Peloton likely expected to perform well in the market when they launched in 2012. What they likely didn’t expect was that they would revolutionize the face of modern fitness. Since launch, Peloton has set a gold standard for what you can accomplish from the comfort of your home. They currently offer a top tier cycling experience and an exceptional treadmill now too. But what about rowing? Does Peloton have rowing classes on their app? Do they make a rower?
Peloton does not currently offer rowing classes. In May 2022 Peloton announced that a Rower is coming but did not mention a release date. We expect that the Rower will offer seamless integration with the Peloton app, similar to the bike and treadmill. Alternative top rowing machines include the Concept 2 Model D and WaterRower Rowing Machine.
This is big news, but why should we care? The bike and treadmill are already great. Do we need a Peloton rower? Read on and find out!
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Peloton Bike vs. Rowing Machine
You’ll get an excellent workout on a bike, but rowing machines are effective as well. There are many similarities between the two, but there are many differences as well.
Similarities
In terms of similarities, both machines challenge your cardiovascular abilities. Cycling or rowing at a moderate to strenuous pace will improve endurance, lung function, and heart health.
Both activities are low to no impact, and both will help you burn fat and lose weight.
Differences
The muscle groups engaged and how they are engaged, however, are very different.
During cycling, we hold on with our arms, but they don’t do much work. Peloton classes and other cycling and spin classes will add in dumbbell work to address this. They have to because a cycling bike inherently does not engage your arms much at all.
Your core and legs, on the other hand, work very hard on a cycling bike. Cycling is extremely good at strengthening and toning your glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves, shins, and core.
Rowing engages your hamstrings, quads, calves, and core too. In addition, you will get a great workout for your shoulders, arms, and back. This engages your upper body significantly more than cycling does. Rowing also helps build explosive power, as it is possible to push hard from the feet and really pull the cord. Just be sure to keep good form when going hard, or you might pull something from the jerking motion.
What’s Better: Peloton or Rowing Machine?
It’s hard to say if cycling or rowing is better. Peloton may add enough to your standard cycling experience to make it a winner, but there are benefits and drawbacks to both.
In terms of burning calories, they’re fairly equal. An hour of either activity burns approximately 400 to 600 calories depending on effort level.
However, it’s much easier to sustain an effort on a bike for a duration. Active recovery on a bike is easier too, giving you more energy for sprints and hills. This gives an advantage to the bike.
While the rower is harder to cruise on, it engages your upper body much more. Rowing is considered a full body exercise and will provide a great all-around workout on its own. This means rowing is a more effective full body workout than a simple spin class.
Up to now, we’ve compared cycling to rowing. Peloton is not simply cycling though. Classes include intervals, choreography, dumbbell work, and motivation from an enthusiastic instructor. Again, the calories burned during an average Peloton ride approximate to 400 to 600 for the hour. However, there are intangible benefits of doing Peloton. It’s way more engaging and definitely more exciting.
You can get a great workout doing either, but Peloton is a better experience.
Does Peloton Have Rowing Classes?
At this time, Peloton manufactures bikes and treadmills. They are working on a rower, but it is a recent announcement and they have not shared many details yet.
However, the Peloton app does include classes that require no equipment whatsoever. Considering this cuts their equipment out of the equation, it’s not unheard of to think Peloton may have rowing classes.
At this time, Peloton offers no rowing classes.
Once the Peloton rower launches, however, we expect that to change immediately. We’re just not sure how soon that will be yet.
Does Peloton Have a Rowing Machine?
Peloton does not currently have a rowing machine.
Peloton makes some fantastic spin bikes and a treadmill, but that’s all she wrote for now. There is a Peloton rower on the horizon, but no concrete information on when or what it will feature.
Like the other Peloton machines, we expect it will be top-notch. It should be technologically superior and be fully integrated with the app. We expect that a wide selection of live and streaming rowing classes will be launched along with the rower.
Peloton has never disappointed with a release, so we expect the TBD rower will be no different.
When Is Peloton Rower Coming Out?
Peloton announced on May 13, 2022, that they will be making a rowing machine.
Unfortunately, there is none right now and we are not sure how soon it will be released. Since the announcement included few details and no design to unveil, we’re assuming it’s not soon.
Until another concrete announcement is made, we can do no more than speculate. With Black Friday and the holidays coming soon, they may release it just in time for the sales. If the machine is truly in early stages of development though, 2023 may be more realistic.
Peloton Bootcamp with Rower
Since launching in September 2020, Peloton Bike Bootcamp has been wildly popular. When the Peloton Tread released in 2021, it was only a matter of time before Bootcamp was available for that as well.
Bootcamp is popular because it combines strength and cardio in a unique way. You get a comprehensive, all-encompassing workout from one well-structured class under the guidance of an expert instructor. As with other Peloton classes, the app provides you with ample data to gauge performance and plan progression.
Overall, it’s a great tool for achieving your goals, whether that means losing weight or lifting more of it.
When the rower launches, we fully expect a Peloton Rower Bootcamp to go along with it. If the drop is not immediate when the machine comes out, it likely will be released very soon after.
What Classes Do You Get with Peloton?
There are thousands of streaming classes available with Peloton. Live classes are an option as well so you can experience the fun live with your fellow Peloton riders.
Peloton Bike Classes
Here are the class categories for the Peloton bike classes:
- Climb
- Live DJ
- Intervals
- Heart rate
- Theme
- Music
- Groove
- Pro cycle
Peloton Tread Classes
Treadmill runners are not left out by any means. Here are the class categories for runners:
- Running
- Endurance
- Speed
- Power walking
- Hiking
- Walk + run
These classes work best using Peloton equipment that synchronizes with the app. Members may stream class from anywhere, however, including home gyms or commercial gyms where the equipment may not be Peloton.
Peloton Cardio Classes
Peloton also offers classes that may use cardio equipment to some degree or leave it out completely. Class categories for other workouts include:
- Arms + light weights
- Strength for runners
- Resistance bands
- Barre
- Pilates
- Prenatal
- HIIT
- Music HIIT
- Family
- Dance cardio
Peloton Yoga Classes
If that’s not enough, Peloton offers yoga too:
- Flow
- Focus flow
- Power
- Slow flow
- Restorative
- Yoga anywhere
- Yoga basics
Between thousands of streaming content and live classes daily, Peloton has an unrivaled collection of workouts available anytime.
There’s literally something for everyone.
Alternative On Demand Rowing Classes
Peloton is a massive name in the fitness world, but they won’t corner the market immediately upon the rower’s launch. There are many great alternatives for machines and streaming on demand classes already.
Here are our current top five.
1) Hydrow
Hydrow is the pinnacle of premier rowing machines, but you don’t need one to use their app. For $20 a month, you’ll have access to live classes and a myriad of on-demand rowing content too.
Beyond rowing, Hydrow also streams yoga, strength, and Pilates for an opportunity to cross-train.
The Hydrow app is available for download for both iOS and Android.
2) Dark Horse Rowing
Dark Horse Rowing gives you a beginner’s crash course in rowing for a song. Beginners can enjoy a small selection of content to get acquainted for only $5 per month. Once the beginner’s circuit loses its luster, the standard offering, called The Crew, costs $19 per month. The Crew adds more content for intermediate and novice rowers.
Dark Horse Rowing offers a premium membership option that includes a sizable collection of classes, customized training plan, and direct access to professional coaches. Unfortunately, the premium membership comes at a premium– $145 per month.
3) Regatta Fitness
Regatta Fitness features an enormous library of on-demand rowing classes, and membership costs a modest $13 to $20 per month.
Beyond rowing, Regatta also offers strength building, calisthenics, and body weight exercises for a full body experience. The app is available on both iOS and Android devices.
4) Scullhouse Rowing
Featuring live classes and streaming on-demand content, Scullhouse Rowing offers an impressive array as well. The membership is expensive, approximately $100 per month, but the value extends beyond rowing.
The Scullhouse Rowing app includes Vinyasa yoga, boxing, strength training, and more. Their app is available on both iOS and Android devices.
5) Asensei
Asensei functions like a personal trainer (or, you know, an actual sensei) by tracking your progress and offering feedback. There’s a wealth of on-demand rowing classes available on the platform. Membership will cost you $156 annually, and it bills annually so you have to commit to a year upfront.
In addition, Asensei only works with Concept2 rowing machines. These are great machines, but the exclusivity is polarizing and may drive some would-be users away.
Top Rowing Machines
We know the Peloton rower will receive top honors immediately upon arrival. However, there’s no dearth of great rowing machines available for purchase now.
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
One of the best you can buy right now is the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine. It has a beautiful and readable LCD display, various resistance levels, and folds away for quick storage. There are plenty of more advanced, all-encompassing options. However, the features, quality, and price point of the Sunny make it the best beginner rowing machine out there.
2. Concept2 Model D
Concept2 makes a sophisticated rower, which is why you’ll find them at many commercial gyms and CrossFit boxes. The built-in monitor tracks stroke rate, calories burned, distance, and much more. In addition, it pairs with your Asensei app for seamless integration.
It’s a high-quality machine with a comparatively high cost of $1,299.95. While pricey, it’s one of the best rowers you can find.
3. WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine
Some folks don’t like a flywheel on their rower and prefer the au naturale water-based alternative. This rower is a pleasure to use with the sounds of splish splashing simulating actual on-the-water rowing.