Fun First, Then Fitness Follows: How My Hydrow Rowing Machine Made Me Actually Love Working Out

This blog is a guest post from Hydrow member Gabriel Ruhan.

My fitness journey didn’t start in any dramatic way. I used to hit the gym for about an hour a week—not exactly a fitness fanatic. But I always gravitated toward the rowing machine. My form was probably terrible back then, but something about it felt more enjoyable than indoor bikes.

Over time, I racked up more than a million meters on that gym rower before I finally made the leap to a Hydrow rowing machine in March 2022. That was the moment everything changed for me.

Like many people, my lifestyle shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, I was working from home—and lucky enough to have a home gym. I started rowing daily. What used to be a chore turned into something I genuinely looked forward to. That shift of turning fitness into fun was the key. When working out feels like hard labor, it’s easy to make excuses. But once it becomes enjoyable? Everything changes.

Why Hydrow stuck for me

These days, rowing is how I start every morning. It’s built into my routine. If I miss a day, especially while traveling for work, I genuinely feel the absence. That’s how I know it’s become part of my life—not just a hobby, but something essential.

Rowing has changed everything—my weight, my sleep, my energy levels, my physique. I’ve lost 20 kilos (44 lbs) since I started, going from 110 kg to 90 kg (242 lbs to 198 lbs). And, at 61, being able to hit the times I do now on Hydrow is incredibly rewarding. 

One of the biggest differences I’ve found between a traditional rowing machine and Hydrow is the immersive experience. Gone were the tiny screens filled with lifeless data. Instead, Hydrow offered beautiful scenery, engaging coaches, and a focus on proper technique.

But here’s the kicker: Once I did start paying attention to the stats, I saw real progress—and that’s addictive in the best way. I looked at my very first row in the app from March 2022: 15 minutes at a pace of 2:44. Fast forward to March 5, 2025—same duration, and my pace had dropped to 2:03. That’s a 40-second improvement in split in just three years.

It wasn’t magic. It was listening to the Athletes, adjusting my technique, and showing up consistently.

Coaching, community, and a new kind of motivation

I recently did a 30-minute personal coaching session with Megan Hanewald, Hydrow’s Lead Personal Coach. It was a game-changer. She corrected small things—like my foot position and pivot—that I wouldn’t have caught on my own.

Funny story: I once joined a beginner rowing class on the Thames, and when the instructor got to me, he said, “Wow, you can row already!” I’d never had a lesson—everything I knew came from Hydrow. That’s how effective the instruction is. Despite trying rowing on the water, I found I prefer indoor rowing for the convenience. You can just sit down, hit start, and you’re off. 

I also track all my fitness metrics—VO2 max, resting heart rate, you name it. My resting heart rate is now 44, which is phenomenal for someone my age. Additionally, my VO2 max was described as “elite,” which is certainly not bad for just a few years of rowing!

I wouldn’t call myself super competitive, but I recently did Hydrow’s 26-minute Boston Marathon Row and finished third in my age group and 10th overall. And I never do live rows—this one just happened to fall on a bank holiday. Moments like that, where I can see how far I’ve come, are the most meaningful.

The metrics are great—but so are the people

While I love seeing my numbers improve, the people and the community are just as motivating. When I row, I filter the Hydrow leaderboard to show my age group. I see the same names pop up again and again, and while I don’t know them personally, I feel like I do. I check the app daily just to see what the other rowers I follow have accomplished. It inspires me to set my own challenges. That little nudge of competition—someone who used to be behind you is now ahead!—keeps me going.

And don’t get me started on the Athletes. I’d love to meet them someday (even though it really feels like I already know them). They’re real people, doing the work, and pushing us all to be better. 

A love of rowing has even spread to my family—my wife and stepson have started rowing, and now sometimes we have to queue for our Hydrow!

My advice for new rowers

If you’re new to rowing—or to fitness in general—my best advice is: Don’t overdo it at the start. That’s where a lot of people go wrong. It’s why gyms are packed in January and empty by April.

Instead, start slow. Follow Hydrow’s Learn to Row programs. Let yourself enjoy it before you try to push your limits. If it hurts too much at first, you won’t want to come back. Go slow to move fast. Love it first. Then, the fitness journey will follow. 

Even on tough days, I look forward to coming back to the rower. I’m truly thankful I’ve found something that makes me feel this way.