The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine is one of the most popular rowing machines on the market. It’s affordably priced, compact in size and offers a great workout that’s on the same level as some mid-range models. 
Standout Features
- Resistance Type: Gas shock
- Adjustable Resistance Levels
- Comfort: Molded and padded seat; oversized seat rail to accommodate tall users
- Performance Monitor: Displays stroke count, time and calories burned
- Durable: Steel frame construction
- Compact: Folds away for easy storage; 23.5 inches wide and 46 inches long
Assembly
A great thing about this rower is that it’s so easy to put together. Some rowers are a complete nightmare to assemble, but this model comes with clear instructions and all of the tools you need to get the job done.
The main body of the rower is already partly assembled when it arrives.
There are 9 easy steps to assembling the rower, which are as follows:
Step 1 – Push the Stabilizer cap on the rear support.
Step 2 – Bolt the front support to the main beam, ensuring the wire inside is connected.
Step 3 – Put the seat stoppers on the central beam.
Step 4 – Attach the front stabilizer and bolt it.
Step 5 – Push the front cover onto the front support.
Step 6 – Push the pedal shaft through the front support and attach the pedals.
Step 7 – Remove the locking knob to allow the arms out and then fix once unfolded
Step 8 – Put a battery in the monitor then attach it.
Step 9 – Slide the seat onto the central beam and then add the rear stoppers.
Adjustable Resistance
The Body Trac Glider uses hydraulic resistance and allows you to adjust resistance levels with the turn of a knob. With 12 resistance settings to choose from, this rower can provide a full body workout for users of all fitness levels.
The adjustment is located at the top of the shock which gets hot when it is being used. Therefore, if you decide to adjust the resistance part the way through your workout be careful not to burn yourself.
Multi-Function Monitor
Like other rowing machines, the Body Trac Glider comes with a built-in, multi-function monitor that displays the time, stroke count and the calories burned. Because the monitor is powered by battery, there’s no need to store the machine near an outlet. To help save power, the monitor automatically shuts off after a period of inactivity.
There is only one button that you just keep pressing until you land on the function that you want. There is also a scan option that will constantly cycle through the 3-different metrics.
The monitor isn’t very advanced and you cannot connect a heart rate monitor to it. However, for a rower the can be bought for under $120 then I wouldn’t be expecting an advanced display.
Double Oar Design
Most rowing machines use one simple rowing handle, but this rower uses a double oar design (one oar on each side of the body). The two oars provide a more realistic rowing experience and provide your upper body with a great workout.
Storage
If you’re short on space, this rowing machine is the right choice for you. It features a compact footprint of just 23.5 x 46 inches. When folded up, the machine can easily be stored away in a closet.
To fold the rower away you must carry out the following steps:
- Slide the seat to the front of the rower and remove the locking nut from the pivot connector.
- Swing the handlebars back and then fold the extension arms forward.
- Fix the arms in position by putting the locking nut into the pivot connector.
- Now it is ready to be stored and can be stood upright.
While the machine is compact in size, it may be heavy for some users. Weighing nearly 40 pounds, this machine may not be easy to move from one room to the next. Ideally, you want to store the rower close to where you plan on using it.
Durable
The Body Trac Glider is built to last. It’s constructed with a steel frame and features an aluminium center beam that can withstand many years of use.
Maintenance
It is recommended that you regularly check the rower to ensure all nuts and bolts are tight as sometimes they can begin to loosen.
I do recommend that you wipe of the beam where the rollers from the seat go every now and again with a sponge to make sure that the seat rolls smoothly during your workout.
Price
If you have a tight budget and want a rower that will give you a workout without costing the earth. Then Body Trac Glider may be the one for you as it is possibly the cheapest model on the market and can normally be bought for under $100.
Our Complaints
While this rowing machine has plenty of great features, there are a few things we didn’t like about this model.
Slippery Pedals
Although this tends to be a problem with many rowing machines, it doesn’t make it any less tolerable. As many reviewers have noted, the foot pedals are not well designed and it can be difficult to keep your feet strapped into place. Some users went as far as drilling U-bolts into each pedal to fix the issue (we don’t recommend doing this unless you’re an experienced DIYer).
Adjusting the Resistance is Inconvenient
One of the most troubling things about this rowing machine is the adjustable resistance feature. Because this machine uses gas shock resistance, it heats up quickly. The problem is that the resistance adjustment knob is located on top of the shock, making it difficult to adjust resistance levels mid-workout.
Compared to the Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Arms Rower
We would like to take this opportunity to compare the 1050 to another rowing machine. Therefore, we decided to compare it to the Sunny Health & Fitness Full Arm Rower as this model is in the same price range and is very similar.
The two rowers are almost identical in a lot of respects such as the monitors offer the same functions, roughly the same weight, a single shock under the central seat rail with 12 levels of resistance.
One difference that you may notice from looking at the pictures are that Sunny model’s central beam is on a steeper angle than the glider. It does actually add a little bit more resistance for your legs.
One of the problems with the Glider was that the foot pedals didn’t keep peoples feet in position very well and often would slip out. With the Sunny Health model this doesn’t seem to be a problem with the large footplates and the angle of the rower seems to help.
The price difference between the 2 models is roughly $20 but if you want the cheapest rower you can get then the Glider is the one for you.
The maximum capacity of the Glider is 250 Lbs but the Sunny Health & Fitness rower only goes to 220 pounds. Therefore, if you are worried about your weight being an issue then it may be worth getting the Glider to be on the safe side.
Overall these 2 rowers are so closely matched that it is difficult to choose which one is better. But if I am to make a decision I do think that for the extra $20 it is worth going for the Sunny Health & Fitness Full Motion Arms Rower as in general users don’t seem to have had many issues at all with the rower and the problems that the 1050 has had don’t seem to be apparent on the Sunny model.
Overview
The Stamina Body Trac Glider may not be the perfect rower, but it’s certainly one of the best in its price range. The adjustable gas shock resistance provides an effective workout for your legs, abs, glutes, arms, legs and back.
Its compact design saves on space and allows you to store the machine away in between uses. For the home gym user that’s on a budget and looking for a quality rowing machine, the Body Trac Glider is a great choice.
If you have any concerns about some of the issues that users seem to have found then it may worth spending a little extra and getting the upgraded 1060 model. They have increased the size on the monitor, added a tablet holder, larger footplates and changed the molded seat design.
