Is Hydrow a Good Rowing Machine for Beginners?

If you’re new to rowing and considering purchasing a Hydrow rowing machine, you’re likely wondering whether this rower is a suitable choice for beginners. The short answer is yes—Hydrow is designed with all fitness levels in mind, offering novices a comprehensive (and engaging!) introduction to rowing. 

From expert instruction and motivational scenic workouts to detailed "how to row" videos, Hydrow offers a variety of beginner-friendly features that make learning to row both enjoyable and sustainable.

Start strong with expert coaching and guidance

With a Hydrow Membership, you will have access to a library of over 5,000 workouts led by our team of world-class Athletes. These expert coaches (many of whom are Olympians and national champions) will guide you through each workout, actively teaching you about proper rowing form, offering real-time technique tips, and keeping you motivated with their energy and stories. 

Our Athletes’ deep knowledge of the sport ensures beginners can quickly build confidence, avoid common rowing mistakes, and get the most out of every stroke.

Get motivated with scenic workouts

For beginners, Hydrow’s rowing workouts offer more than just a pretty backdrop—they create an immersive, motivating experience that makes it easier to stick with your fitness routine. Instead of staring at a wall or a screen with static metrics, you’ll row alongside Hydrow’s Athletes through breathtaking rivers, lakes, and oceans around the world. 

These real-life locations help you feel connected to something bigger than your living room, transforming each workout into a mini adventure. This sense of exploration not only keeps things fresh and exciting, but also encourages consistency, which is key when you’re just getting started. 

Related blog: Hydrow Destinations: Discover Our Stunning Workouts From Around the World

Master the basics with our easy “how to row” tutorials

Hydrow’s “how to row” videos are designed specifically to help beginners build a strong foundation in rowing technique before diving into full workouts. 

These short, easy-to-follow tutorials break down the rowing stroke step by step so you can understand proper form, body mechanics, and rhythm at your own pace.

Whether you’ve never touched a rowing machine or just want a quick refresher, these guides make it easy to get comfortable and confident on your rower, providing clear demonstrations and tips that will help reduce your learning curve and prevent injury. 

Build your skills with Hydrow’s Beginner Training Camp program

Hydrow offers a four-week “Beginner Training Camp” program that features 12 progressively challenging workouts. The program introduces you to rowing fundamentals, gradually increasing session durations from 10 to 20 minutes, and includes various workout types, such as steady-state cardio and HIIT-style rowing workouts. 

Hydrow Member Felice says Beginner Training Camp completely changed her understanding of the sport, quickly dispelling the common myth that rowing is all about arm strength.

“Because I was new to the sport, I initially thought rowing was all about pulling the handle. But I quickly learned I was doing it all wrong!” she said. “Hydrow’s Beginner Training Camp and one-on-one coaching were essential to helping me row correctly with my entire body.” 

Once you complete Beginner Training Camp, you’ll also have access to other collections to help you build your skills, including a Hydrow Starter Kit, Fitness Builder Program, and Training Camp Endurance and Sprint Programs. 

Find your perfect pace with our diverse workout library

Hydrow’s comprehensive library of rowing workouts is built to meet you exactly where you are as a beginner and support your growth every step of the way.

With sessions ranging from just 5 minutes to over 45 minutes, you can choose workouts that fit your schedule and match how your body feels as you build endurance and confidence on the rower.

Whether you’re in the mood for a lower-intensity steady-state cardio session or want to push yourself with a high-energy HIIT-style workout, Hydrow has a wide variety of options to meet your needs. This flexibility helps you stay consistent and engaged while giving you the freedom to progress at your own speed. 

Related blog: Beginner Rowing Workouts: What to Expect (and 7 Workouts to Try!)

Easily navigate your rowing journey with Hydrow’s intuitive design

Hydrow’s intuitive design makes it especially beginner-friendly, helping you feel comfortable and confident from your very first row. The sleek, modern frame is built for stability and ease of use, while the smooth, quiet magnetic resistance mimics the feel of rowing on water—without overwhelming noise or complicated controls. 

The large touchscreen interface is also simple to navigate, giving you quick access to workouts, tutorials, and performance metrics with just a few taps. Every detail of the Hydrow experience is crafted to remove barriers and make rowing approachable, so you can focus on learning proper form, building endurance, and enjoying the journey.

Build a stronger you with Hydrow’s comprehensive fitness ecosystem

Beyond our immersive rowing experience, we also offer a full suite of complementary workouts, including strength training, yoga, Pilates, circuit training, and mobility training. 

This diverse library enhances your fitness journey by boosting your rowing performance and keeping your routine engaging and sustainable, helping you stay motivated and avoid burnout.

Whether you’re looking to cross-train or simply change things up, Hydrow’s holistic approach helps you stay consistent and build lasting habits.

Related blog: What to Expect From the Hydrow Workout Library

Find your crew with Hydrow’s community of fellow rowers

Hydrow’s supportive community is a powerful resource for beginners, especially through our dedicated Training Camp Facebook group. This space is filled with fellow rowers who are navigating the same challenges, celebrating small wins, and sharing tips and encouragement along the way. 

“I’ve really benefited from encouragement from the Hydrow community,” says Hydrow Member Erin. “There are so many kind, funny people who can find just the right buttons to push in the moments you need, whether they’re posting their milestones on Facebook or liking my workouts on the Hydrow interface.” 

Whether you're looking for advice, accountability, or just a dose of motivation, the community is always there to cheer you on. It's a reminder that you’re not rowing alone—you're part of a team that’s with you every stroke of the way.

Get started with Hydrow today!

Hydrow is here to make your rowing journey enjoyable, effective, and achievable from the start. With expert guidance, a variety of workout options, and an intuitive design, you’ll have everything you need to build a solid foundation and stay motivated as you progress. Whether you're focused on mastering technique, improving fitness, or simply having fun, Hydrow adapts to your needs and helps you stay on track. 

Ready to dive in? Your next workout is just a stroke away. Learn more about Hydrow’s rowing machines today!