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Viavito Sumi Folding Rowing Machine Review

May 5, 2021 4 min read
Rowing Machine Rowing Machine

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     1. Is it worth to give rowing a go?

    Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie hesitating if to hop on a rower, get on board and get to know why indoor rowing has rocked the fitness world with its cardiovascular and calorie-incinerating benefits.

    Rowing is not only a great way to improve your overall health, but also provides a total body workout letting you simultaneously target muscles in the upper and lower body. It combines strength training and cardio workout and helps you burn fat and build muscles at the same time!

    As it is low impact in nature, rowing is suitable for users with joint problems and elderly people and can be beneficial for endurance training. Plus, it is an effective aerobic exercise ensuring increased stamina, weight loss and a stronger immune system.

    Row vigorously to boost your fitness, add variety to your workout and feel every muscle in your body!

    2. Choose your training partner

    Introducing the Viavito Sumi folding rowing machine, a versatile and effective rower designed to provide both efficient and enjoyable workouts and let you target all of the major muscle groups in the body as you row.

    3. Viavito Sumi Specifications:

    • Space saving foldable design
    • Flywheel: 7kg (15.4lbs)
    • 10 levels of silent, friction-free magnetic resistance
    • Console Display: LCD
    • Console Feedback: time, distance, calories, total strokes, strokes per minute
    • Large footplates with adjustable straps
    • 4-roller system for smooth action
    • Inbuilt transportation wheels for easy storage
    • Suitable for users of up to 110cm (43.3″) leg length
    • Row Length: 80cm (31.5”)
    • Dimensions (in use): Length=178cm (70″), Width=53cm (20.8″), Height=48cm (18.9″)
    • Dimensions (folded): Length=74cm (29″), Width=53cm (20.8″), Height=119cm (46.8″)
    • Max User Weight: 120kg (264.5lbs)
    • Product Weight: 26.1kg (57.5lbs)
    • EN-957 Certificate – European Safety compliant
    • Warranty: 2 years (must register within 28 days to get 2nd year)

    3.1. Assembly

    First things first. Before you can unleash your excitement and start rowing towards the goal, you need to set the machine up.

    Once we received the Viavito Sumi, we were quite keen to get our hands on it and check whether assembly is really a doddle. The machine comes disassembled in a box, but there are clear, step-by-step instructions on how to assemble it yourself. As we’d expect, it is easy to put together and takes about 30 minutes with the tools provided.

    3.2. Design and build quality

    The Viavito Sumi not only offers a sleek design with striking black and red colours, but also has a solid build quality making it a rugged, strong and stable machine that supports and encourages your motion as you get a full body workout and row to hit your goals.

    3.3. Smooth movement

    Needless to say, smooth movement is a key to a successful, pleasant and effective rowing session. The Sumi has a 7kg (15.4lbs) flywheel to promote a fluid and quiet motion, as well as a high-quality steel rail and a 4-roller system with commercial grade rollers enabling you to glide up and down the rail with ease. We have to say that in terms of seamless and realistic rowing action – the Sumi really does its job.

    3.4. Space-saving folding design

    Despite its heavy-duty construction, the Sumi is lightweight (26.1kg), easy to manoeuvre and foldable in half for space-efficient storage. Plus, this compact and portable machine can be conveniently moved around and stored in the corner or a closet thanks to its built-in transportation wheels. Once folded, the target market becomes clear – people with limited space in their homes.

    3.5. Friction-Free Magnetic Resistance

    In terms of variation of intensity, the rower allows for enhancing muscle recruitment with its 10 levels of friction-free, manually-controlled magnetic resistance. Resistance changes are quick thanks to an oversized adjustment knob located just below the console, and magnetic resistance ensures quiet operation to let you work up a sweat exercising in a distraction-free zone. The console is intuitive, logical and easy to use and all the essential workout feedback is shown on a fairly basic, yet clear LCD display, making the Sumi straightforward to use.

    There are understandable compromises and shortcomings to be expected with a rower at this price – manual resistance and no pre-set programs, but our overall impression levels are high due to machine’s quietness, seamless rowing action and great build quality.

    3.6. Comfort during workouts

    In the comfort department, the Sumi excels. For safe workouts, the machine features large, pivoting footplates that alleviate any pressure from your ankles and let you push off and recoil at natural angles delivering a comfortable feel when exercising. The pedals have adjustable Velcro straps for a supportive, customised fit and the ergonomic seat has a contoured design which promotes a correct position during workouts. Plus, the non-slip handlebar guarantees a good grip.

    3.7. List of muscle groups used:

    The Sumi lets you target the following muscle groups:

    • Biceps & triceps
    • Shoulders & chest
    • Upper & lower back
    • Abdominals
    • Glutes
    • Hamstrings
    • Quads
    • Calves

    4. Is it a good buy?

    What’s the final verdict then?

    The Sumi is definitely a good choice for those looking for an apartment-friendly option. It provides surprisingly fluid motion, has just enough power to ensure a decent workout and enables rowers to find their own difficulty for each session and progress with the Sumi over time.

    We are pleased to say that impressive quality can actually be achieved at this price point. Smooth, easy to set up and straightforward to use, this compact machine surely deserves a place in your home gym.

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