As a 72 year old beginner, this is the perfect rowing machine. Resistance is very adjustable and suitable for beginners to moderately experienced users. It is silent, a wonderful feature. The machine is light and easily moved, it can be stored upright in a small closet. Rollers on the front make for very easy moving without heavy lifting. I bought mine as a recycled fitness machine at a retail store, so I didn't get a manual; but the unit was all ready assembled. The manual is easily downloaded on the internet. One thing I found was incomplete instructions on how to reset the display console and how to access the batteries. The console simply pulls up toward the ceiling when you have the handles in a vertical position. The battery cover is on the back of the console and releases with a tab that does not need a tool. Pull the Batteries, replace them, and all counters are reset! The console turns off automatically after several minutes. I'm including these tips because they are not in the simple owners manual.