Finding My Way Back to Strength: How LYQUID Helped Me Rebuild a More Purposeful Workout Routine

This blog is a guest post from Hydrow Member Pete Abernethy. 

For a long time, my strength routine was stuck in a rut. 

I played tennis in college, and most of what I knew about strength training came from those years. After graduating in 2009, my approach barely evolved—I had a few dumbbells at home and stuck to the basics: bench presses, rows, push-ups, and squats, usually followed by a short cardio session. It worked, but it felt dated, limited, and uninspired.

Over time, my workouts became more about obligation than intention. I knew exercise mattered, but without a clear purpose, I was just going through the motions. Between work, parenting, and sleepless nights, maintaining momentum was a constant challenge. My wife and I knew the cycle well: poor sleep, skipped workouts, feeling worse, repeat. Believing in exercise alone wasn’t enough—I needed structure and something that made it easier to show up.

So, when I was invited to try LYQUID, Hydrow’s new adaptive strength system, the timing felt perfect. My kids were becoming more independent, life felt a bit more manageable, and I was ready to build better habits again and invest time and energy into a smarter strength routine. 

Learning the system—and trusting the process

I approached LYQUID with cautious optimism. I didn’t really know much about this type of strength machine, so I had the usual questions: Would it really provide enough resistance? Would it feel artificial or “cheap” compared to traditional weights? Would it actually help me build strength, or would I be better off just doing squats somewhere else? 

Fortunately, it didn’t take long for those concerns to fade. LYQUID’s resistance felt substantial, the movements were demanding, and nothing about the experience felt diluted or gimmicky. It was immediately clear that this was real strength training.

My first few workouts on LYQUID were, understandably, unfamiliar. The isokinetic resistance felt daunting at first, but after a few workouts, it clicked. A handful of those reps really does feel like dozens of traditional ones!

What also stood out to me early on was the quality of instruction. The coaching cues—especially in those initial workouts—were thoughtful, clear, and genuinely helpful.

Even with prior lifting experience, I appreciated the reminders: how to brace my core, where to position my elbows, how to maintain proper posture during squats and rows. Those short, focused moments of guidance built my confidence quickly and reinforced good habits.

More than anything, repetition was key. The more I showed up, the more intuitive the movements became.

Expanding beyond the familiar

If left entirely to my own instincts, I know exactly where I’d land: curls, presses, rows—the greatest hits. What LYQUID did particularly well was nudge me beyond that comfort zone by recommending new exercises based on my previous workouts and giving me access to an extensive workout library. Suddenly, I was challenging myself to try single-arm rows for rotational resistance, kickstand squats and deadlifts, and postural strength workouts with lateral raises. 

Having LYQUID’s clear guidance on foot placement, weight distribution, and execution removed the guesswork and made it easier and less intimidating to fry something new. Some of those movements still feel challenging, but that’s precisely the point. I wouldn’t have sought them out on my own. 

That variety has been essential, not just for physical balance but for maintaining my motivation and momentum over time. 

How LYQUID lowers the barrier to entry for working out

One of the most underrated benefits of LYQUID is how easy it is to begin working out. I keep the machine out and leave it in Sleep Mode. That might sound small, but removing even tiny barriers makes a huge difference. If I only have 10 minutes, I can walk up, log in, and get moving right away. 

I aim for about five workouts per week, though realistically it’s sometimes four. Most sessions land around 30 minutes, but there are days when 10 or 15 minutes is all I can manage. That flexibility is a major reason I’ve been able to stay consistent with a strength routine. 

Seeing (and feeling) real progress with LYQUID

I started using LYQUID a couple months ago, and while I kept my expectations intentionally modest—I wasn’t expecting to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger!—I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how effective it’s been.

I feel stronger overall, but the most noticeable improvement has been in my lower back. I’m tall and have always been prone to back issues, but the combination of deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts, and consistent emphasis on core engagement with LYQUID has made a meaningful difference for me. 

With ski season coming up, building leg strength was a big personal goal, and I genuinely feel more prepared than I would have otherwise.

My advice for anyone considering LYQUID

If you’re new to strength training—or returning after a long break—my advice is simple: Just start. LYQUID’s instruction makes it accessible no matter your experience level, and it never feels intimidating. 

Follow the cues, trust the resistance, force yourself out of your comfort zone, and try a wide range of movements.

I did—and I’ve been genuinely surprised by how fun, effective, and motivating getting back into strength training can be.