Table of Contents
About CityRow
Has exercising become an exhausting part of your day rather than a source of enjoyment? It’s time to go back to basics and find joy in exercising so you can enjoy getting a full body workout in. Luckily, that’s exactly what CityRow offers with its at-home rowing machines and digital classes to help you get your groove on.
The company has gained a cult following of over 16k followers on Instagram where they feature workout routines and tips and tricks for using the machines. On top of that, the brand has made headlines in Forbes, Franchise Times, and TechCrunch+ for its lifelike rowing experience from the comfort of users’ homes.
Ready to improve your stamina and strength with a routine that’s engaging and fun? Keep reading this CityRow review. Down below, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of the brand, taking a look at some of their best-selling products, customer testimonials, and important FAQs, to help you find out if it’s what’s missing from your regimen.
Overview of CityRow
Originally, CityRow began in 2014 as a boutique fitness class, but it has always been dedicated to creating a space for working out to be enjoyable. The founder, Helanie Knapp, had used fitness programs in the past, but had been experiencing back pain and needed something more low-impact.
As it turned out, there weren’t that many options available for her. So, she ended up turning to the rowing machine to provide a full body workout without the intensity. With all this in mind, she decided to turn rowing into something that everyone could use and set up a sign up form to see how many people may be interested. And they definitely were!
She teamed up with her friend and fitness instructor, Annie Mulgrew, to start teaching the rowing classes together. The brand has only continued to grow, with over 50 locations in the US and has offered machines (in partnership with WaterRower) and classes that are available to use from home since its digital launch in 2018.
Now that we know a little more about the brand, let’s dive into some key highlights in this CityRow review.
Highlights
- Wide selection of at-home rowing equipment, accessories, and apparel
- Financing available
- 30-day trial and return period
- Hassle-free and free returns
- Easy way to get a low-impact, full body workout
- Easy to use app
- Burn lots of calories in short sessions
- More affordable than other brands
- 5-year warranty on the frame, 3-year warranty on non-electronic components, 1-year warranty on the tablet
CityRow essentially offers three services: a workout studio, a machine, and an app with routines and workout plans. Since the app and the machine are essentially both offered in person, our CityRow review will fill you in on the details of those.
With the machine and the app, users are able to recreate the feeling of an in-person workout class, keeping them motivated and inspired to push through the burn. Plus, they provide a full body workout that burns plenty of calories in as little as 20 minutes.
Ready to get your row on? Stay tuned into this CityRow review, because we’ll take you through some of the brand’s best options up next to help get your new routine started.
CityRow Go Review
From a rowing machine to an app to accessories and merch like water bottles and apparel, CityRow has it all. You’ll be able to complete your routine all in one place with this brand’s selection. Down below, we’ll cover the top sellers to narrow down your options.
CityRow Go Max Review
In the wise words of the company itself, the CityRow Go Max rowing machine is when “water and wood go high-tech.” The water resistance built into the machine recreates the real-life feeling of rowing through water, with a similar level of resistance and the same sound effects.
Plus, the built-in 19.5” touchscreen and speakers will have you engulfed in the class, so much so that you’ll be at the end of your workout in no time. It also folds up and will easily fit in your closet or the corner of your room, avoiding being an annoying bulky contraption that takes up way too much space in your living room.
The CityRow Go Max comes in three boxes and is easy to assemble, but you can also choose white glove delivery which this CityRow review will cover in more detail later. The machine retails for $2,195, but is currently on sale for $1,795.
CityRow Go Classic Review
The CityRow Go Classic comes with the same water-resistant flywheel so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience. It also has a Bluetooth monitor to track your progress by hooking up to the app and automatically entering your data.
It also has an attachment arm for your phone or tablet to hook up using Bluetooth and stream the interactive and engaging workout classes. While the design is sleek and simple, it’s completely cordless and it easily folds up to be put away in a closet or behind a door.
The CityRow Go Classic rowing machine retails for $1,495.
CityRow Go WaterRower ComModule Review
If you’re looking to connect your S4 Performance Monitor Version 2 to your phone to track your activity and progress through the app and seamlessly stream the real-time training videos, the WaterRower ComModule is exactly what you need.
To easily connect your WaterRower (separate from CityRow machines themselves) to the CityRow app, this connector is a necessity. It retails for $75 and connects easily. Unfortunately, it is currently out of stock on the CityRow website, but you can buy it from other retailers.
CityRow Go App Review
For access to all the workout classes offered by CityRow, from live to prerecorded, as well as easy documentation of your metrics and progress, the Go App is a must-have. The program connects via Bluetooth to your rowing machine to stream videos and listen to sound.
Through the app, you’ll be able to access live classes taught by trainers in NYC and choose from hundreds of choices so you never get tired of the content. You’ll constantly be able to push yourself and get the best workouts possible by choosing classes like HIIT or total body strength.
The program is available through the Apple App Store or the Google Play store and is compatible with the CityRow Go Classic rower and WaterRower ComModule.
With a CityRow Go App subscription, you get a 14-day free trial to test out the waters. Afterwards, it retails for $29 a month or $348 a year, but it’s currently on sale for $289 a year.
CityRow Accessories Review
The CityRow Accessories enhance your workout routine, with easy to use equipment to warm up or come down from your rowing sesh. The options include a workout mat and/or a set or multiple sets up dumbbells, depending on your preferences.
If you choose the dumbbells set, you’ll be able to choose the weight for your own light, medium, and heavy sets. They are crafted from black rubber that’s even on both ends and an ergonomic chrome handle that’s comfortable to hold. They are sold in pairs and come in 5-30 lbs ranging in price from $60-$210, the price going up as the weight does.
The other option is the workout mat, which is ideal for yoga, pilates, before-workout stretches, and more. It’s thick and cushiony for support, and durable enough to withstand plenty of pressure and abrasion from sneaker soles. The workout mat retails for $95, and you can always buy a few if you intend to workout with your pals!
Who Is CityRow For?
Looking for a full body workout? What about needing equipment that’s easy to store in a small space? Well, this might just be the brand for you! Whether you’re a workout enthusiast or just getting started, there are plenty of different classes to stream and easy-to-adjust settings on these machines to suit your needs.
As mentioned in this CityRow review, there are so many things that make the brand a great option for anyone who wants a fun and easy way to take care of their body. It’s low impact, so it won’t put too much strain on your body, has an app that is chock full of classes and tutorials, and routines are fast so you won’t eat up too much of your day.
How Does CityRow Work?
As we’ve outlined in this CityRow review, the brand combines the use of an app with an in-home rowing machine to provide a routine that helps you reach your goals. The movements work every muscle in your body, from your shoulders to your core to your legs.
The machine is pretty easy to use, with a sliding seat, a water resistance tank, and a rowing handle that pulls against the wheel with a chain to recreate the feeling of actually being in the water, pulling against the flow of the waves. The faster you row, the faster the wheel moves through the water, the more resistance there is, making your body work harder.
The interactive element of the app keeps users engaged and excited, on a mission to complete challenges and sessions. So, how does the whole thing actually work? Essentially, once you’ve got your machine you download the app, then start setting goals and earning badges!
CityRow Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Since the brand is newer to the digital world, we found a limited amount of comments to include in this CityRow review. Regardless, to help determine if this brand is worth buying, we sourced customer testimonials from the brand’s website and independent blogs like Rowing Machine King and Fitrated.
On the brand website, the brand is rated 4.8/5 stars out of 41 reviews: One shopper has a well-rounded experience with the machine itself and the app’s offerings:
“Bought my tower about 8 months ago and just am so pleased with the rower, the classes, and the coaches. The coaches really push me and the class variety is exceptional. I was looking for a rowing experience that integrated free weights and CITYROW has delivered.”
Another patron described how much they love working out with the CityRow machine and app: “This rowing machine was pretty simple to put together. This machine has exceeded my expectations. Absolutely love it. It’s a fantastic workout. The water tower makes it a great workout and a realistic one. It does a great job challenging you and workouts your whole body.”
One shopper repeated these sentiments, appreciating the functionality while they’re working out and when they’re not: “It’s easy to use and the functionality is fantastic. We attach our iPad to the machine, which is great too. Since we have limited space in our apt, I also appreciate that it’s very easy to move and store upright against a wall.”
On Rowing Machine King, one customer wrote that this machine is the best of the best: “If you are looking for the “crème de la crème” of water rowing machines, then you should buy the CityRow Go Max. It will be delivered to your door, assembled for you, and you will have the touchscreen monitor right in front of you for all workouts.”
On Fitrated, the CityRow Go Classic receives a rating of 93/100: “One of the defining features of the CITYROW GO line-up is its water-based resistance system. Designed to afford users the rushing whir of water passing by oars aboard a wood and metal craft, the feel of the rower is unique and truly classic.”
We also found that WaterRower, the partner of CityRower that produces the machines, has their own machines rated 85/100 or better on Fitrated. Shoppers refer to their machines as “the best machine[s]” that are “high quality” and “easy to use” helping them to “achieve a great workout.”
So, it’s clear that the brand is loved by shoppers everywhere. The machines are ideal for getting a high intensity sweat in a low-intensity workout, burning calories faster, and receiving guidance and support through the app to keep pushing.
Is CityRow Worth It?
Now, you might be wondering if for the purpose of this CityRow review we deem the brand worth buying. The customer reviews speak to high-quality experiences with both the app and the machine itself, providing a high-quality home workout experience.
Plus, the rowing machines are easy to fold up and put away so they won’t take up too much space in your everyday life. In general, they make working out more fun all around, providing a machine that is simple to use, an app that guides the way, and a work out that is fun, low-impact, and builds strength throughout your whole body.
With all that being said, it’s safe to conclude this CityRow review by stating that this brand is worth trying out. And if it doesn’t end up being your thing, it also has a great return policy, which we’ll cover more in-depth down below!
CityRow Promotions & Discounts
Looking for a deal on your new equipment? We’ve found that both machines are currently marked down from their regular price at the time of this CityRow review.
Where to Buy CityRow
To buy CityRow machines and workout programs, you can visit the brand’s website, go.cityrow.com.
FAQ
Who owns CityRow?
CityRow is owned by its founder and CEO, Helanie Knapp.
Does CityRow ship internationally?
The brand currently ships to the US, UK, and Australia. We hope to update this CityRow review in the future when they offer worldwide shipping!
What is CityRow’s Shipping Policy?
In the US, rowers will ship out within one week, while orders of accessories will take 4-5 weeks. The brand also offers white glove delivery, which should take between 3-4 weeks. In the UK, standard delivery is calculated at checkout and takes between 4-5 weeks. In Australia, shipping takes around 2-3 weeks for all products.
Once the order has shipped, buyers will receive an email with tracking information from FedEx. If they opt for white glove delivery, they will receive an email to schedule the delivery and then they will be contacted with a time window.
What is CityRow’s Return Policy?
If your CityRow order isn’t the right fit, you can return it for a refund. The brand offers clear guidelines for its return policy:
- Start the return within 30 days of delivery
- Keep all the original packaging. Otherwise, there may be a $200-$300 fee
- The brand covers costs of return shipping
Once the item has been collected, your refund should be processed.
How to Contact CityRow
We hope you enjoyed our CityRow review! If you have any further questions about the brand or its products, you can contact them by emailing [email protected].
Check out similar brands you might like:
WaterRower Rowing Machines Review
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