If you’ve searched for a rower that’s both budget friendly and compact, chances are you’ve come across the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050. And now you’re wondering if this is the right choice for you. Well friend, this Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 review was written for just that reason!
Below, we cover everything you need to know about this compact rower including the pros, cons, and who really should or shouldn’t buy it.
Let’s get right to it…
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050
Overview & Quick Highlights
The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 is a hydraulic rowing machine that’s a good value for money. It’s an effective workout that uses most of the muscles in your body to burn fat and build cardio. It’s also relatively inexpensive and easy to store out of the way making it great for apartments & small spaces.
In short, if you’re in the market for a compact, yet affordable rowing machine to help you achieve dramatic weight loss in a shorter amount of time, then the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 is a good choice.
Here are the high points…
It has 12 resistance levels that can be compared to 2-50 pounds of force in total. In addition, this model comes with a full warranty, 90 days for parts, and 1 year for the frame. Stamina also promises to deliver a natural rowing motion, so if you’ve used other rowers, you know what it feels like. It delivers an efficient, yet low-impact exercise that allows you to strengthen your back, arms, legs, glutes, and abs using just this single machine.
Reviewing The Features Of The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 In Depth
The full-motion arms on the Body Trac Glider 1050 simulate the feel of rowing a boat on the water. This unique design allows for an effective full-body workout for almost every muscle group in the body. And, while the Body Trac Glider 1050 isn’t the top entry from Stamina’s line of rowing machines, it has all of the basics covered.
These include an easy-to-read LCD monitor, multiple resistance levels, and a space-saving design. For the money, it’s a great deal for those who are just getting familiar with rowing machines.
Build Quality
The overall build quality of the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 is worth the price. It weighs just under 40 pounds, making it lighter and easy to carry. This is due to the combination of durable steel and lightweight aluminum.
Capacity
The Body Trac Glider 1050 can accommodate users that weigh up to 250 lbs. When it comes to your height, it’s good for people between 5’ and about 6’. If you’re taller or weigh more than 250, check out other rower options.
Dimensions
- In-Use: 58.25 x 42.5 x 18.12 inches (L x W x H)
- Storage/Folded: 23.5″ x 46.0″ (W x H)
- Weight: 39 pounds
Screen and Control Panel of Stamina Trac Glider 1050
An easy way to track your workout progress is to look at a monitor and control panel. Fortunately, the Stamina Trac Glider 1050 has that. The fitness meter tracks time, counts the number of strokes, and shows the calories you have burned. It’s powered by one AA battery and automatically shuts down after four minutes of inactivity.
Comfort
When it comes to rowers, you may be using it for longer workouts so it’s important to have something that doesn’t hurt to use. Here are the main points of comfort/discomfort on the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050:
The seat is made of molded plastic. It’s not super uncomfortable or super comfortable. It sits somewhere in between. It gets a little bit uncomfortable after rowing for an extended period. To make it more comfortable, you can put a gym towel directly on top of the seat to make it less slippery. However, after a week or two of rowing, you won’t notice the seat anymore.
The footrest of the Body Trac Glider 1050 is the most talked-about feature. They pivot and some people feel that they’re too large and the straps are too small. They also feel a little cheap and slippery when using the rower.
Storage
This machine weighs under 40 pounds, so you can easily fold it after use. The whole process of disassembling this rowing machine takes only a minute or two. It’s lightweight, accessible, and, most importantly, space-saving.
To store, all you have to do is unscrew its knobs. After that, you can fold the arms and then put the knobs back to secure the arms in place. When in storage mode, the height of the Body Trac Glider 1050 is 23.5” x 46”.
Resistance Levels
There are 12 different levels of resistance on the Body Trac Glider 1050, which can be compared to having between 2 to 50 pounds of force.
This makes the rower very flexible and suitable for users of most beginner to intermediate levels. If you are a beginner, then it’s best to start at level 1 and gradually work your way up to level 12.
You can adjust the resistance levels by using the dial that’s found right under the seat. What’s great about that is you don’t have to get off the rowing machine to change the levels.
Noise Levels
Thankfully, the Stamina Body Trac Glider isn’t a very noisy machine, however, it can develop a low squeaking noise over time. To avoid getting this headache, it’s best to grease the joints frequently, while keeping the tracks clean and check on the bolts and tighten them every now and then.
Overall Performance
While there are some drawbacks to this rowing machine, its advantages outweigh them. Given its price and features, it is a good value-for-money type of product.
Pros:
- Affordable price range
- Improves cardiovascular fitness and strengthens muscles
- Made from a steel frame and aluminum center beam, which can handle up to 250lbs.
Cons:
- May be too short for tall users
Things to Consider Before Buying a Rowing Machine
What kind of resistance do you want for your rowing machine?
An air or flywheel rowing machine, as its name suggests, uses air or a flywheel to create resistance, giving a feel that’s similar to outdoor rowing. With this machine, the faster you row, the stronger the resistance will be.
A hydraulic rowing machine, on the other hand, creates tension through fluids being compressed by a piston or cylinder. On this type of rowing machine, the resistance can be adjusted, so you get an extra level of control. These are usually smaller and cheaper, making it a more popular choice for beginners.
Magnetic resistance indoor rowers use a magnetic force to provide resistance. While they are generally more expensive than hydraulic rowers, it runs silently. This can be great if you want to put your rower in the living room or bedroom and watch T.V. while you row.
If you’re looking for a specific pro-level/commercial grade option, you’ll find the flywheel and water rowers to be the most popular choices.
How much space does it require?
If you live in an apartment or a smaller home, it’s best to check the size of a rower and see if it can be folded to minimize the space it takes up. The Stamina 1050 is considered to be very compact measuring just 58.25 x 42.5 x 18.12 inches. And when it’s in the corner, it only takes up about 2 x 2 feet of space.
How hard is it to assemble?
Some rowing machine models can be difficult and frustrating to assemble. Fortunately, this rower can be assembled with one person in about 20-30 minutes.
What is it made of?
If you plan on using your rower, then you want something that’s durable. The Stamina 1050 is made from aluminum with a 250 lb weight capacity which is pretty good. It’s not as solid as some of the commercial-grade options but for a beginner rowing machine on a budget, it has what you need.
The seat is also moderately comfortable. It’s made from a molded plastic that contours nicely but you will notice it at first. It’s comparable to how a bike seat feels when you first begin riding. You do get used to it though.
Does it have a warranty?
You want a warranty just in case something goes wrong. With the 1050 glider, you have a 90-day warranty for parts and 1 year for the frame. This isn’t an industry-leading warranty but should give you enough time to decide if you want to keep the rower.
How much does it cost?
Your budget will often determine what you buy and the level of quality you get. This particular rower is on the very affordable end of the spectrum. If you want higher-end options, you’ll want to check out the Concept 2 Model D. It’s significantly more at the time of this writing but worth the money if you’re serious about rowing.
Alternatives To The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050
If you want to save some money or upgrade to a better rowing machine, then here are three options that are highly recommended:
Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike/Rower
The Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike/Rower features a two-in-one design that is both a recumbent bike and rowing machine. It has eight levels of adjustable magnetic resistance so it’s both a challenge and very quiet to use. It has the same weight capacity of 250 lbs., and it comes with a multi-function monitor that tracks your progress.
MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
This elegant, yet functional rowing machine has a large LCD screen that displays time, calories, and total count to assist you with tracking all your fitness goals. Its extra-long slide rail makes it suitable for users up to 6’5” in height, while its padded handle and cushioned seat help you to stay comfortable the whole time.
In addition, its 16 levels of resistance give you plenty of options for an easier or harder workout. Finally, it has a weight capacity of 243 lbs., and it’s easy to store.
Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Rowing Machine with Free Motion Arms
The Stamina 1215 is a compact rowing machine that allows for a full range-of-motion action to mimic the feeling of rowing on water. It’s easy-to-use single button monitor lets you track your speed, distance, time, row count, miles rowed, and calories burned.
It has a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs, a small footprint, and has a 5-year warranty on the frame (90-days on parts). It also makes use of adjustable hydraulic cylinder resistance, so you can easily increase or decrease the intensity of your workout.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Stamina’s Body Trac Glider 1050 is great for beginners. It has adjustable resistance levels, a screen to track your stats, and it’s affordable. This is a solid starting rower that you can easily fit into an apartment, bedroom, or even put in your living room to row while you watch T.V. If you’re just starting out and want a rower that’s easy to assemble and use, this is great. However, if you’ve used the rower at your gym and you want a similar experience, this isn’t the best option. Instead, check out our guide on the best rowing machines.