Hydrow Review | HONEST Review of the "Peloton" of Rowing Machines
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- čas přidán 5. 08. 2024
- I tried Hydrow for a month so I could share with you what you REALLY need to know before purchasing.
$100 Hydrow - Use Code SARAHEK100
Video Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:58 - Purchase Options
2:56 - Delivery
4:09 - The Machine & Accessories
8:05 - The Software
10:44 - Classes & Instructors
15:47 - Class Metrics
17:27 - The Workout
19:41 - Final Thoughts
Disclosures:
As I mentioned in this video, Hydrow sent me this machine for free to review. However, I told them in advance I would be covered pros and cons and sharing my honest experience. This video is my honest experience with the product. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
I’ve been debating buying one for couple months and was upset last week when I missed the New Year’s sale. But they just came out with a comparable promotion with a training session and mat. I decided not to wait any longer and was even happier to see that your discount code worked in conjunction with the sale price. Thanks for the honest review and the affiliate code!
That’s awesome! I hope you enjoy your new Hydrow Allan 😊
Great video, and pretty much answered all my questions perfectly. Link clicked, unit ordered, thanks for the discount coupon!
Awesome! Thanks for watching, and I hope you enjoy your new Hydrow, Matthew 😊
Thanks for this.. it was an awesome review and I just bought the hydrow through your link :)
Awesome! Glad to hear it was helpful 😊. I hope you enjoy your new Hydrow!
Great videos, thanx a bunch!
Glad to help!
The "Just Row" mode works like manual, but limits certain things. Basically makes it a gym rower, but bring your own music and motivation. And won't work if you internet is down. But they state this on their website, and a feature added after this review I believe. ( Good review)
I'm getting one as it's by far, one of the more advanced fully body workouts in a sense.
Hello Steve, in the "Just Row" mode, can one change resistance on the fly?
Thank you for the excellent review. The Hydrow is a cool looking machine, but I suspect that if I bought it, it would get a lot of use at first and then gather dust.
They also have a digital only subscription if you already have another rower like I did so it saved me from buying a whole new rower. The app is available for both Android and Apple for $19.99/month. I stream from my iPad to my Apple TV so I can watch the videos on my TV, but you could use the gym's rower with headphones and a phone cradle as long as you can stream video there. You can't have multiple users on one account and can't sync with leader boards, etc, but I'm only interested in the workouts and don't care about comparing myself to other users. And Pete Donahoe has some killer strength/mobility workouts!
Good to know!
too bad one cannot connect a PM5 Concept 2 or any other Rowers to also stream your data into the App.
Then of course, if one would be able to do that, Hydrow's own Rower and Business Model would be useless :)
What a great idea! For those budget minded subscribers, what do you think about getting this $19.99/month subscription INSTEAD of the $38/month one, and still get a Hydrow? Would we miss any other features?
@@lizgee5778 apparently you can't get the 19.99 one if you own a hydrow.
Great reviews.. we'll done
Thanks Danny 😊
I would buy one because of its sexy appeal. It looks like it belongs in a modern smart home. Still contemplating the $456/membership fee. I bet they would sell more if it was $500 or even $999 for the machine which would knock Bowflex and other machines out of the water this Christmas season but of course, at 2K, it attracts a certain type of consumer.
we got our delivered today. I set it up and will do the introductory row tonight. Should be interesting as I'm quite a bit older than you and I'm thinking my recovery time will take a bit longer.
How are you feeling about your purchase 2 months later?
@@melymel36 I haven't used it that much yet but it is very smooth and the instructors keep things interesting where the time is over before you know it.
It looks like a great machine. I do not like that it doesn't seem to be blue tooth enabled because I really like using my headphones when I work out, and also you didn't mention if there is music accompanying the instructor's classes. Other than that, it looks like a very smooth machine. Very nice and one to consider, for sure. Thanks for a great review! :))
Hi Sonia! You can enable Bluetooth headphones with the Hydrow! I just don’t use them so I must have forgotten to mention it. There is music with the rows and music themed classes as well. The music isn’t as much of a focus though in general as I’ve seen with Peloton which is all about the music (sometimes I wonder if the Hydrow instructors always know which song is playing 😅). However you do have option to completely turn off the music if you want to just listen to the instructor and replace it with your own music (on a separate device).
Great Review! Have you tried the Aviron? That's the one I am going with. Fantastic Aviron support group and from company, so many more options and constant updates and response to questions, the best ergonomics of all Rowers compared. Awesome 👌
Thanks! I haven’t tried it, but I’ll look into it!
Thank you!
Great review! Very informative. You sort of covered this at the end, but does a workout on the Hydrow measure up to your workouts on the Peleton in terms of intensity?
I think the intensity is really variable depending on how hard you go. You can get the same intensity on both the peloton and hydrow!
Ms. Sarah, thanks for your review. Want to know if there is option to increase the resistance? Is drag equivalent to resistance? Bit confused.
Hi Tima! Rowing is a bit different than cycling in that the resistance is generated by your own effort (the harder/faster you go, the more resistance there is), so you typically wouldn't manually change the resistance up or down during a row like you would on a stationary bike. The default drag set by Hydrow is set to mimic the natural resistance of water, and anything above that is based on your effort.
That being said, there is an option to increase the drag setting if you want to start at a higher baseline resistance (like you want to feel like you are rowing through honey instead of water), but it's not necessary to change it, and you can still get a great workout without changing that setting. In that, they don't recommend changing at all for most people.
Does it come with warranty or do you have to buy it separately?
Very nice and detailed review. One question I have about the follow-along workouts is: On-water rowing usually has higher stroke rates compared to those on the static rowing machines. Does Hydrow properly address this during those video tutorials, or does it totally ignore this difference and let the user blindly follow at higher than usual stroke rates? I have never had a chance to have physical access to such a machine and there is no way to gather info on this on its website.
Thanks for watching Yimin 😊. The instructors cue the strokes and are going at the same stroke rate as they are instructing. I personally haven’t noticed any problems with differences in stroke rate.
Found one on Craigslist for $1200.
Great video/ review. Thanks...Does that screen have any HDMI ports? Can you cast on the Hydrow screen, (ie: using chromecast)? Also, what if you do not get the monthly subscription?
Glad it was helpful! I don’t think there are any HDMI ports or streaming capabilities. Without the monthly subscription you are limited to I believe a Just Row option and maybe a few limited classes (I haven’t tried this). Sorry for the delay responding!
Hi Miss Sarah, Thanks for a great overview of this machine. I am considering a rowing machine more toning and for keeping active in the winter and on bad weather days. I walk 200 - 250 miles a month. In winter I pretty much do nothing for exercise because I don’t like to walk in cold snowy weather. I have a dreadmill, but get absolutely no enjoyment from walking and staring at a blank wall. I have always been intrigued by rowing machines, and feel like this could be enjoyable with the classes. So I guess my questions for you are, have you noticed any physical changes with toning since you’ve started rowing, ( I would really like to tone my arms and legs) and is it still enjoyable or has the new excitement worn off? TIA
Hi! Thanks so much for your comment 😊. I have noticed some toning (mostly on my upper body/back). I still find the classes enjoyable, but there is a bit of a honeymoon period I’ve found with most workout equipment 🙃. I still think it’s great though and use it regularly (along with my peloton that I use all the time).
Nice review, Miss Sarah E K! From a fitness perspective, you are light years ahead of me. I recently had double-knee replacement surgery and am a year past a torn patella surgery. My surgeon wants me on a bike but I've been looking at rowers because I'd like to build strength in my upper body, as well...plus lose weight. I've never rowed. I am 63. Before my knees failed, I was fairly active and walked quite a bit. I am wondering if the Hydrow would be a good fit for a newbie? Are there entry-level classes that can help me get up to speed? I also wonder if you have reviewed any of the Nordictrack rowers and what your impression of them are? Thanks much!
Hi! So glad it was helpful :) There definitely are great classes for beginners, but rowing can be a tough workout! I've found the floor classes to be pretty beginner friendly as well. I've never tried the Nordictrack rowers, but if I do, I will definitely make a review. Thanks for watching!
Get a used Concept Two rower and take it easy. You don't need the latest greatest most expensive machine. I am getting double knee replacement and I've been rowing for 35 years. I prefer outside, but Erging can be a great rainy day or winter sport. This Hydro is a nice group of rowers. Good Luck!
Sarah, on the TV is it Bluetooth capable to where we could bypass the monthly fee and mirror out phones to it?
Hi John! Hmm..I'm not sure how that would work. You could get the digital membership for $19.99 per month on your TV. Personally I think that might not be worth the cost saving to have to look at a different screen without the metrics. I haven't found a way to mirror any kind of other content to the Hydrow itself, but there might be a way to do it!
Thank you for the comprehensive review for Hydrow. Does Hydrow have the feature to connect to your wireless headphones?
Does Hydrow connect with any HR monitor or you need the specific one from Hydrow?
Thank you
I appreciate your response .
Hi Andra - thanks for watching and your comment :) Yes, you can connect bluetooth headphones! You can use different HR monitors in addition the the one they sell, but not all brands are compatible. They have more info about that here: support.hydrow.com/hc/en-us/articles/360033700571-Compatible-heart-rate-monitors
Looks like an interesting rower, but spending several thousand for a device that turns into a massive paperweight if I don't keep forking over $40 a month is a no-go.
Have you used a water rower? I’m curious how this compares as far as feel/smoothness of pull
The water rower doesn't have the option to increase your drag/resistance.
@@honeyspoonbeewrangler4550 I thought you could. It’s just a pain cuz you had to add/remove water?
@@honeyspoonbeewrangler4550 In rowing on decent machines, the biggest source of resistance if your own effort on putting power into the drive. The harder you pull, the more resistance. This is different from the “drag factor” which is an initial starting point meant to replicate a particular type of boat. Unlike cycling, one does not manually “change resistance” during a session. Pull harder!
Considering Hydrow but concerned my wife will have trouble moving it around if we store it upright against the wall because it's so heavy. Any thoughts there?
I probably wouldn’t recommend storing it against the wall on a regular basis. If I had to take it down from the wall each time I wanted to use it, that could be a bit troublesome since it’s heavy. I think the wall is a better solution if you aren’t going to use it for an extended period. That being said, it could be possible, especially if you are both there to take it down.
@@MissSarahEK Great to know, thanks Sarah!
I'll take the 1996 Gameboy screen over a subscription that cost and can't track without it. Sad that companies are doing this. The fact I don't even need to plug the Concept2 into the wall. I am not rowing for the "entertainment" value but for health and endurance value. I can take it places and enjoy nature if I need a change of scenery.
Glad to hear you found a different option that works for you 😊
I’m wondering about your comparison of this machine versus, say, a Concept 2. I’ve done over a million meters on a Concept 2 and what it lacks is a good video interface. Yet I found the sample videos for this machine to be overly chatty and on too many of them the instructors blocked the views of the surroundings. I would like a lot of “just row scenic” videos. You seemed to say there were some but that they were restricted in their functionality. Could you elaborate? Frankly, this machine also sounded louder than a Concept 2.
I am down between the Concept 2, Ergatta, and Hydrow and the subscription is really a turnoff. I would love a simply video game / racing thing on the concept 2, but with no subscription. I think I'm going to stick with the Concept 2. The subscription thing is a turn off.
I am trying to decide between the 2 as well what what you ever decide paul.
I ended up going with Hydrow. It came down to the screen and programs because sticking to using it it 99% of it. I am able to have my daughter and wife use this as well.
Also, between Father's Day, military discount, and free shipping, I got nearly $500 in savings.
After having it a month, we are all using it daily. It is very easy to do the workouts because the screen makes it 100x more engaging. I set up an old laptop and speakers in the room to run a Spotify acct and I mute the instructors talking. I also have a very nice, and powerful fan on the floor that definitely helps. When done I lift it up on the wall mount each night.
Great review! I have been using the Hydrow for over two years now and love it. The first exercise equipment ever I got I use almost daily and consistently. My wife and daughter use the Hydrow, too, making the subscription cost a no-brainer for us. The $38 monthly is way cheaper than going to a gym, and we get a good workout with it. I enjoy the variety of different Hydrow athletes they have and their different styles. I found several athletes I often select for my rows as I like their style and I enjoy rowing with them. I prefer the way Hydrow offers the rows over anything done in a class-type environment. I don't care about music when working out, so I always have the setting to listen to more of the athlete and the music in the background. They offer the option to hear more or less of the music versus the athlete, which works pretty well. They also provide a leaderboard you can show or hide on the screen I personally hardly use, although I find it interesting to have some comparison to other folks of my gender and age range after a row. The rowing library is quite extensive by now. I never had a problem finding a row based on what I wanted to accomplish, and they do offer some sets of rows if you want to improve specifics, like being able to handle longer rows. I also like that the Hydrow allows you to adjust the drag setting from the default "water-like" drag to a significantly higher drag so you can make it challenging, which some rowing workouts leverage. I also frequently participate in the offered life rows, and I enjoy the races they provide on the Hydrow, like the river Themes race and some other rowing workout challenges. I find it fantastic that they row at different locations in the US and Europe, so you get some variety in landscape, and they pick some nice places like Switzerland, Norway, and even Scottland's Loch Ness. In addition to the rowing workouts, they offer some good strength and movement, as well as Yoga classes which I find are an excellent complement to the rowing workouts I mostly use when traveling.
The original Hydrow we got is quite a heavy machine and not easily moved around, but that wasn't an issue for me. I believe they just came out with a new model that takes up less space and is lighter. The design of the original Hydrow was a personal preference over the other rowers, and we found a good area for it in our home office where we never have to move it. Hence, the size and weight weren't an issue for us when making the purchase decision. I was looking for a rowing machine that looks solid and had an online offering I enjoy, which I found with the Hydrow. I wanted a way to just get up in the morning and start my day with an excellent all-body workout without any hassle of driving to a gym. I tried, and I could never get into the routine of going to a gym. Too much friction for me, and I prefer working out on my own. Having a rowing machine at home removed all excuses to work out. Since I started using the Hydrow, I have significantly improved my cardio fitness. Fun to look back at the earlier rows and how much faster I am now. The Hydrow has been perfect for me.
Does your discount work with Canadian buyers?
I’m not sure actually, but it’s definitely worth a try!
So I can’t just row and watch tv? I’d still like the metrics? Is that possible?
I don’t think that’s possible (unless you are watching on a different screen and doing a scenic ride)
I don't understand the long form cardio aspect. you could build a stronger row with barbell rows and a seated row. easily with much less time. and supplement with static pull up holds at 45 degrees
Does it make sound or no like water sounds?
There is a sound when you pull the handle, but it doesn’t really sound like water.
Hi can you please tell me how to delete an account on this?
Did you keep the machine ? How long did you use it for? Daily?
I did keep the machine! I use it regularly, but not usually daily.
@@MissSarahEK how many calories do you burn in an hour or so?
My wife want to buy this. Do you have a link to go through and a discount?
Hi yes! It’s in the video description 😊
you've rowed before so your form looks good. Possibly test out lowering your feet one notch, as you might get a better 'forward lean' at front of stroke. For years on my c2, I think my feet were set a tad too high and it causes the thighs to get in the way just a tad more, and to get a slightly lower quality leg push. If the strap is hitting your toes, then current position is good, but if strap still seems to be comfortably below toes, you'll probably get more effective leg push.
Thanks for the tips! 🙏 I’ll try this out
I Miss Sarah! I wish I had seen your review before purchasing. I was extremely disappointed after receiving mine and getting it all set up and ready for my first 15-minute basic rowing activity, only to find out that unless I have purchased the $458 membership for classes, there is NO basic rowing included on the the machine, nor will it track your workouts. I'm going to return the machine for this reason. Why pay more than $2,000 for a device, when you can get a more reasonably priced rower that WILL track your workouts and include basic activities?
Ahh, that's super disappointing! I wish they made those things more clear!
and now there is an actual rower by Peloton
If you could only have one , which would you choose… Hydrow, Peleton orThe Mirror?
I would probably pick the Peloton ☺️
I watched a lot of CZcams videos and I like this rower a lot.
Peleton is also great. I wish their videos would be more from an eye level instead of drone style.
@@MissSarahEK Is the Peloton or Hydrow community better?
@@josephfloyd727 I would say the Peloton community because it's so much bigger.
So it doesn’t work without a monthly subscription?
You can still use the machine, but you won’t have access to the content/classes.
@@MissSarahEK that’s great, because I bought one half an hour ago, 😂
@@rhinotime1178 you really need the subscription as I believe you cannot program your own workouts.
Do week need home internet for this?
Yeah you would need internet for it to work with the classes.
@@MissSarahEK thanks and Best Buy has a 5 year warranty. The company only had a 3 year warranty. Also Best Buy seems to be cheaper
The kinda of workout to do while sleeping
You can now pause the Peloton bike, not the Tread though.
I’ll never not see it as a whale now, lol
Are you still using it? How often?
Hi! I do still use it, but not quite as much (I've been half marathon training and focused on running). I try to use it about once a week or so.
@@MissSarahEK thanks for such a quick response. I've never rowed before but am so drawn to this machine. I'm also not a runner. More of a Walker, elliptical user and yogi
They added a Just Row option now, no need for subscription
Good review. I would purchase one were it not for the annual membership fees. Do not need that.
Thanks for watching; I totally get that!
You look and sound like actress Jenna Fischer ( except even prettier). Well done, I enjoyed your video.
Thank you 😊
$38 a month is too expensive. I wish you could just buy it and not have to buy the sub.
now $44 a month
"The most important thing is the touch screen" right...
Well…it’s what differentiates it from any other rowing machine 😊🤷♀️
Hilarious that the first you say is how boring indoor rowing is. Then the first thing you showed of the Hydrow was, you just watching someone else row.
Unfortunately it’s not usually practical to row outside myself, so it’s definitely more interesting if can at least pretend I can! 😎🚣♂️
It’s too bad, that you need a subscription to use such an expensive high end piece of gear. I would buy one in a heartbeat if it could be used without an internet connection and monthly cost. Might as well pay for a health club
I also wish it was possible to use without the monthly fee 😞
You can use it without the subscription if you don’t mind it not tracking you, just doing your own rows.
czcams.com/video/ZQ5yHhnR59o/video.html
You lost me at monthly membership fee...bye
hahah sound like a gosth reallly scary
👻
@@MissSarahEK i think better water rower?
REPOST: Hydrow sucks, worst mistake I ever made! $40 s month to be able to use the machine YOU PAID FOR!!!
Oh no! Sorry to hear you had a bad experience 🙁
@@MissSarahEK The problem they need to take into account is that not all users are power users, got this for my older parents that use it occasionally but nowhere near enough to be paying that kind of money, now if they had a low user subscription option that would be fine, or even allow them to use the machine with the monitor showing progress and use rate etc. with no subscription, but Hydrow is all, or nothing. SO **** HYDROW!
@@AnarchoHumanism I thought they fixed that now with the "just row" mode which only shows the metrics.
$38/month? That’s the same as a gym membership!
I agree it’s not the cheapest way to work out for sure! Personally I’m saving money though vs what I was paying before for studio in-person classes. The $38 can also be used for multiple people, so I think it’s reasonable for what you get. Thanks for your comment Sabrina!
I agree, I was looking at it, and now I'm not!
@@christopher4688 sames.... tired of being tied to a monthly recurring cost, no thanks.
Review starts at about five minutes. Mind numbingly boring, I couldn't tell you anything about the Rower come the end, sorry....
Yep all of the timestamps are in the video description so anyone can skip ahead to any part they want 👍🏻. Sorry to hear you didn’t learn anything about the Hydrow from this video 🤷♀️
Too bad, I found it very helpful!
Wow, you are certainly in love with yourself
Lol why do you say that? But I think we should all be in love with ourselves 🥰
Just be sure your social politics align with Hydrow’s because you’ll be hearing their views in classes and emails dedicated to specific days and months. I received a Hydrow email calling a recent US Supreme Court decision an “affront.” I REGRET buying Hydrow because I don’t want social politics pushed with my pricey subscription and $2k+ machine.