Why I Switched from Peloton to Hydrow—and Haven’t Looked Back

This blog is a guest post from Hydrow Member Kara Houser.

As someone who has always prioritized staying active, fitness has long been woven into my routine. For years, working out meant taking long walks with my dog or spinning on my Peloton bike. I’ve clocked some serious mileage—4,000 miles in one year, to be exact—but over time, I realized I wasn’t seeing the results I needed. 

Sure, my legs were strong, but the rest of my body felt left behind. And with my doctor warning me about rising A1C levels and a looming pre-diabetes diagnosis, I knew I had to make a change. 

That’s when I discovered Hydrow. 

Peloton wasn’t the problem—it just wasn’t enough

I bought my Peloton back in 2018, and for a while, I loved it. The music was great, the classes were fun, and it was easy to just hop on and ride. But despite all those miles, the changes I wanted for my body—particularly in my core and overall body composition—just weren’t happening. My fitness routine had become fragmented, requiring add-on workouts and stretches to make progress towards my goals. 

My Hydrow rowing machine, on the other hand, offered the total-body workout I was missing. With every stroke engaging 86% of my muscles, rowing on Hydrow felt like a smarter, more efficient way to take care of my whole body, not just my legs. 

I also didn’t expect to love the Hydrow membership and content as much as I do. The Athletes are relatable and real—it’s like working out with a friend, not a celebrity. The scenic rows around the world make each session feel like a mini escape, and the music is easy to customize, which makes a big difference for me.

Even my husband, who was never interested in Peloton, loves it. We take turns on the rower, and during the school year, sometimes I have to wait until after dinner to get my workout in because he’s already on it! 

The physical and mental shift I didn’t know I needed

About a year ago, my doctor flagged my A1C levels—they were rising and putting me at risk for type 2 diabetes. Rather than jumping to medication, we agreed I’d try to bring the numbers down with lifestyle changes. That moment became a wake-up call. I started walking more, cooking healthier meals, and most importantly, I made the switch to Hydrow.

At the same time, I was carrying around the daily stress that comes with being a teacher. Long hours, high expectations, and emotional fatigue had started to wear me down. Hydrow quickly became my outlet. After a tough day, I’d hop on the rower, burn off the tension, and end each workout feeling lighter—not just physically, but mentally, too.

Six months in, I can feel the difference in every way. My A1C numbers are improving, I’ve lost weight, my strength is growing, and my stress levels are more manageable. What started as a necessary health intervention has become something I genuinely look forward to each day. Hydrow isn’t just helping me take control of my health—it’s helping me feel like myself again.

A legacy of longevity 

The motivation to stay healthy runs deep in my family. My grandmother lived to 99. My great-aunt and great-grandmother both lived to 104. They stayed active well into their later years by walking, gardening, and square dancing. That active spirit shaped my outlook on aging, and it’s a big reason I refuse to slow down.

Hydrow has become my version of square dancing. It keeps me moving, even during the long, cold Ohio winters when going outside isn’t an option. It’s my way of honoring my family’s legacy—and building one of my own.

If you had told me a year ago that I’d be excited about renting a rowboat or kayaking with my dog, I probably would’ve laughed. But now? That’s exactly what I’m planning this summer.

"No, you don’t want a Peloton"

I’ve told my friends—jokingly, but also seriously—“No, you don’t want a Peloton. You want a Hydrow.” The truth is, Hydrow gives you more bang for your buck. It’s a better workout, more engaging, and honestly more enjoyable.

If someone’s on the fence, I tell them: Come try mine. Just one session. That’s all it took for me to know I’d made the right decision. And I’ve never looked back.