The 440R by Proform is designed to provide you with a smooth, controlled rowing experience that helps you maintain proper form while engaging the entire body. Expanded strength training allows you to reach your goals faster and more effectively.
You’ll work your back, biceps, tri-ceps, shoulders, quads and even your core with each catch and release you perform. It’s a complete workout, and when you’re done with your workout, flip up the unit and it will store away without taking up too much space.
Features and Specs
- Rowing and strength station in one
- Oversized aluminum seat rail
- 8 resistance levels
- Pivoting foot pedals with strap
- Ergonomic handles
- Large LCD monitor
- Space saving design
- 250 pound weight limit
Monitor Features
- Large LCD display
- Metrics from distance, time, calories burned, total strokes and strokes per minute
- Digital resistance levels
- Scan feature to cycle through all of the metrics
Dimensions & Weight
- 6″in length
- 5″ in width
- 3″ in height
- 68 pound weight
Shipping
Package Dimensions
- 47 inches long
- 36 inches wide
- 18 inches high
- 72 pounds
Assembly & Storage
When you open up the ProForm box, you’ll notice that some assembly is required. Don’t freak out too much – the assembly is minimal. You’ll have more than enough experience, even if you’ve never built anything in your life, to put this model together.
I recommend setting aside one hour or so to complete the assembly.
An instruction manual is provided to help you confidently assemble this unit. The entire assembly process is illustrated with pictures, and while the assembly is easy to do on your own, I recommend asking someone for help.
The individual pieces can be rather heavy.
But again, if you have time, you can get this unit together in an hour solo.
Warranty
- 5-year breakage
- 90-day parts and labor
2-in-1 Design
The 440R’s design is different than other models. Not only will you be able to work through a total body workout, but the handle is part of a low pulley station. What this means is that you’ll be able to use the handle for additional exercises.
The lower pulley can be used for:
- Rows
- Bicep curls
- Squats
If you’re a bit creative, you may be able to use the bar for overhead extensions, too. You can do a lot with the 2-in-1 design, and it allows you to really focus on those muscle groups that don’t get targeted while rowing.
When trying to work on muscle isolation, the pulley bar can help.
Resistance
If you want to build muscle and get fit, you need to amp up your resistance levels when exercising. The resistance is provided through eight digital resistance levels. What these levels do is allow you to change the resistance between light, medium and hard.
When resistance is added, this is a powerful body sculpting tool.
You’ll be able to use your resistance to:
- Burn excess calories
- Tone your muscles
Resistance is the key most important thing when trying to build muscle. The eight levels of resistance are more than enough to provide you with lasting results.
Ergonomic
The design of this unit conforms to the body to allow for the most comfortable rowing experience possible.
Starting with the handle, it reduces fatigue and offers an exceptional workout experience thanks to additional padding.
When you move down the rail, you’ll find that the seat is also padded and offers optimal comfort for long rowing sessions. The footrests are adjustable and have straps that can tighten the feet into the footrest.
Footrests pivot and are oversized, too.
The pivot and oversized feature allows you to maintain your comfort level while also promoting better overall form. When your feet stay in place, you’ll be better prepared to row for long periods of time and do so without causing strain on the back or other body parts.
You can even adjust the seat so that it has the perfect fit for you.
Rowing has never been this comfortable before.
Storage
If you want to save space – everyone does – you can choose to fold this treadmill up and use the transport wheels to move it into place. This allows you to cut down on the units footprint and store it away in your office or basement without taking up so much space.
Anyone who has a smaller workout area will appreciate these storages options.
The SpaceSaver design allows you to quickly fold up in one easy step. You’ll be able to free up your space in a matter of seconds so that your workout is done as fast as you are.
Monitoring
A large LCD monitor is right underneath the rowing handle and provides you with a clear view of your entire workout. You’ll find a slew of great information at your fingertips, including:
- Total amount of strokes during a workout
- Strokes per minute
- Calories burned during the session
- Time on the treadmill
- Distance covered
You’ll also be able to hit the scan button, which will cycle through all of the metrics that the unit tracks. This allows you to view all of the vital metrics for a short period of time before cycling through to the next metric.
If you want to lose weight or tone up your muscles, the monitor is a vital piece of equipment that allows you to track all of these figures in one easy-to-read location.
Smooth, Quiet Operation
Rowing is meant to be tranquil and relaxing, the swish of the air from the flywheel is almost meditative and will allow you to get into the zone while exerting yourself all along the way. A smaller flywheel is used on this unit, but it’s been designed to be different.
It is smooth and quiet – perfect for long workout sessions.
And the rowing feel is very realistic and allows you to mimic rowing on the water. The smooth and quiet design is definitely a major bonus and allows you to enjoy your workout even if the entire house is sleeping.
If you have kids or a spouse who doesn’t wake up when you do and you want to get a rowing session in, this is a great choice for you.
What Could Have Been Better
There are some minor complaints and concerns. While none of these issues are a major concern, I thought they were worth noting and should be something you know before making your purchase.
Wobbles
Once assembled, it does have a tendency to wobble. You can try to readjust the machine and place it on a surface that doesn’t wobble. If the unit is on a completely flat surface, it will be much easier to make sure that it’s stable.
Wobbling can be caused by:
- Uneven flooring
- Untightened screws
Even if the machine does wobble somewhat, it’s not the end of the world and will not have an impact on your workout.
While it could be slightly sturdier, this doesn’t mean that it’s not a good value. Coming at a very affordable price, and when considering the pulley system, it’s a great buy that can be used for years without breaking.
A little wobble in this price range is more than acceptable.
You’ll still enjoy a great workout.
Our Final Word
In conclusion this is an exceptional buy. Easy to assemble and affordable, this is the right model for anyone who wants to use a rower at home and get in a workout on-the-fly.
You’ll also be able to work other body parts, such as your biceps, on the pulleys.
A sufficient LCD monitor provides you with all of your workout stats while you keep pushing yourself to the limits. Ergonomic in design, this rowing machine provides the comfort and workout you need to really bring your fitness to the next level.
You can normally get a 440R for around $300 but it you are looking for something in a similar price bracket make sure to check out our Stamina 1130 review.