Editor’s Note: The Bodycraft VR100 Rower is no longer in production. We suggest viewing the ProForm 750R as the best alternative, or view our Best Rowing Machines or Best Budget Rowing Machine guides for more options.
If you’ve been rowing for a while, you’ve probably heard of the Bodycraft VR100 Rower. This sturdy rowing machine had six different resistance levels, an adjustable console that can track your time, distance, calories burned, and more, plus a foldable design for easy storage.
While the machine is no longer in production, you might be able to find it on some second-hand sites, and if you do, it’s not a bad idea to grab one before it’s gone again. Follow along with our Bodycraft VR100 rowing machine review to read more on why at-home exercisers love the Bodycraft VR100 Rower, plus our suggestions for the best alternative rowers in case you can’t snag one.
We Have Years of Rowing Experience
If you’re wondering what makes us qualified to give reviews on gym equipment, just browse our site. Our team has spent hundreds of hours testing the most tried-and-true equipment in the industry. From NordicTrack, ProForm, Bodycraft, and more, we’ve tested tons of rowing machines. We look at the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to fitness equipment to find the best money can buy.
Looking for an Alternative to the Bodycraft VR100 Rowing Machine?
If you aren’t lucky enough to find the Bodycraft VR100 on the secondhand market, there are a few good alternatives that are still available, including the ProForm 750R. It’s a great rowing machine if you are on a tighter budget and comes in at just under $700. Like the Bodycraft VR100, the ProForm 750R is an adjustable rowing machine that can fold when not in use, so it’s great for smaller spaces.
To say the ProForm750R has more bells and whistles than the VR100 would be an understatement. The 750R comes with 24 digital levels of resistance as compared to the six on the VR100. It is also equipped with a 5-inch high-contrast multicolor display and a free 30-day trial of an iFIT membership, which gives you access to workouts with iFIT trainers.
Best Alternative to Bodycraft VR100 Rowing Machine
ProForm 750R Rowing Machine
Product Highlights
- Magnetic rowing machine
- Powerful but quiet flywheel
- Sturdy aluminum and steel construction
- Device holder so you can stream live and on-demand rowing workouts with iFIT
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easily folds to save space when not in use
- Works with iFIT programming
- Easy assembly
- Costs less than $1,000
Cons
- No integrated display (must use your own device)
- Only a 250-lb weight capacity
- Relatively heavy (116 lbs)
Bottom Line
The ProForm 750R is a mid-tier magnetic rowing machine with a small display and a place to hold a device to stream workouts.
A Quick Look at the Bodycraft VR100 Rowing Machine
The Bodycraft VR100 is not one of the more technologically advanced treadmills we’ve reviewed, but it does have the basics you might want from your rowing machine. This lightweight, adjustable machine is a good option if you have a smaller space, given you can fold it up for storage when it’s not in use.
Pros:
- Foldable when not in use
- Lightweight for a rowing machine only weighing 70 lbs
- Comes with a lifetime frame warranty
- Adjustable console
- Made with long lasting and sturdy materials
- Not very large making it great for smaller spaces
Cons:
- 250-lb maximum user weight
- Basic display
- Only 6 resistance levels
- Discontinued by manufacturer and difficult to find second hand
Bodycraft VR100 Rowing Machine Specs
| Footprint | 50”L x 29”W x 25”H |
| Folded Dimensions | 17”W x 22”H x 68”D |
| Weight | 70 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 250 lbs |
| Drive System | Combination of air and magnetic |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Seat | Contoured ergonomic seat |
| Resistance Levels | 6 levels |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame; 1-year parts |
Key Features of the Bodycraft VR100 Rower
Although it may not have fancy touch screens and 20 different resistance levels, the Bodycraft VR100 Rower is made with high quality aircraft-grade aluminum and steel, so the frame is bound to last a long time. And if it doesn’t last as long as it should, the frame has a lifetime warranty.
This at home rowing machine also comes with an adjustable console that can track your time, distance, strokes, and calories burned. The console also allows you to monitor your heart rate with the built-in Polar Heart Rate Monitor receiver when you use the optional chest strap. The air and magnetic resistance allows you to choose from resistance levels two through six depending on the intensity you want during your workout. Given it’s a fairly simple machine with only six resistance levels, it’s great for all fitness levels.
The ergonomic seat easily glides along rollers, so you have a smooth ride every time. The seat is also contoured, making it both practical and comfortable, especially for longer rowing sessions.
When you are done with your workout, the machine folds up and can be easily stowed away. While it doesn’t have wheels, it’s fairly lightweight, so you should be able to move it with relative ease.
Footprint, Portability, and Durability
The Bodycraft VR100 is great for a smaller space like an office or apartment. At only 68 inches long, the VR100 is not a large machine. Given that it is foldable and only weighs 70 pounds, the maximum weight is not very high, coming in at 250 pounds, which means it won’t work for heavier individuals.
The six resistance levels get the job done for low impact workouts, but may not be enough for users looking for a more intense workout. The aluminum and steel frame make the machine durable, but if it doesn’t last the test of time, the frame has a lifetime warranty.
Ergonomics
Bodycraft calls their seat a contoured ergonomic seat, so you know they have efficiency and comfort on their mind. The seat glides along rollers so you can be sure to have a smooth workout. With one air resistance level and five air and magnetic resistance levels, you can get a great workout on this machine. And with 44 inches of travel from pedals to the back end of the machine, most people should be able to row on this comfortably.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The Bodycraft VR100 is not known for its high-end technology. To be honest, it’s a fairly basic machine. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great workout in on this just about every time.
It may not come with a huge LED display or a ton of resistance levels but it does come with six different air and magnetic resistance levels. It also comes with an adjustable console that tracks your time, distance, strokes, and calories burned, as well as your heart rate when you wear the chest strap.
Final Verdict of Our Bodycraft VR100 Rower Review
Overall the Bodycraft VR100 is a good rowing machine. While it’s discontinued, it has all the basics you might need if you are trying to lose weight, build muscle, or just get in some extra cardio.
If you are looking for a higher-end rowing machine fit for a frequent exerciser, you might want to look at a machine like the ProForm750R, which is our suggestion for the best smart rowing machine under $1,000..
Full Rating
Bodycraft VR100 Rowing Machine
This rower has been discontinued, but our Bodycraft VR100 Rowing Machine review reveals the best alternative.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 699
Product In-Stock: InStock
2.9
Bodycraft VR100 Rower FAQs
Is Bodycraft a good product?
Bodycraft products can be found at many gym equipment suppliers. Bodycraft sells everything from ellipticals and treadmills to bikes and rowers, and their prices are pretty reasonable all around. While they may not be the most well-known brand, they are generally well-received by customers.
Are bodycraft machines foldable?
While not all Bodycraft machines fold, as mentioned in the Bodycraft VR100 Rowing Machine review, the VR100 does. Although the VR100 doesn’t have wheels, it’s fairly lightweight and can be stored away easily. While several of their treadmills and rowing machines have the option to fold down for storage, you’ll find that most of their stationary bikes do not.
Where Is Bodycraft made?
Bodycraft has been making home gym equipment for nearly 30 years. The company prides themselves on making quality gym equipment designed and engineered in the USA.
