Investing in a rowing machine can bring plenty of long-term health benefits without damaging your joints or wasting a gym membership. LifeCORE R100 is an excellent machine that combines two kinds of resistance for a new style of rowing experience. Check out our LifeCORE R100 rower review to find out if you should add it to your home gym.
Pros & Cons Of The LifeCORE Fitness R100 Rower
The LifeCORE R100 rower has an excellent build quality and plenty of unique features and resistance levels for any fitness level. There’s a lot to love about this particular model, but this may not be the best choice for someone who loves following online classes or who lives alone or with small children.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Unique Features Of The LifeCORE Fitness R100 Rower
The LifeCORE has 16 different resistance levels and many preset programs to choose from, making it a great option to grow into regardless of fitness level.
Commercial Grade With 16 Levels of Magnetic Resistance
In terms of construction, the LifeCORE rower is industrial grade, built like a tank, and can handle vigorous daily use with ease. The LifeCORE R100 rower uses a combination of air and magnetic resistance to create 16 different challenge levels, making it a great option for any fitness fan.
Read Also - Magnetic Vs Water Rower
15 Preset & 4 Heart Rate Control Programs
You will never get bored with 15 preset and four heart rate control programs that will challenge you and keep you engaged throughout your LifeCORE R100 rowing machine session. These sessions are tailored to your user profile and can have you seeing results at your pace. Rowing machines are almost a full-body workout. Check out our guide to the muscles used during rowing for more info!
Large LCD Backlit Display
Unlike some models on the market, the LCD is high-quality, simple to use, and easy to read.
It is larger than the Concept2 rowing machine and has only five buttons.
All data that you need to track your health are on screen at all times, and you can adjust or pivot the position of the display at any time.
Stores Data For Up To 4 Users
For those with multiple fitness fans, you can store four users' worth of data in the R100. This means adding your data can customize the programs to suit your goals and needs without worrying about anyone else's settings. These also provide more accurate fitness data in real-time.
Adjustable Cooling Air Vent
Unlike other air rowers, the LifeCORE lc R100 rower does not let the excess air go to waste; it filters through a vent aimed at the user. This vent can be opened or closed like a car vent to keep you cool while you work out.
Solid Steel Fan/Flywheel
The LifeCORE R100 commercial rowing machine commits to its quality construction in all parts, including the solid steel fan and flywheel. This durable and rugged setup can handle vigorous training and keeps up with the most enthusiastic rowers.
Also Check Out - Calories Burned On Rowing Machine
Extruded Aluminum Frame With Solid Steel Support
Continuing our thoughts above, the LifeCORE R100 commercial rower uses an extruded aluminum frame with a solid steel support to help you stay both stable and safe while rowing at home.
Silent Drive System
Thanks to the nylon belt drive and predominantly magnetic resistance, you do not have to worry about excessive noise getting in the way of your music or show while working out.
Large Ergonomically Designed Seat
Being comfortable and properly supported is essential to keep you coming back to rowing every day. The large contoured seat is ergonomically designed to ensure proper posture and comfort throughout your workout. It glides smoothly and suits a variety of body types.
Folds For Storage
Smaller living spaces mean increasingly limited storage. Luckily, the R100 folds up using a quick-release frame lock mechanism. This gives a similar folded footprint to Concept 2 and saves you valuable living space.
If you're short on space, read our complete guide to the best foldable rowing machines for more space-saving options.
LifeCORE R100 Rower Reviewed
Rower Specifications
Assembled Dimensions | 92 x 19 x 36 inches |
Folded Dimensions | 52 x 19 x 67 inches |
Machine Weight | 96 lbs |
Maximum Weight Capacity | 600 lbs |
Resistance Levels | 16 |
Assembling & Maintenance
In terms of assembly, the LifeCORE R100 manual is very easy to read in both text and diagrams; each section is broken into clear subsections, and the diagrams are simple. The mainframe and resistance system are pre-assembled, and the rower comes with assembly tools, which helps smooth things over.
It should not take more than an hour to assemble your rower, and you should not have to do much lifting. In terms of maintenance, it is recommended to clean with a clean soapy cloth after each use and not use WD-40 or other silicone sprays.
Design & Features
The LifeCORE lc R100 has an overall stylish design in black and silver. It is 92 x 19 x 36 inches in dimensions and can be easily folded with the quick-release frame lock mechanism. The all-metal flywheel and frame are solid, and make sure the rower is as durable as a tank. For your comfort, LifeCORE has added an air vent and large contoured seat to keep you comfortable throughout your workout.
Workouts & Performance
Due to the 16 resistance levels and 15 preset programs, it is possible to use this rower no matter your fitness level or goals. Each stroke is smooth and quiet thanks to the quality construction, nylon belt drive system, and air-magnetic resistance style. As you go higher in resistance, the magnetic resistance kicks in harder and quiets the strokes. In terms of programs, you can try out any of the following:
Using The Console
In terms of the console, you can expect a simple and easy-to-use LCD with the R100. This adjustable and pivotable display is lit up in green and blue. It displays all the necessary information to track your progress, including user, level, SPM, pulse, time, watts, time per 500 meters, meters, and calories.
The console can use batteries or the power cable provided to run. If you are a large household, the console can hold up to four user profiles for a customized workout experience.
Footprint & Storage
The R100 is very easy to store thanks to its quick-release lock mechanism and sturdy wheels. Despite its large size and weight, this rower can be easily moved from room to room. It has folded dimensions of 52 x 19 x 67 inches, which is similar to Concept 2 and great for tight spaces.
Price & Warranty
In terms of price, you can expect to pay between $1000 and $1300 for the LifeCORE LC R100 rowing machine. This is an excellent deal considering that it is a higher-end model with plenty of valuable features.
However, if you had a lower budget in mind, read our guide to the best affordable rowing machines.
As for the warranties, there are two depending on whether you are using it at home or commercially. The warranties are split as follows:
Residential: 5 years parts, 1-year labor
Light commercial: 2 years parts, 90 days labor
Comparing LifeCore Fitness R100 With Similar Rowers
LifeCORE Fitness R100 Vs Concept 2 Model D
- Integrated Device Holder allows you to keep...
- 14-inch seat height fits most uses....
- Indoor rowing is an effective full-body and...
- Includes the Performance Monitor 5, giving...
The LifeCORE Fitness R100 vs. Concept2 debate is a common one, and for good reason - the Concept2 is considered the gold standard of rowing machines.
However, the Concept2 does fall short in this comparison in a few key areas: it has a smaller weight limit, shorter warranty, and has a smaller console. However. The Concept2 breaks down for easy transport and has online functions, unlike the R100.
LifeCORE Fitness R100 Vs Sole SR500
- Immersive Workout Experience: Transform your...
- Adjustable: The all new SR550 rowing machine...
- Wireless Technology: Our new technology...
- Array Of Programs: Say goodbye to workout...
The Sole SR500 has many similarities but does fall short in a few key areas when compared to the LifeCORE R100. For example, the SR500 has a smaller weight limit and shorter warranty than the R200. Besides that, these are very similar models at similar price points; what you take home depends on your personal preference.
Related Article - Sole Elliptical Reviews
LifeCORE Fitness R100 Vs Echelon Smart Rower
- Built-in Device Holder to Securely Hold Smart...
- Ergonomic Design Supports Proper Hip + Spine...
- Patent-pending Bluetooth Resistance...
- Foldable Design for Easy Storage
An Echelon is a tempting machine due to its lower price, higher amount of resistance, and live classes both on and off the rower. However, the R100 has double the weight limit and much longer warranties than the Echelon smart rower. What you would prefer to get out of your home gym will be the final factor in which you take home.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Who owns LifeCore Fitness?
LifeCORE Fitness is currently owned by Roger Bates, a titan of the industry, and is a family-owned business. It was founded in 2004 and is based in California.
Where can I find replacement parts for the Lifecore R100 rower?
LifeCORE R100 replacement parts can be found on Amazon, through local suppliers, and via LifeCORE’s customer service team. To contact them, call (888)815-5559 during standard US business hours.
Conclusion
To conclude this LifeCORE R100 rowing machine review, we believe that the R100 is an excellent choice for many home gyms. It has plenty of challenging features to keep you coming back and folds to make storage a breeze. If you think it may be right for you, try finding a discount code or seasonal deal to get even more bang for your buck.
Last Updated on December 29, 2025
