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We like
- Olympian-led workouts
- Workout variety
- Easy to store
- Spot-on metrics
- Connects to Apple Watch
We don't like
- Would like more compelling location options
- Include floor mat in all machine orders
Rowing, Reimagined:
Hydrow's innovative approach to rowing workouts helps me accomplish my goal by transporting me to virtual rowing adventures across the globe. No, I can’t teleport, but Hydrow’s immersive display makes me feel like I can. This feature allows me to choose where I row with its Live Outdoor Reality sessions. I personally enjoy rowing along with the serene waters of Seward, Alaska, or the historic canals of Prague, but for those craving a more stimulating view, the bustling cityscapes of Boston and Tampa also bring the thrill of outdoor rowing into your home.
When I initially looked into purchasing a rowing machine for myself, I made a list of “must-haves.” I scoured the internet for options, watching YouTube videos and reading up on listicles. I came across a ton of positive reviews on Hydrow in my research. Like many others, I’ve heard about Hydrow being the new “it” workout. I mean, the brand has none other than Khloe Kardashian as an ambassador. While I don’t usually consider myself the type to be influenced easily, after doing further research into rowing’s long-term benefits like joint longevity and improved cardiorespiratory fitness, I was sold.
Built to Impress
My delivery and assembly experience with the Hydrow was mostly smooth, although there was a small hiccup. The assembly team didn’t know about the mat that goes underneath, so I had to deal with that afterward, which was a bit inconvenient since the machine is quite heavy. Setting up the Hydrow itself was easy, but I found the keyboard inputs clunky when registering for an account, including entering all the personal and payment information. It would have been much more seamless if those steps were handled during the ordering process, and have it already be populated and activated in the Hydrow when you first login. Overall, though, the initial setup went fairly well, despite these minor issues.
At a price of $2,195, the Hydrow Pro certainly isn't a small investment, but with nearly 10,000 online reviews, it’s clear that many find its value undeniable. The machine boasts a beautiful design, crafted from aluminum and steel for durability and stability. Its ergonomic build, including comfortable seating, makes for a smooth, low-impact workout that’s easy on the body. With its 22” HD rotating display, the workouts feel truly immersive, and I love that I can track my workout metrics right on the screen and on my Oura Ring.
The machine itself is quite large –86" long, 25" wide, and 47" high–but it easily connects to Bluetooth and heart rate monitors, enhancing the overall experience. Thankfully, the design allows me to condense the machine and store it away, so it doesn’t have to take up so much space if I don’t want it to. I think it would be even better if they added some gamification features or interactive games to offer a fun alternative to the usual rowing sessions.
Breathe, Sweat, Drive
In the realm of app-based home fitness, Hydrow stands out with its blend of outdoor adventure and expert guidance. It transforms rowing from a mundane task into an exhilarating journey, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional home workouts like Peloton. While Peloton revolutionized cycling workouts, Hydrow fills the upper body gap, offering a complete at-home fitness solution.
Hydrow's workouts are categorized into three intensity levels: Breathe, Sweat, and Drive, offering a range of challenges for all fitness levels. Your progress is displayed on the screen, making it easy to track your rhythm and set personal goals as you row. It would be great for Hydrow to incorporate more tools for finding friends, sharing progress, and competing, along with the ability to see when others are rowing and what workouts they’re doing.
The heart of Hydrow's workout philosophy lies in its emphasis on rhythm rather than traditional metrics like resistance or split times. Classes are designed around stroke rate, encouraging you to focus on maintaining a consistent pace, much like you would in actual water rowing. Using a rhythm-centric approach not only makes the workout feel closer to authenticity and accessibility, but it takes away the need for constant adjustments. The Hydrow instructors are great at helping me maintain my rhythm, which, according to experts, mirrors how professional rowers shift their movement emphasis from the knee to the hip at higher stroke rates.
The natural variability in coordination throughout different phases of rowing is seamlessly integrated into each session, making the workouts both engaging and effective across varying intensities. Adding to the workout’s rhythmic focus, Hydrow also enhances the experience with expertly curated playlists that match the workout's intensity, helping me maintain focus and motivation, and making each session feel as if it’s flying by.
When I begin a workout, Hydrow’s music library will either play music specifically curated by the Athlete leading the session or a playlist focused on a genre the trainer has selected. If the playlist chosen by the Athlete isn’t quite my style or doesn’t fit the mood I’m feeling, I like that I can easily switch to a different genre before the workout starts or even in the middle of it. Some of Hydrow’s workouts, like Distance rows or Journeys, don’t usually have any music. But what’s nice is that I can use the music library to add music, which personalizes my session a bit more.
Read Deal Training
Hydrow’s instructors, known as The Hydrow Athletes, include former Olympians like Aquil Abdullah, an American Olympic rower, and Peter Donohoe, a two-time Irish Olympian in bobsledding, as well as former Paralympian Dani Hani and Nick Karwoski, a former U.S. National Triathlon Team member. Needless to say these trainers are absolute beasts when it comes to rowing, but they also lead each session with care and expertise, adding in personal tips on technique and motivation to keep your blood pumping.
To make the Hydrow experience even more riveting, the instructors sometimes navigate real-life obstacles like swans and bridges, adding a little twist to whichever Live Outdoor Reality session I choose. Though I laugh just thinking about it, the surprise also creates a dynamic and interactive experience that keeps me on my toes. I personally love all of the sessions led by coaches, however, I do prefer rowing solo. There’s something so peaceful about tuning out and rowing to the flow. I’d love to see even more scenic routes added, like rowing down the Seine in Paris, through Miami Bay overlooking Downtown, along the river in Aspen, the New York City skyline view from the East River, or on the River Thames with views of the London Eye and Buckingham Palace–even the Rio de la Plata with the Buenos Aires skyline would make for a stunning experience.
From Row to Flow
Unlike other platforms that calibrate workouts based on individual fitness levels, Hydrow allows the user to set their own pace and challenges. This encourages a sense of personal accountability and growth, as you learn to push your limits and track your progress over time. However, while many of the rowing sessions are great if you already have a passion for rowing, some of the content can feel a bit monotonous if you’re new to the experience.
I’d love to see an update in rowing session diversity, perhaps with a mini-series designed to help new rowers ease into the discipline of a full rowing session. This could make the transition smoother and keep things more engaging for those of us just starting out.
What I appreciate about Hydrow is that if I want to pivot away from rowing overall for a few workouts, versatility awaits. The platform offers alternative workouts, including yoga and circuit training, which keeps my fitness routine varied and interesting. As a certified yoga instructor, you can imagine how much I love this feature!
Worth the Investment
Before Hydrow, rowing machines were something I never gave a second glance at the gym. They just didn't seem like my thing. But Hydrow has changed that for me by meeting me where I am– letting me train at my own pace while keeping me visually engaged with its Live Outdoor Reality feature. I love that I can row through places like the canals of Prague or the waters of Alaska, which makes each workout feel like a mini adventure rather than a monotonous task.
The option to customize my workouts is another perk, though I’m excited for Hydrow to add even more versatility to the rowing experience. There’s a stereotype that yoga girls aren’t into cardio, but I have to admit, Hydrow is slowly but surely changing my mind. I’ve realized that the benefits of using this machine– from improved cardio fitness to better joint health– are too good to ignore, and I love how energized and accomplished I feel after each session.
With Hydrow, you’re not just exercising–you’re embarking on a global rowing expedition from the comfort of your home. I might not be gearing up for the LA Olympics in 2028, but I’m genuinely excited to see how much I’ll progress over time.
