ROW Studios

I typically have 2 questions that I ask people when it comes to fitness facilities that typically help me decide whether or not the place is worth visiting. First, would you go back? Second, did you consider completely replacing your existing workout régime with it? With respect to ROW, the answer to the first question is a resounding YES, and the answer to the second is actually «yeah, it sure did.»
If you’ve ever been to a SoulCycle, the studio felt very similar with the exception of a less «culty» feel, less abrasive music and cooler colors. The front desk staff was very friendly, and the coach, Shelia, was extremely helpful. As it was my first class, I arrived 15 minutes early so that I could fill out the waivers and go through a quick tutorial (I saw some complaining about this in earlier reviews, which is irrational. How can a gym keep itself and its clients safe if people refuse to show up for a simply tutorial on time?).
As to the actual workout, I found it fun yet challenging. Rowing is itself instantly scaleable to your level of fitness as you simply row as hard as YOU can during the intervals. I enjoyed the short interval formats of the «All Body» class where we combined short rowing intervals with various dumbbell and bodyweight movements. At the end of the class, I was soaked with sweat and very appreciative that the clock moved as fast as it did.
I would especially recommend ROW if you’ve been struggling with any over-​use injuries from running or lifting as rowing is such a light impact activity that can still leave you gasping for air. I will certainly be back.

I have been attending Row for almost 6 months now and couldn’t be happier. I initially joined because of the 30 for 30 deal, and I had no intention of staying further than that first month. However, after attending each of the 3 classes the studio offers, I was hooked.
I feel I am valued as a client. I feel as if I am challenging myself more physically than I ever have. I have watched my body change and seen the physical and emotional transformations of many other Row members. The classes are 50 minutes long and not a minute is wasted. I leave feeling exhausted but stronger than ever.
I frequently attend class with Brian and Dan (primarily in the All Strength and All Body classes), and they are such a big motivation for me. I appreciate the attention they give to everyone to ensure we are both safe and getting the most out of our workout. They modify movements for each client based on personal need and/​or ability. You don’t get this personal of an experience anywhere else. Trust me.

Ok, not gonna complain about 30 day trial for $ 30 deal, however, I felt the most unproductive with my work out routine in the past month.
They ask their clients to show up 15 minutes early to their FIRST class, so that they can show you around the studio and go over a few things before your first row class. The studio isn’t that big (nice and clean though) so it’s unnecessary to make people show up that early imo, but sure. They’re very strict about this rule (they actually didn’t let my friend in), so make sure to arrive on time.
They offer different classes such as all body, all endurance, and all strength. This is basically HIIT work out with some rowing here and there. The work out lasts about 40min, but I feel like sometimes it’s shorter than 40min and they spend more time stretching afterwards. I felt like the only difference between all body and all endurance was: in all body, you do more of squats, push-​ups, burpees, and etc besides just rowing. In all endurance, just lots of rowing.
I see that some people find this work out rewarding, but this wasn’t for me. Just because I personally dislike the idea of having to complete tasks in a given time. You’d think that it’ll push yourself harder to complete them on time, but no… I think that pushed me away, got me lazy to show up to classes, and I always ended up cancelling last minute. (And yes, you must cancel at least an hour before your scheduled class to avoid $ 10 fee for not showing up) I wasn’t able to enjoy this work out and wasn’t happy about being lazy and unproductive with my work out last month. I really tried, but eventually I just stopped going.
My very first class here was with Brian, and it was all body class. Nice guy, but I was a little lost, because 1. yes he did go through a few steps before the class, but he was going at a fast pace, and 2. (this bothered me the most) mumbling through the entire class blasting loud music in the background. Couldn’t hear a thing even though I got a seat in the front. Either speak loud and clear or turn the volume down. I couldn’t focus on a single thing and got very frustrated. The class goes by so fast that if you don’t go hard on yourself, you’re going to feel like you haven’t done anything and the class is over. However, it was a lot better when I started attending David’s class. If anything, do yourself a favor and attend classes lead by David. He’s great, very efficient, very helpful, and most importantly he communicates very clearly.
30 day $ 30 was a good deal, but not sure if I want to spend more than that to attend here literally just to row. They also have free row classes where you just walk in and row without an instructor. Once again, I don’t think I love it enough to pay full price just to row esp by myself… I have to admit though, rowing really did help reduce my back pain. It was nice to get to know more about rowing, but I would not be returning.

If I could rate this place negative stars I would.
Class pass people — DO NOT COME HERE. SERIOUSLY.
I have never had a bad thing to say about class pass in fact I tell people about it daily. The only bad experience I have ever had was this morning AT THIS STUDIO.
I signed up for a 6am class. Even though I have had a very difficult week, I forced myself to get up and go because I cannot afford the fee of canceling financially right now. I arrive at the class on time and they turn me away and tell me that I am too late. Meanwhile I see 3 other people stroll into the class. I told them I will not be returning to this studio every again and they really need to do more to publicly advertise that you will be TURNED AWAY and CHARGED if you do not show up early.
This is not a customer friendly business. They need to change their policy or better advertise it. As you can imagine, I’m pretty frustrated having woke up at 4;45am to get here. On top of this, now I am unable to shower and get ready for work (which i usually do seamlessly in the mornings at the studios I attend thanks to class pass!) so I will have to drive all the way home to do so and end up being late for work on a day when I have a presentation starting at 7:30am.
Their actions are not fair, considerate or encouraging to customers.,
I am still sitting in the parking lot in the pitch dark outside the studios, frustrated, annoyed, disappointed and just wanting to be in the class that I signed up for and showed up for. So I will end with:
Don’t bother attending this studio, Class Pass people. There are so many other amazing amazing studios in Houston that actually care about their clients. Let’s bring them our business, not row studios.
Hope this warning helps others avoid the pain and discomfort and annoyance I experienced this morning thanks to them.

I stared coming to ROW a few months ago via ClassPass and I have nothing but great things to say. If you’re coming here for the first time, keep in mind it’s located BEHIND the Randalls shopping center, off Academy St. There is plenty of parking.
They offer a few different types of classes here: All Body, All Endurance, and All Strength. I only have experience with the All Body class which is what I’ll talk about here. The rowing machine is called an ‘erg’ and different than the type you might know from a standard gym. You strap your feet in and the monitor tells you how many meters you’ve rowed and calories you’ve burned. The instructor leads you through a workout that incorporates both rowing (on the machine) and strength work (with dumbbells) in a HIIT format. The workout is displayed on giant tvs/​monitors so you always know what you’re supposed to be doing. For instance, you’ll do a 5 minute workout where you’ll have to row 150 meters, do 10 squats, and then 10 burpees as many times through as you can within the 5 minutes and then rest. You do a number of these workouts during the 50 minutes class. There’s also a «mobility» section at the end where you’ll get to use a foam roller or other such equipment.
The studio is very clean and the guy at the front desk will always remember your name! There are bathrooms, showers, water bottle refill, and towels all provided. If you’re looking for something a little different to spice up your workout routine, you will love Row Studios.

As an ex-​crossfitter I jumped on this studio as soon as it was added on classpass! Rowing is a great alternative to running or cycling and this studio offers 5 – 6 different types of classes. It’s a very sleek and clean studio with ample parking availability. I’ve only had the chance to sample the Endurance class but I loved it! The set up of the class is great with lots of room and there is even an instructor rower setup where they can hop on to show you exercises. The Endurance class offers a warm up, multiple rounds varying from different % of rowing max effort to ab only exercises. The only reason I gave this studio a 5 vs a 4 is because the class was not taught up to the 50 minutes it was allotted.
Overall a great total body workout and for those who are not part of class pass, I have seen many deals on Groupon and Tidbits. They also have a promotional 30 days for $ 30.

Great place to work out. I even got my husband to come along after I explained how it works and now we are converted! I always enjoyed rowing the the gym and wondered why they only have 1 machine if at all so I decided to give this place a try and I’m loving it. It’s a great work out. Nice clean studio and a good array of classes. I have tried most classes except the All Strenght. My favorite is the AllBody because it mixes things up and it’s never boring. The workout has always been different and I like how they walk you thru the cool down period as well. I have been going for almost a month and i’m seeing good results. I feel stronger and no more back aches.

Wow, I am addicted to this place. I came here for the first time not long after they opened with my boot camp instructor who had some free passes. About a year later, I signed up through Groupon and then took the plunge and signed up for good. You can sign up monthly and it will auto renew unless you tell them otherwise. And it’s not like a gym where you’ll be harassed and stalked if you decide to cancel. They have different levels of «membership» but I signed up for unlimited so I can go when I want.
My favorite class is the all body, which includes work on the erg and other exercises, similar to boot camp. The workouts are hard but fast, 40 minutes then 10 for stretching. I have seen awesome results and I look forward to my workouts here. All the instructors are great — Elena and Stanley are my favorites.
The place is super clean and everyone is friendly.
The only negative is I wish there was more room to change. I typically change at work and go straight there.

How do you beat something that get you out of bed on a Saturday morning… Kicks your a**… And sweats out all the sins of the previous night! You don’t. Get your butt on an erg and let the magic begin

If you want a killer workout, come here! You will pant and sweat and sweat some more. The studio is clean, the instructors are great, the screens are awesome & you will get in amazing shape if you attend Row Studios classes regularly.

I’ve only been here twice, but I am already loving it. I run varsity cross country and track at my school. I needed a strength workout. My first time was with Dan. My best friend and I arrived 15 minutes earlier since it was our first time. He explained how rowing works and taught us proper form. During the entire class, he was walking around and helping the class individually. He was a great instructor and definitely made us feel welcome. The staff here at ROW are so genuine and heartwarming.
The facilities are amazing! So sleek, so modern, so clean. I’m recommending this to all my friends.
*Tip: I got blisters (my first time really working with my hands), and my skin bled after the today. I saw some people with gloves on. *

I decided to join row studios after attended a row & run. They take the time to help each member develop correct form and they are very encouraging. The all strength class is small and intimate and allows you to challenge yourself at your own pace. The all body class is a great all body workout. I have not tried an all endurance class yet. I would highly suggest this place for anyone.

Where do I begin?! I have been following ROW Studios for months on Facebook and Instagram. They offered a special ROW and Run on Good Friday and without hesitation I signed up! I had a great experience and have taken 4 more classes since then. The studio offers a variety of classes 7 days a week. Yes, they’re even open on Sunday’s! The space is very clean, the instructors are very helpful, and you’re taught proper form for the rowing machine to maximize your workout. What are you waiting for… Get to Rowing!!!

Favorite, favorite studio. I will say, I didn’t start my post-​baby fitness journey here, but it is the studio I favor most when I really want to feel worked and accomplished, PLUS it is probably a big part of how I’m rehabilitating my disc injury (I’d been complaining of lower back pain– my chiropractor deduced it to be lower disc damage and SI joint issue). This isn’t the closest studio to me: it’s actually the furthest!– but ironically, it takes me the shortest time to get in and out of, (and did I say feel worked? Coz you will, promise!) so for this SAHM, it actually makes the most sense to me, time and results and money-​wise (including babysitter to leave toddler and come here). Plus parking from my experience hasn’t been an issue, so that’s a huge plus!
Rowing is truly an all-​body workout, that done right, will rehabilitate and also produce physical results. For beginners, they have a 30-​for-​$ 30 deal that I highly recommend: with it I was able to experience most of the offered classes, and I’m still going strong after the deal. I originally saw their collaboration-​class «Rowga» with Big Yoga (that’s closer to me and I go to, as well) and when I saw where it was, I was totally set against going, just because of distance, and my nervousness with motorists and traffic in that part of town. Then I attended their shortened «body» class at Lululemon one winter night, and I was hooked. Look who’s eating their words now ;) Like I said, try it, give it a shot if you’re into functional fitness: I promise, you won’t regret it.

The studio is very nice and clean. They also focus on mobility– which is something that you will NEVER find in a Crossfit box.
There are two problems with this studio:
1) Their thirty-​days for $ 30 is a steal-​literally. For instance, when the weather closed down Houston-​and ROW– it wasn’t credited. You just missed-​no fault of yours, but hey, that is your problem.
Also, your classes aren’t even an hour. Sometimes they finish in forty minutes– the warm-​up, exercise and cool down. Go figure.
2) The music. For all that is sacred, the music!!! The only trainer that plays a decent choice is Dan– he is the 0500 class. Too early for me because I go to work at 0900.
Music is big in my life and I just couldn’t take it. I mean it is so bad!!! It puts you to eff-​ing sleep.
Truly, the prices are over the top for what you pay. The exercise is okay, but not if you are used to going to a box.
For the music, go someplace else. Save your money. Go another place.

I came across this place from a flyer at a Lulu Lemon offering 30 days for $ 30. I’m not too physically — I’ve run a half marathon but don’t really run anymore due to a knee injury that still causes my IT band to flare up, and I also practice yoga when the mood strikes. I’d never really rowed before (aside from messing around an erg way back when) so wasn’t sure what to expect.
Close to a month ago now, I came into the studio after registering online, and one of the instructors was nice enough to give me instructions on the erg (the rower) prior to class. So far, I can only attest to the All Body class which is a 50-​minute circuit class, varying between intervals on the erg and then doing timed weighted basic exercises. I’ve had several instructors for this class so far, and they’re all very motivating and helpful — complete with personal instruction, yelling, and «You can do its». My favorite is Brooke — she’s a sweetheart and probably the best if you’re a newbie.
As far as outcomes of the classes so far (cause people like to know these things, right?), I have definitely noticed some differences. No, the workouts do NOT get easier. However, I have found that my speed has increased since I first began. Also, the low impact of the erg has seemed to help my problem knee a good bit. The range of motion in that knee has increased a good deal, even if I still can’t do a weighted lunge without almost faceplanting the erg. I’ve tried to run a little since starting at ROW and my endurance has definitely increased.
Although I love, love, love this studio and its instructors, the only reason I’m not giving it a 5 is because it’s a little on the pricey side. A drop in class is around $ 25 and packages are a little too much, in my opinion. If I had room in my budget for those expenses, I’d definitely be signing up to continue post trial. However, the reality is I don’t. It’s a fantastic work out though so aside from that, I would encourage you to at least try it!

I discovered this place after Tidbits offered a great deal — $ 50 for 5 rowing classes (a discount of $ 60). After attending my first class tonight, I’m going to purchase additional class discount packages so I can keep this place in heavy workout rotation.
I attended the whole body class. The 50-​minute class was a good introductory mix of row and sand bag weight reps. It was in cross-​fit style and very challenging. The instructor, Brooke, was helpful and patient with me and the newbie attendees.
At the end of the class, Brooke explained they also have an only-​row class and then a FREE class Saturday mornings at 10 am to help newbies brush up on their form. I will definitely be looking into this.
I was really impressed with the class, but I also liked the super-​clean, modern workout space and noticed security on patrol in the parking lot. When so many thieves target cars at gyms, etc. it’s nice to know someone is keeping an eye on things!

For some reason, I went in here thinking my ROW class was gonna be similar to the Ben Hur movie slave rowing scene.
Battle speed. attack speed. RAMMING SPEED!
However, I was pleasantly surprised by the high tech equipment and sleek looking studio as well as the professionalism of the receptionist and instructor. That all put my mind to ease and helped deliver a great full body workout.
Our instructor Dan started us off on the row machines for an endurance warmup. He was very helpful with me achieving proper form. Once I got the hang of it, I glanced over to left and right at the ladies’ RPM next to me and I attempted to keep my rowing rate up higher than theirs’. However, I failed.
Then, we moved into a series of strength training. It involved sequences of sand bag squats and rowing sessions. What I liked about it all was it was very low impact compared to running and Crossfit workouts.
The last phase of the workout was mobility. Dan explained the importance of «rolling out» which breaks up knots in your muscles and promotes new strength and flexibility. I followed suit with this process and slid the side of my 200 lb. body back and forth over my roller. It hurt but in a deep tissue massage kind of way.
That one workout left me feeling stronger and healthier. My wife also attends classes here every other week or so. She likes ROWga. It’s a collaboration with Big Yoga with 30 minutes of rowing followed by 30 minutes of yoga. She loves it!
The price is a little steep at $ 25 per class but in my opinion worthwhile to drop in every now and then. For me, the low impact nature of ROW combined with full-​body row endurance makes it a great complement to Crossfit, running, and yoga. I’ll be back.
So don’t worry about getting whipped or thrown overboard. It’s nothing like this:

Swung by and got a chance to meet one of the owners– super nice guy. Was surprised to find the place had only been open 2 months.
I happened to come to row during one of its less busy hours (endurance with Brooke) and was the only one in the class. She was very patient and gave great instruction… Ended up rowing beside me and really pushing me during the last three times sessions in the «pyramid.»
I would HIGHLY recommend you try this place at least once.
The facility is great and it provides a different workout than what I usually do– as an ACSM certified personal trainer myself, it was greatly appreciated. I’ll be coming back (drop in’s are only $ 25).

I have mixed feelings about Row. The all body is modeled along the Crossfit concept of dynamic cardio and mixed movements, which is great, but some of the equipment is not ideal for the movements. Sandbells with no handles are used for kettlebell swings, which is really tough on the hands and requires a lot of grip strength. If you can normally swing a 25lb bell, you’d struggle to keep a hold of this piece of equipment. Just a point for maybe improving.
Some of the coaches are better than others and will walk you through technique and the workout each and every time, as well as pushing you to work harder and more than you did the week before. Brooke is probably the strongest coach out of the 4 I’ve tried. In the worst example, workouts have been started without explaining the format so you’re left trying to work it out yourself as you work.
The endurance work outs are the best as far as I’m concerned, because of the weird equipment used for the all body workouts.
Hopefully some of this will be improved gradually and it fulfills its potential as a fun and alternative work out!