Stamina Hydraulic Rowing Machine, BodyTrac Glider with Cylinder Resistance, 250 Lbs - Home and Gym Exercise Equipment - Ideal for Fitness Training and Body Workout

I've had this rower for over six months and use it several times a week. I bought it because I was a big fan of the hydro-rowers at the gym but can't afford the price tag nor the space for one of the 'fancier' machines that rowing snobs tout like the Concept 2. I chose this one because it uses more of a rowing motion rather than the typical pulling one you get on hydro rowers.The assembly was a little tricky but once i figured it out, was super easy , it just took a little patience. Once it was up and running, it took a little while to figure out which level to start at to give me a good workout but not feel like Sisyphus trying to push a rock up a hill.I have to say, for the price, this machine is great. I've never had any issues with the pedals nor the straps as I've read on other reviews. I just make sure I velcro my feet tight and am able to push with my legs with no issues. I did have an issue with one of the bolts coming out but that was my fault for not tightening it enough. I've also had to change the batteries in the display console once which was fine except I didn't realize I needed to until I was strapped in and ready to start rowing. It's great that you can reset each workout down to zero when you start but the machine maintains a running count of strokes up to 10K and then it resets.I bought this machine because I don't like going to the gym but I love rowing for exercise. This allows me to have the best of both worlds- getting to work out but doing so in the comfort of my own home. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a way to get a good full-body workout at your own pace but don't have the room/finances to get one of the fancier rowers. One piece of advice- invest in workout gloves; I tend to grip hard and found myself developing blisters under my middle finger but gloves solved that issue nicely.

Those who read my previous reviews probably noticed that I very seldom write a negative review. This of course is because I have been lucky when selecting what I buy. Unfortunately the BodyTrac is a sad exception. I am copying below the e-mail I just sent do Stamina. It tells the whole story. I will write a follow up after I hear from them. (I uploaded a picture of the faulty wheel to the product page)"I just bought a BodyTrac Glider (serial # 11SET022964), from Amazon.com, along with a Stamina Fold-to-Fit Folding Equipment Mat (84-Inch by 36-Inch). I assembled the the BodyTrac easily and started enjoying it immediately. Unfortunaly, after just 336 strokes registered in the computer, my wife was using the machine when a round piece of metal, similar to a big washer, came loose from one of the wheels, falling inside the wheel track while she was moving forward. That made the seat stop suddenly and my wife slid out of it landing on the frame and almost hurt herself. I am frustrated since I was hoping we could do some good workout with the machine. Now I am afraid that even if I get a replacement wheel it can fail again and somebody may be injured. I don't worry much about myself, I don't believe I can be harmed by that kind of failure, but my wife indeed may be wounded, as it almost happened. Now I am stuck with a dangerous, unreliable product, since it is too big and too heavy to be shipped back. I think the Glider has a tremendous potential to be an excellent machine, but the quality of the components seem to be too cheap to be trusted. Unfortunately I will have to give a negative review of this product at Amazon. I am attaching both invoices and a picture of the faulty wheel."Update - 02/17/2012:Stamina responded to my e-mail above within one business day asking for an address so they could send me a new set of wheels overnight. No other questions asked. I e-mailed them my address and the next day the package was at my door. it contained the new rollers (or wheels), tools and easy, detailed instrucions on how to assemble them. The instructions showed that the bolts that hold the wheels should be fit with a set of three washers, which were not included in the package. No big deal, I was sure the idea was to use the washers holding the old wheels. When I removed the seat and accessed the old wheels, surprise, they were mounted without any washers. This time run to the phone and call Stamina Customer Service. After a very short wait I was answered by a gentle lady to whom I reported the fact. She consulted her documentation and acknowledge the the washers should be part of the original assembly. She apologize and send me a complete set of washers overnight. I received the small shipment next day and promptly put the new rollers in place and started using the machine. Then another setback: after just one thousand of strokes the shocker suddenly lost resistance!!!. I changed the resistance settings at no avail. In dismay I called Stamina again. As before, I was quickly answered by another agent, who was also very politely and apologetic. Without hesitation she said she was going to send me a replacement shocker. Not overnight, at this time. I received the part a couple of days later and replaced the bad origian (easy task). It's been a week now that I am using the machine half an hour, every day, without any other incidents. So, here is the summary of my feelings towards this product:- First of all, their Customer Service is five star. They never contested my claims and promptly replaced the bad parts. They are really standing behind their products.- The machine operation, itself, is very enjoyable. It runs smoothly and silent, so you can exercise at any time without annoying the neighbors or other people in the house. I would give it four stars for enjoyment of use (not considering the failing components at the beginning). The reason I would not give it five stars is the foot holder which really requires some effort for me to keep my feet in place. It may be a real problem for people with small feet.- In view of the great number of positive reviews, it is possible that I had bought a "lemmon". For the price and with a great customer service I now think it is worth a try.UPDATED - 11/4/2016On 7/29/2016 I bought another of these machines, now numbered as 1050-D and after using it for about three months I noticed a few nice improvements over the one I bought in 2012. First of all, the feet supports now have two ways to mount the straps with all but eliminated the problem people with small feet had to keep them in place. Second, the shocker had its maximum resistance greatly increased, which was great for those who want a heavier load. The overall quality seemed to be better, hence the upgrade to five stars.