIT membership around the same monthly price, and you can get the rower free with a three-year iFIT family membership.

The Hydrow app provides rowing classes with instructors who are actually on the water with GoPros or drones to capture footage, so you feel like you’re rowing right along with them; however, the iFIT rowing classes offer a similar immersive experience, so there’s not too much of a difference between the two.

Otherwise, both rowers use magnetic resistance that makes for a quieter row, but the Hydrow Wave has a bigger 16-inch HD touchscreen and a higher max weight capacity (375 pounds vs 250 pounds for the Pro R10). Pricewise, the Hydrow Wave is a bit more expensive, coming in at $1,695, which does not include the all-access membership fee. Also, if you have space constraints, the Pro R10’s foldable design is more convenient than purchasing an extra vertical anchor for the Hydrow Wave.

ProForm Rower FAQs

Do ProForm rowers work without iFIT?

Yes, you can use ProForm rowers without an iFIT membership by rowing in manual mode or making use of a handful of preset programs. However, you won’t be taking advantage of the ProForm Pro R10’s full potential that includes over 16,000 immersive workouts included in the cost of the rower (for three years).

Is ProForm a good brand for rowers?

If you consider yourself an avid rower, the ProForm Pro R10 may not give you the resistance that all those hours on the water have ingrained in your muscles. However, you can still get a great rowing workout, since the top resistance level is still challenging. The outdoor classes and world-class trainers bring the motivation and inspiration to your workout, which is worthwhile for rowers who want an interactive experience.

How do ProForm rowers compare to other brands?

The ProForm Pro R10 is virtually silent compared to other brands that use air or water resistance, thanks to its silent magnetic resistance and fabric belt. Personal training through iFIT is an added benefit, as the rower automatically increases your resistance in step with trainer cues. The Pro R10 is also ideal for small spaces, not only because of its quiet operation, but because of its SpaceSaver foldable design.

Final Thoughts

The ProForm Pro R10 offers a blend of intensity and silent resistance set to a beautiful display and world-class trainers through the iFIT membership. Whether you’re a novice or advanced rower, the Pro R10 offers an excellent full body workout while motivating you through engaging programs. Its foldable design and quiet flywheel makes it ideal for small and shared spaces. Compared to some other brands, the Pro R10 is affordable, especially with the included three-year iFIT family membership. If you’re an experienced rower, you may want to stick with a machine that matches your power, like an air or water rower, but for most users, the Pro R10’s resistance capacity will be plenty challenging. We’d like to see Bluetooth connectivity and a swiveling console on this machine, but overall, it's a strong, stable and engaging machine for your next interactive row.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.