I Tried the New Hydrow Rowing Machine, and I Finally Get Why People Like to Row

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As a person who spends most of my training time to hammer the roadway in preparation for marathons, I must admit that rowing has always been like a foreign territory. Of course, I would go up on the occasional rowing machine at the gymnasium for cross training, but I am never really obtained he. All of this changed when I had the opportunity to test the new version of Hydraw – the rower of the Hydrow Arc – which was launched today with very impressive features powered by AI.

I just started to test it, so stay attentive for my in-depth arc exam later this month. For the moment, here are my first impressions of the latest Hydraw High Technology Rowing Machine.

First impressions

As soon as the door is released, the arc has the impression that what I imagine would happen if peloton decided to make a rowing machine. The quality of construction is immediately apparent. In other words, it feels high -end compared to the typical rower of your local gymnasium. The touch screen is large and clear, and the global aesthetics shouts fitness equipment at premium home.

It is difficult to do justice with my phone’s camera, but the Arc screen is large and beautiful.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

Because here is what struck me the most as a runner: the movement is incredibly fluid and intuitive. I have used a lot of radiation machines in various gymnasiums over the years, and there is generally this awkward and disconnected sensation. The arc eliminates this entirely. The difference is like comparing a cheap stationary bike in your local gymnasium to a high -end interior cycling configuration.

The out -of -competition characteristic that distinguishes the arc is undoubtedly hydrometric, the “proprietary resistance measurement system” of Hydraw. As a person obsessed with racing measures (rhythm, heart rate zones, cadence, you call it), I was immediately intrigued by the promise of an intelligent rowing score.

Here’s how it works:

• Finish at least three rowing training sessions (more than 5 minutes, excluding heating and cooling).

• Hydrometry analyzes your performance and provides a rating.

• Click on “Press Moistrics” on the screen of your training statistics to dive deeper into your data.

• The AI ​​-powered system helps you understand your performance and motivates continuous progress towards force objectives.

Here is where you can choose to see your ideas fed by AI.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

Here’s what hydrometry looks like after a training session for beginners.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

What impressed me the most was how the system did not just throw you numbers. As a person who does not know rowing, I found that it actually provided a context and usable ideas. As a data -based athlete, it resonated with me immediately.

Learn an appropriate form (finally)

Another strong first impression: Hydraw practical videos are exceptional. As a person who has probably bothering me on the rowers for years, these quick tutorials were revealing. They answer the questions I didn’t even know that I should ask: should my heels raise during the motion? Am I carrying out the power of my legs correctly, or just shooting with my arms?

The quality of the instructions makes me think about all those times I jumped without thinking about a rower for a “quick cardio session” without any real technique. Now I understand why rowing has never felt particularly effective for me before.

Improve my form next to all my snacks.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

Personally, what excites me most in the arc is its specific programming for the race available in its catalog. As a marathon runners, we are always looking for an effective cross training that completes our race without adding unnecessary impact stress. Rowing checks all these boxes: it is low impact, works different muscle groups and offers excellent cardiovascular advantages.

The arc goes further with dedicated racing programs that seem specifically designed for people like me. After finishing my first session, I immediately followed with a cooling of the five -minute yoga, and the transparent transition between the activities was natural in the ecosystem (another moment which reminds me of the peloton ecosystem).

Technical specifications that count

If you are already a fan of Hydrow or at home rowing machines, here is what you need to know. The arc shares the same imprint as the rower of flagship origin of Hydraw (formerly the pro), but contains much more treatment power under the hood. He claims that the improved equipment supports the constant progress of the AI ​​that power functionalities such as hydrometry provide more memory for smoother operation and offers better sound by improved speakers. The 24 “touch screen screen is also an upgrade that is worthwhile to be written at home. It is much easier to work with so many video options delivered in such a quality visualization experience.

But let’s be honest about the drawbacks. This machine is substantial. It is a huge 147 pounds, measuring 86 “L x 25” W x 48 “h. We are talking about serious equipment here, not something that you come in with casualness in a corner. Although there is a vertical storage option, the arc is definitely best suited for people with a dedicated home gym. Living in a small apartment in Brooklyn, I found myself having more room to make a permanent fixation.

The other consideration is price and commitment. This is premium equipment with a premium price, and you will want to make sure that you will really use it consistently to justify the investment of $ 2,295. Find out more about this in my official exam, coming soon.

Conclusion: this could be my obsession with cross training

After several sessions on the arc, I am really excited to integrate rowing into my training routine in a more significant way. The combination of an appropriate instruction, intelligent measures and specific programming deals with each complaint that I had concerning traditional rowing machines.

As with a peloton for the bicycle, it is not only a question of having a machine at home; It is a question of having access to a complete training ecosystem which includes and supports your objectives. The features fueled by AI as hydrometry provide the type of feedback based on the data that serious runners appreciate, while the educational content guarantees that you draw the best party from each session. If you have the space and budget for premium home fitness equipment, the ARC deserves serious consideration as your next investment in training.

I am still in the first arc test stages, and I will provide more detailed information while I continue to explore its features and programs in the coming weeks.