Home > Fitness

Not Just for Rowing: Hydrow Offers Live and Recorded Classes of All Kinds

Hydrow machine workout(Photo/Hydrow)
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

Hydrow aims for realism with unique rowing machine tech that responds to your movement. Its live classes are led by expert rowers on waters around the world.

Hydrow’s goal is to give rowers an immersive, full-body workout that stays fresh over time. Beyond rowing, there are thousands of workout videos for your conditioning.

If you think fitting in a run or ride on a busy day is a challenge, try rowing. Getting down to the water to row is time-intensive, and for many, not even an option. With Hydrow, you can row at home and join live or pre-recorded classes filmed on popular lakes and rivers.

But really, this rowing machine is all about giving you a full workout that engages several muscle groups and a cardio burn without leaving the house.

Shop Hydrow
Hydrow In Home
(Photo/Hydrow)

How Hydrow Mimics Real Rowing

The Hydrow rowing machine tries to replicate that experience through a patented technology that adjusts the feel of the rower. It uses a patented electromagnetic resistance that adjusts the feel based on certain algorithms, and a computer adjusts its drag mechanism.

Adding to the reality of that experience is the high-definition video monitor to follow along live with expert rowers through real locations. Workouts are led by its roster of athletes, including former — and current — Olympians, Paralympians, and members of the U.S. National team. These rowers are there to guide and motivate you through the waters of London, Miami, Boston, and more.

If you can’t make a live class, there are dozens of pre-recorded classes to choose from. It may not be as immersive, but you’ll still get expert instruction and a scenic backdrop.

Hydrow Exercise beyond rowing
(Photo/Hydrow)

Comprehensive Workouts

The rowing motion engages nine muscle groups in the lower body, core, and upper body without any heavy impact. Ellipticals and upright bikes may get the upper and lower body moving at the same time, but typically in a more limited range of motion.

Hydrow points out the combined benefits of a heart-pumping cardio workout, mental focus on form and effort to shut out mental distractions, and being part of a like-minded online community.

It’s not all rowing, either. Lay down a mat alongside the Hydrow and angle the screen toward you to take advantage of thousands of On The Mat workouts, like yoga, Pilates, and strength training.

Hydrow Machine

Hydrow Highlights

  • Full-body workout
  • Bluetooth-enabled for heart-rate monitoring/audio
  • 22″ HD touchscreen
  • 3,000+ workout catalog
  • Elite athlete instructors

The Hydrow has an aluminum frame with a gliding seat, front-facing speakers, and an embedded camera. Sitting in front is a 22-inch high-definition touchscreen that is sweat- and dust-resistant.

The machine’s streamlined design is shaped to work with your body and to have a modern look in your space when not in use. In fact, there’s a home storage kit that enables you to store the rower upright.

Beyond the Workout

Hydrow workouts also have a built-in charity component that may add incentive or just feel good. For every 25 days of workouts, the brand makes a donation to Water.org, granting one person access to a lifetime of clean water and sanitation.

Shop Hydrow

The Hydrow connected rowing machine costs $2,295. Financing is also available, with payments as low as $56 a month and 0% APR for 36 months.


This post is sponsored by Hydrow. Find out more about its rowing machine and workouts online. 

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!