This review looks at the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine, which ranks among the most robust and reliable home fitness aids of its type in its price bracket.
Rowing is excellent for improving cardiovascular fitness. It offers a low-impact total body workout that strengthens and tones the muscles. It also burns a stack of calories.
There are some top-notch home rowing machines that I have no hesitation in recommending. Included among these is the Concept 2 Rowing Machine, which is suitable for everyone from beginners to professional athletes.
Two different models are available, neither of which I can fault. However, they won’t be in everyone’s budget, and you may not need all of its features and functions.
So I’ve been searching for a high-quality alternative that doesn’t break the bank.
Along with being affordable, I wanted the rower to have multiple resistance levels and metrics monitoring. I also wanted it to offer smooth, quiet, stable workouts.
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine fits these criteria, and it has overwhelmingly positive buyer feedback. And its sleek and stylish appearance will fit right into any setting.
Keep reading to find out more, including the machine’s specs, an overview, its pros, and its cons.
Table of Contents
Who Does it Best Suit?
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower suits new, intermediate, and more experienced users looking for an affordable and functional machine that folds to store.
Being quiet to use, it is ideal for anyone who wants to exercise while watching the television and those who share a household.
It is not the best model for very seasoned athletes looking for a machine that offers super-challenging workouts. The Merax’ highest resistance level is probably 75% of the resistance the Concept 2 machines offer, which will be challenging enough for many.
Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Specs
Assembled dimensions – Assembled, the Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine measures 73″ (L) x 16″ (W) x 21″ (H)
Seat height – Its seat is located 15″ above floor height
Slide rail length – The rower’s slide rail is 43.3″ long
Folded dimensions – Folded, the machine measures 26″ (L) x 16″ (W) x 49″ (H)
Weight – It weighs 68 lbs
User Weight – The maximum user weight for this model is 264 pounds
User height – It is suitable for individuals from around 4′ 10″ tall to 6′ 2″, with considerably taller people having left positive feedback
Batteries – The monitor requires 1 x AA battery (included)
Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine Overview
How to get started –
Using the rower couldn’t be easier. You can either press the Start/Stop button and begin your workout or climb into the seat and start rowing.
Construction –
Build quality is an important consideration when selecting workout equipment, and the Merax 
Magnetic Rower does not disappoint.
Its robust steel frame has a corrosion-resistant powder-coated finish that ensures the machine will look just as good years down the track as the day you purchase it.
Stability, Smoothness, and Noise Level
The rower’s center-support system adds extra stability and eliminates unwanted movement, no matter how hard or fast you exercise.
Two adjustable stabilizers in the back base allow you to balance the unit if your floor is slightly uneven.
It also assists in folding the machine to store, if required.
The rail is set at a 15-degree angle, ensuring greater muscle engagement during the stroke and a smoother return to the starting position.
Workouts are super-quiet, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing others in your household.
Flywheel –
While not as heavy as some, the rower’s internal flywheel delivers steady momentum. Being perimeter-weighted, the rowing motion is smooth.
Resistance –
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine has fourteen levels of magnetic resistance that are accessible at the turn of a dial.
A benefit of this type of resistance is that your sessions will be near-silent, unlike with air and water-generated resistance.
Once you select a resistance level, it will remain constant no matter how hard you are stroking. 
A downside is that magnetic resistance does not deliver the feel of actual rowing. However, this will not detract from the efficiency of your sessions.
The difference between the levels is subtle but sufficient enough to enable anyone new to this form of exercise to grow their fitness.
Monitor –
A large, user-friendly fitness meter with LCD shows your Calories burned, Count, Total count (overall number of strokes), Distance covered, and Time elapsed.
You can preset a program based on either of these three metrics, and the rower will alert you when you’ve reached your goal.
A Mode button lets you toggle the rower’s SCAN function On & Off, and a Set button enables you to view either the Count, Calories, or Time metric.
You can implement the SCAN function to view each metric for a couple of seconds. Or press Mode to display only one workout statistic.
The Start/Stop button lets you pause or resume your workout.
Sleep mode activates automatically after a few minutes of inactivity.
Seat –
The rower’s seat is upholstered in slip and sweat-resistant material.
It features a double layer of firm padding, and its angle offers excellent buttocks and back support.
Most experienced rowers claim that it is comfortable.
Comfort is, however, a personal thing, so those new to the exercise may find that it takes a while to adjust.
Rowing handle –
The machine’s slip-resistant 17″ wide rowing handle comprises a straight steel bar with rubberized grips that offer excellent hand adherence and comfort.
The handle connects to a durable nylon pull cord, so no lubrication is necessary, unlike with a chain drive.
This type of setup also allows you to do side twists as you row.
Footrests –
The machine’s 12.2″ x 4.3″ footrests accommodate just about any foot size. They pivot, allowing you to find the most comfortable position. 
Adjustable Velcro heel guards and straps will secure your feet into position as you row.
Transport Wheels –
Wheels in the front base facilitate moving the rower if required.
Assembly –
Assembling the Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine takes around 30 minutes.
The instructions are easy to follow, the process is straightforward, and the tools needed for the job are included.
Warranty –
The rower comes with a warranty of 180 days for parts and 3 years for the frame.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Robust and durable
- Quiet and smooth to use
- A padded seat enhances comfort
- Pivoting footplates and rubberized hand grips add to the comfort of workouts
- Its user weight limit is generous for a budget-friendly fitness aid
- Fourteen levels of resistance offer light to greater than medium-level intensity workouts
- An angled rail makes for more effective workouts
- An exercise meter allows you to monitor your sessions and progress and set goals
- It folds small enough to store in a corner or most closets
- Assembly is quick and straightforward
- Adjustable stabilizers prevent unwanted movement
- Transport wheels facilitate moving the rower
Cons
- The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower does not come with integrated pulse tracking
- While the resistance offered will be more than sufficient for most, it may not suit very advanced-level users
- Its fitness meter lacks a backlight
- The parts warranty is short at 180 days
Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Summary
The Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower proves that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to 
experience the benefits of rowing machine workouts. While basic, it is among the best fitness aids of its type in its price range.
The rower is robust and durable, and it folds to store, making it suitable for smaller spaces. It offers eight levels of magnetic resistance and a monitor that shows workout stats.
If you are a new or intermediate-level rower, this model will provide all you need to get toned, lose weight, and improve your heart health and stamina.
To read reviews of alternatives, click this link.
