I bought this sale. So glad I picked it up.
On my exercise bike (magnetic resistance) I could burn 300 calories in 30 minutes at a good, sweaty pace. On this machine, at an even pace, I burn around 140-145 for FIVE (5) MINUTES of rowing (at an even pace, averaging 150-160 strokes) on Program 1(the low setting). It is so easy to slip in a 5-minute workout before going into work for the day, this is definitely an asset to anyone home-gym. While in use, the machine is noisy, but so much someone watching TV right next to it would need to blast the volume, just put it up a couple notches on the volume and everyone should be happy. It's still a cord-pull flywheel fan afterall, and will make noise as it spins. The exhaust isn't directly on you as the fan spins, so you *can* get a good sweat going, but it's enough airflow past you that you can also enjoy a bit of cool breeze going around you, not on you.
I put it together myself, the instructions recommend 2 people. It certainly would have gone quicker/easier with 2 people, but it is doable with one person. I currently weigh 325.lbs. The weight limit says 300. It still works smooth and easy like it should. The wireless heart-rate monitor takes a little getting used to, but works just as well. All put together the machine is approximately 8-feet long and at the widest, approximately 2-feet. Folded up, it's maybe 3, 3 & 1/2-feet long, the seat/slider rail folds up where the foot pedals are and locks into place so it doesn't fall down. The waybill upon delivery had it listed at 150.lbs, and while I've got my doubts it weighs that much, it was a good workout in itself to get it into the building and up 2 flights of stairs.
Again, all in all, a great buy for anyone's home-gym.
