Meet the crew, Pride edition: Alex

As Pride Month continues, we’re continuing our annual tradition of sharing interviews with Hydrow teammates in a special Pride Edition of our Meet the Crew series. 

Meet Alex Barr, one of Hydrow’s Sales Reps. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio Alex joined the Hydrow team in October of 2020. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself, what do you do at Hydrow? 

I would describe myself as a ball of endless energy, and a loyal, outgoing goof whose utmost interest is to see everything the world has to offer. 

At Hydrow, I handle our inbound chat and inquiries -- maybe you have spoken with me on the website! I am the bot (well, human) in the corner that helps answer any questions you may have. The dialogue is always interesting and fun -- those that reach out are always so excited about Hydrow, and it can make for some really meaningful conversations. It’s a balance of providing information about Hydrow, but also asking questions that spark reflection as to what brought them to our site, why they’re looking at Hydrow, and what they’re excited about. It really creates trust with prospective Hydrow members.

What drew you to Hydrow? 

The concept! Rowing can sometimes be considered an intimidating form of exercise, and this is the opportunity to make it accessible to anyone. To have a visual reference and hear tips and guidance from others, especially world-class Athletes, is huge. No one else is doing it! 

In college, I was a cox for four years and every winter was screaming at my team on erg machines in a very cramped hallway. You could really see a difference in performance when there is someone there motivating you. When I came across Hydrow, I thought to myself: “this is essentially what I did, packaged up into a really great rowing machine. Awesome.”

What does Pride mean to you?

Celebration. A time to celebrate our differences, a time to celebrate everything we have overcome, and everything that the future holds. 

What is one piece of advice you’d share with your younger self? 

Come out earlier. Or don't come out, but just start being who you are earlier. Be yourself and love yourself because you’re worth celebrating.

What do you do in your free time? 

Explore. I try to spend as much time as I can out and about, no Netflix for me! When I am looking for something to do, I open Google Maps and search for restaurants, neighborhoods, parks, beaches, and museums that I haven’t experienced and just talk to anyone along the way. I seek experiences! 

What’s your favorite food?

Sushi. I think it yields the most mindful eating experience. Since it is a small and limited quantity, you have to make the most out of every single chew (or bite?) 

Also dumplings. Every culture has its own type of dumpling - empanada, gyoza, pierogi, ravioli, pelmeni. Any form of dumpling is usually when I disregard my mindful eating and just scarf it down. 

Anything else you’d like to add? 

Think bigger than yourself. Stop and smell the flowers.