Peloton has opened pre-orders in the US for its new connected rowing machine. Consumers can reserve a rower for delivery in December and have the option to test it in a 30-day commitment-free trial.
Offering a low impact cardio and strength workout, Peloton claims that it has been designed to work 86 per cent of muscles in a 15-minute session. Users will be able to choose from thousands of classes in Peloton’s library and participate in training programmes and challenges.
“We've continuously challenged ourselves to create new, differentiated products and experiences for our members and Peloton Row is the latest example," said Tom Cortese, Peloton's co-founder and chief product officer. “I'm proud of the work we've done to enter the rowing category. Peloton Row will introduce more people to this incredibly efficient and effective discipline and keep them motivated no matter where they are on their fitness journey.”
Feature highlights include real-time form feedback to help users position themselves correctly during a workout; development-supporting metrics; customisable pace targets, member leaderboard and a quiet mechanism. There is also a 24” swivel screen to facilitate a smooth transition between working out on the rower and mat-based strength work. The 238cm-long (7’10”), 70kg (156.5lb) rower can also be stored vertically, but the wall fixture comes at an extra cost.
Peloton Row will be hustling for market share with the likes of connected rower Hydrow, which has been dubbed the Peloton of rowers. The company recently launched the Hydrow Wave, a lighter version of the original rower, both in weight and cost. Priced at US$1,495 it is US$1,000 cheaper than Hydrow's original rowing machine, which sells for US$2,495. Peloton’s lowest price offer for its rower starts at almost US$700 more at US3,195 with the top package increasing to US$3,570. This includes a row mat, workout mat, sports bottle, dumbbells, heart rate band, yoga block and yoga strap.
A membership is required to access all options, which costs US$44 per month. Other competitors include the gamified Ergatta Rower and Nordic Track’s RW900.
Peloton and Hydrow are among a number of fit tech businesses that have recently announced restructures as the sector adjusts to post-lockdown demand levrls and strives to move from its startup phase into profitability.
