Complete Review Of The Hydrow Rower

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What is a Hydrow?

Hydrow rower is a superbly engineered state of the art rowing machine.  Unlike most other rowers on the market, Hydrow has a 22-inch high definition monitor that is capable of streaming workout classes live or on-demand from the water, from places like Boston, Miami and New York.  Rowing is a simple way to get an all body workout and stay healthy. Hydrow is a low intensity fitness and workout equipment and there are classes for all levels.

In addition to the live classes, you also have access to prerecorded classes (on-demand). The monitor of the Hydrow also swivels and you can use it for other workouts like yoga, Pilates and exercises for warm up and cool down.  Although you can use the Hydrow without a subscription, to get the best results, a monthly subscription is highly recommended.

History of rowing in Philadelphia: Kelly Drive and Boathouse Row

Philadelphia is generally considered to be the rowing capital of the United States.  The “Fairmount Dam” was built on the Schuylkill River in 1821 and the first race was held in 1835.  The historic Boathouse Row is located right next to the dam along the Kelly Drive (named after famous Philadelphia oarsman John B. Kelly). 

The Boathouse Row has 15 boathouses that houses rowing clubs.  Boathouses number 2 to 14 are part of the historic “Schuylkill Navy”.  Most of these boathouses are between 100 to 150 years old.  If you ever visit Philadelphia, a walk from the Schuylkill River Banks (Walnut or Chestnut Street in Center City) to Boathouse Row is highly recommended (you can bike as well).

I have seen many boat races in Philadelphia over the years. I was inspired. A few years ago I began to integrate rowing as part of my exercise routine. I travel a lot for work and I found it difficult to maintain a regular rowing schedule. It is then I decided to join Orange Theory (OT). OT has studios in many American cities. OT also incorporates rowing in most of their classes.

One of my favorite activities at Orange Theory are the group rows and the 2000-meter benchmark row (The 2000 meters row for time is the standard distance in world championships).  Group row is fun and it involves team work. The goal is to row in harmony with the rest of your team. For those who are new to rowing, the 2000 meter row can be difficult. But over time it will definitely get easier. Rowing moderately for about 20 minutes a day is all I need!!

What are the Benefits of Rowing?

Rowing machine workouts have many benefits compared to other forms of exercises. Rowing can benefit men and women.

Muscle engagement: When you train on the Hydrow or other rowing machines, you will be engaging about 86% of your muscles.  This is significantly higher than biking or running.  Biking or running typically engage only about 44% of the muscles.

Rowing is low intensity: Rowing is a high intensity exercise that has a much lower impact on your body.  The risk of hurting yourself while sitting down is much lower.  If you are a beginner or someone who has never rowed before, you should spend a little bit of time learning how to row before you start exercising (Watch the video below to learn the three simple steps of the rowing stroke). Similar videos can also be accessed using the touch screen monitor of the Hydrow rower.

Rowing is a full body workout: Rowing is a full body workout.  As you row you are relaxing and crunching your core.  In addition, as you are pushing your seat back you are also exercising the lower body.  Over a period of time rowing will tone your legs, abs and the buttocks.

You can row frequently: Biking and running have a higher impact on your body than rowing.  Recovery takes longer.  I have noticed that I can row more often during the week compared to running.

Proper Rowing Machine Form

Proper rowing machine form is important. The rowing stroke involves three steps. 1) Arms away (this is the finish position) 2) Core rocking over hips and 3) Knees coming up to the chest (this position is known as the catch). Watch the video below.

What are the Differences between Hydrow and other rowing machines?

There are a few key differences between the Hydrow and other rowing machines that is worth noting.

Hydrow is sleek, modern and compact.

• One of the first things you will notice about the Hydrow is its sleek and modern design and look.  The Hydrow is the only rowing machine that actually resembles a rowing boat.  In comparison, the others like the popular Concept 2 rowing machine, WaterRower and the Stamina Air Rower actually look like machinery on top of which you sit and row. 

• When you are rowing on the Hydrow, and watching the live or on-demand video, you will actually feel that you are outdoors and training with others. You are not looking at a blank wall or trying to focus on a small monitor. The attention to detail in terms of design, engineering and comfort puts the Hydrow in a totally different playing field.

Hydrow is quieter.

• The rowers that we commonly see and use, including the ones that are in the most popular studios in this country, have either a water tank or a fan.  Hydrow is based on a software driven electro-magnetic resistance technology.  Electro-magnetic resistance is quieter than resistance based on fan or water (electro-magnetic resistance is a frictionless technology).  Quietness is important for indoor rowing. 

• You will be able to listen to the trainers a lot better. The high definition monitors have speakers and you can also listen using Bluetooth headphones.

Hydrow has a high definition touch screen monitor.

• Hydrow by crew has high quality monitors and speakers that I have not seen on any other rowing machine (22″ High Definition).  Most rowing machines have smaller monitors.  Many rowing machines have smaller monitors to the side of the machine.  This means that when you are rowing, you have to constantly look a little bit to your right or left to see how you are performing. 

• The Hydrow monitor is right in front of you and you can see real time statistics (and of course the video) as you are sliding forward and backward. 

Hydrow has “On The Mat” workouts.

• The monitor of the Hydro can swivel.   By doing this you are able to add variety to your workouts.  You can do yoga, interval training, and pilates sessions to improve strength and flexibility. There are several “On The Mat” workout videos that are designed to compliment your rowing and your exercise goals. 

• There are “On The Mat” videos for all three categories (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced).

Hydrow is the Peloton of rowing.

• Hydrow calls it “Live Outdoor Reality”.  There are many live and prerecorded videos that you can access using the monitor.  These include training videos on how to row, warm up and cool down videos, 20-minute, 30-minute or 40-minute rowing videos etc.  You can also pick the location where you want to row that day. 

• The instructors have cameras and speakers located strategically on their rowing boats (shells). You can actually hear the water splashing and see the birds flying by. New videos are added daily.   You are naturally inclined to row in sync with the instructor and you will feel that you are part of a team.  You can communicate with the other team members or compete with them.

What is Hydrow Training Camp?

Hydrow training camp is a six-week program (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced). There are four rowing sessions each week.  Each session will last about 20 to 45 minutes.  Your progress will be tracked.  Separate registration is not required.

What is Hydrow Solo expeditions?

Let’s say you are not in the mood for a live exercise session or want to train with others. Hydrow has a very cool feature for you called solo expeditions.  You can select a video and row though very scenic locations without anyone present (including the instructor).  You can row at your own pace and enjoy the sights and sounds. This is one of my favorite features.

Who are Hydrow Athletes?

Hydrow Athletes are individuals who lead the classes.  The athletes are all professional world-class competitors in rowing. I have attended classes in studios in and around Philadelphia, where the “coach” is someone who has a few weeks of training.  This is not the case at Hydrow.  The “Hydrow Athletes” have serious rowing experience.

How much does the Hydrow cost?

You can buy a Hydrow for around $2199.00.  Click here for the updated price. 

Does Hydrow require subscription?

Yes.  Hydrow rower is designed to be used with a Hydrow membership.  The membership costs $38/month.  Most of the key features of the Hydrow, including the Live Outdoor Reality workouts, on-demand workouts, Pilates, strengthening and stretching workouts (Hydrow mat features) and the ability to connect with other rowers can only be done with a Hydrow membership.

Can you use the Hydrow without monthly subscription?

Yes. Hydrow has a feature called “Just Row”.  In the Just Row mode, you can row as long as you want.  You will be able to adjust the drag and the resistance using the monitor.  You will also be able to access the “learn to row” video and view the on-screen metrics when you row.  You obviously cannot access the live or recorded sessions.  You can activate and subscribe later if you want to.

Does the Hydrow have any major disadvantages?

The Hydrow does not have any major flaws.  The way the Hydrow is designed and built and rower’s Live Outdoor Reality features puts the it in a league of its own for the time being.  You may want to consider the following before making a decision: 1) Is the Hydrow expensive 2) Using Hydrow without subscription.

• Is the Hydrow expensive?

Cost is relative.  It will depend on your financial situation among other things.  A top of the line rower like the Hydrow can easily last for ten years.  Also, you should consider the fact that everyday, you can participate in classes lead by very accomplished rowers (For example Christine Cavallo is one of the Hydrow Athletes. She is a three time world record setter and has participated in the world championships six times).

You can try the Hydrow risk-free for 30 days and also finance it ($0 down, 0% APR financing for 36 months).

The live outdoor reality concept separates the Hydrow from the others. I can understand why some traditional rowers like Concept2 and similar machines.  But the trend is towards fitness regimens that are interactive and can provide a richer overall experience. Hydrow also offers a 30-day risk free home trial with free Standard shipping.

• Using the Hydrow without subscription.

I would not recommend buying the Hydrow if you are thinking of using it without the subscription.  I wish that in the future Hydrow allows users who do not have a subscription to access a few on-demand videos (like the solo expeditions) when they are working out.   

Best home rowing machine.

Hydrow is definitely worth buying if you are in the market for a rowing machine or looking for a full body workout.  Shorter and dynamic at-home workouts are important in today’s world.  Rowing with Hydrow is the perfect solution.

Do you like rowing? What do you think about the Hydrow?

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