Hydrow Rowing Machine Review

The Hydrow Rower has revolutionized the home fitness landscape by offering an immersive, connected rowing experience. Often compared to the Peloton for rowers, Hydrow delivers a blend of sleek design, advanced technology, and engaging workout content, making it a top choice for those seeking a high-end rowing machine. This review will cover the pros and cons, features, and performance of the Hydrow Rower, helping you decide if it’s the right investment for your home gym.

Pros and Cons of the Hydrow Rowing Machine

Pros

    Immersive Workout Experience

    Hydrow’s standout feature is its 22-inch HD touchscreen display that streams live and on-demand rowing workouts filmed in real-world locations. Whether you’re rowing on the Thames or across scenic lakes in the U.S., the lifelike visuals and realistic water sounds make for an engaging and enjoyable workout.

    Interactive, Connected Fitness

    Hydrow offers live classes led by professional athletes, as well as an extensive library of on-demand classes. These interactive sessions simulate real rowing experiences, including pace adjustments based on the rowing speed of the trainer. The platform also includes leaderboards, so you can compete against others, adding a motivational element.

    Sleek, Modern Design

    Hydrow’s aesthetics are hard to beat. Its minimalistic, sleek design fits perfectly in a modern home gym setting, combining form and function. The black and silver finish, along with a compact footprint, ensures it doesn’t dominate your living space.

    Smooth and Quiet Resistance

    Hydrow uses a magnetic resistance system powered by an electromagnetic drag mechanism. This ensures a whisper-quiet rowing experience, making it ideal for shared spaces where noise levels are a concern. The resistance system is dynamic, meaning it automatically adjusts to match your rowing intensity.

    Comprehensive Full-Body Workout

    Rowing is known for its ability to engage nearly 86% of your body’s muscles. With Hydrow, you’ll be working your arms, legs, core, and back in every stroke. Additionally, the platform offers various non-rowing workouts, including strength training, yoga, and Pilates, giving you a well-rounded fitness experience.

Cons

    High Price Point

    Hydrow is one of the more expensive rowing machines on the market, with a retail price above $2,000. While its immersive features and high-quality construction justify the cost for many users, it may be a steep investment for those on a budget.

    Subscription Required for Full Functionality

    To get the most out of Hydrow, you’ll need a subscription to their connected fitness platform, which costs around $38 per month. While this subscription grants you access to live classes, on-demand content, and tracking features, it adds to the long-term cost of owning the machine.

    Heavier and Less Portable

    Weighing around 145 pounds, the Hydrow is not as lightweight or portable as some other rowing machines like the Concept2 Model D. While it does have wheels for mobility, its weight and size may make it harder to move or store, especially in smaller spaces.

Hydrow Features and Performance

1. 22-Inch HD Touchscreen

The large 22-inch display is the centerpiece of the Hydrow Rower. It provides a crisp, clear picture, offering a stunning visual experience when following rowing workouts across beautiful landscapes. The screen is also user-friendly and can be tilted to accommodate different viewing angles. In addition to rowing classes, the touchscreen can be used for strength, yoga, and Pilates classes, offering a versatile fitness experience.

2. Realistic Rowing Feel

The Hydrow’s electromagnetic resistance system is designed to replicate the feel of rowing on water. The machine is built with a proprietary drag mechanism that provides smooth resistance, offering a natural rowing motion that mimics the experience of being out on the water. The dynamic resistance automatically adjusts to match your intensity, so the harder you row, the more challenging it becomes.

3. Connected Fitness Platform

Hydrow’s real selling point is its connected fitness platform. With a subscription, you gain access to a vast library of on-demand and live classes, including rowing sessions shot in picturesque locations worldwide. The classes are led by professional athletes, providing a motivational and engaging workout. Users can follow a structured workout plan, join live classes, or choose from a variety of rowing challenges.

Beyond rowing, Hydrow offers a wide variety of workouts that focus on strength training, stretching, and mobility exercises. This makes Hydrow not only a rowing machine but also a comprehensive home fitness solution.

4. Quiet and Smooth Performance

One of the major concerns with home rowing machines is the noise they generate, especially if you have neighbors or live in an apartment. Hydrow addresses this issue by using a magnetic resistance system, which results in a quieter rowing experience compared to air resistance models like the Concept2. The smoothness of the rowing stroke also contributes to a more enjoyable, consistent workout.

5. Built for Durability

Hydrow is constructed with premium materials that make it sturdy and durable, supporting up to 375 pounds. It features a sleek aluminum and steel frame, which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures that the machine is built to last. The seat glides smoothly on the track, and the handle is ergonomically designed for comfort during long workout sessions.

6. Metrics and Performance Tracking

Hydrow offers advanced performance tracking, displaying real-time metrics such as stroke rate, distance, time, and calories burned. The interface also tracks your progress over time, allowing you to set and reach your fitness goals. Additionally, it syncs with external fitness trackers like Apple Health, Fitbit, and Strava, so you can easily keep track of your workouts across platforms.

7. User-Friendly App Integration

The Hydrow app provides users with flexibility, enabling them to access classes and monitor workout stats on the go. Whether you’re traveling or just want to fit in a quick workout without using the rower, the app allows you to stay connected to your fitness plan. The app syncs seamlessly with the machine, keeping track of your stats and progress across different devices.

Is the Hydrow Rower Worth the Investment?

The Hydrow Rower is undoubtedly a premium product, both in terms of price and performance. It’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize the connected fitness experience, similar to a Peloton. The ability to stream live and on-demand workouts, combined with the machine’s sleek design and realistic rowing feel, makes it a top contender for serious fitness enthusiasts.

However, the high price tag and the need for a monthly subscription may be a deterrent for some. If you’re not interested in interactive classes or connected fitness, other high-end rowers like the Concept2 Model D or the WaterRower might be better alternatives that provide excellent performance without the ongoing subscription costs.

For those looking for a connected fitness solution that delivers a full-body workout with real-time motivation, Hydrow is well worth the investment. The combination of immersive visuals, competitive features, and silent performance makes it a standout product in the world of home rowing machines.

Final Verdict

The Hydrow Rower is an investment in both fitness and experience. Its seamless integration of interactive classes, sleek design, and realistic rowing motion sets it apart from traditional rowers. While it may come at a premium price, for users looking for a high-quality, connected fitness experience that engages the whole body, Hydrow is one of the best options available on the market.