What’s better than attending a live, heart-pumping, energetically charged fitness class? It used to be nothing, but times are changed and we’re not heading to the gym or fitness class studios as often. Luckily, some of our favorite fitness studios have jumped ahead of the curve and created a way to bring their effective, high-octane workouts to our homes.
While we’re all likely with Peloton at this point, they’re not the only NYC-based fitness studio that is offering their signature workouts and access to the renowned instructors right from the comfort of their own homes. CityRow has also joined the smart home gym movement with the release of the CityRow Go smart rowing machines.
In this article, I’m pitting Peloton vs. CityRow Go, comparing and contrasting their machines as well as their workout experience. So whether you’ve taken a live, in-studio class with either brand, you’ve worked out with them through their app, or both brands are relatively new to you and you are interested in purchasing a piece of equipment to fuel your home workouts, this article should help you figure out which brand offers the best home workout experience.
CityRow Go Vs. Peloton: The quick and dirty facts
Let’s get right down to business and give you the quick, pertinent facts about each machine and brand. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be comparing the Peloton Bike (not the Bike +) to the CityRow Go Max rower.
Product Name | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
Starting price | $2195 | $1895 |
Monthly app cost | $29 | $39 |
Core workout | Rowing | Cycling |
Screen | 19.5” sweat-proof touchscreen | 22” HD touchscreen |
Swivel screen? | Yes, 30-degree swivel for optimal off-rower viewing | No, unless you upgrade to Bike+ ($2495) |
Workout variety | HIIT, strength training, endurance, yoga | Cardio, strength training, yoga, stretching, Barre, Pilates |
Machine specs | 85” L, 22.25” W, 45.25” H: Weight 75 lbs dry, 112 lbs with water | 59" L x 53" H x 23" W: Weight 135 lbs |
Storage capabilities | Stand and store option for a smaller footprint when not in use | None |
User requirements | Max height 39” inseam, max weight 375 lbs | Max height 6’4”, max weight 297 lbs |
Construction | Sustainable American Ashwood & black powder-coated steel | Welded steel, ED & powder coated |
Promo / Coupon Code | $100 OFF: FITHEALTHYMOMMA100 | Welded steel, ED & powder coated |
Website |
Choosing Between Rowing vs Cycling
At the risk of sounding too obvious, I’d like to discuss the difference between a rowing-based workout and a cycling-based workout. Now bear with me because I understand that you likely understand the concept of both, however, there are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing between the two.
Related reading: Exercise Bike vs Rowing Machine
Let’s take a look at each exercise modality separately, identifying its unique benefits.
Cycling workouts are...
- Cardiovascular in nature and promote high-calorie burn.
- Mainly focused on working the lower body.
- Low impact and easy on the joints.
- Fun and challenging!
Rowing workouts are…
- Full body, working 86% of your muscles at once.
- A mixture of cardiovascular work and strength training.
- Virtually impact-free, making them safe for users of all ages and abilities.
- Challenging and fun!
If you have experience with one or both of these exercise forms, then you already know what to expect. A critical decision you’ll need to make when choosing between these two smart fitness machines is which workout style is most enjoyable to you?
Fitness should be fun, never a chore! But there’s so much more to the story when it comes to Peloton and CityRow Go, it’s not as simple as choosing between cycling and rowing, it’s about the entire experience. And let me tell you, both brands offer an amazing one!
Next, let’s dig in deeper on both brands to glean more information that will help sway your decision in one direction over the other.
Dissecting this Powerful Matchup of Smart Home Fitness Equipment Brands (Peloton versus CITYROW)
There’s a lot that could be said when comparing CityRow Go to Peloton, but for the sake of not losing you, I’m going to keep it simple. Let’s take a look at three of the most important considerations of each:
1. Features and Tech Compared
Peloton's Features and Tech
I’m not going to beat around the bush or downplay anything here, Peloton is the king (or queen for all my Robin Arzon fans) of cycling. They did it first, and as far as I’m concerned, they still do it best. That said, it doesn’t mean that their brand and experience is going to be the right choice for you. Regardless, let’s take a look at some of the features and tech that the Peloton Bike the mega-success that it is.
Peloton...
Is sleek and compact
Peloton keeps it simple with their all-black design and space-saving dimensions.
Adjusts for just about any rider
You can feel confident knowing that you’ll be able to get the best ride possible thanks to the fully adjustable seat, handlebar, and screen.
Is quiet when in operation
All my early morning or late-night riders and fellow parents will rejoice to know that their workout won’t be waking the kids up.
Allows you to get up close and personal with your trainer
Miss hitting the cycling studio? Get the same experience from home! You always have the best seat in class thanks to the 22” HD screen.
CityRow Go's Features and Tech
While CityRow is a newer player in the connected home fitness world, but not new to rowing or to creating epic class experiences. CityRow Go takes a fresh, thrilling approach to rowing and working up a sweat, and you can bring it to your home thanks to the features and tech built into their home rowers.
CITYROW GO...
Shows an Elegant Design
The entire machine provides a multi-sensory experience coupled with a sleek, elegant design.
Has a Sweet Swivel Screen
The MAX Rower features a large, sweat-proof swiveling touchscreen that allows for a fully immersive experience on and off the rower.
Is Made in America!
It's crafted in the USA through their partnership with the renowned fitness manufacturer, WaterRower.
Can Pump Up The Music!
It includes high-fidelity sound to complement their powerful workouts.
Is Easily Folded Up
The Rower fits into any room and is easy to store thanks to the convenient vertical storage feature.
Has Legit and Realistic Resistance
Uses water resistance for a beautiful look and a relaxing, quiet workout (you’ll hear nothing but the gentle swooshing of the water).
Related Literature: CITYROW GO MAX Rower Review
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2. Workout Experience Compared
This is the section that I find is the most useful for most people because what we want to know is what to expect from the workouts and the overall experience. We’re all motivated in different ways, and we need to make sure that we’re purchasing a piece of workout equipment that matches our style and allows us to have fun and enjoy moving our bodies!
What are Peloton workouts like?
The special sauce behind the massive popularity that Peloton has amassed over the years is their workouts. Whether taking a live, in-person class or you’re streaming one from their app, you can rest assured that the experience will light you up. From the dedicated instructors who have a myriad of backgrounds, specialties, and personalities, to the heart-pumping music and perfectly curated classes, Peloton has something for just about everyone.
Peloton's NYC Cycling Studio and class
Live and On-Demand Class Library
Peloton was one of the first fitness brands to stream live workouts, allowing folks at home to join in on the action and fun in real-time. However, if you can’t make the live class, it’s almost immediately published in their library for taking on your schedule.
Leaderboards and Community Engagement
Community is a big part of the Peloton experience. You can engage and compete with fellow users all over the world during your classes thanks to their live leaderboard. Give someone a high five, use hashtags to find your tribe, or race your way to the top of the leaderboard!
Tons of Class Variety
One thing I look for when evaluating a piece of fitness equipment or app is the inclusion of other workouts so that users can get a well-rounded experience. In addition to their cycling workouts, Peloton offers running, cardio, strength training, yoga, pilates, barre, and more. Every workout is accessible through the app.
Varied Experience Levels and Class Lengths
Whether you’re a beginning, intermediate, or advanced rider, you’ll find workouts that are catered to your experience level. Additionally, you can choose from rides as short as 15 minutes up to 60 minutes, making fitting in a workout easy. Even on your busiest days.
Special Content and Promos
Lastly, Peloton seems to always be releasing special content, programming, and promotional programs that keep users excited and engaged. From celebrations of black and women’s history months to special collabs with mega-stars like Beyonce, this brand knows how to keep things fresh and exciting.
What Are CityRow Go Workouts Like?
One thing that makes this matchup between CityRow Go and Peloton so great is the fact that the workouts and experience are so similar. So if you’re looking for an experience that very closely rivals that of physically being inside the studio, then you’re going to love CityRow Go. With high vibe energy, highly trained instructors, and programming that’s designed to get you results, it’s easy to see why CityRow made a huge name in the rowing space across the country.
CITYROW GO's NYC Rowing Studio and Fitness Class
Cardio + Strength Training in One
The key to making the changes you desire in your body is to work it using both cardio and strength training methods. Cardio zaps calories by increasing your heart rate and strength training builds, defines, and strengthens your muscles for that lean, tight look we all desire. CityRow’s workouts give you the most bang for your buck because they combine it all into one heart-pumping workout.
High-Intensity, Low-Impact
Think you need to jump around and let your joints take a beating just to get an effective workout in? Think again. CityRow’s programming is designed to be high intensity, pushing you to your limits, but without placing any unnecessary stress on your joints and saving you from the risk of injury.
Perfect for All Levels
Even if you’ve never used an indoor rowing machine, you can feel confident that this programming is designed to walk you through it and progress with you safely and efficiently. On the flip side, even the most serious of rowers will find a challenge within these workouts.
Hundreds Of Class Options
Whether you are short on time or are looking to get in a killer session, you can filter and sort your way to the perfect workout for each day. CityRow releases brand new classes every week to keep things fresh, exciting and challenging for their users.
Expert Instructors Who Know How to Motivate
If you’re the type of person who needs a kick in the pants and all kinds of hype to get yourself through a workout, then you’ll appreciate and adore the instructors within the CityRow Go app. They’ll give you an amazing workout and lots of fun doing so.
3. Price Comparison
Smart fitness equipment comes at a price, but the good news is that if you do your research and find the one that makes the most sense for your goals and needs, then you’ll get more than your money’s worth from it.
CITYROW GO Pricing
CityRow Go Max rower costs $2195. They also have their classic rower which costs $1495. If you want to read more about the differences between these two models, you can check out my CityRow Go Max Vs. Classic review. The cost for access to the app is $29 per month.
Peloton Pricing
Peloton recently reduced the price of their original Bike to $1895 with the introduction of their Bike +, which starts at $2495. The monthly cost for app access is $39.
Comparatively, both machines are very close in price, especially when you consider that Peloton has several up-sell packages that include essentials like special cycling shoes, which are required for the operation of the bike. It’s safe to say that by the time you get what you need for the Peloton Bike original, you’re at roughly the same price as the CityRow Go Max rower which doesn’t require any additional equipment or investment.
And, of course, it’s also important to consider the monthly membership costs as this is going to be an ongoing expense for you if you want to maintain access to the programming. CityRow Go’s current membership is $10 less per month, which isn’t significant but does add up over years of use.
Important Considerations When Choosing Between Peloton or CityRow Go
Here are some things to consider as you finalize your decision:
Which do you prefer; rowing or cycling?
The answers are obvious here. If cycling, then Peloton. If Rowing, then CITYROW!
Do you want the opportunity to workout with a live class?
Go with Peloton, their experience is phenomenal.
Short on space and need your equipment to be flexible?
Go with CityRow Go, their rower folds up easily, is easy to maneuver, and looks stunning in any room.
Are you looking for just cardio or do you want more of a comprehensive workout?
While both apps include cross-training, rowing is a much more strength-focused workout than cycling. So if increasing your strength and lean muscle mass is on your priority list, go with CityRow’s rower.
Peloton vs CITYROW GO Conclusion
The Best NYC-Based Fitness Home Workout Experience Goes To…
To be honest, these two fitness brands are neck and neck! Both provide an amazing workout, a stellar experience, and the type of community that we’re all desperately looking for during this time.
That said, considering my background in fitness and my analysis of the facts, I have to say that the winner goes to CityRow Go purely based on the fact that science shows that rowing recruits up to 86% of your muscles, which is higher than any other form of cardio. So for those looking to get the most bang for their buck, so to speak, CityRow is where you’ll find it.
But, if you’re leaning more towards getting the Peloton Bike because that sounds like the better option for you, by all means, go for it! There are plenty of opportunities within the Peloton app to crush your strength goals!
There you have it, everything you need to know about Peloton vs CityRow Go. Best of luck with your decision. Now get out there and live the Fit, Healthy life you deserve!
PELOTON
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