May 16

May 16 Hydrow Rower Adds a Pause Button to its Rowing App

Pause Button or Not to Pause

So, what’s the big deal about a pause button……nothing really, that is until you need one. Life happens, but now you do not have to let it get in the way of finishing your workout. Just hit the Pause button!

Hydrow has finally added a pause function to its award-winning indoor rower (Includes the Hydrow Wave Rower) and it is good news for anyone working out at home. Kids, pets, friends, work, and BFF’s all stuff that suddenly needs attention, even in the middle of a rowing workout. With Hydrow, you have the power to pause the work out, fix the emergency, or take a water break (YES!) and continue your workout where you left off.

Our Take. It’s a GREAT feature. Some existing members say it is not fair and are a little miffed, to say the least, pointing out on social media, that it is de-motivating and encourages incomplete rowing sessions. But in our opinion, “pause” should be an option on any connected-fitness exercise equipment/application. The Peloton Bike has one, implemented finally in 2021, and the iFit connected fitness platform adopted the pause button on all its iFit rowing machines (Nordictrack and Proform rowers) along with other exercise equipment type workouts for the past two years.

PAUSE QUESTIONS

How to Pause a workout on Hydrow rowers

You simply tap in the middle of the screen of the Hydrow rower, then tap again. It will pause the workout for up to 30 minutes. To restart, just hit the play button or give your handle a pull. You will see a pause indicator on the leaderboard and on your workout summary. This reminds you so you can track improvements or personal bests.

Paused workouts still count towards Hydrow milestones, badges, meter progress and completed workouts.

Will I still be on the leaderboard?

NO, you will no longer be ranked on the leaderboard. You will no longer see a number next to your screen name.

Paused workouts will not be included in official Racing results and any meters earned during paused workouts will not count for your team (team races).

Community divided on Pause

Comments below indicate this became a hot topic in the Hydrow community as some voiced opinions they were opposed to a pause button. Many were unsure why it even matters.

Here is where it began ….by the way, it was the top requested feature by the user community.

““Sure wish there will be a second thought as to a pause button. The doorbell rang the other day and I didn’t want to be rude to the person at the door but man did that ruin my workout.””

— Julia

““ Why is this such a hot topic?? If you’re competing, I promise you, no one who is pausing is trying to beat you for anything. It’s made for people with children, caregivers, illnesses, a career they can’t pause or anyone who has something in their life they can’t ”pause” but still love rowing. Compete against yourself. ”

— Michelle

Here is where the discussion divides into 2 camps

“Just want to make my case for Hydrow offering the option to disable it. Or allow me to choose “Row without pause” or “Row w pause” when starting.

It’s all about psychology to me. I love that my only option when doing a hard row and pushing myself to the breaking point is “quit or fight through.”
”

— David

““Thank you Hydrow for making our lives easier on the machine. Now that the pause button is there to help us, I’ll probably use it every minute when I feel like I’m getting weaker. Just to catch my breath a little and then keep going again like nothing happened. ”

— Marian, Hydrow Rower

Hydrow live rowing on Miami intracoastal with Pause option

In the End – Final Thoughts

Our opinion is that pause buttons are invaluable. They let beginners and experienced rowers take a break if needed, no questions asked! So feel free to answer the call, the door, or whatever and finish your workout. Just pause as necessary – no regrets.

Hydrow Rower on the Water

Hydrow has live rows on waterways to produce challenging workouts to follow, along with those on-demand. You can join races as a team or as an individual. You can follow the trainers in live or on-demand sessions. The monthly subscription $44 per month, is excellent value for unlimited workouts including off-the-rower classes like yoga and strength training. The Hydrow Rower sleek, contemporary looking is smooth to row on. It stands up when the workout is over to save floor space. The touchscreen is 22” full HD with a quality soundbar for an immersive rowing experience. If you are looking for a little less expensive Hydrow rowing Machine checkout Hydrow vs. the Hydrow Wave review.