Everything You Need to Know About CityRow: The Ultimate At-Home Rowing Workout
Hey there fitness friend! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the lookout for fun and effective ways to stay in shape without schlepping to the gym. That‘s why I was so excited to try CityRow – the innovative at-home workout system that promises a killer cardio and strength training session from the comfort of your living room.
After using my CityRow machine and app religiously for the past few months, I‘m here to give you the full scoop on this trending fitness brand. From the top-notch equipment to the engaging classes and impressive results, I‘ll cover everything you need to know to decide if CityRow is right for you.
First, a Little Background…
Founded in 2014 by New Yorker Helaine Knapp, CityRow started as a boutique fitness studio on a mission to make rowing more accessible and exciting. Knapp, a former indoor cycling instructor, discovered rowing as a low-impact solution to her back pain and quickly fell in love with the full-body benefits.
Fast forward a few years, and CityRow has exploded into a national brand with over 50 studio locations and a cult-like following. In 2018, they released their first at-home rowing machine, making it possible to get a studio-quality rowing workout without leaving your house.
The Machines
Let‘s start with the star of the show: the CityRow rowing machines. The brand offers two models to fit your budget and space.
CityRow Go Max ($2,195)
The CityRow Go Max is the Cadillac of at-home rowers. This top-of-the-line machine features a built-in 19.5" touchscreen display where you can stream classes directly and track your progress with advanced performance metrics.
What really makes the Go Max stand out is its unique WaterFlywheel resistance technology. Unlike traditional air or magnetic rowers, this machine uses water to create a smooth, natural rowing experience that mimics the feeling of outdoor rowing. Trust me, the first time you pull that handle and feel the satisfying swoosh of the water, you‘ll be hooked!
Other notable features of the Go Max include:
- Ultra-comfortable seat with extra padding
- Ergonomic handle to minimize wrist strain
- Nearly silent operation (perfect for apartment dwellers)
- Foldable frame for easy vertical storage
- Heart rate monitor connectivity
CityRow Go Classic ($1,495)
If you‘re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the CityRow Go Classic is an excellent choice. While it doesn‘t have the fancy touchscreen of the Max, it still offers the same smooth water resistance and durable construction.
The Classic has a basic LCD display that tracks your essential metrics like time, distance, and calories burned. You can sync this data with the CityRow app via Bluetooth to track your progress over time. To view the actual workouts, you‘ll need to use your own mobile device or smart TV.
Both machines are made of high-quality materials like aluminum and steel, so they feel sturdy and substantial (no rickety rowing here!). I also love that they fold up easily for storage – a huge plus if you‘re tight on space.
The Workouts
Of course, a rowing machine is only as good as the workouts you do with it. Let me tell you, CityRow does NOT disappoint in this department! The CityRow app (available for iOS and Android) is absolutely packed with rowing-based workouts for every fitness level and goal.
Membership to the app is $19.99/month or $180/year – which may seem a little steep, but is actually a bargain compared to most fitness subscriptions. (Peloton, for example, charges $39/month). Plus, if you buy a CityRow rower, you get 30 days of free app access to try it out.
So what exactly can you expect from the CityRow app? Here‘s a quick breakdown:
Live Classes
The app streams live rowing classes from CityRow‘s NYC studio every day, so you can sync up with other users in real-time and feed off the instructor‘s energy. There‘s something so motivating about rowing along with other people, even if you can‘t see them!
Most live classes are 45-50 minutes long, with a nice balance of endurance rowing, HIIT sprints, and strength exercises mixed in. The instructors do an amazing job of hyping you up while also providing helpful form cues so you can maximize your efforts.
In my experience, the live classes are a great option when I want to really push myself. Seeing my name on the leaderboard is insanely motivating (yes, I‘m a little competitive) and I always end up working harder than I would on my own.
On-Demand Library
Not everyone can make it to the live classes (I feel you!), which is where CityRow‘s extensive on-demand library comes in clutch. With hundreds of pre-recorded workouts ranging from 10 to 60 minutes, it‘s easy to find a class that fits your schedule and mood.
The app lets you filter classes by length, instructor, music genre, and intensity level, so you can always find your perfect match. I personally love the 20-minute HIIT rows for a quick calorie burn, but I also appreciate the longer endurance-focused rows when I need some meditative me-time.
Most workouts combine rowing intervals with strength exercises and stretches for a balanced sweat sesh. You can stick with just bodyweight moves, or level up with dumbbells, resistance bands, or a yoga mat.
The production quality of the videos is top-notch, with multiple camera angles and crystal clear sound so you really feel like you‘re right there in the studio. I also have to give a shoutout to CityRow‘s awesome instructor team – their energy and positivity always put a smile on my face, even when I‘m dying through a hard sprint!
Form Tutorials and Challenges
As a newbie rower, I really appreciated the app‘s collection of quick tutorial videos breaking down proper rowing form. The instructors give super clear pointers on everything from foot positioning to arm timing, so you can row safely and efficiently.
CityRow also offers fun challenges and training programs to keep you motivated and on track with your goals. I recently completed the "Row to Grow" challenge, which had me rowing progressively longer distances over the course of 30 days. It was so satisfying to see my endurance improve in real time!
Real User Reviews
You don‘t have to just take my word for it – CityRow has glowing reviews from users of all ages and fitness levels. The brand‘s website features dozens of 5-star customer testimonials like these:
"I‘ve had my CityRow for about 6 weeks now and I‘m totally obsessed! The instructors are so engaging and I love how the classes are a mix of cardio and strength. I‘ve never stuck with a workout routine this long before but CityRow makes it easy to stay motivated!" – Rachel D.
"As a 55 year old guy with bad knees, I was hesitant to try rowing. But CityRow has been the perfect low impact workout to keep me active without pain. The machine is top quality and the classes are actually fun. Worth every penny!" – Michael R.
CityRow also has a strong social media presence, with over 20,000 followers on Instagram. A quick scroll through the hashtag #cityrow shows real people (not just models!) getting their row on and raving about the results.
How CityRow Stacks Up to Competitors
Of course, CityRow isn‘t the only at-home rowing brand on the block. You may be wondering how it compares to other popular options like Hydrow and Ergatta. Here‘s a quick breakdown:
| CityRow Go Max | Hydrow | Ergatta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,195 | $2,495 | $2,199 |
| Resistance Type | Water | Computer-controlled | Water |
| Display | 19.5" touchscreen | 22" touchscreen | 17.3" touchscreen |
| Machine Weight | 90 lbs | 197 lbs | 103 lbs |
| Dimensions | 85" L x 22" W x 43.5" H | 86" L x 25" W x 47" H | 86" L x 23" W x 40" H |
| Membership Fee | $19.99/mo ($180/yr) | $38/mo ($456/yr) | $29/mo |
| Class Types | Rowing, strength, yoga | Rowing, strength, yoga | Game-based & competition rowing |
| App Compatibility | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android |
As you can see, the CityRow Go Max is priced competitively with other high-end rowers, while offering a unique water-based resistance. It‘s also the lightest and most compact of the bunch, which is a big plus if you‘re short on space.
In terms of content, I think CityRow has the edge when it comes to workout variety and class structure. While Hydrow offers scenic outdoor rowing experiences, I personally prefer CityRow‘s studio-style classes with intervals and strength mixed in.
Ergatta‘s game-based workouts are definitely unique, but may not appeal to those who crave the sociability and energy of instructor-led classes. CityRow strikes a nice balance with its live leaderboard and community vibe.
The Bottom Line
So, is CityRow worth the investment? In my honest opinion – 100% yes.
After using my CityRow machine and app consistently for several months, I‘ve seen a noticeable improvement in my cardiovascular fitness, full-body strength, and overall energy levels. The low-impact nature of rowing has also been a gamechanger for my finicky knees and back.
Beyond the physical benefits, I just truly enjoy my CityRow workouts. The app makes it so easy to get a quality sweat session in, even on my busiest days. And let me tell you, nothing beats that post-row glow!
Yes, the price tag on the rower is hefty. But considering the top-notch build quality, engaging content, and convenience factor of working out at home, I think it‘s well worth the investment for anyone serious about their fitness. (Plus, CityRow offers financing options if you want to spread out the cost).
If you‘re on the fence, I highly recommend starting with a 30-day free app trial to test out the classes. Chances are, you‘ll be just as hooked as I am.
Huge thanks to CityRow for making rowing my new favorite way to work out. I truly believe this brand is changing the game and making boutique fitness more accessible for everyone. Give it a try and see for yourself! Your body (and mind) will thank you.
