How Hydrow Members Are Using Rowing to Take Control of Their Diabetes
Managing diabetes requires consistent effort, lifestyle changes, and the right support. For many people, finding an enjoyable and effective workout routine is a crucial step toward taking control of their health and feeling better every day.
If you’re looking for a workout to help manage your diabetes, Hydrow Members from all walks of life have turned to this rowing machine to build strength, boost cardiovascular health, and gain better control over their blood sugar—all without leaving home.
Below, you’ll discover inspiring stories from Earl, Keith, and Kara—three Hydrow members who took control of their diabetes and transformed their health with the help of Hydrow—alongside expert insights from Hydrow Member and diabetes specialist Steve Freed about why rowing is such an effective workout.
Earl Ian Laidlow: From the ICU to a million meters
Earl’s journey began with a life-threatening diabetes scare that led to a three-day stay in the ICU. Facing a stark reality, he recognized the need for significant lifestyle changes.
“My blood sugar was so high that the doctors couldn’t believe I was conscious,” Earl said. “After a candid conversation with my doctor, the message was clear: I had to make some serious lifestyle changes or risk not being around much longer.”
Initially, he struggled to find a workout he enjoyed, but after discovering Hydrow, everything changed. Through personal coaching sessions with Hydrow's Lead Personal Coach Megan Hanewald, Earl refined his rowing technique, leading to improved performance and greater confidence.
In just five months, he lost 60 pounds, reduced his A1C from 14 to a healthy 4, and logged over one million meters.
“The benefits of Hydrow go far beyond the numbers on the scale or lab reports,” Earl said. “It’s about regaining my energy, being there for my 21-year-old son, and feeling strong and capable again.”
Keith Lochner: Losing weight and managing type 2 diabetes with Hydrow
Keith Lochner’s story is one of resilience and determination. After retiring from a 26-year military career, he faced challenges with type 2 diabetes, excess weight, and knee pain. Looking for a low-impact workout that wouldn’t exacerbate his knee issues, Keith turned to Hydrow.
With consistent rowing and support from Hydrow’s coaching, Keith lost 30 pounds, improved his blood sugar levels, and even reduced knee pain enough to resume running. He emphasizes that Hydrow’s workouts helped him build strength and endurance without putting stress on his joints, which was essential to his success.
Keith describes the impact of Hydrow on his health, sharing that it helped him reach an “athletic-level resting heart rate and blood pressure,” marking a major milestone on his path to better health.
Read Keith’s story: How I Lost 30 Pounds and Managed My Type 2 Diabetes With a Hydrow Rowing Machine
Kara Houser: Preventing diabetes through lifestyle changes and rowing
Even if you don’t have diabetes, taking proactive steps now can make a meaningful difference in your long-term health.
“About a year ago, my doctor flagged my A1C levels—they were rising and putting me at risk for type 2 diabetes,” Kara Houser said. “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.”
Kara began walking more, cooking healthier meals, and, most importantly, adding Hydrow workouts to her routine. The rowing machine quickly became more than just exercise—it was a mental reset after long, stressful days teaching.
“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,” she said.
Six months in, Kara has seen measurable improvements. Her A1C numbers are trending in the right direction, she’s lost weight and gained strength, and her stress levels are more manageable.
“What started as a necessary health intervention has become something I genuinely look forward to each day,” she said. “Hydrow isn’t just helping me take control of my health—it’s helping me feel like myself again.”
Read Kara's story: Why I Switched from Peloton to Hydrow—and Haven’t Looked Back
Why rowing is such a great fit for diabetes management
So, what makes rowing machines such a great tool for people managing diabetes?
1. Full-body, low-impact exercise
Rowing provides a powerful cardiovascular workout that engages 86% of your body’s muscles in every stroke, helping you build lean muscle mass more efficiently than many other forms of cardio. The more muscle you build, the more glucose (or sugar) your body burns, both during your workout and at rest. This increased muscle mass also improves insulin sensitivity, meaning your body can process sugar more effectively.
Steve Freed, a certified diabetes instructor with decades of healthcare experience, has been a Hydrow Member for over four years. Now 82 and in “perfect health,” he credits rowing with offering more health benefits in the same amount of time than biking or jogging, making it a practical way to more easily fit meaningful exercise into your daily routine.
Additionally, rowing is gentle on your joints when compared to high-impact exercises like running, which is helpful for people with mobility or joint concerns.
2. Measurable health benefits
According to Steve, regular exercise through rowing can improve blood sugar control (A1C) and reduce risk factors linked to other diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Steve advises people with and without diabetes to test their A1C at home when they begin rowing and again after 90 days to track their progress over time.
Efficiency for the win.
Work 86% of your muscles in just 20 minutes of rowing with Hydrow.
3. Convenience
Managing diabetes requires regular physical activity, but finding time to go to a gym or commit to outdoor workouts can be challenging—especially with busy schedules or unpredictable weather. Having a rowing machine like Hydrow at home removes these barriers by making it easy to fit effective exercise into your daily routine.
Whether it’s a quick session in the morning, a midday break, or an evening wind-down, rowing at home offers flexibility and accessibility. This convenience helps users stay consistent with their workouts, which is critical for maintaining stable blood sugar levels and supporting overall diabetes management.
4. Diabetes prevention
Even if you don’t have diabetes or prediabetes, incorporating rowing into your routine now can be a smart way to support long-term health. Rowing improves how your body uses insulin and helps regulate blood sugar levels, which are key factors in preventing type 2 diabetes. It also supports healthy weight management and builds lean muscle, both of which reduce your risk over time.
Take the next step toward better health with Hydrow
For those looking to manage diabetes with an effective, engaging workout, Hydrow offers a unique combination of technology, coaching, and community support. As Earl, Keith, and Kara’s stories show, it can help you take control of your health on your terms.
If you’re considering adding a rowing machine to your home, Hydrow brings more than just equipment—it brings total-body results and intelligent training.
Each stroke works 86% of your muscles, delivering an efficient, immersive workout—and with real-time feedback and personalized scores, Hydrow helps you help you row smarter, build strength, and stay motivated. Just 20 minutes a day is all it takes to move with purpose, boost energy, and see results that last.
Hydrow’s workouts are led by world-class and Olympic Athletes and filmed on real water in beautiful locations around the world. Whether you’re rowing or cross-training with yoga, Pilates, strength, mobility, or circuit workouts, you’ll find movement that motivates—and keeps you coming back.
Ready to train smarter? Explore what Hydrow can do for you.
Real strength keeps moving
Learn how working out with Hydrow can help support a fuller, more active life.
Disclaimer: Hydrow offers health and fitness information and is designed for educational and entertainment purposes only. You should consult your physician or general practitioner before beginning a new fitness program. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician, general practitioner, or other healthcare professional.
