Last year we all learned a little bit about working out at home, and many of us started (or expanded) our ‘at-home-gyms’. The biggest change I made to my at-home-gym in 2020 was adding the Hydrow. I had some rowing experience from high school, but it had been so long that I was basically starting as a beginner. I am going to dive deep into this decision, and tell you all about what I love about the Hydrow. First let me just sum it up by saying I am SO glad I added it to my at home workout routine, it is life changing! Hydrow is so much more than just a piece of exercise equipment. It is an immersive experience, a community, and a lifestyle. So let’s jump in!
What is Hydrow? Favorite Features
The quick answer is Hydrow is a rowing machine, but you probably already know that. It is an at home rower that offers live and on demand classes. Hydrow is different from other rowing machines, with a patented drag mechanism that is electromagnetic and computer-controlled. It is a smooth, rhythmic, and easy on the joints workout experience, that even promotes bone density. You can get a better workout in half the time with Hydrow, when compared to cycling and running.
My personal favorite feature of the Hydrow is the beautiful view while I am working out. Hydrow’s 22” touchscreen display and impressive front-facing speakers bring the river right to your living room. Hydrow athletes record classes live on waterways from around the world. Their patented drag system makes you feel like you are right there on the water with the Hydrow Athletes.
Other favorite features include:
- Athletes record content live from the water, bringing live outdoor reality to your living room
- An industrial-grade webbed foot strap that makes each stroke smooth, virtually silent, and comfortable
- An ergonomically designed 10-roller system seat that provides comfort throughout your workout.
- A wheel system that makes it easy to move around your home
- The beautiful, elegant and sophisticated design
- Smart storage ability for small spaces, the display screen can fold forward as you tilt the machine up against the wall in between workouts (note: this requires the upright storage kit)
Is Hydrow Worth It?
Is Hydrow worth it? Quick answer, YES. Best Reviews reviewed over 60 different rowing machines, and rated Hydrow as the ‘best of the best’. The biggest hurdle to getting a Hydrow for most will be the price tag. It is natural to feel some sticker shock at the $2520 price tag, but stick with me. Over two grand may sound like a lot, but $2520 may not be as bad as it sounds when you start comparing it to the cost of a gym membership, other workout equipment, or even the cost required to actually get out rowing on the river.
Hydrow is truly a full body workout, working out 86% of your muscles in one smooth and immersive motion. I love what Hydrow says on their website, it is the perfect description of the Hydrow experience:
There’s no pounding or jerking. No whirling, bouncing, or spinning furiously… It’s smooth, rhythmic, poetic. The fluid movement of rowing pushes the body and releases the mind. This is a machine that moves with you. You adapt, change, grow… and it grows along with you.
The cost is also easier to grasp with their 30-day risk free trial period and interest free payment plan options (more details on that later). And the fact that their classes go beyond just rowing, to on the mat. Hydrow on the mat classes give you a bigger bang for your buck, as well as more comprehensive workout options.
So is Hydrow worth it? If you are an avid rower, already enjoy a good rowing workout, and want to save some money on gym time, it’s definitely worth considering. Or if you just want to take your rowing experience to the next level. You could even see it as an investment over time. If you’re not a rower, and you already have a good workout routine, you could still call it an investment in your health and happiness. You do not need to have any experience rowing at all to use Hydrow. It is easy to learn, and a very efficient and effective way to work out.
The price tag was definitely the biggest hurdle for me. It’s a lot of money! Only you can answer ‘is Hydrow worth it’ for yourself! I’m going to share some of the reasons this was the best, and most life changing addition to my workout routine I’ve ever made, so you can make the right decision for you.
Why Choose Hydrow Over Other Rower Options
In the article I mentioned above, Best Reviews actually spent 41 hours testing rowing machines, and did not have one negative thing to say about the experience with Hydrow (no surprise to me). The only con they listed was the price tag.
Hydrow won out over all the other rowing machines for many reasons. Here are a few reasons to choose Hydrow over other rowing machines:
- 22” screen which offers high intensity, varied, and motivating workout options (ps. They even have on the mat classes for when you need a break from rowing, I love the yoga classes!)
- How immersive the experience is, you feel almost like you are right there on the river
- Powerful speakers offer a superior listening experience
- A comfortable grip and seat is just one proof that Hydrow really considered every detail while designing their machine
- The smooth and quiet ride makes it a non-intrusive experience if you share a workout space with others in your family or home
- It comes with free standard shipping
- The modern design is sleek and beautiful
- The screen is both dust and sweat resistant, I’ve had it for about 8 months now and it always looks pristine
These are just a few of the many reasons to choose Hydrow over other rowing machines.
Hydrow Specs – Dimensions, Design, The App, And More
Before buying a Hydrow it is important to review all the specs, so you can really visualize how it will fit into your lifestyle.
Specifications
Here are the basic Hydrow specs:
Hydrow Dimensions
86″L x 25″W x 47″H
Stored Dimensions*
25″W x 33″D x 86″H
*the Upright Storage Kit (sold separately) is required for vertical storage.
Hydrow Weight
145 lbs; 197 lbs boxed
HEIGHT LIMIT
Fits up to a 36” inseam
Weight Limit
Holds up to 375 lbs (170 kg)
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080 Full HD
Screen Size
22”
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.0-enabled for heart-rate monitors and audio, I easily connect my airpods to the Hydrow when I row.
Foot Bed Adjustment
Easy adjustment for correct foot placement, I have size 6 feet and it fits me perfectly, it also adjusts to meet my husband’s needs at mens size 11, and beyond.
Handle
Ergonomic design for low-stress grip, it is easy and comfortable to hold, and has never caused me any stress or discomfort.
Design
The Hydrow design is no accident, it was thoughtfully crafted by a man who has a long family history of shell building. It started with a patented technology that creates the feeling that you are actually on the water. Hydrow then built an immersive experience around this technology, and every piece of the design is part of that experience. They thought of everything, even down to how Hydrow can work for people living in small spaces.
The App
The Hydrow app takes your Hydrow experience to a whole new level. In the app you can find additional live and on demand classes. They offer all the regular rowing, yoga and strength training classes within the Hydrow app. The app is also a fantastic place to connect with other members, track meters rowed, and other metrics, learn about challenges and earn new achievements, and even build teams with other Hydrow members and learn about races going on.
Three Options Before Spending $2520 on Hydrow
The price tag doesn’t need to be a huge hurdle. There are a lot of ways to tackle the $2520 in a financially savvy way. You can actually use all three of these tips together!
Use My Discount Code!
The first way to save is to use my discount code, RACHAEL100, to get $100 off your order!
Financing
Hydrow offers zero interest financing for up to three years after you purchase! That could make your payment around $68/month after my discount code!
In Home Trial (Risk Free)
Hydrow also offers a 30-day risk free trial! If you aren’t happy with your purchase after 30 days you can return it for a full refund.
But Why Do People Love Hydrow So Much?
The easiest way to get an answer to this question is to hop on the Hydrow yourself. It isn’t something you can explain, so much as it is something you feel. Aside from that immersive, one of a kind experience, the reasons I love Hydrow are:
- The full body workout it offers! When I am rowing I sometimes even forget that I am working out because the motion is so fluid and gentle on my muscles, but when I get off the Hydrow I can feel it in every muscle in my body! It has strengthened my core, legs, arms, back and shoulders, and is also a great cardio workout.
- The community! Every time you get in a class you can see the other rowers on the leaderboard. You get a really strong sense of community and support.
- How beautiful it is! I absolutely love the sleek and modern design. It fits beautifully into our home.
What If I’m Not A Rower?
You do not need to be a rower to use Hydrow. When I was reading up about other rowing machines to compare, that was one complaint I came across, that other rowing machines have a steep learning curve. That is NOT the case with Hydrow. The machine is very intuitive, and they also have step by step classes that will teach you how to row correctly on your Hydrow. They also have classes for all levels, and even if you find a class difficult, you always have the option to slow down and take it at your pace. You definitely do not need to have any rowing experience.
My Favorite Hydrow Classes
Hydrow has a ton of different classes to offer. There are climbing interval classes, cool down rows, specific music rows, warm up rows, There are also beginner rows and more advanced ones! If your goal is to build endurance, there are classes for that, or if you want to push your limits on maximum effort. There are also yoga and strength classes!
My Favorite Hydrow Instructors
My personal favorite instructors are James Diez, Mac Evans, and Dani Hansen. James Diez is really encouraging and fun to row with. He is funny and makes me forget how hard I am working. Mac Evans is really good at keeping motivation up while still having a good time. Dani Hansen has great attention to detail and leads lots of high-energy workouts.
TLDR
This is a LONG blog post. I had a lot to say about my Hydrow! If you were looking for specific information about the Hydrow, I hope you found it here. For a brief overview, I absolutely love using the hydrow. There are so many options for classes whether you are a beginner or experienced. It is also a very affordable piece of exercise equipment! Of all the rowing machine options out there, this one is by far the best for its variety of different features.
If you are interested to learn more about Hydrow, you can head to their website. If you decide to purchase, be sure to use my code, RACHAEL100, to get $100 off your order!
