ASUNA 4500 Review

The ASUNA 4500 is a rower with a slim profile, digital tension control and a large LCD display that lets you keep track of your workout stats. Its durable design and easy portability make it a great option for people who are short on space, but want to take advantage of all that rowing has to offer.

The 4500 has its quirks, but it’s an overall solid mid-range model that can give you years of use – even as you progress to higher fitness levels.

Features at a Glance

• 12 built-in workout programs
• LCD display with: time, count, distance, calories, strokes per minute, pulse and watts
• Drum magnetic control (DMC) system
• Electronic tension allows for variable tension levels
• Transportation wheels for portability
• Foldable design
• Maximum 300-pound user weight
• Wireless pulse receiver with chest strap included

The 4500 is actually from Sunny Health and Fitness (many of you may have heard of Sunny’s treadmill), and one thing that we really loved about this machine was its relatively compact design.

When you’re short on space, you want a unit that works like a dream and doesn’t eat up all your space. That’s exactly what the 4500 does.

There’s a programmable resistance system that’s magnetic, and there’s also electronic tension control. These are controlled by the Drum Magnetic Control System (DMC).

While advanced models will probably want a water-based machine, this model still offers a challenging enough workout to keep you fit and in shape.

The LCD display is conveniently located under the handlebars, so you never have to strain to see your stats. The display lets you see your time, calories burned, strokes per minute, total count, distance, pulse, and watt.

Through the console, you can choose one of 12 built-in workouts, including a manual option, a target heart rate program, 6 preset programs and 4 custom programs.

The built-in transportation wheels make it a little easier to move this machine around. It’s still a heavy machine, so keep that in mind. But if you do want to move it, the wheels make the job a bit less taxing. It can easily fold up, too, for a more compact footprint in between uses.

The aluminum and steel frame is solid and durable. You can tell when a unit is cheaply made – it jars around a bit and just doesn’t feel as sturdy as it should. But the 4500 feels solid. It’s comfortable and easy to use, too.

Did we mention that it comes with a wireless chest strap to monitor your heart rate? That’s something that most other models (even high end models) don’t offer.

Pros

• Multiple tension levels
• Several workout programs to vary your workouts
• LCD display is easy to read
• Chest strap included to monitor your heart rate
• Quiet operation
• Compact, foldable design
• Easy assembly

Cons

• Needs to be plugged in

If you want to adjust the tension of this unit, you’ll need to plug it in. This means that you’ll need to place it close to an electrical outlet. This is a common complaint with most workout machines that have digital resistance. While to be expected, we thought we’d point out this minor inconvenience.

If you’re looking for a mid-range model with a compact design, several built-in workouts and quiet operation, the 4500 is a great choice.

If you are on a tight budget and want something cheaper, then it may be worth having a look at the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5606.

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