If you’ve been following me for at least a short period of time then you know I LOVE fitness and have a healthy number of favorite places to workout. I love switching up my workout routine, mixing in a combination of cardio, toning, and restorative movement. I also love supporting local businesses, and so I wound up with probably about 3-4 gym memberships even before Row House opened.

However, I started seeing them advertising on instagram around December of last year, and I immediately inquired since I am actually pretty obsessed with rowing. Most people do not know, but I rowed in high school and college. Rowing is a sport that takes FULL dedication, but those who row are in love with the sport.. it’s almost like a cult. You bond over the early morning workouts (5:30am - I would sometimes row with my eyes closed- don’t worry, I wasn’t steering), the hundreds of recurring blisters on your hands, the love/hate relationship with the erg, and, in Buffalo, rowing in 30 degree weather with ice in the river.

I rowed in college at the University of Buffalo, and it was Division I, which meant two workouts per day and most weekends away for regattas. It was an amazing experience, and being part of a team like that was just so valuable. When I went to pharmacy school, I sadly had to hang up my rowing “hat”, since there just wasn’t time to row. At that point it became something I have always been trying to get back into doing, but again, the time commitment is a lot.. so I usually settled for getting really excited any time I went to a gym that had a single erg and I would get my fix for a bit.

Long story short, my excitement for Row House was REAL. I was the 3rd member to sign up, back in January, and they just opened this August. My expectations were clearly high, and I took my first class hoping it would live up to them. Thankfully, it more than exceeded my expectations. The workout is a perfect mixture of rowing and weights/toning (45 minutes straight on an erg would be a lot). And if you have never been on an erg (rower), I will tell you that it’s a fabulous workout - it is low impact, yet works muscles you did not know you had (read - back and thighs!!) Meanwhile, it provides the cardio workout I was missing from my other workouts. In addition, the competitive part of me can try to beat my previous split time (don’t worry - there’s no competing against others!)

The other cool part about Row House is that the instructors were so good about helping those who have never rowed a day in their life, making sure they had the right form. There were people of all ages in the class, and you can make it as intense as you want. The group’s meters and split time are projected on a screen, so there is an amazing team feeling when the instructor calls for a “hard 10!”

If you haven’t tried it, I would love to go with you! Your first class is free so there’s no way to lose! Plus, they are opening studios in Arlington and beyond, so I think this is going to be the new “it” workout. The Old Town location is right on the north side of Old Town in the same vicinity as Oak Steakhouse and the West Elm. I am so glad they have come to our community so I can get my rowing fix!

Photos by Sarah Marcella Creative