Hydrow in the Wild: How I Stay Strong and Active in Remote Alaska

This is a guest blog post from Hydrow member Robert Page. 

I’ve been an athlete for as long as I can remember. My journey started in college, where I played football on a scholarship, but my real passion for physical challenge began after I graduated. I moved to Colorado, and that’s where my love for the mountains took over. 

I climbed all of the 14,000-foot peaks in the state, which eventually led to becoming a mountain guide. I helped people reach their dreams by guiding them up Mount Rainier, Denali, and even Mount Everest. 

But as life evolved, so did my fitness journey, which eventually brought me to my Hydrow rowing machine.

Finding my way to Hydrow

After years of guiding, I transitioned into the outdoor gear business, which took me around the world, from Europe to New Zealand, sourcing materials like feathers for down jackets and wool. But after a job in Vermont ended unexpectedly, I found myself working at a company where the stress and culture didn’t align with my personal health goals, and I began to lose some of the athleticism I had built up over the years.

Then, a pivotal moment occurred. After attending a sales conference in Texas (cutting into my vacation, no less!), I found myself in New Mexico, reflecting on my life and realizing I didn’t want to continue down the same path. That’s when I made the decision to move to upstate New York and fully commit to a new chapter. It was during this time that I discovered Hydrow, mostly because there weren’t any gyms around.

Finding connection in my workouts

What really struck me about Hydrow was how genuine the workouts felt. Coming from doing what felt like more gimmicky workouts, I felt Hydrow was different. The workouts were organic, and the instructors were sincere, which helped me connect with them on a deeper level. Hydrow offered me a way to get back into my athletic self, but in a new direction—one that didn’t involve the high risks of extreme sports but still kept me physically and mentally engaged.

Now, my fiancée and I live in Alaska, where we can row while looking out over the ocean from our window. It’s an incredible feeling to combine the serenity of the sea with the intensity of rowing, watching the boats come and go.

Rowing and cycling: A perfect pair

I’ve been training for winter ultras, which involve biking over 100 miles in sub-freezing conditions on fat bikes. Hydrow has been a perfect complement to this. Rowing helps build and maintain my upper-body strength without adding bulk, which is crucial for cycling. The workouts on the rower make me a stronger cyclist, particularly when it comes to stabilizing and powering through hills.

I love how Hydrow isn’t mutually exclusive with other sports. It’s not just about rowing every day—it works well alongside my other fitness goals, like biking. On days when it’s too rough to ride outside, or when the Alaskan rain is pouring down, I hop on the rower instead.

Learn more: Can Rowing Help With Cycling? Your Guide to Cross-Training

Living the dream in Alaska

Life in Alaska has been incredible. We live in a small town called Hoonah, where the population is tiny and the gym options are non-existent. Hydrow has been a lifeline for me, allowing me to stay active in this remote place. Plus, it’s safer to row indoors when the bears are roaming around looking for their next meal! 

I’m also working on a big goal: biking the Iditarod trail and bringing resources to remote native villages, much like the original purpose of the Iditarod race. Partnering with Rural Cap, a nonprofit that supports villages with resources and educational opportunities, has given me a way to give back to the people who have welcomed me so kindly during my transition to life in Alaska. It’s not an easy place to live, especially in the winter, and we want to be supportive of the whole Alaskan community. 

My proudest moments with Hydrow

One of my proudest moments recently was hitting 750,000 meters on the Hydrow, something I’ve been working toward since I bought it four months ago. The journey has been special, and rowing has become a big part of my life. But it’s not just about the workouts—it's about living a lifestyle of compassion and supporting others in my community, both through my work and my fitness goals.

Additionally, because none of the people where I live row, I don’t have an immediate community of people with similar interests. The support and kindness of the Hydrow community and home athletes helps me stay motivated and connected to my goals. When I struggle to find motivation, I turn to the leaderboard and look for similar names who will push me to bring my best self to my workouts. This is the best part of Hydrow and something irreplaceable. 

Reflecting on my fitness journey, I’m grateful for the evolution that led me to Hydrow. From mountain climbing to rowing, I’ve discovered new ways to push my body while maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Hydrow has not only helped me stay fit but has also become a source of peace, stability, and purpose in my life here in Alaska. If you’re looking for a workout that’s sincere, effective, and adaptable to your goals, I can’t recommend Hydrow enough.