What we like about it: This is Peloton’s first smart rowing machine, which teaches you how to row and correct your form. Similar to other Peloton equipment, you receive white-glove delivery and it’s assembled in your home. The delivery people are pros, so they have it up and running in half an hour, tops. It has a 24-inch HD touchscreen that's adjustable and easy to rotate.
Using the Peloton Row is an experience, unlike the others I had when testing rowing machines. Before you take a class, you have to calibrate your rowing form. Once your rowing form is customized, you can select to Just Row, do a Scenic Row or take a rowing class from the Peloton roster. This is where another feature, known as Form Assist, comes into play.
Form Assist offers real-time feedback on your form during class using the same sensors from the calibration process. Peloton says the rower measures your position hundreds of times a second to generate Form Assist and track form errors. You have the option to turn off Form Assist, but it defeats the purpose of owning a Peloton Row. When it's on, an image of a digital person sitting on a rowing machine shows up on the left-hand side of the screen and moves in sync with you. If your form is off, you'll see the person's body highlighted in red, the part of the stroke where you need to correct your form. After the class is over, you can see your rowing stats and Form Rating score, which uses a circle graph and shows you a total score out of 100. Beneath that, you'll see a detailed explanation of where you're making errors, along with tips on how to fix them. I saw improvement in my form rather quickly during the period I tested the Peloton Row, thanks to the Form Assist feature.
Who it’s best for: If money and space are no object, you’ll love this rowing machine. I had concerns with its size because it's on the larger side (it's 8 feet by 2 feet and weighs 156 pounds). An anchor is included with your order, so you can store the machine safely upright, but you'll want to make sure your ceiling can clear its length.
The Form Assist feature is the selling point and a good option if you’re new to rowing or trying to improve your rowing form. This rower is a no-brainer if you're already a Peloton member and have other equipment from the brand. If you're a new member, you will have to sign up for the Peloton All-Access membership ($44 a month). The plus side is that since the screen swivels, you can easily take other classes that require you to be on the floor. If money is no object and you're serious about rowing, you'll love the Peloton Row.
Who shouldn’t buy it: If you lack space in your home, this may not be the ideal rowing machine for you. It’s also not ideal if you’re on a budget since this is the most expensive rowing machine on this list at $3,295, and there are more affordable options to choose from. It’s also not necessary if you aren’t already a Peloton member and don’t care much for becoming one, since there are other rowing machines that function similarly.