We Tested Peloton's Luxe New Rower
PELOTON IS a household name for cardio workouts thanks to its best-in-class programming and instructors, but the company's hardware has remained focused on stationary bikes and treadmills. Once an aspirational pandemic purchase, you can now find Peloton bikes and treads prominently displayed in home gyms, hospitality suites, and squeezed into living rooms around the world.
When whispers of Peloton adding a rower to their arsenal of high-detail cardio equipment began circulating the fitness world, you could say we were intrigued. The biggest question we had, however, was just how well the new hardware would perform in tandem with the top-line programming Peloton fans have come to expect.
Peloton's decision to produce a rower after sticking so firmly to spin and tread makes sense given the rowing machine's place within the indoor cardio pantheon. Rowing is one of the most effective methods to develop your conditioning. The unique blend of cardio and muscular capacity will leave you sweating and exhausted, confused about which type of workout you just did. The total body approach is ideal for everyone, especially those short on time and looking to get the most efficient training possible.
Now the machine, dubbed Peloton Row, has been unveiled. We had a chance to check it out before launch to see just how great the marriage between hardware and software turned out. Early verdict: Peloton pairing its best-in-class programming with this luxe machine is a combo for results.
Peloton Row Fast Facts
●Form Assist tech to establish proper rowing form
●Electronically-Controlled resistance for quiet workouts
●Vertical Storage
●24-inch HD Swivel Screen
●$3,195 (including delivery and setup); $44/month All-Access Membership required
●Pre-order available now; delivery anticipated December 2022
Using the Peloton Row
The Peloton Row was designed with one major focus, according to the company: “to enhance the experience.” When you use it, you can see where the special attention to the user was focused.
The handle and seat design were tailored to make longer workouts more comfortable, as opposed to more traditional rower designs, whose seats can be unforgiving on your butt after sustained effort. The handle allows for those who may have disabilities to use the single hand slot to pull which is an important addition. A cloth threaded strap and glide of the seat on track allow for a smooth transition with each pull of the handle. If you are tight on space, the rower is easily stowed away by folding down the screen and standing up the rower, taking up about half the footprint of the company's stationary bike.
Programming and data are the Peloton difference maker. Sensors are located throughout the seat and handle to provide information for their feature called Form Assist. Form Assist will provide a graphic image of yourself rowing with each stroke to provide input on how effective or ineffective your pattern is, which is ultimately scored and tracked after workouts. Like other Peloton pieces, Row also comes with a large touchscreen to navigate workouts and track your progress.
What We Loved About the Peloton Row
The Peloton Row Is Comfortable
The seat and strap are really the difference makers. The width and material of the seat are supportive and durable. The strap allows for a silky smooth pull without any catching as compared to most rowers which are chain-linked.
The Peloton Row Is Quiet
I was pleasantly surprised how quiet it was. With seamless Bluetooth connectivity, you can row with a sleeping baby the floor above you (as I did) and not think twice about disrupting their nap time. It is THAT quiet.
Form Assist Can Transform Your Workout
This feature is a complete game changer, especially for many of those who haven’t rowed before or have little experience. Form Assist provides important feedback to eliminate inefficient movement and form snafus, which will help to stave off any aches and pains. My suggestion: Try Form Assist the first few times you use the Row, then hide the feature during classes so it doesn’t disrupt your workout.
Where the Peloton Row Was Missing
No Adjustable Manual Mode
While there is a manual mode, there is no capability to create your own intervals, distance goals, or metrics to aim to match. This is a stark difference from many manual rowers, which shows Peloton is more confident in their programming and instructors than your ability to create your own workouts.
Power Dependent
Obviously with touchscreen capabilities, you are going to need to plug the Row in at a nearby outlet. It is also Wi-Fi dependent, so this is not the equipment you can use when the power goes out.
High Price Tag
At a starting price point of $3,195, it is a steep cost compared to other rowers on the market. This doesn’t include the monthly Peloton Membership (mandatory), dumbbells, HR monitor, or mats the company offers as add-ons. This high-ticket item classifies in its own category as a luxury piece.
Who Will Love the Peloton Row—and Who Should Skip
The Peloton Row is a perfect option for someone who is short on time and looking for an efficient and effective workout (if they have a big enough wallet). Peloton's best asset isn't its hardware; it's a great software company. The rower is another piece to connect you to the wider Peloton programming and content library. If you want to add rowing to your Peloton workouts, this is great for you.
If you aren't ready to go all-in on rowing, you might not have the best experience, given the big financial and space commitment. You should never skimp on your health, yet I can understand balking at paying such a price tag. This rower isn’t for the basement—it’s for the penthouse. If you're looking for down and dirty row training that doesn't require a class format and comfort isn't a priority, you might want to look elsewhere.
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