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iFIT adds thousands of trainer-led workouts, several apps, and many custom training options to the NordicTrack RW900. If you connect the rower with its membership, you are in for a premium workout experience.
Updated: Juen 24, 2025
There are so many different rowing machine-specific subscription services, but what if you want to do more than just row? iFIT is the busy exerciser's blessing because it works for more types of equipment than any other service we know about. Jump from the rower to the treadmill, exercise bike, or elliptical.
If you don’t have more NordicTrack equipment, you can also take strength classes, yoga workouts, and more. iFIT is ever-expanding, offering more training and entertainment content for you to enjoy. With the RW900’s brilliant display, you can enjoy it all.
Read the rest of our review of the NordicTrack RW900 rowing machine to learn more about the rowing experience and the iFIT platform.
A sleek machine is always easier to bring home into your space because it won’t be an eyesore in the middle of your living room, bedroom, or exercise room. The NordicTrack RW900 is a nice rowing machine with a sturdy and solid build.
I leaned down to lift the NordicTrack RW900 from the ground with one hand. I’d been training on the Ergatta recently, so I was expecting something light and easy to lift, but it didn’t budge at first. I tried again and got the rower off the ground without using my other hand. That instance was a reminder of how heavy the steel frame on the RW900 is.
The steel stabilizers are really sturdy. There was no rocking on the RW900 while I was training.
The flywheel is shrouded within a smoked plastic case. Though NordicTrack does not disclose the weight of this flywheel, it feels heavy.
Twenty-six magnetic resistance levels make working out on the RW900 challenging and unique. Magnets move slower or further from the flywheel to brake its movement. It’s quiet.
There are a couple of things I don’t love about the NordicTrack RW900’s resistance. For one, the start of the stroke feels really heavy, but it doesn’t maintain its tension throughout the stroke as well as other magnetic rowers. It’s normal to have some variation due to the movement of the flywheel, but it still feels different from competitors, like Hydrow.
The second thing is something I think many exercisers will really like, but rowing traditionalists may not. iFIT automatically adjusts the resistance throughout the workout. Many rowers have a drag factor that is meant to be kept consistent to mimic the feel of the water. Then, you vary your rowing intensity by rowing harder or faster.
iFIT’s approach is different, but I’ve seen plenty of rowing enthusiasts beg for more readily adjustable rowing machine resistance. The RW900 gives them a solid option for this type of training.
The handle is comfortable. I didn’t feel any discomfort while using the RW900 rowing machine. It’s a plastic handle with a softer texture over the grip area. The handle does not freely rotate, so be mindful of your wrist position while you row.
I like the height of the strap the handle connects to. It doesn’t feel too high or too low to accommodate most exercisers.
When we first got the RW900, I was excited to see how it performed. I hopped right onto the rower, only for the seat to slide right out from under me. This is a blessing and a curse. For one, the seat glides across the monorail very smoothly. Even though there’s not a lot of tension in the handle to help with recovery, the glide of the seat helps you return to the catch.
The seat is small (9.5” x 11.5”) but comfortable. It has a divot in the back to allow you to lean back without irritating your tailbone.
I measured the monorail to be 50” long. It sits about 14.5” to 15.5” off the ground. The seat is then lifted about 19” or so off the ground, which is about the height of the chair I’m sitting in as I write this, so it’s not too short. Most users shouldn’t have any problem sitting on it.
Velcro is my preferred way to secure your feet into the foot stretchers on a rowing machine. The RW900’s straps are thick and keep your feet in place just so. The foot stretchers have heel straps that lift with your heels if you can’t keep your feet planted.
Pedal width is important to finding a comfortable rowing machine. The RW900’s pedals are set a little wider, which makes it more comfortable for beginners and is really helpful if your flexibility is limited.
To store the rowing machine after use, lift it up. The rower sits on its front stabilizer and the console neck. While NordicTrack doesn’t specify needing a wall anchor to store the rower, I recommend it if you have kids or pets that could tip the rower over. You can also leave it down if you want.
NordicTrack and iFIT are an inseparable duo. I’m going to go into what iFIT offers in a moment, but first, we have to go over all the features that make training iFIT possible on the RW900.
Buttons are scarce on the RW900. NordicTrack improved the RW900’s tablet and console, making them appear sleeker and more modern. The controls are exclusively located on the touchscreen.
The NordicTrack RW900 has a 24” touchscreen. It rotates side to side so you can see the screen when training on and off the rowing machine. The tablet quality has improved from previous iterations of the machine. It loads faster and has better image quality.
I find the 24” touchscreen easy to interact with while rowing. I can even reach the screen without taking my feet out of the straps (though it’s hard). The screen feels pretty close when you are at the catch, but it makes the experience feel immersive.
The speakers sit beneath the touchscreen and have a nice volume range, so you can hear the iFIT coach and entertainment audio. There are separate controls for the iFIT and entertainment audios.
You can also turn on closed captions for the iFIT classes or change the language as needed.
If you don’t want to listen to the iFIT audio out loud, you can connect Bluetooth headphones. Most should connect very easily. You can do so from the workout menu at any time during your class. Bluetooth also allows you to connect a heart rate monitor to the RW900.
The final feature available on the RW900 console is the USB-C charging port on the side of the touchscreen. There’s no tablet or phone rack, but you can use it to charge your device while it sits on the floor, I guess.
Training on the NordicTrack RW900 is different from other rowing machines. The automatic resistance adjustments are a polarizing feature that makes the RW900 stand out from non-iFIT machines.
If you are new to rowing or excited to try a new variation, the RW900 is a good option. It’s ideal for exercisers who aren’t serious rowers.
For $39/month, you get a membership with iFIT that works for the RW900 rower, any other iFIT equipment you might have, and most smart devices (phones, tablets, and smart TVs). If you are looking for a membership for your rower that can truly replace a gym membership, iFIT is one of the best options. It has rowing classes and so much more.
A traditional rowing class follows an iFIT coach as they row across the water or in a studio. Minute-by-minute you receive coaching that tailors to your fitness level. The resistance adjustments factor in every time you override the preset level and your performance in previous classes, changing instantaneously.
While the iFIT rowing classes are beautiful and enjoyable, there are other training options. You can also design a workout of your own, create a target program, or plan a Google Maps route. Google Maps lets you draw a route anywhere. It’s strange, but the rower resistance will then adjust according to the incline of the route as you row along it.
There are so many training options that it is easy to get overwhelmed. To take the guesswork out of your training, join a series or enable the AI Coach feature that can recommend and schedule classes for you.
If you need a break from training content, you also have entertainment options with iFIT. There are a few different apps: Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.
NordicTrack recently announced a partnership with Ergatta. This partnership will bring Ergatta content to iFIT-enabled machines. The content will launch on NordicTrack treadmills first but should be on rowing machines next. I absolutely love Ergatta’s content, so I’m excited to try it out. Unfortunately, our equipment does not yet have this update.
You can still use the RW900 if you decide not to subscribe to iFIT. Without iFIT, you can just train in manual mode. If you make a free iFIT account and connect to Wi-Fi, you can also access a few featured iFIT classes and template workouts for a total of 11 workouts. You cannot use the entertainment apps.
The NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine uses magnetic resistance to create a challenging workout while an iFIT coach guides you through it. Unlike other rowers that make adjusting the resistance challenging, the RW900 resistance adjusts automatically in iFIT classes.
More awaits you on the RW900 than just iFIT training classes. Netflix and other entertainment streaming apps are available when you subscribe. New features are right around the corner, too. iFIT classes are added all the time.
I recommend the NordicTrack RW900 for anyone new to rowing, subscribing to iFIT, or looking for a magnetic rowing machine with automatic resistance.
