SOLE vs. Life Fitness: Comparing Rowing Machine Ergonomics

Key Takeaways

• The SOLE SR550 uses a combination of air and magnetic resistance for a smooth, lifelike rowing experience.
• The Life Fitness Heat Row has 100 resistance levels, good for those looking to push their limits.
• SOLE SR550’s ergonomic design and high seat make it comfortable and easy to use, while Life Fitness focuses on quick foot adjustments and precise resistance.
• The SOLE SR550’s foldable design makes it space-efficient—perfect for home gyms, whereas the Heat Row is non-folding.
• Priced at $1,499.99, the SOLE SR550 is a budget-friendly choice with a lifetime frame warranty and advanced features.

SOLE vs Life Fitness Rower Comparison | Features, Pros & Cons

We’re looking at the SOLE SR550 and the Life Fitness Heat Row. Both offer solid performance, but they are designed for different preferences and goals.

At SOLE Fitness, we're proud to offer the best treadmills for your home or gym. These machines are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, ensuring they are ideal for anyone - from fitness novices to seasoned athletes. Featured Product SOLE SR550 Rowing Machine: Priced at $1,499.99, the SOLE SR550 rowing machine makes exercise more enjoyable with an ultra-smooth air and eddy current resistance motion to create a realistic 'on the water' sensation. With a 10.1-inch touch screen, built-in apps, and screen mirroring capabilities, this rower provides an immersive workout experience.

Resistance Type & Experience

Feature	SOLE SR550	Life Fitness Heat Row
Resistance Range	16 levels	100 levels
Resistance Type	Air and eddy current (magnetic resistance)	Air and magnetic resistance
Resistance Adjustments	Console and handlebar controls	300° resistance knob at the catch position
Experience	Realistic rowing feel, smooth, adjustable	Intense, adjustable

Why It Matters:
The resistance system impacts the feel of your workout, the ease of adjusting intensity, and the overall noise level. For a home gym, these factors make a big difference—especially if you’re looking for a smooth, quiet workout or prefer the sensation of on-water rowing.

Comparison:
The SOLE SR550 is designed with a dual resistance system—air and magnetic—which provides a smooth, natural rowing feel—much like being on the water. You can adjust the resistance directly from the console or handlebars, without interrupting your workout. With 16 resistance levels, it’s easy to find the right intensity for your fitness goals.

The Life Fitness Heat Row also has air and magnetic resistance, but with 100 resistance levels. Its 300° knob located at the catch position allows for quick, precise adjustments.

Build Quality & Durability

The SOLE SR550’s long aluminum rail and steel components create a strong, stable frame. This rower can support users up to 400 lbs—suitable for a wide range of body types and workout intensities.

The Life Fitness Heat Row—while also featuring a combination of steel and aluminum—supports a lower user weight of 330 lbs. Its heavier frame adds stability but may be harder to move around compared to the SR550.

Comfort & Usability

Feature	SOLE SR550 Rower	Life Fitness Heat Row
Seat Comfort	Ergonomic, high seating position for easy access, well-padded	Ergonomic seat, 17.7” seat height
Footrests	Adjustable pedals with flex settings	Quick-release ratchet foot straps
Handle Design	Ergonomic handle with resistance adjustment	Ergonomic handle, 300° resistance knob
Console Display	10.1” touchscreen	LCD console
Additional Features	Preloaded apps, wireless tech, SOLE+ app integration	Target workouts, Polar connectivity

Why It Matters:
Comfort directly impacts how enjoyable and effective your workout is. The right seat, footrests, and handle design make it easier to row without discomfort.

Comparison:
The SOLE SR550’s high, ergonomic seat makes it easier to get on and off the machine, while its adjustable pedals ensure a secure fit for various foot sizes and angles. With resistance adjustments on the handle itself, you can change intensity without breaking your rhythm. The 10.1” touchscreen adds extra usability—with preloaded apps and the ability to track progress with the SOLE+ app.

The Life Fitness Heat Row offers a comfortable experience with its ergonomic seat and quick-release ratchet foot straps. The seat height is slightly lower than the SR550. The 300° resistance knob is easy to reach. However, the LCD console is simpler compared to the SR550’s touchscreen and app integration.

Storage & Space

Feature	SOLE SR550 Rower	Life Fitness Heat Row
Folding Capability	Folds and stores vertically, with front wheels for easy movement	No folding capability, transport wheels only
Footprint	97” L x 19” W x 52” H	85” L x 28” W x 47” H
Space Required	Minimal when stored vertically	Fixed space requirement due to non-folding design

Why It Matters:
For many home gyms, space is at a premium. A rower that folds up or moves easily can help save space and keep your workout area tidy.

Comparison:
The SOLE SR550 is easy to store, folding up vertically to save space. Its front wheels allow for smooth transport—so you can move the rower to a corner or closet when you’re done working out.

The Life Fitness Heat Row does not fold so it will require a dedicated space in your home. Although it’s slightly shorter in length at 85”, its non-folding design is less convenient for those looking to conserve space.

Price & Warranty

Feature	SOLE SR550 Rower	Life Fitness Heat Row
Price	$1,499.99	Approx. $3,179.00
Warranty	Lifetime on frame, 2 years on parts	7 years on frame, 1 year on parts

The SOLE SR550 costs $1,499.99—an excellent value for a feature-rich rower that doesn’t compromise on performance. It’s backed up with a lifetime warranty on the frame, while parts are covered for 2 years, and labor for 1 year.

The Life Fitness Heat Row is significantly more expensive, priced at $3,179.00. While it does come with a 7-year frame warranty and 1 year on parts and labor, the higher cost may not be justified for some users.

SOLE vs Life Fitness: Which Rower is Right for You?

With a combination of air and magnetic resistance, easy storage, and a strong warranty, the SOLE SR550 offers everything you need for an immersive, long-lasting workout—without the high price tag. Plus, its foldable design makes it a great option for home gyms with limited space.

The Life Fitness Heat Row is built for those who need gym-grade equipment. Its sleek design and precise resistance control offer a professional-level experience—but it’s less ideal for home gyms because it’s not foldable.

Get the SOLE SR550 Today!

The SOLE SR550 offers a realistic rowing feel, advanced tech features, and a space-saving design. Plus, with our lifetime frame warranty, you can row, row, row your ‘boat’ with peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main differences between SOLE SR550 and Life Fitness Heat Row?
The SOLE SR550 has 16 levels of air and magnetic resistance, while the Life Fitness Heat Row has 100 levels of air and magnetic resistance. The SR550 includes console and handlebar controls for resistance adjustments, while the Heat Row uses a 300° resistance knob. The SR550 is designed to fold for easy storage, whereas the Heat Row does not fold​.

Which rower is better for home use: SOLE SR550 or Life Fitness Heat Row?
The SOLE SR550 is more suitable for home use due to its foldable design. Its front wheels also make it easy to move and store.

Which rower offers better value for money?
The SOLE SR550 offers better value for money. Priced at $1,499.99, it comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and 2 years on parts The Life Fitness Heat Row is significantly more expensive at $3,179.00, with fewer features for the price.

Can the SOLE SR550 be easily stored?
Yes, the SOLE SR550 can be easily stored. It folds up vertically and has front wheels for smooth transport​.

What warranties do SOLE and Life Fitness offer?
The SOLE SR550 comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, 2 years on parts, and 1 year on labor. The Life Fitness Heat Row has a 7-year warranty on the frame and 1 year on parts and labor​.