Rowing Crazy

About Petra Amara

Written by Petra Amara - RowingCrazy.com
CEO & Founder of RowingCrazy, National Rower, Coxswain Womens Eight Team, Rowing Coach & Writer

Petra is a Mother of two and owner of Rowingcrazy.com. Petra lives and breathes rowing, she also has a passion for writing which lead her to start RowingCrazy.com to share her rowing experience and expertise with others.

Learn More About Petra Here!

Hydrow Vs Concept2 [2025] – Who Won & Why?

Hydrow vs Concept 2

If you’re seriously considering between Hydrow and Concept2, the comparison will boil down to user experience. Both rowing machines are class leaders in their own right. They are excellent indoor rowers, yet you cannot turn a blind eye to how different they are.

Their price gap is so wide that they’re definitely not in the same league. Hydrow is undoubtedly an elite rowing machine, while Concept 2 Model D (Read More on Concept 2 Rower Model E vs D) has long been considered the standard equipment for the training of competitive rowers. In fact, many competitions are officially rowed on Concept2 rowers, including the CrossFit Games.

In a Hurry?  Here Is A Quick Look at the Machines We Are Comparing:

    1. The Hydrow Rower
    2. Concept 2 

    *We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

    You can read my full breakdown and review on each rower further down in this article.

    Hydrow Rower vs Concept 2 Comparisons

    So why are we even comparing an uber-premium, flashy magnetic rower with a mid-priced, no-nonsense air rower?

    The reason is simple. Hydrow, though relatively a newcomer, is fast becoming the popular choice. Concept2, on the other hand, has not left the contest and is still very much the respected ergometer for athletes.

    Watch our Youtube video with Max Secunda (Rowing Expert) comparing the Hydrow and Concept 2 Rowers side by side:

     

    This is what makes this decision a tough choice to make because it’s not simply a matter of price comparison. Like I’ve said, this will all boil down to UX – user experience! And for this reason, you need to read how I compared the two and who came out the winner.

    Concept 2 vs Hydrow: What’s the Better Rowing Experience?

    The health and fitness benefits you get will be the same across both rowers, so those are not valid points of comparison. Both will engage over 80% of your muscles, increase your heart rate, and involve long range motions in workouts that are low impact and high intensity.

    In either model, you’ll get the same full body workout aerobic benefits, strengthen your muscles, and build strength and stamina.

    Since they’re the same in those aspects, does it matter where they differ?

    Of course, it matters. If you’re no stranger to rowing, you will know that while you get more-or-less the same benefits from different rowing machines, your experience will not be the same. And that’s where personal preference comes in.

    So let’s start talking about the experience that you will get using the Hydrow and the Concept2.  

    Resistance Type: Air vs Magnetic

    First, let’s take a closer look at the bestselling Concept2 models (D and E). This air resistance rower is durable, practical, and provides great value for money.

    Concept 2 Air Rower

    Get the Best Deal at Concept Compare on Amazon read more

Hydrow Vs Concept2 [2025] – Who Won & Why? Read More »

Hydrow Wave Vs Hydrow [2025]: Which Rower Is Best for You?

Hydrow wave vs Hydrow Rower

Hi everyone! It’s your favorite rowing buddy Petra, and today, I want to clear up a few things about the differences between the Hydrow and the Hydrow Wave.

More than a few people seem to think that the new Hydrow Wave is the same machine but with a new name, while others think that the only difference is the styling. Neither of these statements is true!

In a Hurry?  Here Is A Quick Look at the Machines We Are Comparing:

If you short on time to read this whole article, you can click on the links below to find out which rower is the best between the new smaller Hydrow Wave and The Original Hydrow Rower:

  1. Hydrow Orginal Rower
  2. Hydrow Wave Rower

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

This article will provide a comprehensive review of these rowing machines, examining each one closely and sharing our discoveries for each machine.

Lets Get Into It!

The original Hydrow was put on the market in 2017, and it’s been nothing short of a game changer!

The “Peloton” of rowing machines has put other rowing machines to shame, and I’ve seen several manufacturers trying to imitate it.

Now we have the new Hydrow Wave. Introduced in July 2022, we were lucky enough to get one sent to our Rowing Crazy office so I can tell you about it firsthand.

What are the differences between these two amazing rowing machines?

Let’s get down to brass tacks, shall we?

A Quick Comparison of the Original Hydrow Rowing Machine and the Hydrow Wave

I want to start this off with a really quick summary for those of you who are quite busy, or if you’ve been doing some reading but had a few questions about these indoor rowers.

Here’s the comparison data at a glance:

Original Hydrow Hydrow Wave
Frame Steel Polycarbonate
Monitor Size 22-inch HD touchscreen 16-inch HD touchscreen
Overall Dimensions 86” x 25” x 47” 80” x 19” x 43”
Overall Weight 145 pounds 102 pounds
Maximum User Weight 375 pounds 375 pounds
Vertical Stored Dimensions 33” L X 25” W X 86” H 26.5” L X 30” W X 83” H
Computer-Controlled Magnetic Resistance Yes Yes
Warranty 5-year frame, 1-year parts, 1-year labor 5-year frame, 1-year parts, 1-year labor

As you can see, the Wave has a smaller footprint and considerably lighter weight than the original Hydrow, but it can still support the same max user weight of 375 lbs. I don’t know how they managed that, but they did!

The monitor is also smaller but still has the same 1980 x 1080 high-resolution screen and front-facing speakers.

There are a few other differences and some things that haven’t changed. I will go into detail about those below.

Remember to bookmark this article so you can read it later.

How Does the Hydrow Wave Feel Compared to the Original Hydrow?

Hydrow SAVE $100 or £100!! => Use Coupon Code:  ROWINGCRAZY read more

Hydrow Wave Vs Hydrow [2025]: Which Rower Is Best for You? Read More »

Hydrow Black Friday Deals for 2025

Hydrow Black Friday

When you are serious about rowing, you want (and possibly even need) the Hydrow rowing machine, but it’s a big purchase, right? You’re a smart shopper, so you’ve waited all year to see what the Hydrow Black Friday sale is going to be. I don’t blame you there, I look for bargains myself and love a good Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale.

In a Hurry?  Just Want the Deal:

Are you short on time and want to jump straight to the Hydrow Deal for Black Friday then click on the link below:

  1. Hydrow Black Friday Deal!

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

However if you have more time, keep reading as we go into a thorough evaluation of this great machine and point out everything you should consider before purchasing!

Let Jump Into It!

Here’s the best thing about Hydrow’s Black Friday sale – you don’t need a Hydrow promo code, you don’t need Hydrow coupon codes. All you need to do is click on the links below to get huge discounts on one of the best selling pieces of gym equipment that money can buy, the Hydrow rowing machine (read our full in-depth Hydrow Review here) 

OK, enough talk, let’s get right down to what the deal is on this piece of fitness equipment so you can save some outrageous amount of cash. Your friends are never going to believe you got a Cyber Monday sale like this one! (See Our rowing machine Cyber Monday sale) 

Side Note – Other Hydrow Sale Deals: 

If you have fallen upon this page and it is not Black Friday Season – be sure to go over to our other page which has our current Hydrow Sale Deals!

Huge Discounts on Hydrow – Black Friday Deals

Right off, you can see that the Hydrow rower is different from all other types of rowing machines. It’s stylish, and the sleek exterior looks very much like a piece of living room furniture. This rower was designed and made by professional rowers, so they know what you’re looking for in a rowing experience.

Hydrow SAVE $100 or £100!! => Use Coupon Code:  ROWINGCRAZY read more

Hydrow Black Friday Deals for 2025 Read More »

Is There a Rowing Machine Like Peloton? [2025]

Rowing machine like peloton

No one would deny that in a few short years, the Peloton name has become synonymous with high-quality, personalized and very intense workouts that make the Peloton Bike exciting. 

For years, Peloton followers have been wondering whether there’s a rowing machine like Peloton. It turns out there is!

In a Hurry?  Here is My Top Pick:

The Hydrow Rower offers connected, live and on-demand workouts as exciting and motivating as the Peloton bike experience. Hydrow’s fully immersive, on-the-water workouts will get you burning fat in no time, no wonder it’s called the Peloton of rowing machines!

Rowing gives you a low-impact full-body exercise that won’t mess up your knees or back! That’s why rowing machines have the upper hand over bikes. Rowing is a full-body workout that will rock your world! To keep you motivated to work out, you will need the perfect rowing machine, one that’s as engaging as a Peloton!

As early as 2015, we’ve heard about Peloton coming out with a rowing machine, and in 2022, Peloton finally introduced its newest product, the Peloton Row. Customers started receiving their preordered units in December 2022, and you may order one now from their website.

My name is Petra, and I’m an actual rowing fanatic. I’ve been fortunate enough to use nearly every major indoor rowing machine sold today, so I was quite interested how Peloton would stack up to the others. 

Let’s look into what the various machines have to offer compared to Peloton.

Quick Comparison Chart

If you’ve already done some research and want some basic answers about how these rowing machines differ, this comparison chart might answer your question.

Peloton vs Hydrow vs Hydrow Wave vs Aviron vs Ergatta vs LIT  

Peloton Hydrow Hydrow Wave  Aviron Impact Ergatta LIT Method
Type of Resistance Magnetic Magnetic Magnetic Magnetic and Air Water Water
Overall Dimensions 94”x24”
(L x W)
86”x25“x47”
(L x W x H)
80“x19”x43”
(L x W x H)
97”x21”x43”
(L x W x H)
86”x23”x40”
(L x W x H)
7’x1.75’x1.6’ or about
84”x 21”x19”
(L x W x H)
Weight of the Machine 156.5 Pounds 145 Pounds 102 Pounds 93 Pounds 103 Pounds including water 89 Pounds including water
Storage Options Comes with upright wall anchor kit Upright storage kit must be purchased separately Upright storage kit must be purchased separately Folds to measure
54”x21”x62” (L x W x H)
Can be stored upright without additional accessory Can be stored upright without additional accessory
Maximum User Weight 300 Pounds 375 Pounds 375 Pounds 397 Pounds 500 Pounds 400 Pounds
Monitor Size 23.8-Inch HD
Touchscreen
22-Inch HD
Touchscreen
16-Inch HD
Touchscreen
22-Inch HD
Touchscreen
17.3-Inch HD
Touchscreen
None;
Use your own gadget
Price
(Subject to change)
$3,195 $2,495 $1,695 $2,199 $2,499 $1,749
Monthly Subscription Cost $44  $44 $44 $29 Monthly or $25 when billed annually $29 Monthly or $26 when billed annually $24.99 
Warranty 5 years on frame
1 year on all other parts with 1 year labor
5 years on frame
1 year on all other parts with 1 year labor
5 years on frame
1 year on all other parts with 1 year labor
10 years on frame
1 year on all other parts
5 years on frame
1 year on touchscreen
3 years on all other parts
Lifetime warranty on frame
5 years on all other parts

Note the overall dimensions and consider how much space you can spare for your rower. Moreover, you must also take into account the maximum weight capacity of each rower if you have a heavyweight or an obese member in your household.

Price is an important consideration, but a smart rower is an investment in your health, so be sure you pick the one that is right for you!

Which brings us back to the rowing machine like Peloton that has a lower price tag and a cheaper monthly subscription—the Hydrow! It’s the indoor rower I own, and I’m going to tell you all about it in today’s article.

Hydrow Rower – the Rowing Machine with Connected Workouts Like Peloton

Hydrow SAVE $100 or £100!! => Use Coupon Code:  ROWINGCRAZY read more

Is There a Rowing Machine Like Peloton? [2025] Read More »

Hydrow vs NordicTrack RW900 Rower (2025): The Winner Is …

Hydrow vs NordicTrack

Choosing the right piece of exercise equipment for your home gym or for personal use can be a tough decision.

If you’ve made the smart choice to purchase an indoor rower, then congratulations! I couldn’t agree more! Rowers are perhaps the most effective pieces of cardio equipment that offer a full-body workout with maximum calorie burning and other health benefits.

Our Hands on Testing:

We have trialed, tested and created videos of these 2 machines with all our expert rowers at our office.  We are continually testing the Hydrow and the NordicTrack RW900, so both these machines get plenty of daily use from multiple people.  read more

Hydrow vs NordicTrack RW900 Rower (2025): The Winner Is … Read More »

What Rowing Machine Is Comparable to Concept 2?

The Concept2 is one of the most popular models right now, but whether you feel that the Concept2 model is too large, too ugly, doesn’t offer enough fun stuff, or if you think that it’s just too expensive, you aren’t alone. This rowing machine is a big seller, but there are better home rowing machines, some of which you’ve probably never heard of. It’s about time you do. 

You absolutely want the best possible home rowing machine you can afford, and the Hydrow rower is not only comparable to Concept2—it’s even better. I’ll explain why and offer several other options to help you decide on the best alternative to the traditional Concept 2 air rower.

Indoor rowing has become the hottest new piece of exercise equipment around. Rowing workouts aren’t new, but the new indoor rowing machines have everyone talking.


I’ve personally tried close to a hundred rowing machines, and I know which are the best rowing machines and which are just OK. If you want to know which rowing machines are out of this world, and which are just a plain Jane workout machine, keep reading.

Is the Concept 2 the Best Rower?

I would suppose the answer to this question would be, “That depends on whom you ask.”

Get the Best Deal at Concept Compare on Amazon read more

What Rowing Machine Is Comparable to Concept 2? Read More »

Oprah’s Favorite Things: A Rowing Machine & Her Full Gift List!!

Oprah's favorite things 2021

Yes, it’s that time of year again, folks! Black Friday sales, Christmas presents, and fun, fun, fun!

I love this time of year, and if you’re reading this article, I bet you do as will too as we deep dive into

Oprah’s Favorite Things:
One thing that I’ve learned over the years is that if Oprah recommends something, you can bet it will be downright fantastic. Let’s face it, has Oprah ever steered us wrong about a great book or movie?

The same is true with Oprah’s Favorite Things list. This is her 25th anniversary of making these lists, and I think I’ve read every single one because I’m an Oprah fan.

OK, who ISN’T an Oprah fan, right?

However, there is one thing about Oprah’s lists – they can get to be pretty long. If you don’t want to spend the next 8 hours checking out her Favorite Things list to find what you’re looking for, then you’ve come to the right place.

I am going to create a shortlist, if you will, of the Best of Oprah’s Favorite Things List. How about that?

This way, you can glean the best bargains, not to mention the best items, without spending hours doing so.

Are you ready to shop? Have a seat because this is one exciting ride!

The Best of Oprah’s Favorite Things – The Hydrow

Hydrow SAVE $100 or £100!! => Use Coupon Code:  ROWINGCRAZY read more

Oprah’s Favorite Things: A Rowing Machine & Her Full Gift List!! Read More »

Does Hydrow Have an App?

does hydrow have an app

So you probably already know about the Hydrow and how terrific it is and all that, but what if you are away from home? Are you stuck using a lesser quality rowing machine that won’t motivate you?
Maybe you have already invested in another rowing machine, but you love the live, streaming workouts and wish you could access them.

There is one little thing about the Hydrow that very few people know. You might know about the subscription and all about Hydrow’s features, but an app?  FYI:  To learn more about the Hydrow’s features and performance, where our team personally puts it to the test over a long period of time, please read our Hydrow Rowing Machine Review article!

Is There a Hydrow App?

Of course, there is a Hydrow app. Aside from the incredible workout programs, Hydrow is also a community of like-minded individuals who want to build happier, healthier lives. It is for this reason why Hydrow invented the Hydrow app – to keep you connected to other Hydrow users and allow you to use the workouts even when you’re away from your favorite rowing machine.

Does Hydrow Have an Android App?

Yes, Hydrow has an Android app. You can download the Hydrow app on either your Android or IOS device.

For Android phones, you can go to the Google Play store. For IOS (iPhone), you can use the App Store.

Hydrow SAVE $100 or £100!! => Use Coupon Code:  ROWINGCRAZY read more

Does Hydrow Have an App? Read More »

How Much Does the Hydrow Rower Cost? (+Save $100)

hydrow rower cost

I once heard a song that said, “Those who deserve the best in life know what their money’s worth”

I have to say that I totally agree with this line! While the best things in life may be free, you sometimes need (and want) a little more. Yes, jumping rope is next to free and it’s great exercise, but my knees would strongly object! If you have access to open water, you could always go swimming for free, but what do you do in the winter?

An indoor rower was made for times when exercising outdoors was impossible or difficult at best, but how much does Hydrow rower cost?

If you’ve been eyeing the Hydrow rowing machine, then you know that it’s a premium machine that comes at a premium price, which varies depending the package you choose. The base price is usually $2,245, and you may get it with financing at 0% APR for only $63/month in a 36-month payment scheme.

You also need to add the Hydrow membership cost for a true Hydrow experience. This requires you to pay a monthly membership fee, but I’ll get into that below.

When the truth is told, there are probably 100 different rowing machines you can buy. Some are stinkers, some are just OK, and some people are only concerned with price. If that’s true for you, then Hydrow is not for you.

If you are one of those who believe that you get what you pay for and want a machine that is going to motivate you to exercise every day, one that will last for decades, then you should consider the Hydrow.

In this article, I’m going to tell you about what Hydrow has to offer, why I bought one, and why you should too. Oh yes, I will also let you in on my little secret for getting Hydrow at a big discount.

Hydrow Cost: Is Hydrow Worth the Price Tag?

Hydrow SAVE $100 or £100!! => Use Coupon Code:  ROWINGCRAZY read more

How Much Does the Hydrow Rower Cost? (+Save $100) Read More »

Hydrow Subscription – Is It Worth It?

Hydrow Subscription

If you’re tired of paying your monthly gym subscription and thinking about replacing it with a fitness machine for your home gym, you’re certainly not alone.

A rowing machine is one of the best pieces of home gym equipment because it’s a calorie-burning machine that offers a full-body workout. And I’m telling you right now that the Hydrow is hands down the best rowing machine out there today, and the membership cost is worth every cent you pay.

In today’s article, I’m going to talk about why this monthly membership is worth so much more than your gym membership and how you can access the incredible workouts even if you own a different rowing machine.

Does Hydrow Rower Come with a Membership?

No, it doesn’t. You need to subscribe and pay for this membership each month.

It’s really no different from paying monthly fees to your gym, except that you will get a lot more use out of your Hydrow membership than you will with the one from your gym.

Hydrow SAVE $125 => Use Coupon Code:  ROWINGCRAZY read more

Hydrow Subscription – Is It Worth It? Read More »

Why You Need the Hydrow Upright Storage Kit & Wall Mount

Why You Need the Hydrow Upright Storage Kit

If you’re a proud owner of a Hydrow rowing machine, you might be wondering what your option is for storing the device when not in use.

You might also be on the verge of buying a Hydrow but are considering if storage will be a problem. So let’s ask a very obvious question, and a most important one at that.

Does the Hydrow Fold Up?

No, the Hydrow doesn’t fold up. The nearest thing to folding that it can do is collapse its neck so you can stow the monitor down.

If you’re thinking that storage can be a problem, that’s where you’re wrong. The Hydrow rower doesn’t fold because it’s meant to be stored in a different way.

How to Store Hydrow Rower When Not in Use 

While many Hydrow owners love to show off their Hydrow and rarely stows their rower away, you can actually store your Hydrow vertically. When stored upright, a Hydrow occupies very little space, and all you need is a Hydrow upright storage kit to secure it to a wall. 

After the kit is installed, you can store the device with the following steps:

  1. Unplug your Hydrow from the wall outlet.
  2. Move the monitor into storage position by lifting on the base of the monitor while pressing the fold button on the neck of the Hydrow and gently lower the monitor into a collapsed position.
  3. Slide the Hydrow’s seat towards the front of the rail.
  4. Lift the back legs and tilt the Hydrow forward onto the front wheels (be careful not to pinch the cord!)
  5. Position the wheels so that the stickers that read “Storage” are in place.
  6. Holding the Hydrow with one hand, use your other hand to grab the storage strap, wrap it around the rail and behind the back legs, and then clip in place to secure and store your Hydrow vertically.

I hope this description helps! If you are unsure about whether you can lift or hold the weight of your Hydrow, have a friend help you the first time you mount the rower using the storage kit.

The Hydrow Upright Storage Kit

Let me tell you more all about this simple but ingenious device.

 

Hydrow SAVE $100 or £100!! => Use Coupon Code:  ROWINGCRAZY read more

Why You Need the Hydrow Upright Storage Kit & Wall Mount Read More »