Best Online Rowing Classes

The Hydrow Wave rower is sleek in design and offers all the benefits of an interactive home workout machine. It is one of the most popular in-home rowing machines.

The rower has a large display screen and many classes to choose from, all with experienced and engaging instructors. You can select on-demand classes anytime or choose from one of the many live classes available throughout the day. 

Hydrow's app is excellent for all skill levels and allows you to track your workouts and look back on previous classes to view progress. There are classes for beginners to help you learn the basics of how to row, plus classes for more experienced rowers. 

The Hydrow Wave machine costs $1,895 and the class subscription costs $44 monthly. You have the option to finance the rower for a monthly payment and users report that it is high-quality, durable, and long-lasting. 

Online reviews state that the app does not allow you to filter workouts, which can be frustrating if you like a specific kind of class. Overall, if you’re looking to purchase a rower for your home and want an interactive and dynamic experience, Hydrow has all the features you need and more.

Asensei is designed to be a personal training and rowing app in one. You can download the app to your phone and connect it with several compatible rowing machines. If you don’t have a personal rowing machine but have access to a gym with one, you’ll still be able to get started rowing without the major financial commitment required by other programs. 

Compared to other apps on the market, Asensei is budget-friendly at just $12.50 per month, and there's a small discount for an annual subscription. You’ll have access to a growing library of rowing classes, customized training plans, real-time feedback during classes, and the ability to train with Olympic-level athletes.

If you’re looking for an app that gives you detailed feedback and a customized training program, then Asensei is a great choice that pairs with Concept 2, WaterRower and FluidRowers from First Degree Fitness. 

If you are a fan of water rowers but also want classes that combine rowing and strength training, CityRowGo is a great option. You have the option to purchase CityRow’s high-quality rowing machine for hundreds of classes and benefit from the 19.5-inch screen, but you can also download the $30 monthly app to complete classes on a rower you already have at home. 

The CityRow machine starts at $1,499 plus $30 per month for a subscription to access classes. The classes are interactive and highlight your stats on the screen. Online reviewers share that the instructors are energetic and engaging.

If you want access to fun and interactive classes that bring rowing and strength training together, look no further than CityRowGo. There's a 14-day free trial for you to check it out, too.

Apple Fitness+ offers a variety of rowing classes online, and they are a great option for Apple users who already have a machine at home and want to do other workouts as well. The app shows your calories and heart rate on the screen during your workout if you are wearing an Apple watch. You can use the app with any rowing machine and can take it with you anywhere you go. 

The classes can be streamed on any Apple device such as your iPhone or iPad. There are fewer rowing classes available than other apps that focus solely on rowing, but the variety of other classes included in the subscription, such as strength training, cycling, dance fitness, yoga, and stretching, more than make up for it. Instructors curate their own playlists from the Apple music library.

Apple Fitness+ is free for the first month and $10 per month thereafter. If you purchase an Apple Watch, you will get three months of the app free. Unfortunately, it is only available on iOS, and you must have an Apple Watch to view metrics. You can filter rowing workouts by type, time, instructor, or music, and it gives you personalized suggestions on workouts you may like.

Boring classes make it less likely that you’ll stick with any workout program. Thankfully, with Aviron, you’ll never have to worry about getting bored. After purchasing your machine, you’ll watch a comprehensive walk-through and onboarding video to help you understand how to get the most out of your machine. After that, you’ll be able to jump right into the fun. 

Aviron offers standard workouts but also includes single-player and multiplayer games, races, and challenges. You can coordinate your workouts with real-life friends or race against other members. Each time you participate in a race, challenge, or workout (and for each minute you row), you’ll also earn virtual badges that you can exchange for app extras like unique backgrounds and access to special courses and games. 

While fun is a major focus of Aviron, it doesn't come at the expense of getting in a good workout. Aviron games are designed to ensure your workouts are comprehensive, and the many class offerings allow you to focus on different priorities, like strength training or cardio. You can also search classes by length, and Aviron offers lots of short classes, so that you’re able to squeeze in a high-intensity workout even when you’re short on time. 

Aviron is one of the only rowing machines in its class to offer gamified fun that will encourage you to return to the machine again and again. 

Dark Horse Rowing was created by CrossFit athlete Shane Farmer and has grown in popularity since it started in 2015. You don’t need rowing experience to start rowing. The beginner program is designed to teach you how to use your rower efficiently with many easy-to-follow classes. And if you don’t have your own rower, that’s okay; this program also works for those who want to use a rower at the gym. 

As you progress and get stronger, you’ll have the option to upgrade to more advanced classes and workout routines.  You’ll also have access to a private community from the day you join, where you can find support from peers and coaches. 

While peers can cheer you on and share tips from their own journey, coaches can offer direct support to help you improve your technique. You can count on a response when you ask questions or send videos of your form to a coach. 

Dark Horse Rowing does not have its own app, but all programs are available online through its website. Subscriptions cost $19 per month, $100 biannually, or $190 per year.