The Hydrow rowing machine revolutionised my home workouts

If you're no longer feeling gym classes or are simply just keen to up your home workout game (maybe you're even looking to create your own at-home gym? In which case consider me officially jealous), it could be worth investing in a rowing machine. And the king of them all? The Hydrow rower.

Yep, fitness fans have been hyped about the Hydrow rowing machine for a couple of years now – with some even branding the at-home rower 'the Peloton of rowing machines' – and with its prices having dropped of late, now could be the time to splash out.

But, given the Hydrow still isn't cheap, we're sure you're desperate to know if it's really worthy of the hype? And how good of a workout can a rowing machine really provide anyhow?

I put the Hydrow to the test every day for a month and here's my honest review...

Is the Hydrow a good workout?

First up, let's talk rowing in general. Rowing is a brilliant choice for those looking to achieve an almost full-body workout (it engages 86% of your muscles) and has been growing in popularity in recent years, with cool boutique classes and studios springing up in most major cities. It's a sport that requires you to keep good form (engaging your core), push off with your legs (hello, thigh muscles) and pull the handle with your arms (toning!). So really, it's a win-win.

As for Hydrow specifically, read on...

Let's start with the basics, shall we? The Hydrow is an at-home rowing machine featuring all the latest cutting edge technology you could wish for and it also comes in an array of colour options. The rower has a monitor screen attached to it and the company prides itself on being able to 'transport' users to lakes and water hot spots all around the world (e.g. if you fancy taking a row along the Charles River in Boston, or working up a sweat on the Thames, then you can opt to choose a route filmed by a pro instructor who is out rowing on the real deal).

Another big plus-point is that Hydrow is all about creating a community, so as well as being able to view your own personal stats on-screen as you row (including how many metres you've covered, or how many you're likely to by the end of the session, plus speed, calories burnt and number of strokes etc), you can see the stats of others too. Perfect for those with a competitive streak.

Prices for an original Hydrow rower start from £1,755 (excluding the £44 a month needed for a Hydrow membership). Standard shipping is free, it comes with a yearlong warranty and if after 30 days you decide it's not for you, you can return the machine with minimal fuss:

Hydrow Original Rower

Now 12% Off

£1,755 at hydrow.com

Along with introductory sessions from fun and enthusiastic trainers - so no worries if you're a rowing newbie - the Hydrow rowing machine also comes complete with a library featuring thousands of different workouts. Said classes range from athlete-led HIIT classes (think: rowing at speed, slowing down, repeat), to 'journeys' (you pick how long your row will last and go at your own pace, depending on the mood you're in) and even yoga and Pilates. Well, after all that rowing it's important to stretch off and lengthen those muscles!

Classes come complete with an upbeat playlist (some are even based around the music e.g. you can opt for a hip-hop HIIT workout) and one thing I personally loved about them was that as you're putting in the hard work, the trainers all chat away about not only rowing, but about their lives and how they got into the sport. For me, anything that distracts from the actual pain of exercising is always very welcome. I also found them to be a highly motivating bunch.

After being offered a loan of a Hydrow rower for a month, I completely fell in love with it and soon found myself using it nearly every day - and that's coming from somebody who generally gets a bit overwhelmed when faced with gym equipment. Even on the days where I felt too tired to exercise, I ended up wanting to extend my rowing session after a 30-minute class, or opted for an hour long 'journey' row (which I enjoyed doing while listening to a podcast) flew by. I quickly saw my abilities improve, some toning in my arms and can now smash more than 10,000 metres out in an hour, too. 💅

In a word 'yes', although the Hydrow team don't really recommend that. When we asked them about this, Hydrow told Cosmopolitan UK: "People don’t buy a Hydrow machine just to have a rowing machine (our machines are great - don’t get us wrong). They buy a Hydrow for all of the benefits that come with being an active part of the Hydrow community. A Hydrow Membership is so much more than access to pre-recorded fitness content and a place to store your stats. Join our community. Immerse yourself in your health journey. Experience what makes Hydrow different."

Without a Hydrow membership or subscription, the machine still functions as a slick rowing machine and allows you to access:

• Adjustable drag and resistance settings
• On-screen rowing metrics during workouts
• Bluetooth Connection for heart rate monitors only
• 'Hydrow 101' videos and introductory materials to get you started

The Hydrow Wave is kind of like the little sister equivalent to the OG Hydrow, as it takes up 30% less space and is 30% lighter (making it easier to move around and store). There are also five colour options available (green, blue, orange, yellow or classic black).

It's also over £500 less than the original full-size Hydrow rowing machine:

Hydrow Wave (from £1,395)

£1,435 at hydrow.com

If you're worried about not having enough space to store a Hydrow Rower (full disclaimer: the one that I was kindly loaned was full-size and pretty much ran the length of my double bed and took up a big chunk of my bedroom), you can look at investing in the brand's handy storage kit. It means your rower can be stored upright against a wall, meaning the machine's footprint is 63.5 cm wide, 83.82 cm deep, 218.44 cm high. Nay too shabby, eh?

Hydrow Rower Upright Storage Kit

£70 at hydrow.com

The bottom line: Would I recommend a Hydrow Rower? Absolutely. Given that it's such a brilliant full-body workout, if I could afford to invest in a Hydrow Rower and subscription on a permanent basis, I'd do so and probably quit (or at least definitely scale back on visits to) the gym.

It's a versatile, slick piece of gear that'll see even the most reluctant of rowers catch the bug and as with any form of exercise, one that you enjoy is always going to be the best, most sustainable option.

However, it's certainly not cheap – so definitely mull it over before committing to buy.

Jennifer Savin

Features Editor

 Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.