The NordicTrack NEW RW700 Rower has brought new excitement to my home training routine. As someone who loves variety in workouts and values equipment that keeps me engaged long term, this rower has exceeded my expectations in every way.
Full Body Workout Efficiency
What I love most about rowing is how it works my entire body. Every stroke engages my legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms. It is a complete full body workout in one movement. After rowing sessions, I can feel that I have worked muscles throughout my entire body, not just my legs like with cycling or my lower body like with walking. This comprehensive engagement makes rowing incredibly efficient when time is limited.
Quiet Operation
The rower operates so quietly. My weekday morning training happens before my kids wake up, and the silent magnetic resistance means I can complete intense rowing sessions without making noise. This quiet operation has been crucial for maintaining my consistent morning routine without disturbing my family.
Resistance & Training Variety
The 26 resistance levels provide excellent variety for different training styles. On recovery days, I use lower resistance for gentle cardio. On days when I want to challenge myself, the higher levels provide serious intensity for interval training. The resistance feels smooth and fluid throughout each stroke, creating a satisfying rowing experience.
iFIT Content & Virtual Rowing
The 10" touchscreen connects to iFIT, and the rowing content has been fantastic. The trainers guide you through workouts while providing constant encouragement and form instruction. I particularly love the scenic rowing workouts where you row through beautiful locations around the world: lakes, rivers, coastal waters, all from my home. This virtual travel aspect makes indoor training feel like an adventure rather than a chore.
Proper Rowing Technique
The trainers teach proper rowing technique, which was helpful when I started using the rower. They explain the movement sequence: legs push first, then your core and back engage, finishing with your arms pulling the handle to your chest. Then you reverse the sequence to return to the starting position. Having this instruction built into workouts helped me develop good form quickly.
Automatic Resistance Adjustments
The automatic resistance adjustments during iFIT workouts are brilliant. The rower responds to the program automatically, increasing resistance when the trainer calls for power strokes and decreasing for recovery intervals. This automation creates an immersive experience where I focus entirely on giving my best effort rather than constantly adjusting settings.
Pivoting Screen for Complete Workouts
The screen pivots, which I use regularly after rowing sessions. I rotate the screen and follow stretching routines or core workouts. This versatility means I get a complete training session, cardio plus strength or flexibility work, from one machine without moving around my home gym.
SmartAdjust Technology
The SmartAdjust technology that personalises workouts has been impressive. The system learns from my performance and adapts future workouts to match my fitness level. This means I am always challenged appropriately as my fitness improves.
Entertainment Options
The ability to stream shows through the touchscreen is wonderful for longer rowing sessions. When I want to do steady state cardio for 40 to 45 minutes, I can watch my favourite programs, which makes the time fly by and keeps me entertained.
Comfort & Stability
The oversized pedals with straps hold my feet securely throughout rowing strokes. My feet stay firmly positioned without slipping, which gives me confidence to generate maximum power during intense intervals.
The handle has a comfortable grip that feels good during extended sessions. My hands do not get sore or develop calluses even during longer workouts, which keeps rowing enjoyable.
The rower feels solid and stable during use. Even during high intensity sprint intervals when I am generating maximum power, the machine does not wobble or flex. This stability creates confidence and allows me to focus on performance rather than worrying about equipment.
Low Impact Training
The low impact nature of rowing has been wonderful for my body. As someone in my late 30s who has been active for years, I appreciate training that delivers results without unnecessary stress on my joints. Rowing provides intensive cardiovascular work without the pounding impact of running. My knees and back feel good after rowing sessions, which encourages consistency.
Additional Features
The USB-C charging port keeps my phone charged, and the Bluetooth connectivity means I can use wireless headphones when others are in the house.
The footprint is long, over 81 inches, so make sure you have adequate space before purchasing. We positioned the rower along a wall in our home gym where it fits well and has become a valued permanent fixture.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Resistance: 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance
- Display: 10" HD pivoting touchscreen with iFIT integration
- Flywheel: Inertia enhanced for smooth resistance
- Rail: Oversized steel rail for stability
- Pedals: Oversized with adjustable straps
- Handle: Soft touch ergonomic grip
- Smart Features: SmartAdjust technology and automatic resistance adjustments
- Entertainment: Stream shows and movies through touchscreen
- User Capacity: 300 lb (136 kg)
- Extras: USB-C charging port, Bluetooth connectivity
Final Thoughts
What this rower has done for me goes beyond just providing another cardio option. It has reignited my enthusiasm for training by offering something different and engaging. The full body workout feels productive and efficient. The quiet operation removes barriers to early morning training. The iFIT content provides constant motivation and variety. All these factors combine to make rowing something I genuinely look forward to rather than something I force myself to do.
The price sits in the mid range, which I found very reasonable for the quality and features provided. You get solid construction, an effective resistance system, engaging iFIT content, and a machine that will support long term fitness goals.
This rower has genuinely enhanced my fitness journey by providing efficient, enjoyable full body training that keeps me motivated and consistent. For anyone wanting equipment that delivers comprehensive workouts while keeping training engaging and fun, the RW700 is an excellent choice. Health gives us the energy and capability to embrace everything life offers, and this rower helps maintain the fitness to say yes to every opportunity that comes our way.
