A Certified Trainer’s Review of the Peloton Row (2024)
Peloton
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Rowing is an exercise modality that has drastically increased in popularity within the last few years. And for good reason. Rowing involves the major muscles in the body and is great for increasing cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength. It is a full body workout desirable for people of all different fitness abilities due to the variety of intensity levels and its low impact on the joints, making it safer than other exercise options.
Depending on your fitness level, 60 to 150 minutes of aerobic exercise is recommended per week. The convenience of an in-home cardio machine allows users to achieve this recommendation with ease.
There are many options for rowing machines, so how do you choose the right one for your home gym? Peloton has already made a giant impact within the fitness industry. The high energy, instructor-led live classes Peloton is known for give busy users the convenience of at home, on-demand workouts while still gaining the fun and motivation that comes with group fitness classes.
If you’re seeking the convenience of in-home, on demand workouts while being kind to your joints, the Peloton Row may be the right fit for you. Let’s take a deeper dive into this popular brand’s newest endeavor.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Quick Spec Overview
- Weight: 156.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 7' 10" L x 24 inches W
- Price: $2,995
- Screen: 23.8-inch touchscreen, turns 45 degrees in either direction
- Subscription: $44 per month for the Peloton All-Access Membership
Working Out with the Peloton Row
Peloton
To fully understand the Peloton Row, I went to the Peloton store to try it out for myself. A team member got me set up with the rower and got me comfortable with the controls and features of the machine. As a fitness coach with expansive experience with indoor rowers, I was blown away by the functionality and advanced technology of the Peloton Row.
Rowing form is a tremendous factor that goes into the safety and success of a rowing workout. Peloton understands this and has included a form check feature call Form Assist. Shown in the top left corner of the screen during your workout, it highlights in red where your form can be improved upon. It also provides real-time coaching cues such as “lean slightly forward at the catch.” I find this feature extremely useful regardless of rowing experience.
There are four phases to the movement of rowing. Your form within each of these four phases is monitored throughout the session via personalized calibration and summarized using percentages at the end of each workout. This data is saved and compared upon itself from workout to workout, allowing the user to see their form ratings over time.
There is a wide variety of rower classes for the user to choose from. Classes range from 15 to 60 minutes, including the warmup. You can choose Row, which is rowing only through intervals, or Row Bootcamp, which combines rowing with strength training in circuits. There is also an option of a scenic row in which the screen will take you through a map of your choice. If you don’t purchase the Peloton All-Access Membership, you still use the rower in Just Row mode, meaning metrics will appear on screen, but you won’t get access to any of Peloton’s features, making the membership essentially a necessary purchase.
Many exercisers love to train in varying heart rate zones. The Peloton Row is compatible with popular heart rate monitoring devices, such as the Apple Watch and Orangetheory OTBeat Burn. During your workout, real-time heart rate data is shown on the screen in five different colored training zones.
A feature that I greatly enjoyed the ability to sort workouts by music genre, ensuring you always have motivating tunes. You simply select your desired genre of music and you will be shown all the workouts within that genre.
For those that are a bit competitive, you may choose to see others that are taking the same class as you in real time with a leaderboard. This can help give motivation and a group fitness feel that may be lacking in a typical at-home workout.
For each class, you can choose the ability level, and the instructor consistently gives target metric verbal cues for things like stroke rate and intensity level for each interval. Personal pace targets help set intensity level for every class. This allows for beginners and experts to take the same class with varying personal pace targets. As exercisers get stronger and more advanced, their personal pace targets will increase to continue to challenge them every single workout.
All of the important stats involved in rowing are displayed on the screen. This includes:
- Stroke rate, measured in strokes per minute
- Distance in meters
- Pace, shown in 500-meter split time
- Power output shown in watts
However, if you prefer to not see the stats during a workout, they can be easily hidden.
Overall, my experience working out with the Peloton Row was extremely positive. It is the most technology-based, yet user friendly, indoor rowing machine I have ever used. I enjoyed browsing through all the class options with different durations and music genres. The instructors were extremely motivating and kept me engaged throughout the entire workout.
Console and Controls
Many indoor rowers use either fan, water or magnetic resistance. The Peloton Row is different. Resistance is electronically controlled and automatically adjusts. The quicker you pull the handle back, the higher the resistance and difficulty gets.
Related Post: The Best Magnetic Rowers
There is a second feature called the drag factor that is easily adjusted right on the tablet, however Peloton does not recommend changing the drag factor. The drag factor is, per the Peloton website, “how much opposing force builds up against your Peloton Row handle as you increase your rowing speed.” The default drag setting is designed to match the feeling of rowing a boat in water, hence why it is not recommended to be changed.
Similar to other Peloton equipment, the rower has a large, 23.8-inch HD touchscreen tablet that easily connects to Wi-Fi. The touchscreen is extremely user-friendly and easy to navigate. Numerous features, such as form assistance and class duration can be displayed on-screen or hidden depending upon user preference. Once selecting a class, your coach will show up on this screen, leading you through your rowing and or strength intervals.
All features, excluding the sound level, are controlled on the touchscreen tablet. The sound level is controlled on the right side of the tablet with easy to control volume buttons. All features can be changed while being seated in the rower with feet strapped in, increasing user friendliness.
Construction and Design
Peloton
The design of the rower feels top-tier. The ergonomic seat glides back with ease yet does not feel loose, like other indoor rower seats do. The foot straps do not loosen due to strong velcro hold, ensuring the user stays comfortably positioned.
The Peloton Row has numerous features that allows it to be easily adjusted to each individual user. The rower suits exercisers ranging from 4' 11" to 6' 5" and a max weight of 300 pounds. The footplates are adjustable and suit shoe size ranges of women’s size 5 through men’s size 13.5. There is also a place to store your water bottle and phone for easy access.
The Peloton Row is a great in-home cardio machine. There is minimal noise associated with use. Unlike a fan rower that can produce a substantial amount of noise, the Peloton Row is essentially silent. There is also the option of connecting Bluetooth headphones so as to not emit any audio.
The rower has a wall mount included with purchase that allows the user to store the rower upright when not in use, opening up more space in their home. This wall anchor has safety features that prevents the rower from falling over when stored vertically. The wall anchor does need to be screwed into the wall which may present problems for users who rent their home.
What we like about the Peloton Row:
- Total body, low impact cardiovascular training
- One subscription allows access to all Peloton modalities, including the Bike and Tread
- Great home gym equipment due to its quiet features and ability to be stored upright
- A wide array of class types, durations and music genres to choose from
- Motivating and inspiring instructors
- Advanced technological features to enhance user experience
- Progress tracking stored in the app
- Form feedback to ensure user safety
- Vertical storage option
What to consider about the Peloton Row:
- Subscription is needed to access classes
- High price point for purchase of machine
Customer Reviews of the Peloton Row
The Peloton Row has a 4.5/5 star rating on its website. Positive aspects that kept recurring in the reviews consist of loving the form assist and positive feedback regarding the instructors. As said by Melinda from Oroville, California, “It doesn't take long to get good form down. After one week, I can get to 95 percent on my form.” Vicki from Seattle, Washington stated, “I feel like I have gotten much better at rowing in just a few weeks.”
After trying the Form Assist myself, I can confidently say I fully agree. The Form Assist is an amazing feature that competitors lack. Rowing is such a tricky exercise to get down to a novice, therefore the form assist giving constant feedback helps users learn quicker and gain confidence with rowing while staying safe.
Many reviewers also mentioned specific coaches by name in their positive review. Among those named are Ash, Alex, Matt, Katie and Adrian. When demoing the rower myself, my coach was Ash. The energy and charisma Ash brought was amazing and something that myself, as a group fitness coach, was inspired by. Peloton coaches are known for having unique and inviting personalities. Numerous instructors are social media famous due to their fun personalities coming through while coaching.
One recurring complaint that I noticed while going through the reviews is in regards to the strap. The strap of the rower (the piece that connects the handles to the machine) seems to fray over months of use. Peloton does replace frayed straps, however, it may take some time to resolve the issue.
Numerous reviews that spoke of equipment malfunction, such as a frayed strap, also spoke of slow resolve to their issues. These reviewers claim to have contacted customer service and are still waiting for the issue to be resolved a month later. Whether this be Peloton being slow to ship out new parts or sending out technicians to fix the issue, better customer service is expected from a piece of equipment as pricey as the Peloton Row.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Peloton Row
Peloton
Subscription
There is one subscription for Peloton that allows access to virtual classes. It is called the Peloton All-Access Membership and is priced at $44 for the monthly membership. This membership gives access to all Peloton content, including the Peloton Bike and Peloton Tread. It is a household membership, meaning that multiple profiles can be created for multiple exercisers residing in the same residency. Other features within the All-Access Membership include strength classes, yoga classes and more. As a member gains more fitness equipment, specifically Peloton equipment, their membership rate remains the same $44 per month and they’re able to do more types of exercise at the same monthly rate. This is great for those who plan to own or access multiple pieces of Peloton equipment.
Size
For in home use, clearance space of about eight feet long by two feet wide is needed while exercising. Upright storage of the rower is possible, opening up your space when not in use. It weighs 156.5 pounds, making it a relatively lightweight piece of cardio equipment.
Design
The design of the Peloton Row consistently follows the reputation of the Peloton brand: quality products with advanced technology. Everything about the design of the rower is ahead of the times in regards to indoor rowing machines. The electronically controlled resistance is arguably the most impressive feature of the Peloton Row due to its ease of control and lack of noise production. Other notable design features include Bluetooth connection for both heart rate devices and headphones.
Technology and features
Peloton is one of the industry leaders for up to date technology and the rower stays within that realm of superiority. The ease of bluetooth connection for heart rate monitoring devices as well as headphones is a huge selling point for many prospects. The large touchscreen display that allows users to control all components of their workout while remaining seated and strapped in to their rower is a unique and helpful feature as well. The form assist is a great addition for both novice and advanced rowers.
Training programs
The classes offered through the Peloton subscription are all instructor-led. Peloton is known for having the best of the best instructors within the fitness industry. These high energy instructors deliver a variety of challenging workouts that users of all fitness members can succeed in. All-Access members can choose a variety of rowing workouts ranging from different durations to different focuses to different music choices. Individuality is achieved by adjusting the personal pace targets so that every exerciser of varying fitness levels has a challenging yet fulfilling workout.
It’s important to note that the Peloton subscription is not needed to exercise on the rower, rather it greatly enhances the experience by allowing access to Peloton instructor-led classes. Users can explore other rowing apps if they choose to not purchase a Peloton subscription.
Warranty and return policy
Peloton has a 12-month limited warranty. This warranty fully covers the touchscreen and most original Row components. The actual frame of the rower has five years of coverage. If a warranty claim is made, Peloton will send a technician to your home as long as you live within the United States and within Peloton’s service area, which is not specifically clarified. If your Peloton is under warranty and cannot be repaired, a replacement will be delivered to your home with no additional fees.
Purchasers can choose to add an additional Peloton Protection Plan atop of the warranty for $299. This plan is 48 months of total coverage and includes accident coverage, power surge protection, and has a zero dollar deductible with no annual claim limit. Consumers can add this protection plan anytime within 12 months of delivery.
Peloton offers a 30-day home trial. One trial is allowed per household and upfront payment is required. Peloton specialists will deliver and install the rower in the home. If the consumer chooses to return within that 30-day period, Peloton will pick up the rower and refund the entire order. To get the full Peloton experience, the All-Access subscription is highly recommended and is priced at $44 per month.
Peloton Row vs. Hydrow Wave
If seeking a budget rowing machine, check out the Hydrow Wave. There is a significant difference in price between the two pieces of equipment The Peloton Row is priced at $2,995, while the the Hydrow Wave at $1,895, amounting to a difference over $1,000.
The Hydrow Wave Rower is a more compact rower than the Peloton Row, with dimensions amounting to 14 inches shorter and 5 inches narrower. Interestingly, the Hydrow Rower can hold 75 pounds more than the Peloton Row. The Hydrow Wave supports users up to 375 pounds, while the weight limit on the Peloton is 300. Another physical component that the Hydrow Wave has that the Peloton Row lacks is color options. The Hydrow Wave is available in five different colors and the Peloton is only available in the standard black.
Both machines connect to Bluetooth headphones and popular heart rate monitoring devices. Both have upright storage capabilities, however the Peloton wall anchor is included in the purchase price while the Hydrow Wave wall anchor is sold separately. To fully utilize the rower and all of its features, both the Peloton and Hydrow Wave require a subscription to access virtual classes. Interestingly enough, both brand’s subscriptions are $44 per month. However, it’s important to note that Peloton’s subscription allows access to all of Peloton’s cardiovascular training classes that include indoor biking and treadmill workouts, while Hydrow Wave’s subscription allows access to rowing only as the brand does not have bikes or treadmills.
If a user chooses to not subscribe, they have the same features on both pieces of equipment. Both allow free rows without any classes and rowing metrics will appear on the screen.
Peloton Row vs. Nordictrack RW700
The Nordictrack RW700 is another lower cost option. Priced at $1,499, it’s about half the price of the Peloton Row. The dimensions between the two rowers are similar, with the Peloton Row being only seven inches longer and two inches wider than the Nordictrack RW700.
One notable display difference between the Peloton Row and the Nordictrack RW700 is the display screen. Although the Peloton screen is larger at 23.8 inches versus Nordictrack’s 10-inch screen, the Peloton only allows for 45 degrees of horizontal rotation versus Nordictrack’s 360-degree rotation capabilities. This difference in the swivel screen is important due to both brands offering classes that have strength and yoga components that take place off the rower. Therefore, the Nordictrack allows the user to have more room for those other exercises because they’re not tied down by how far the screen can rotate.
While on the topic of classes, both brands offer classes with an add-on subscription cost. The Peloton All-Access is $44 per month, while the Nordictrack uses iFit, which starts at $15 per month. iFit is a subscription-based membership that allows users to access classes in many different exercise modalities, including (but not limited to) indoor cycling and treadmill as well as some strength training. The Peloton and iFit memberships appear to be similar in design, however iFit is quite a bit cheaper. Single memberships start at $15 per month and family memberships start at $33 a month if paid annually.
The resistance design of the two rowers is similar in the sense that both have silent, digital resistance. However, with the Nordictrack RW700, there is a feature called Autoadjust. While taking a class through iFit, the coach adjusts the resistance automatically. This allows the user to continuously row without changing any settings. With the Peloton Row, the resistance changes by the velocity in which the handles are pulled back. The Peloton instructors are coaching to stroke rate and therefore resistance does change throughout the workout, but it is adjusted by the operator’s pace rather than adjusted automatically.
Peloton Row FAQs
Is the Peloton Row worth it?
Yes, if you enjoy rowing and see yourself doing rowing workouts for years to come, the Peloton Row is worth the investment. When compared to group fitness classes of similar format, the All-Access subscription is much cheaper. The convenience of on-demand, in-home workouts helps save both time and travel costs.
Is the Peloton Row loud?
No, the Peloton Row emits very little sound into its environment. Due to the electronically controlled resistance and Bluetooth headphone compatibility, it is a great machine to have in a home where noise levels need to be lower.
Does the Peloton Row fold up?
The Peloton Row does not fold up to a smaller size, however, it is able to be stored in an upright position. It will always be about eight feet long, however it can be stored vertically rather than horizontally to help save space. It is important to note that a wall anchor needs to be drilled into the wall for this vertical storage.
How heavy is the Peloton Row?
The Peloton Row weighs 156.5 pounds. There are wheels at the front of the rower for moving convenience.
Can you use Peloton Row without a subscription?
Yes, you can use the Peloton Row without a subscription, however you will not be able to access classes. The only thing you can access without a subscription is on-screen rowing statistics such as stroke rate, wattage and split time, however classes and instruction require the All-Access Membership at $44 per month.
Final Thoughts: Is the Peloton Row Worth It?
The Peloton Row is a high quality piece of exercise equipment. With the Peloton brand having numerous endeavors including the Peloton Bike, Peloton Tread, Peloton App and now the Peloton Row, I was a bit concerned that the brand may fall flat as it tries to tackle too many modalities. However, the Peloton Row exceeded my expectations.
I have coached indoor rowing workshops as a fitness coach and I fully support the Peloton Row. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable yet present information in an easy to understand manner. The technology of the rower is the best I have yet to see with an indoor rower. My favorite feature is the Form Assist. Since rowing is such a unique movement, proper form is a challenging endeavor for exercisers learning to use the row. Form Assist that includes real time feedback as well as a form success summary at the end of each class is a feature that sets the Peloton Row apart from its competitors.
Although it has a high price tag, the Peloton Row will pay for itself within two years. With the All-Access Membership, users can access a substantial amount of classes in the convenience of their own home. When compared to a gym membership for a single person that costs $180 a month, which is typical for a group fitness studio, the Peloton Row will pay for itself in one year and ten months while including the Peloton All-Access Membership. Therefore, owning the Peloton Row for two years or more is actually a money-saving investment.
I recommend the Peloton Row for individuals looking for a total body in home workout routine. The advanced technology and variety of rowing content makes the Peloton Row a great tool for your health and fitness.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
