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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. The Hydrow is an interactive rowing machine. Like other smart home gym equipment, the Hydrow allows users to participate in live streaming workouts from the comfort of home, with a subscription. Share on PinterestInteractive home exercise equipment is becoming increasingly popular. Rowing is a full body exercise. It works muscles of the upper and lower body while strengthening the cardiovascular system. Rowing machines can offer people of all ages and physical abilities the chance to work out regularly from the privacy and security of home. This article takes an in-depth look at the Hydrow rowing machine and its features. It also lists some alternatives that people may want to consider. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and was correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. What is the Hydrow The Hydrow is a rowing machine with a 22-inch (in), high-definition touch screen display. The manufacturers claim that it can deliver a live, on-river rowing experience at home. Unlike other companies that sell workout equipment, Hydrow focuses entirely on rowing machines. Features Rowers helped design the machine to create an authentic on-the-water workout experience. The manufacturers state that the Hydrow has: a live outdoor reality experience via live and on-demand workouts an extensive library with a wide variety of workout contenta leaderboard and active community, encouraging competition and engagementreactive electromagnetic resistance that is frictionless and quiet Specifications The Hydrow has the following specs and features:front-facing speakersa patented drag mechanismsilent strokesa 10-roller seatfoot bed adjustmenta screen resolution of 1920 x 1080, with full high definition The rower has built-in wheels, so a person can move it freely around the house. It also folds up for neat storage, though anyone planning to store it vertically must buy an upright storage kit. The dimensions of the Hydrow when in use are:length: 86 inwidth: 25 inheight: 47 in The dimensions of the Hydrow in storage are:width: 25 indepth: 33 inheight: 86 in The company’s website has a user’s manual in English, Spanish, and French. Cost At the time of writing, the Hydrow machine cost $2,495. The following bundles are also available:Hydrow Basics Package: $2,560. This includes the Hydrow machine and a mat.Hydrow Essentials Package: $2,625. This includes the Hydrow machine, a mat, and a heart rate monitor. Hydrow Launch Package: $2,765. This includes:the Hydrow machinea mata heart rate monitora foam rollerwireless headphonesHydrow Works Package: $2,895. This includes: the Hydrow machinea mata heart rate monitoryoga accessoriesresistance bands To access the workout content, a person also needs to have a Hydrow membership subscription, which costs $38 per month. GET STARTED WITH Hydrow How does it work According to its makers, the Hydrow uses patented technology to provide a smooth rowing workout. It mimics the feel of rowing on a river with the help of electromagnetic, computer-controlled resistance and a 10-roller system. As with any rowing machine, using the correct rowing technique is essential: Straighten the back and tighten the core, then push back with the lower body.Use the upper back to pull the hands toward the chest.Return to the starting position by releasing the arms and bending the knees. The company recommends exercising with shoes on and the feet strapped in. The machine is Bluetooth- and WiFi-enabled, and it has built-in speakers. Its large monitor can swivel up to 25 degrees, both left and right, to accommodate people doing machine and floor-based classes. Via the high-resolution screen, people can access a range of sessions and features, including:live workouts on-demand workoutsscenic rowing workouts in real destinationsmat workouts, such as yoga, Pilates, and strength training options The machine is compatible with the Hydrow app, which enables users to work out on the go and check in on their progress. People can use the app even if they do not have the rowing machine. GO TO Hydrow Who is the Hydrow for Hydrow’s website says that the equipment is suitable for people of any fitness level who want the experience of outdoor exercise at home. Rowing helps burn calories, build muscles, and improve cardiovascular fitness. Indoor rowing is likely to be a safe and effective exercise for people with limited vision. A 2015 study looked at the effects of rowing 5 days a week for 6 weeks in people with low vision. It found that the participants experienced a decrease in fat mass and cholesterol levels, as well as improved physical fitness. A 2020 study noted that home gym equipment was useful for people who needed to self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pros and cons at a glance Prosquiet and easy to useaccess to an app for workoutsa variety of streaming workoutsexercises that target a wide range of muscle groupsaccess to coachesaccess to a community Conscostly initial outlay and ongoing payments incompatibility with Apple Watch or third-party devicesnon-adjustable muscle volume during workoutsthe need for an additional kit for upright storage Customer reviews and brand reputation Hydrow has a 4.7 out of 5 review rating on Trustpilot. Some customers describe smooth operation, easy-to-follow interactive videos, and encouragement to work out regularly. Positive reviews also praise the company’s customer support members and the variety of exercises that the membership provides. Others report delayed orders and a lack of in-home assembly due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Better Business Bureau gives Hydrow a 1 out of 5 rating. However, this is based on only one review, which reflects that the buyer did not receive the correct delivery timing updates. Hydro vs competitors The table below shows how the Hydrow compares with other indoor rowing machines:HydrowNordicTrack RW900Concept2 RowErgSunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge Water Rowing Machine RowerProduct width25 in when in use22 in24 in22 in when in useProduct length86 in when in use86.5 in96 in80 in when in useProduct height47 in when in use50.4 in14 or 20 in, depending on the version34 in when in useFoldableyesyesyesyesMaximum user weight375 pounds (lb)250 lbConcept2 advertises the maximum as 500 lb, but the European Stationary Fitness Equipment Testing Standard reports the maximum as 300 lb300 lbWarranty5 years for the frame and storage kit, and 12 months for other components and labor10 years for the frame, 2 years for parts, and 1 year for labor2 or 5 years, depending on the version3 years for the frame and 180 days for other partsEquipment pricestarting from $2,495$1,599starting from $900starting from $499.98 Health benefits Regular physical activity is vital for good health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people aim for either 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Rowing is a low-impact activity, making it ideal for people just starting to work out. Building muscle Research suggests that rowing is a beneficial total body workout because it uses multiple muscle groups. The rowing stroke comprises 65–75% leg work and 25–35% upper body work. Rowing targets the following major muscle groups:upper backchestobliquesabdominal musclesarmsglutesquadricepscalves Improving overall fitness Rowing is a cardiovascular exercise, meaning that it raises the body’s heart and respiration rates and increases blood flow. As such, rowing can be a great way to strengthen the heart and lungs. Research also suggests that rowing is among the gym activities that burn the most calories. Physical and mental health benefits The Hydrow offers live workouts so that users can train or compete with others. A 2017 study suggests that participating in regular group fitness classes can help improve physical, mental, and emotional health. An older study from 2012 notes that exercising with a virtual partner may help improve aerobic performance. This finding is consistent with other research, indicating that people improve their performance best when competing. There is also evidence that online group exercise sessions may help boost motivation and encourage people to work out when they are less accustomed to it. This may be because people are less likely compare themselves to others and lose motivation when the class is virtual. Risks As with any type of exercise, proper form is essential. While rowing is a low-impact activity, it can still cause injury. According to a study from 2015, 25–81% of rowers report lower back injuries. Other common sites of injury include the knees and ribs. People with existing back problems may be more likely to develop lower back pain. Frequently asked questions Below, find answers to some common questions about Hydrow: Is Hydrow good for weight loss A 2015 study found that using a rowing machine can help improve physical fitness, reduce fat mass, and lower cholesterol levels. Can you use a Hydrow without the membership A person can use the machine without buying the membership. In this case, a person can only use the “Just Row” mode, which includes:introductory materialadjustable resistanceon-screen metricsBluetooth connection for a heart rate monitor What makes the Hydrow better than a traditional rowing machine The following features help distinguish Hydrow from more basic machines: a computer-guided system that creates resistance depending on how hard a person is rowingthe option to choose the resistance drag levelaccess to instructor-led workoutsa maximum user weight of 375 lb, which is higher than those of most traditional rowing machines Summary The Hydrow is an interactive rowing machine. Its manufacturers claim that it offers live, on-river rowing experiences at home. Rowing works multiple muscle groups, and it provides a great cardiovascular workout. Compared with traditional rowing machines, the Hydrow has interactive features that may help users maintain their motivation to exercise. However, the Hydrow machine is relatively expensive. People may get similar benefits from traditional and less expensive machines. Get started with Hydrow Interested in trying Hydrow? We can help! Visit the shop page below to see the most current equipment packages available.Try Hydrow Last medically reviewed on April 5, 2022Obesity / Weight Loss / FitnessSports Medicine / Fitness 13 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Baez, M., et al. (2017). Effects of online group exercises for older adults on physical, psychological and social wellbeing: A randomized pilot trial.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384569/Benefits of physical activity. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htmCalories burned in 30 minutes for people of three different weights. (2018).https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Calories-burned-in-30-minutes-of-leisure-and-routine-activities.htmDiMenichi, B. C., et al. (2015). The power of competition: Effects of social motivation on attention, sustained physical effort, and learning.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4554955/Fröberg, A. (2020). How children and young people can stay physically active during the novel coronavirus pandemic while take into account safety measures and precautions.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7722993/Heart-healthy living. (n.d.).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-healthy-livingHosea, T. M., et al. (2012). Rowing injuries.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3435926/Irwin, B. C., et al. (2012). Aerobic exercise is promoted when individual performance affects the group: A test of the Kohler motivation gain effect [Abstract].https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12160-012-9367-4Newlands, C., et al. (2015). The prevalence, incidence and severity of low back pain among international-level rowers.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272084646_The_prevalence_incidence_and_severity_of_low_back_pain_among_international-level_rowersPhung, J. (2013). A quick and easy guide to indoor rowing machines.https://www.afpafitness.com/research-articles/a-quick-and-easy-guide-to-indoor-rowing-machinesShin, K. Y., et al. (2015). Effects of indoor rowing exercise on the body composition and the scoliosis of visually impaired people: A preliminary study.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4564707/Stay physically active during self-quarantine. (n.d.).https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/publications-and-technical-guidance/noncommunicable-diseases/stay-physically-active-during-self-quarantineYorks, D. M., et al. (2017). Effects of group fitness classes on stress and quality of life of medical students.https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7556/jaoa.2017.140/htmlFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, Fitness — By Steph Coelho and Kristina Iavarone — Updated on April 5, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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