Workout Wednesday: Everything You Should Know About Rowing Classes

Photo: CityRow

If you are thinking that the only “The Row” in town is Mary-Kate and Ashley’s designer line, think again.

Of all the ways New Yorkers can think to get into shape, it’s not surprising that we have found a way to bring the idea of the water to the cold, hard pavement. The next big thing in group fitness right now isn’t just cycling and Beyoncé dance classes–it’s indoor rowing at CityRow.

Similar to its related equivalent, SoulCycle, CityRow uses the WaterRower machine and the practices of real rowers to build strength and endurance for the summer months ahead. And it’s exactly what you think it is. The rowing class is centered around machines mimicking the flow of rowing a boat with oars in the water—no water included.

But if you aren’t too keen on working your core and arms too hard (because looking like the man standing next to you in class is a little bit scary), the class is not just constricted to the machines. CityRow also encourages members taking the class to participate in mat exercises such as planking, lifting weights, and squats, and yoga. The compound exercise allows us fashionistas with not a lot of time on our hands to build muscle, burn calories, and increase our metabolism in fun cardio-focused way.

CityRow offers two classes at 50-minute intervals: Signature Flow and Row and Flow, both tailored to specific needs of the rowers who attend. Built on high intensity but low impact, the Signature Flow allows rowers to sculpt the body in target areas, while Row and Flow’s high intensity soon turns to vinyasa flow yoga that takes the body from cardio to focus on stretching and breathing.

CityRow is currently located in Greenwich Village, but with no locker rooms on the premises you have to come ready to row. What does that mean sartorially? CityRow says row-appropriate attire is “fitted, comfortable workout clothes and sneakers.” Sounds simple enough!

At $32 a class, the workout is a bit on the steep side, but the results definitely make it worth the money. Don’t forget to share your total body rowing experience with StyleBlazer after you’ve gone! (We heard it makes you sweat incessantly so try to keep the fitness-related selfies to a minimum.)

You can learn more about CityRow workouts and sign up for a class here.

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