I have now had the Peloton Row for over a month. I was new to rowing when I purchased, except for a few attempts on a rowing machine at a gym years ago- so I consider myself a rowing newbie. All I knew about rowing was that it was a supposed to be a great workout and that your form was critical. I was excited to get the row, but also very concerned about learning the proper form. Because of my concern about learning proper form, the form assist feature and the form insights on the Peloton Row were huge factors in my decision to purchase the row. After my Peloton Row was delivered, the first thing I wanted to focus on was form and set out to complete the You Can Row Program. Keep reading for my review of the You Can Row Program on the Peloton Row- and find out why I did not finish the program.
The You Can Row Program on the Peloton Row
The You Can Row Program on the Peloton Row is a program which teaches you about form and the metrics for the Row. I posted blog posts for each week:
Week 1 can be read here
Week 2 can be read here
Week 3 can be read here
I had a wide range of emotions during the program. To be honest, as I wrote about in a post about my thoughts after my very first class (click here for the post), I was very frustrated with the row. I did not understand the metrics at all and spent the entire class focused entirely on every single movement I made in my row. I did not enjoy the class at all. I also moved so slowly on the row in order to listen to the instructors that I did not feel like I had actually worked out.
However, in Week 2 things began to really turn around as I started to understand the metrics. In Week 2 my form began to feel more natural- I did not have to think about each and every move. I started to get into a groove and by Week 3, I felt as though I was truly ready to conquer the 30 minute Endurance Row class of the last day of the program.
But why didn’t I finish the program?
I missed the last 2 classes (an Endurance Row and a Stretch) by 1 day and was not able to complete the program. I logged into one day late and the program RESTARTED. I was stuck back on week 1 and could not get back to Week 3 to take the last two classes. The entire program leads up to a 30 minute endurance ride- and I wasn’t able to take the one in the program, as I couldn’t find the class in the regular list of classes! I ended up taking another endurance class with Alex, which was great and I felt accomplished at the end. Still frustrated.
Since the Program ended…
Since I ended the program, I have been taking classes I picked from the class list. I have been having a ton of fun on the row and trying out different classes. Since the program ended I have taken:
- 10 minute just row
- 15 Minute 2000s Row with Alex Karwoski
- 15 Minute Classic Rock Ride with Alex Karwoski
- 5 Minute Warm Up Row with Ash Pryor
- 20 Minute *NSYNC Row with Alex Karwoski
I am really enjoying the row. Do I think the You Can Program was worth it- well since I ended the program- I have never had lass than a 97% on my form in any of the classes that I took.
3 Key Tips for the You Can Row Program on the Peloton Row
I know that I got a lot out of the You Can Row program- my form has been amazing since the program and I feel comfortable with the metrics. I went from feeling frustrated by the row – to excited to jump on for my next class.
I have three tips which I think are critical for anyone taking the program:
- Take it slow. I did not worry about pace or strokes in any of the classes in the program. I took the classes slow in order to truly listen to the instructors and work on implementing what the instructors were saying about form.
- Review the Form Insights. After each class you should take a few minutes to review the breakdown of your form. Review what portions of your form that you need to work on
- My most critical tip- Treat this program like an educational class and not a workout class. Listen to the instructors, practice your form, test and tweak your form. This program is a learning experience. I think this is the best mindset to have when you are starting any new workout- take your time to learn correct form before just jumping in. As I stated earlier, since ending the program, I have not had a row with less than a 97% on my form.
Review of the You Can Row Program on the Peloton Row
I credit the You Can Row Program to helping me really fall in love with the row. I went from being frustrated by the row to being excited to get on the row and being able to enjoy a class. The row has now become my go to morning workout. If I did not take the program, I do not think I would have gotten to this point with my form- being able to just row without overthinking each move I make. If I had just started taking classes, I would have been frustrated by the row and I doubt would be where I am now with my form.
The program is an excellent way to learn to row. The classes in the beginning are short, but provide the fundamental of form. The program builds with each classes. You need to have some patience and some faith. You will not learn to row or understand the metrics in just one class or even one week- it took me into Week 2 to truly begin feeling a little comfortable on the row and to understand the metrics.
As I noted above on my 3 tips above- treating this program like an educational class is critical. I wanted so badly to jump on the row and get in a great workout. But I didn’t do it- I took my time on the machine to listen to the instructors and truly work on my form.
I absolutely recommend taking the program and taking your time to treat it like a learning experience rather than a workout.
If you like this post, keep reading more on the blog:
Testing and Purchasing the New Peloton Row
Review of the Peloton Row After Taking First Class
Review of the You Can Row Program After Week 3
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