Viavito Rokai Folding Rowing Machine Review

 To help you choose from the many dozens of rowers available on the market today, we’re really eager to get our hands on the Rokai folding rowing machine and show you how it stands up to our rigorous testing.

Get to know what we think after trying the machine out to find a rower which best meets your demands within your budget and avoid ending up with a piece of equipment that is simply unsuitable.

What Does the Rokai Rowing Machine Do for Your Body?

Combining strength training and cardio workout, rowing offers a tremendous amount of physical health benefits including increased power and endurance, as well as improved cardiovascular function and weight loss. Knowing that, it becomes clear that the Rokai can help you reach a desired fitness level and work your whole body with specific muscle training. Not only it ensures an effective, low-impact exercise, but also allows for targeting muscle groups such as Hamstrings, Glutes, Quads, Lower, Middle and Upper Back, Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps, Chest, Abs and Obliques.

Construction & Build Quality

Once the machine was set up, we gave her a go and noticed that it feels rugged and stable and features absolutely rock solid build quality to ensure long-lasting performance. In terms of looks, this compact rower has a touch of class with its sleek black & silver design with red accents.

Rowing Action

When we started rowing, we were very pleasantly surprised: the rowing motion is fluid thanks to a 6kg (13.2lbs) flywheel and the seat slides smoothly across the solid 103cm (40.5”) rail. Thus, if you’re looking to experience seamless and realistic rowing action, on this front the Rokai certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Resistance mechanism & console

Although the feel provided by magnetic rowers is quite different to water or air resistance models, with 16 levels of friction-free magnetic resistance, the machine operates quietly and gives you a combination of challenge and variety. Magnets near the flywheel create the resistance which can be altered using buttons on the console to let you quickly adjust the intensity of your workouts.

The display is a backlit LCD of a good size, which makes monitoring your achievements a doddle. When it comes to training options, the Rokai passes with flying colours. It gives you plenty of choice and keeps your sessions motivating and interesting thanks to 16 programmes. In addition to 12 pre-set programmes, there is a manual one, H.R.C. programme that can be performed with an optional chest belt, one user-defined option for more flexibility, as well as a race mode that lets you race against the computer. Also, the pre-set programmes are scalable so you can increase the overall difficulty of any programme you like and you won’t outgrow it as you get fitter. 

Moving around & Storage

The rower allows for folding the rail up vertically to store it more easily and efficiently and there are in-built transport wheels to conveniently move the machine around and free-up space at home. Therefore, as a space-friendly option – it gets a definite yes from us.

User Comfort

An ergonomic seat with 4 rollers is padded and comfortable to allow for completing longer rowing sessions and we can confirm that it really does make the motion smooth. The footplates are large, have a non-slip design and pivot forward, but are locked on a stroke. Surely, this is a pretty neat feature, as it means that the machine gives you added stability while exercising.

Assembly process

The assembly process was pretty straightforward and took us about half an hour. In fact, all the necessary tools are provided and the instructions are very clear. The installation is completed in 8 steps. As always, we paid close attention to how well everything lines up and fits together and the Rokai folding rowing machine gave us a good first impression. Moreover, Viavito made an assembly guide video to show you how to put the machine together and get it ready to start rowing.

Exercise Versatility

In our opinion, the Rokai folding rowing machine does offer something different with its rear footplates and an ergonomic, non-slip bar. Most noteworthy, it enables you to further enhance muscle recruitment and make workouts both effective and entertaining by performing a variety of additional standing exercises such as Dead Lift, Dead Row, Upright Row, Frontal Raise, Bicep Curl, Tricep Extension and Single Side Row. Furthermore, to get you working hard and help you get much more out of your rowing, the Rokai offers a choice of seated exercises including Double Leg Press, Single Leg Press, Seated Alternate Twist, Seated One-Sided Twist, Wide Chest Pull, Single Arm Chest Pull, Seated Bicep Rise and Seated Tricep Extension.

What we really like is that Viavito has made an effort to motivate and inspire you by creating a step-by-step guide with all the mentioned standing and seated exercises.

The 15 total body exercises with 1 machine!

Read on to see how you can get the most out of your rower and incorporate the following exercises to your routine for a massively effective workout.

Standing exercises:

1. Dead lift

• Muscles Targeted: Hamstrings & Glutes
• Do 3 sets of 15

Stand on the footplates and hold the bar horizontally in both hands at shoulder distance apart with palms facing inwards at hip level.

Hinge from the hips and maintain a tall torso as you fold your body forward and glide your hands to knee level.

Return to standing.

2. Dead row

• Muscles Targeted: Hamstrings, Glutes, Lower & Mid Back
• Do 3 sets of 15

Stand on the footplates and hold the bar horizontally in both hands at shoulder distance apart with palms facing inwards at hip level.

Hinge from the hips and maintain a tall torso as you fold your body forward and glide your hands to knee level.

Bend your elbows and slowly pull the bar to your torso at navel level, keeping it horizontal as you do so. Extend your arms to knee level and then return to the starting position.

3. Upright row

• Muscles Targeted: Shoulders & Upper Back
• Do 3 sets of 15

Stand on the footplates and hold the bar horizontally in both hands at shoulder distance apart with your palms facing inwards.

Bend your arms and raise the bar to mid chest level bringing it close to your torso.

Return to the start position.

4. Frontal raise

• Muscles Targeted: Shoulders, Mid & Upper Back
• Do 3 sets of 12

Stand on the footplates and hold the bar horizontally in both hands at shoulder distance apart with your palms facing inwards.

Bend your knees and hinge from the hips to tilt your torso forward – the more you lean forward the easier the exercise.

Hinge from the shoulders and bring the bar up and forwards to shoulder height, keeping your back stable, your arms extended and the bar horizontal.

Return to the starting position.

5. Bicep curl

• Muscles Targeted: Biceps
• Do 3 sets of 12

Stand on the footplates and hold the bar horizontally in both hands at shoulder distance apart with your palms facing outwards.

Hinge from your elbows and bring your knuckles towards your shoulders. Keep a stable torso and avoid collapsing your elbows against your waist throughout.

Extend your arms to return to the starting position.

6. Tricep extension

• Muscles Targeted: Triceps
• Do 3 sets of 10

Stand on the footplates and hold the bar horizontally in both hands at shoulder distance apart with your palms facing down.

Bend your knees and hinge from the hips to tilt your torso forward. The more you bend your legs and lean forward, the easier the exercise is.

Lift your arms long to align with your shoulders.

Hinge from your elbows and bring your knuckles to face the ceiling, keeping a stable torso and ensuring the bar remains horizontal. Then extend your arms to return to the starting position.

7. Single side row

• Muscles Targeted: Chest, Biceps, Triceps & Shoulders
• Do 3 sets of 10 on each side

Stand with one foot on the footplate and the other on the floor behind the footplate, on the other side of the rower.

Hold the centre of the bar in the hand opposite to the front foot, with your palm facing your front foot.

Hinge from the hips to tilt your torso forward 45 degrees and rest your empty hand on your front thigh.

Bend your arm slowly and draw it back until it reaches the side of your waist.

Extend your arm to the starting position.

Seated exercises

1. Double leg press

• Muscles Targeted: Hamstrings, Glutes & Quads
• Do 3 sets of 25

Sit on the seat with your feet on the footplates.

Hold the bar in both hands and draw it into your waist and hold it there.

Slowly extend both legs and bend them again.

2. Single leg press

• Muscles Targeted: Hamstrings, Glutes & Quads
• Do 3 sets of 20 on each leg

Sit on the seat with one foot on the footplate and the other resting on your toes on the floor with your knee bent.

Hold the bar in both hands and draw it into your waist and hold it there.

Slowly extend the working leg and bend it again.

3. Seated alternate twist

• Muscles Targeted: Abs & Obliques
• Do 2 sets of 20 on each side

Sit on the seat with your feet on the footplates and your knees slightly bent.

Hold the bar in both hands with your palms facing down and draw it into your waist and hold it there.

Rotate your ribs to one side, return to centre, and then repeat on the other side.

4. Seated one-sided twist

• Muscles Targeted: Abs, Obliques & Chest
• Do 2 sets of 15 on each side

Sit on the seat with your feet on the footplates and your knees slightly bent.

Hold the bar in one hand with your palm facing down, resting your free hand on your hip.

Lift the bar so your hand is at waist level and your arm is long. Rotate from your ribs to the side on which the handle is held, bending your arm and drawing it back as you do so.

Return to centre and then repeat.

4. Wide chest pull

• Muscles Targeted: Chest & Shoulders
• Do 3 sets of 15

Sit on the seat with your feet on the footplates and your knees slightly bent.

Hold the bar at chest height in both hands, with hands as wide as possible and palms facing down.

Slowly draw the bar into your chest, keeping your elbows high and making them wide as you do so.

Re-extend the arms to the starting position.

5. Single Arm Chest Pull

• Muscles Targeted: Chest, Shoulders & Biceps
• Do 3 sets of 15

Sit on the seat with your feet on the footplates and your knees slightly bent.

Hold the centre of the bar at chest height in one hand, with your palm facing down.

Slowly draw the bar to the side of your chest, keeping your elbows high and taking it wide as you do so.

Re-extend your arm to the starting position.

6. Seated bicep rise

• Muscles Targeted: Chest, Shoulders & Biceps
• Do 3 sets of 10

Sit on the seat with your feet on the footplates and your knees slightly bent.

Hold the bar in both hands at shoulder distance apart with your palms facing up.

Bend both elbows to 90 degrees and rest them on your knees.

Keeping your arms bent, lift them from your shoulders until your elbows reach shoulder height.

Return to the starting position.

7. Seated tricep extension

• Muscles Targeted: Triceps
• Do 3 sets of 10

Sit on the seat with your feet on the footplates and your knees slightly bent.

Hold the bar in both hands at shoulder distance apart with your palms facing down.

Bend your elbows and rest them on your knees. Extend your arms long. Bend your arms back to the starting position and repeat.

Final Verdict

The Rokai folding rowing machine from Viavito is smooth, comfortable and well-designed. Offering a wide selection of programmes, a good resistance range, a user-friendly LCD screen and great workout versatility, the rower certainly stands out as a good choice. The only downside is that the feel it creates is not as natural as in water or air resistance rowers, but if you’re looking for a quiet machine that makes very little noise, a magnetic rower is probably your best option. Plus, it’s easy to use, sturdy and space-efficient. Finally, the Rokai represents good value for money and surely – won’t leave a gaping hole in your pocket.

Customers Love the Rokai

 

Tris B:

Straightforward to set up and compact for easy storage when not in use. Lots of settings and varied methods of use to focus on different muscle groups. Would recommend.

Saul B:

Machine is very well made, sturdy enough to support my weight, but also flexible enough for the kids to use too. Useful range of resistances too. If I were to suggest anything it would be maybe to add a few steps more to the resistance levels to really push the strongest users. Machine is pretty quiet compared to other rowers I’ve used. Good range of different programs to mix up the workouts.

John C:

Good machine, has good quality, have used it several times with good feedback. Would recommend.

Anonymous:

Reasonably easy to assemble, and once working a great work-out machine. Many thanks

Anonymous:

Easily put together. Appears to be well made and does what I expected. Excellent value at the price.

Richard A:

Great product, with very good constituent parts that assembled easily. I consider it good value for money when compared to other items I have researched.

Gillian:

I was looking for a space saving rowing machine and opted for this one as I liked the idea of being able to do more exercises in the limited spaced I’ve got in my flat. Really pleasantly surprised at how smooth the rowing action is and it feels nice and sturdy. Felt a bit weird at first doing exercises standing up using the plates, but it’s actually really good! My own gripe is that the printed instruction manual didn’t have all the exercises and was a little confusing on the assembly side. I downloaded it off this site and it’s spot on! Would highly recommend this – it’s great!

Viavito Rokai Folding Rowing Machine Specifications: