How I Lost 50 Pounds and Found My Competitive Edge Again With Hydrow

This blog is a guest post from Hydrow Member Rob DiMarino.

At 52 years old, with a demanding career in finance, a busy household, and two active sons, my days are full. Like many people in my stage of life, carving out time for myself—let alone fitness—hasn’t always been easy. 

But recently, something clicked. I made a decision to prioritize my health. I stopped making excuses, invested in a Hydrow rowing machine, and committed to showing up for myself each morning.

Since starting this journey in late 2024, I’ve lost 50 pounds. More than that, I’ve found consistency, energy, and a version of myself I hadn’t seen in decades.

Why rowing?

Before Hydrow, I was a walker. I’d lace up my shoes and pound the pavement day after day. It was fine—until it wasn’t. Walking took a toll on my knees and feet, especially in bad weather. And after a while, it just felt like a grind. I wasn’t getting the results I wanted. My heart rate barely budged. My motivation dipped.

I knew I needed something different: something effective, time-efficient, and something I didn’t dread doing. That something, it turned out, was rowing.

Back in college, I used to hop on the rower at the campus gym, and I remembered how strong and fit I felt back then. So when it came time to invest in a new fitness solution, I didn’t have to think twice about the modality—I just had to pick the right machine. After talking to friends, Hydrow was the clear choice.

The power of habit—and the 5:30 club

Most days, I’m up between 5:15 and 5:30 a.m., and on my Hydrow minutes later. My wife and I have a good system: She gets ready for work, I row and handle the dog and kids, and we both get our mornings started on a positive note. It’s busy, but it works.

I row every day, not because I have to, but because I want to. Hydrow has become a non-negotiable part of my morning. The time flies, the workouts are immersive, and I walk away feeling accomplished. That post-rower euphoria sets the tone for my whole day. I make better food choices, stay more focused at work, and carry myself with more confidence.

The results? Real.

I started this journey after Thanksgiving 2024, but my real momentum came in early 2025. That’s when I teamed up with my best friend as an accountability partner and committed to rowing daily.

Since then, I’ve lost 50 pounds. I’d say 80% of that is thanks to Hydrow. It’s changed how I see fitness. I’m not just going through the motions anymore; I’m seeing results. My body composition is changing. My endurance is up. I feel stronger, leaner, and more energized.

And while I’m in “maintenance mode” now, I know I still have more to tap into—like strength and mobility training. I haven’t explored Hydrow’s off-the-rower content yet, but it’s on my list. I know there’s room for evolution, especially as I get older.

Reigniting my competitive fire 

Here’s something I didn’t expect: Hydrow reignited the competitive fire I hadn’t felt since high school football. When I row, I’m not just moving—I’m racing. I’m chasing leaderboard spots, pushing for 7,000 meters in 30 minutes, and trying to break personal bests. It’s not about beating others—it’s about showing up better than I did yesterday. 

Why I keep coming back

Hydrow makes fitness easy to stick with. It’s right there in my home. The instructors are motivating. The interface is clean and intuitive. I don’t dread it like I used to dread other workouts. In fact, I look forward to it.

It doesn’t feel like a chore—it feels like a reward. And, in the rare moments when I travel and can’t bring my rower with me, I genuinely miss it. That’s how I know it’s more than a machine—it’s a lifestyle.

My advice? Just start.

If you’re thinking about making a change, here’s my message: It’s never too late. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t overthink it. Just start. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build endurance, or find a consistent workout routine that actually sticks, Hydrow can be a game-changer. It was for me.

And if you ever find yourself on the leaderboard during a morning row, keep an eye out—I’ll be the 52-year-old trying to catch the guy from England.