Hydrow Big Changes to Content

Hydrow, the connected-fitness rowing machine company, has recently made three changes to the workout content that may impact its members. Here's what to know:

Music Library Change

Hydrow has changed its music library, which has resulted in the removal of some previously available workouts recorded with music. According to Hydrow's support team, this change ensures that all the music available with their workout library is correctly licensed and authorized for use. While this change may be a positive move in terms of copyright compliance, some users may be disappointed to find that their favorite rowing workouts are no longer available.

6-week Pause on Live Workouts

Hydrow has also announced that they will pause their live on-the-water rowing workouts until mid-May.

One reason given by Hydrow for the pause is to allow the team to film a new rowing workout series in New Zealand. While live workouts are not currently available, users can still access a large variety of on-demand training sessions on the Hydrow platform.

Live Workouts UPDATE:

May 3rd, 2023. Hydrow announced it will resume Live on-the-Water Rowing Workouts for 3-days every second week of the month on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Introducing: Circuit Training

Circuit training is Hydrow’s newest Workout type. Designed to be quick and effective, HIIT-styled sessions, these workouts combine strength training with rowing for a more full-body, high-intensity workout. Circuit training offers all the benefits of rowing—improved cardiovascular fitness and endurance—and the added challenge of strength training exercises to build lean muscle, burn fat, and boost metabolism. These new workouts are fast-paced, fun, and energetic.

What to Expect During Circuit Training Sessions

On and Off the-rowing-machine circuit training sessions primarily focus on strength training using a mix of dumbbells and body weight, with periods of rowing mixed in. You can expect to rotate through targeted exercises followed by short rest periods.

Hydrow Circuit Training Instructors

Circuit-training workouts are to be led by Pete Donohoe and Rina Thomas. Rina is a mom, Marine Veteran, and fitness expert. Pete is an Olympian, conditioning coach, and corrective exercise specialist.

Workout Metrics

Metrics for each interval display on your summary screen. Use the data to challenge yourself, set goals and review your progress over time.

New Rowing Series in New Zealand

Hydrow's team is currently in New Zealand, where they are filming a new series of rowing workouts. According to Hydrow, this series will feature stunning locations and offer a high level of production value. While there is no word yet on when these new workouts will be available, it's clear that Hydrow is still committed to providing its user base with high-quality content.

Use the links below to follow the Hydrow Trainers’ New Zealand Journey
Mac Evans, Aisyah Rafaee, Mike Dostal, Aquil H. Abdullah.

OUR TAKE – Final Thoughts

While these changes may disappoint some Hydrow members, Hydrow is constantly evolving and improving its platform. By ensuring that its music library is legally licensed and authorized to use and by expanding new series of rowing workouts in more locations, Hydrow is committed to providing its members with the best possible experience.

The new Circuit Training addition is a very different option from Hydrow, we applaud their willingness to continue to challenge members and keep up with the latest trends in rowing workout content.

Hydrow is still one of the highest recommended connected indoor rowers on the market and offers a great experience to help hit and maintain fitness goals.

Rowing Machine Alternatives of same Caliber

If you are looking for something different, then check out the NordicTrack rowing machine series with the iFit-enabled RW900 rower. Follow this link to read the full Nordictrack RW900 review.

The iFit experience encompasses studio and incredible destination rows with elite instructors for the beginner to the advanced rower. There is no music really, so bring your favorite playlist and be challenged by the unique SmartAdjust and AutoAdjust features that adjust the stroke resistance for you to match cues from your trainer. Amazing to experience. And the workouts are incredibly awesome! To begin we recommend the iFit rowing series in French Polynesia with Kevin Scott.

Peloton has also added a rowing machine, the Peloton Row to its product line and offers studio workouts. They have a dedicated team of instructors to help you maximize the results from rowing challenges. It carries one of the highest price tags at over $3,000.

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