Does the Hydrow rowers live up to all its hype? We’re big fans of rowing as a cross-training option, but the real question is whether it’s worth the price tag. And the answer here depends a lot on what you already have at home.
Our home gym is pretty well-stocked, with multiple options for a solid workout. And while rowing is an incredibly effective workout, it’s not quite as simple as hopping on a bike or treadmill. Good form matters, and without it, you’re more likely to walk away with a sore neck than a great workout.
Before anyone comes after me, yes, the Hydrow Origin Rower is a really nice piece of equipment. But if you already own a treadmill or a bike, you could save a significant amount of money by choosing a more basic rower and still get an equally effective workout.
That said, in Coach Amanda’s house the Hydrow Wave become an instant favorite of her husband David who uses it year round to cross train for mountain biking and loves it for the included workouts, overall design and smooth usage.
Let’s dig into the details and see who this rower is really best for.
Who Is It Good For?
- General Fitness: Either sign up for a membership or use “just row” and get a great workout!
- Heavier Users: Not ideal for those over 375lbs in terms of overall rower stability.
- Endurance: A perfect option for cross-training to become a stronger runner.
- Intervals: Over 5,000 classes from beginner to advanced.
Hydrow Overview
The Hydrow Origin Rower offers everything you need for workouts both on and off the rower.
With access to more than 5,000 on-demand classes, there’s truly something for everyone, from rowing to strength and circuit training, and even recovery-focused options like yoga and mobility.
Rowing is an excellent full-body workout, but proper form is key to getting the benefits without risking injury. One thing I really appreciate about the Hydrow platform is the option to take short instructional classes called “Row Smarter” before jumping into a specific workout or training program. 
Unlike basic rowers that use fans or water tanks, Hydrow uses reactive electromagnetic resistance to give that true on-the-water feel.
One big benefit of this system is how quiet it is; you can get in a workout without disturbing anyone else in the house.
Bonus points for connecting your favorite pair of headphones via Bluetooth, so the music and classes aren’t blaring either!
While it’s still a large piece of equipment, the Hydrow Origin Rower works well in smaller spaces. The rower itself is fairly compact, and when you’re done, you can stand it upright and flip it to a wall hook for easy, space-saving storage.
Hydrow Rowing Machine Specifications
There are a few rowers available but these are the specs for the Hydrow Origin Rower
- Rower dimensions: 86″L x 25″W x 47″H
- Max weight limit: 375 lbs
- Height limit: up to a 36″ inseam
- Warranty: 1-year Limited Warranty with coverage on parts and labor, for the touchscreen, and rower components
- Hydrow membership for $44/month (not required, and you can still use “just row” mode with no access to classes)
- 22″ Full HD Touchscreen
- Supports bluetooth and ANT+ connection
- Compatible with Strava, Apple Health, Garmin, and more
- Pairs with bluetooth speakers and headphones
Quick Take
- Library filled with over 5,000 on-demand class options
- You can use a hook on the wall for easier storage in smaller spaces
- Super quiet machine, and you can even use headphones to listen to the classes, etc.
- Must have a Hydrow membership to follow classes, which is $44/month
- The seat can be super uncomfortable, especially for longer workouts
- Is on the more expensive side at almost $2,200 when not on sale
Screen
The Origin Rower features a 22″ full HD touchscreen. It’s super bright, especially if you’re someone like me, who prefers to work out with only a few lights on in our home gym.
Unlike many newer fitness equipment, the screen doesn’t swivel or move much. That’s totally fine for rowing, but if you plan to take any of the non-rowing classes, you’ll want to make sure the rower is positioned so you can still see the screen comfortably from the side.
Custom Fit
The rower comes with adjustable foot pads that slide up or down to fit your shoes, along with adjustable straps to keep your feet secure so they don’t slide around while you row.
One important thing to note is the height limit. Hydrow recommends the Origin for users up to about 6’2″-6’6″, with a maximum inseam of roughly 36 inches. If you’re over that, you may find it hard to get a full, comfortable stroke.
Hydrow Membership
Like most fitness equipment these days, you’ll need a Hydrow Membership to get access to the full library of over 5,000 on-demand classes. The membership is currently $44/month or $528/year if you pay upfront.
If you don’t care about having access to the classes, you can still use the rower under “Just Row” mode, which gives you access to:
- On-screen metrics
- Instructional videos on form and rowing technique
- Bluetooth connections for heart rate monitor
- Adjustable drag and resistance settings
Hydrow App
The Hydrow App can be used on any device, so that you have access even when you’re not on the rower.
Through the app, you’ll also have access to challenges, activity summaries, and the Hydrow community. You can follow other members and instructors to stay motivated, interact with workouts, and like or comment on sessions.
Hydrow also syncs with other platforms like Strava, making it easy to automatically upload your workouts and keep all your training in one place.
David uses the Hydrow app every week.
That’s right even when he doesn’t row, he found that the yoga classes or stretches felt really great and he liked the instructors. So this is definitely a scenario where if you like follow along classes, they are high quality and often filmed in really stunning locations.
On the flipside, Coach Stacey prefers to just use it in row only mode which is where a less expensive machine would do the trick.
Hydrow Origin vs Hydrow Wave
It’s great when we get multiple models of a brand so we can really give you some actual feedback on the differences.
The original theory behind the wave was that it can be stood upright to move out of the way and save space. 100% it is light and really easy to move, so if you need so save space it will do the job, but we rarely ever put ours up.
You’re getting so much of the same magnetic resistance, all the classes and a high quality machine that a lot of the choice comes down to very small details.
- Wave is the cheapest model, but still an extremely sturdy product
- Origin will take up more space and be a heavier machine
- Wave actually includes metric tracking that the Origin does not
- Wave has a 16 inch stationary screen to the Origin 22 which pivots
- Wave is said to be louder, but we still find it quiet (then again we’re comparing to how loud treadmill running is)
- Wave actually comes in fun colors like blue or orange if you want to spice up life
There you have it, our review of the Hydrow Origin Rower . We hope it’s helpful, but as always, if you have questions, leave them below!
Our Verdict
The Hydrow Rower is a great piece of equipment that is quiet, smooth and sturdy. It’s ideal for those who want integrated follow along classes and high caliber instructors. If you won’t be using it often or want to freestyle we’d suggest going with a basic rower without the bells and whistles.
What to read next?
- Cross Training Machines For Runners (Compared to Running)
- Can Cross-Training Make You Faster?
- 9 Best Cross Training Workouts: Complete Guide for Runners
The post Is Hydrow Worth It? Origin vs Wave Rowing Machine Reviews appeared first on RunToTheFinish.
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