My Confidence Comeback: How Hydrow Helped Me Tackle 75 Hard and Find Myself Again After Divorce

This blog is a guest post from Hydrow Member Marcia Allen. 

From broken to rebuilt: How Hydrow helped me reclaim myself

After my divorce, I felt completely unrecognizable, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I had spent 10 years in a marriage that gradually chipped away at my self-confidence, leaving me insecure, isolated, and confused. By the time it ended, I was sad, hurt, and lonely—and I no longer recognized the woman staring back at me in the mirror.

I gained a lot of weight. Some mornings, I couldn’t even get out of bed. To cope with the grief, I turned to shopping—a lot of shopping. Retail therapy gave me a brief hit of happiness when nothing else could. But the comfort was temporary, and the debt was very real. I spiraled until I hit a wall—maxed-out credit cards, an empty bank account, and a deeper emotional hole.

That’s when I knew I needed something different. I started therapy, and as I worked through the emotional wreckage, I realized I needed a way to reconnect with my body and rebuild trust with myself.

Enter Hydrow.

I’d used rowers at the gym before, but when I saw the Hydrow Origin, something clicked. It wasn’t just how it functioned—it was how it looked. Let’s be honest: the Hydrow is a sexy piece of equipment. I took a chance and bought one.

For a while, it sat in my bedroom, collecting dust and silently mocking me. But when I finally committed to prioritizing my health, Hydrow became the heart of my healing. Each row reminded me that I was strong. That I was reclaiming my power. That I was worth showing up for.

What started as a high-tech machine became a lifeline—a symbol of how far I’ve come. Today, I look in the mirror and see someone I’m proud of. Someone who rose from the ashes. Someone who fought hard to come back home to herself.

And it all started with one stroke.

Taking on 75 Hard

A few years ago, I attempted 75 Hard, a mental toughness program that demands strict daily commitments: follow a diet, complete two 45-minute workouts (one outdoors), drink a gallon of water, read 10 pages of a self-help book, and take a daily progress photo—for 75 straight days.

I made it 55 days before a friend’s birthday celebration threw me off track. I felt disappointed, but not defeated.

Fast forward to recently—my 37-year-old son completed the program and absolutely crushed it. He lost 30 pounds, gained muscle, and had that unmistakable post-transformation glow. Watching his discipline and results sparked something in me. I thought, “If he can do it, so can I.”

But this time, I knew I had to do it differently. Instead of chasing extremes, I focused on consistency. Instead of using my Hydrow only for rowing, I explored its full potential, starting with mobility classes led by Pete Donohoe. His calm, encouraging approach made me feel like I could start small and still win. That mindset shift changed everything.

From there, I added circuit training and Pilates. Rowing is still tough for me, but pairing it with other forms of movement makes it more enjoyable and sustainable. I began to look forward to my workouts instead of dreading them.

This time, I’m not doing 75 Hard to prove something. I’m doing it to honor myself, my health, and my growth. Because success isn’t just about finishing the 75 days—it’s about building a life where I keep showing up for myself every day, in ways that feel good.

Seeing results and feeling better than ever

I’m on day 66 of my 75 Hard journey, and I feel incredible. I’m starting to see definition in my arms, legs, and even in my abs. My energy has skyrocketed, and working out has been a huge boost for my mental health.

I’ve battled depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphia for years, but consistent exercise has helped me feel stronger and more confident every single day.

The Hydrow Athletes have played a big role in that transformation. Their stories, motivation, and guidance truly resonate with me—it feels like they understand me and cheer me on, even through the toughest workouts.

My advice for anyone starting out

If you’re just beginning your Hydrow or fitness journey, go slow and give yourself grace. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day—what matters most is showing up consistently over time.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that exercise is self-care. After my divorce, I struggled to love, value, and care for myself in healthy ways. Exercise became a way to show myself compassion and respect. Sure, self-care can look like shopping, dining out, or traveling (I love those, too!), but it can also mean nourishing your body with healthy food and staying active. For me, that’s how I show love for myself and honor my body.

Remember: you don’t have to exercise—you get to exercise. Your physical health is a gift, so cherish it.

Hydrow has been more than just a piece of equipment—it’s been a key part of my transformation. I feel stronger, more confident, and more connected to myself than I have in years.

And honestly? At 60 years old, I’m just getting started.