Well done. I’ve been thinking about this for a month or two. I’m 70 years old and still play hockey. I’m more active in the summer also with golf but in the winter I really need to do something else besides Hockey, which I only do two nights a week. And I’m still playing with a 20 to 30 year olds. I do some work on the treadmill, but I was looking for more of an overall body workout. I think this will be perfect for me. Thanks that was a great review.
I would be interested to try one of these to see how the drag feels compared to my Concept 2. Having tried many rowers, in my opinion, nothing has compared yet. Which is why it's been the standard for 30+ years. Also, as a former competative rower, your form is better than 99.5% of CrossFit members I have observed rowing. 🤣 So you are doing just fine.
The drag and resistance is a lot smoother than a Concept 2, but the Hydrow coach that I am using mentioned that the Concept 2 has kind of set the standard. I've used both but I like the smoother feel to the Hydrow. I was afraid to show my form but glad it isn't too horrendous! 😂 Thanks!
For me the key is how it replicates the feeling of an oar through the water. I'm sure there is bound to be a critic in the room about form! Unlikely they would post a video of their own form to go along with any comment. After a few years without rowing on the water I'm sure my form can use some work!
@@JMBdevotee Not sure how it would compare to a an actual rowing oar in water, but I demo'd one of these in a showroom and though it felt as good or better than a concept 2 in terms of drag and resistance. Better than any non-concept 2 rower I've tried. Not sure it you can change the resistance though
Happy to see indoor rowing on the channel :-) When I got my Concept2, it was a bit tricky to get all the data properly to Garmin Connect (not just distance and time, but all the watts and whatnot). For some time it was only possible with the Concept app, which is... not the greatest. Luckily, select watches can now properly get (all the) data via ANT FE from the rower. Can this equipment do something similar? Not really important, I'm just tech curious 🙂
As a cyclist (outdoor/indoor), paddler (outdoor) & Concept 2 rower (indoor), I recommend this as a good combination along with weight training. If overall fitness is the goal, this will get the job done. Throw in some yoga and Nirvana is yours. I also recommend "Training Tall" & "Dark Horse Training" on RUclips to complement your rowing. Both will take your rowing to next level.
I've never gravitated to rowing much in the past but this has certainly made it much more interesting and I have really been enjoying it. I actually took two entire days off the bike in the last week or so and did other things including this! Thanks, Matt!
Great review, finally someone reviewing Hydrow, who I trust and has a non-rower point of view. @DesFit, I couldn’t find out if Hydrow offers comprehensive training plans too or just a library of workouts? If yes, how good are they? Thanks
It's more a library of workouts. Not sure if they have that in their plans or not but they keep on adding lots of content so it this is a great idea if they are not already working on it. Thanks!
Hi Des! Really love your videos! I have been thinking about buying a rower myself, but just a simple one. However i am also wondering when the workout metrics change, like more current / wind, does the resistance increase automatically on your trainer? Also not really applicable to this video, but more on the sport watches, since my old polar died, it would be cool to have more of a score that says how well a particular watch behaves in a certain feature, would be easier to compare them as a customer.
Do you mean like on the videos in regards to current and wind? Either way, no, the resistance isn't variable but you can adjust the drag resistance in the settings. For the most part, you can simply make it as hard or easy as you want with rhythm. Thanks!
Thanks you for all your terrific video work and reviews! Constantly working to improve my form, my friend/coach(Xeno Muller) is always reminding me cover your toes with your hands before engaging the upper body. Legs should be straight both on recovery and drive prior to body and arm movement.
In 5 years the hydrow (as with all devices with built in tablets) will be hindered by aging tech. My concept2 will still be just a current as it was more than a decade ago. What would be better is something that integrates via Bluetooth or WiFi using your own tablet and an app and then Hydrow would have a nice integrated stand to accommodate a variety of tablets. Even better just use a monitor with an hdmi port and a cradle(if needed) to store a streaming device that can load the specific app.
That's essentially what you already have with the Concept2. The monitor not only provides incredible stats (even if the monitor itself is drab), but it serves as a hub from which you can connect the Concept 2 to devices (like HR broadcasting smart watches, etc) and 3rd party apps, including Hydrow's app. I use the C2 and via the monitor and my phone I cast it to the TV. It's great. Having said that, the Hydrow does look very appealing - just not at that upfront and monthly price point. DesFit makes a great point, though, about it's video production values. Nothing is cheap on this.
@@splatmatt Not sure if you're referring to supplementing the Hydrow so it stays current or the C2. If you're looking for an integrated workout (I assume by integrated you mean the ability to see your HR on the screen while working out you might want to try EXR. It's the Zwift of rowing. You can hook up apple + workouts and other video workouts to your C2, they're just not integrated. However, if you have a Garmin watch you can simply synch the workout to the C2 logbook which then "talks to" Garmin so it all shows up in my Garmin app with all the important stats.
Biggest thing for me is that the monthly subscription on it's own is pretty decent for value, but if you want this, a bike, and a treadmill with their own subscriptions you're at $120/month and can get you a membership at a top gym in most metro areas without the initial buy-in. If it was $40 for several memberships combined that wouldn't be terrible but the increasing number of membership model businesses limits you at a certain point and gets inconvenient to keep track of or get your value out of each month. If you don't use it enough to justify the membership you're stuck with a big machine taking up a corner of a room that has it's capability neutered.
Totally on the same page about the multiple subscriptions but my justification is the convenience of not going to a gym (although I still do have a gym membership). You bring up a good point about possibly just sitting in a corner but the app provides a lot of motivation in terms of keeping streaks alive and other ways to keep going.
Thanks to Hydrow for sponsoring this video. You can check out what Hydrow is all about here! go.magik.ly/ml/1f5t8/
Well done. I’ve been thinking about this for a month or two. I’m 70 years old and still play hockey. I’m more active in the summer also with golf but in the winter I really need to do something else besides Hockey, which I only do two nights a week. And I’m still playing with a 20 to 30 year olds. I do some work on the treadmill, but I was looking for more of an overall body workout. I think this will be perfect for me. Thanks that was a great review.
I would be interested to try one of these to see how the drag feels compared to my Concept 2. Having tried many rowers, in my opinion, nothing has compared yet. Which is why it's been the standard for 30+ years. Also, as a former competative rower, your form is better than 99.5% of CrossFit members I have observed rowing. 🤣 So you are doing just fine.
The drag and resistance is a lot smoother than a Concept 2, but the Hydrow coach that I am using mentioned that the Concept 2 has kind of set the standard. I've used both but I like the smoother feel to the Hydrow. I was afraid to show my form but glad it isn't too horrendous! 😂 Thanks!
For me the key is how it replicates the feeling of an oar through the water. I'm sure there is bound to be a critic in the room about form! Unlikely they would post a video of their own form to go along with any comment. After a few years without rowing on the water I'm sure my form can use some work!
@@JMBdevotee Not sure how it would compare to a an actual rowing oar in water, but I demo'd one of these in a showroom and though it felt as good or better than a concept 2 in terms of drag and resistance. Better than any non-concept 2 rower I've tried. Not sure it you can change the resistance though
You can change the drag setting on the Hydrow 👍
ROwing a great cardio workout, and it improving my riding speeds the winter I started rowing.
Happy to see indoor rowing on the channel :-) When I got my Concept2, it was a bit tricky to get all the data properly to Garmin Connect (not just distance and time, but all the watts and whatnot). For some time it was only possible with the Concept app, which is... not the greatest. Luckily, select watches can now properly get (all the) data via ANT FE from the rower. Can this equipment do something similar? Not really important, I'm just tech curious 🙂
As a cyclist (outdoor/indoor), paddler (outdoor) & Concept 2 rower (indoor), I recommend this as a good combination along with weight training. If overall fitness is the goal, this will get the job done. Throw in some yoga and Nirvana is yours. I also recommend "Training Tall" & "Dark Horse Training" on RUclips to complement your rowing. Both will take your rowing to next level.
Those channels are great. Thanks for sharing your perspective! 🙌
Very interesting Des! Looks like a cool piece of equipment. I'll be curious what you think long term. Maybe you'll get into this rowing stuff. 👍
I've never gravitated to rowing much in the past but this has certainly made it much more interesting and I have really been enjoying it. I actually took two entire days off the bike in the last week or so and did other things including this! Thanks, Matt!
Great review, finally someone reviewing Hydrow, who I trust and has a non-rower point of view.
@DesFit, I couldn’t find out if Hydrow offers comprehensive training plans too or just a library of workouts? If yes, how good are they? Thanks
It's more a library of workouts. Not sure if they have that in their plans or not but they keep on adding lots of content so it this is a great idea if they are not already working on it. Thanks!
I have the Ergatta rower. I like its game like workouts and programs over the Hydrow instructor classes
Nice! Glad you found something that works for you 👍
Does it directly sync up with Garmin Connect or connect to Garmin devices, e.g. FR 945?
Hi Des! Really love your videos! I have been thinking about buying a rower myself, but just a simple one. However i am also wondering when the workout metrics change, like more current / wind, does the resistance increase automatically on your trainer? Also not really applicable to this video, but more on the sport watches, since my old polar died, it would be cool to have more of a score that says how well a particular watch behaves in a certain feature, would be easier to compare them as a customer.
Do you mean like on the videos in regards to current and wind? Either way, no, the resistance isn't variable but you can adjust the drag resistance in the settings. For the most part, you can simply make it as hard or easy as you want with rhythm. Thanks!
@@DesFit Yes thats what I meant! It would've been a nice feature imo, engaging the rower more in the workout.
They have a good amount of engagement with the athlete instructor varying rhythm as well as intensity. I find it to be quite good!
Do the rowing workouts sync with Strava with all the metrics (speed, distance, HR, etc.)?
Yup! And more!
The monthly fees will never appeal to me. Like the unit but I won’t be replacing my Concept2
Do the workouts actually use the rowing machine in any way?
The non-rowing workouts? No, they are off the machine.
Des, what are those nice lookin sneaks that you're wearing?
They are the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante V1s…discontinued unfortunately but I have one last pair that I wear only inside 😁
Hi Des. Looks like the rower mights be a bit close to the wall, watch your head :-)
I had to measure twice for my space ;)
You might want to try to put your feet lower. That makes it easier to keep your hips rotated forward... (rowing coach here).
Thanks for the tip!
Thanks you for all your terrific video work and reviews! Constantly working to improve my form, my friend/coach(Xeno Muller) is always reminding me cover your toes with your hands before engaging the upper body. Legs should be straight both on recovery and drive prior to body and arm movement.
Thanks for the additional tips!
In 5 years the hydrow (as with all devices with built in tablets) will be hindered by aging tech. My concept2 will still be just a current as it was more than a decade ago.
What would be better is something that integrates via Bluetooth or WiFi using your own tablet and an app and then Hydrow would have a nice integrated stand to accommodate a variety of tablets. Even better just use a monitor with an hdmi port and a cradle(if needed) to store a streaming device that can load the specific app.
That's essentially what you already have with the Concept2. The monitor not only provides incredible stats (even if the monitor itself is drab), but it serves as a hub from which you can connect the Concept 2 to devices (like HR broadcasting smart watches, etc) and 3rd party apps, including Hydrow's app. I use the C2 and via the monitor and my phone I cast it to the TV. It's great. Having said that, the Hydrow does look very appealing - just not at that upfront and monthly price point. DesFit makes a great point, though, about it's video production values. Nothing is cheap on this.
@@jasonlevine2430 I'm referring to video workouts (apple fitness+, etc)
@@splatmatt Not sure if you're referring to supplementing the Hydrow so it stays current or the C2. If you're looking for an integrated workout (I assume by integrated you mean the ability to see your HR on the screen while working out you might want to try EXR. It's the Zwift of rowing. You can hook up apple + workouts and other video workouts to your C2, they're just not integrated. However, if you have a Garmin watch you can simply synch the workout to the C2 logbook which then "talks to" Garmin so it all shows up in my Garmin app with all the important stats.
@@jasonlevine2430 I'm suggesting what would be better.
Biggest thing for me is that the monthly subscription on it's own is pretty decent for value, but if you want this, a bike, and a treadmill with their own subscriptions you're at $120/month and can get you a membership at a top gym in most metro areas without the initial buy-in. If it was $40 for several memberships combined that wouldn't be terrible but the increasing number of membership model businesses limits you at a certain point and gets inconvenient to keep track of or get your value out of each month.
If you don't use it enough to justify the membership you're stuck with a big machine taking up a corner of a room that has it's capability neutered.
Totally on the same page about the multiple subscriptions but my justification is the convenience of not going to a gym (although I still do have a gym membership). You bring up a good point about possibly just sitting in a corner but the app provides a lot of motivation in terms of keeping streaks alive and other ways to keep going.
Is this foldable