Getting Started
Setting the Level of the Base Rail
The Slider needs to be set exactly level for optimal performance and to prevent the moving frame rolling more to one end of the base rail frame than the other. The rear leg of the Slider base frame has an adjustable height system that compensates for uneven floor surfaces. The two large knobs located at the top of the rear leg are used to adjust the level of each side of the base rail.
There is a spirit level positioned between the two height adjuster knobs for quick reference when setting the level of the base rail. Turn the knobs to raise or lower the rear leg until the base rails are level. Check that the bubble is set clearly equal within the indicator lines. Make sure that each height adjuster side is set at the equal height, that not just one side is supporting the weight of the machine.
Once the Slider is set level it is ready to be used for the first time. When moving the machine around to different locations check that the Slider base rail frame is still set level before using again.
Understanding the Movement of the Slider
The Slider is uniquely different from all other rowing machines. When you first sit on the machine and place your feet on the footplate you will no doubt notice the main difference – the machine moves. This might feel unnatural for the first time but it takes very little time to get used to.
Take a moment to set your feet to the preferred height setting and tighten the straps. Turn on the monitor and set the resistance by moving the lever on the side of the flywheel. You might create some momentum in the rolling frame by moving your body weight around getting ready, so if you find that you have rolled toward the front or back of the base frame, lightly push yourself back to the centre range of the base frame before taking the first stroke.
If you find that you hit the end stops at the very first stroke, it will be because the rolling top frame was too close to one end before starting. Stop and center the rolling frame and start again in the centre of the range of travel to prevent getting stuck pushing yourself and the rolling frame back and forward from one end to the other.
One easy way to get a good understanding of how the Slider works is to row with one leg only. Place one leg on the footplate and the other on the floor outside the base frame. Use your foot placed on the floor to hold the seat position stationary relative to the floor and then while holding the handle, push the front of the machine away. Take a few strokes to get the rhythm and range of movement with the one leg rowing then when ready, place the other leg onto the footplate and try rowing normally.
Once you get into a good rhythm and understanding of the movement of the Slider you should have a long range of travel without worrying about hitting the end stops. The Slider responds to how smoothly you transfer your body weight during the drive and recovery phases of the stroke cycle and rewards consistency in technique. If you find yourself moving closer to one end of the base frame, there is a bungee cord that will act to reverse some of that momentum and help center the machine into a neutral zone where there will be no bungee acting on the rolling frame at all.
The objective is to keep the movement of the seat relative to the floor to a minimum and have the rolling frame of the Slider do all of the moving. Ideally check your technique by using a mirror, reflection in the window or video.
If you consistently move toward one end of the machine it may be a result of how you coordinate your technique, particularly on the recovery, or that the Slider has not been set exactly level. Ruling out the level of the Slider check that your legs are straight until the handle has gone past the knees on the recovery. Bending the knees early in the recovery phase generates momentum forward on the seat and subsequently on rolling frame causing it to move closer to the front end of the machine, however the bungee will help action the rolling frame back toward the centre and away from the end stops.