CITYROW GO Max Review

The CITYROW GO Max is the latest model we've tried in the growing interactive workout market. If you're not sure what we mean by that, think Peloton, but on a rowing machine. And it's about time too. The rower is perhaps the most neglected piece of kit in the gym because many view it as... boring. Let's not pretend otherwise.

But thanks to the latest innovation of online sessions, computer graphics and up-to-the-minute performance data, the rowing machine just got a heck of a lot more interesting - not to mention challenging.

We'll come onto the tech stuff in a little while, but first we'll focus on the hardware. The CITYROW is crafted in the good ol' US of A in partnership with WaterRower - so we know for a start it's a quality machine lurking beneath all the technology.

For those who are not DIY-minded, you have nothing to fear. The machine arrives fully assembled to your door, so no need to work your way through pages of instructions only to find there's a screw missing!

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The CITYROW GO Max uses a water tank to provide resistance - you pull on the handle to spin the paddles in the water. If you want to increase resistance, you can either pull harder, or add more water to the tank. There are a number of myths surrounding water machines, the most common being you have to change the water on a regular basis otherwise the water goes green - not strictly true. All the maintenance required is to drop a chlorine tablet in the tank once every 4 months and the water will be just fine.

A great feature of a water machine, in my view, is the wonderful 'whoosh' you hear when you're rowing. Water is also quieter than air-resistance machines, but a little noisier than magnetic rowers. If noise is an issue for where you'll be using your rowing machine, you might want to consider water or magnetic over air.

The rowing position is very comfortable - especially for those long workout sessions. The seat is good and slides smoothly up and down the rail, the padded handle sits nicely in the palms, and the foot rests hold your feet firmly in place.

And to top it all off, the elegant lines of the CITYROW make it very easy on the eye. And for those concerned for the environment, the wood (Amercian Ash) is from a sustainable source and the aluminum finished beautifully with a black powder-coating.

And as for the warranty, you get 5 years on the frame - this looks a bit limited considering the price you're paying; 3 years on the non-electronic parts; and 1 year on the tablet.

The Software (Workouts)

So let's take a look at what make the CITYROW GO Max stand out against the majority of rowers - the software, namely, the interactive workouts. The obvious standout feature of the CITYROW is the large, adjustable 19.5" color touchscreen. First thing to note? It's sweat-resistant! And it has to be with some of the workouts on offer. And if you need some kickass music for you workouts, the two 20-watt speakers will provide it.

Example of workout screen - click to visit CITYROW website

So, onto the workouts - and there are plenty to choose from, and conveniently arranged into categories: HIIT, Endurance, Strength, plus there are off-rower workouts including Yoga and stretches to improve flexibility. And as with Peloton, there are live trainer-led sessions with the experts to help you gain muscle, lose weight and improve fitness levels. One feature we really loved about the CITYROW is the real trainers you can also follow on Twitter and Instagram.

Your workout performance is stored so you can compare and see your progress over time. And for further motivation, you receive badges for personal records, similar to Nike's running app. The search feature is very useful allowing you to find sessions by duration and which set of muscles you want to workout.

New workouts are added every week should you need more variation to keep you coming back for more!

Summary:
The GO Max is a worthy contender in the hi-tech, innovative machines. The large screen, variety of workouts, easy-of-use, and friendly 'real' instructors, make it a joy to use. The boring rowing machine is no more - a thing of the past. In fact, it's so good it's spelt with capital letters :0)

CITYROW GO Max: Rating 9.3/10 9.3 Stars