Took my first rowing class this morning! It was such a great experience- the instructors were awesome and very helpful. The class was small, so they were able to give us individual attention. I came with some friends (all first timers) and they were super accommodating & encouraging. I know my body will feel like jello tomorrow but it will be worth it! The equipment & machines were all in great shape and the studio was super clean! I definitely will be coming back for another class soon! read more

GoRow Training Studio - Gyms Near Me - Hoboken, New Jersey

I signed up for this because I thought, as someone who was manifestly un-athletic (and hates exercise as a rule), that rowing wouldn't be too bad on the joints, it would be a full-body workout, and, you know, "how hard could it be?" You're just rowing, right? I was right about the joints (it doesn't hurt them at all), and I was right about the full-body aspect (you'll work out muscles you didn't know you had), but I was as wrong as you could be about the difficulty of it. I was so out of shape I felt like I was going to pass out the first time I went. I probably almost DID pass out. It's really intense! Fortunately, Garrett gives you a LOT of personal attention (which you'll need if you've never done rowing before -- the form and timing is very important, and not at all intuitive at first). He even brought me a little ice pack in one of my lower moments. But he's also very encouraging, even if (perhaps especially if) you're as hopeless as I was. I've continued going to GoRow for at least twice a week for the last seven months (minus a break when I had a cold). I'm never going to be in the Olympics, but I've been able to track my progress dramatically. I feel a LOT better than I did before, all of the mysterious back pains I was getting from an overly-sedentary existence have gone away, and I actually (and I am surprised to even say this) look forward to the difficulty of the workout. So this review is for all of the people out there who don't do ten types of other exercise, and are instead for the people who aren't sure whether they can hack this. If I can get through this, you can too. The workout itself consists of rowing exercises mixed with mat and dumbbell exists. A typical session (they can vary at Garrett's whim) involves doing some warm-up exercises on the water rowers (which are far superior to the chain-based rowers you'll find elsewhere, as an aside). These steadily ramp up to some pretty tough expenditures of energy (but you generate your own resistance, so it's always as hard as you make it). Then you go to the mats where you do some stretching, and abdominal exercises (scissor kicks, crunches, some yoga things). Then "back on the rower we go," and now we're doing some more intensive things, often little challenges (e.g., see what time you can get for 300 meters, now try to knock so many seconds off of it for 200 meters, now try to do a sprint of 100 meters in half that time, etc.). And it's not just straight rowing -- the water rower allows you to do things with it that you can't on the chain rowers, like pushing the pull bar above your head. Then back on the mat, often for weight work (there are adjustable dumbbells, and Garrett chooses your weights based on your past performance). When one is on the rower, one longs for the mat; when one is on the mat, one wishes one was on the rower again. Both are difficult in their own, different ways. Finally you get back on the rower again for "go time," the last rowing exercise, in which you try for at least 500 meters (~1-2 minutes of high-intensity rowing), or, if you've been going for a long time, longer distances (Garrett challenging regulars to 750 m is not uncommon; there are some very athletic souls who do 1000 meters occasionally). Garrett pumps up the rock music and you just see "what you have left in the tank." It's both wonderful and horrible at the same time. It's so hard. But then it's over (one way or another) and you can look at your score and, after while, know what it means (it feels great to beat your past times, and it even feels great to basically hit your own personal "par" when you feel like you've got nothing left). Then you stretch, do some leg band work, and other low-intensity stuff as the cool down. Then you "are officially cooked" and you're done. It's about an hour of workout, but your body feels like it's been through three hours of workout. It's heavy on sprints, as opposed to the long-endurance of spinning. It's full-body, but easy on the joints. And it's relatively intimate: with a max capacity of 10 people, you're always getting personal attention (especially if you're doing something wrong, like me) from Garrett, and personal encouragement. It's also (unlike spinning, in my view) never too loud, never too dark, never too... cultish. The other regulars are a diverse group of people of all ages and physiques. Truly a no judgment zone. Garrett knows what he is doing, and has been doing this sort of thing for years, and is quite good at debugging weird pains (I had a mysterious back pain that arose as an issue with bad form on a bad rower -- I was out of town and trying to use a hotel gym -- and Garrett knew exactly which bizarre stretch to do that made it almost instantly go away). He'll remember your name and story after the first time you meet him. Is rowing for you? I don't know. But it's the only form of regular exercise I've managed to commit to so far in my life. read more

FANTASTIC first class today at GoRow! I didn't want to travel too far for my Sunday workout, and luckily I found this studio on ClassPass. The studio is small with no more than 10 spots for rowers, which makes it great for people who are new to rowing and are still figuring out how to master the machine. What made this class an absolute five-star experience was that the entire time, the instructor was standing with me and the other new girl in the class, making sure that we knew exactly how to use the rower and how to do each and every exercise. I've never had that sort of attention before and it really made this an incredible experience for me. I will absolutely be back and I recommend this class for newbies and regular rowers alike! read more

The best training ever. Amazing trainer. Outstanding service. Non-judgmental environment.

Best workout & trainer I have been to in Hoboken!! I know ... I've been to many spinning, yoga, cross-fit & regular types of gyms. This is the real deal. You won't be disappointed (you might be sore) but Garrett makes it fun, the time flies by, & you will definitely look forward to your next class!! read more

I signed up at GoRow and started working with Garrett not too long ago. I saw the studio and it looked awesome! There were rowing machines that looked much different than I was used to seeing. Later, I learned we were using the resistance of the water in the machines to self regulate the resistance and pace of our workouts. Garrett incorporates rowing with weight and circuit training and is able to individualize it to meet the needs of each person who attends his classes. I've walked out of each class with a sense of accomplishment and feel as though I have not only met but exceeded my personal goals. I would recommend GoRow to anyone who wants an alternative and challenging way to exercise and see results! Keep up the awesome work Garrett! read more

This was my first rowing class at GoRow. The studio is very clean, there's clean towels to use and bottles of water if you need them. The space is good sized and has large windows for plenty of ventilation. The class was awesome to say the least! Garrett really makes an effort to ensure that you're posture is right, you're stretching right and that your workout is kickass. Its a group setting, I think there's 8 rowers for each class, so there's plenty of personal attention for everyone. He breaks the class into some leisure rowing to start with, some fast paced rowing, dumbells in between, some pushups, abs etc etc. The last part of the class was a 500M sprint where everyone is pushing to get their best time in. You write your time on a piece of paper so you can try and beat that time on your next class. By the end of the class, you wouldve done a lil bit of everything (cardio, weights, upper body, lower body and abs) and you will definitely feel good! Garrett, you're definitely doing a great job! Keep it up!! read more

I moved away in May 2019 and have not found anything as good as Garrett's program. I've tried, but GoRow is simply so special you can't get anything like the attention, full body impact, care to ensure you're not stressing joints, and sheer variety of workouts. I'm on a 1:1 with a private trainer and I'd give anything (other than flying back for a workout) for one more class because even my current program can't hold a candle to what you get with GoRow. read more

Garrett is a great rowing instructor! I signed up for his class through class pass. I have some past experience rowing, but I am extremely out of shape. I usually feel out of place in fitness classes, but Garrett helped me set realistic goals. I will definitely attend another class in the future! read more

Great place ! Who knew working out could be fun and competitive ? I'll be back for sure . Keep rocking !

First time taking this class- took advantage of the 50% off your first time. It was a great workout and an overall fun time. The instructor was super nice and helpful. I will be back. read more

Amazing class! As a former rower and an avid runner, Go Row was honestly one of the best work outs I've ever done. Garrett definitely pushes you to reach your full potential and makes it a fun, competitive class. The hour flies by and leaves you wanting more! Looking forward to my next class. read more

I've done cross fit and boot camp classes before, rowing and combining a full body workout was an awesome workout. Whole experience was a great time with a super hard workout. Going back 100% read more

I bought an intro class and then a Living Social deal but only got to use one class. (Guess I didn't read the fine print that I had to use 5 classes in 30 days. Bummed). A terrific, full body, tough, sweaty work-out. One could really get into great shape with Garrett. Unfortunately, I have an injury and may have pushed a bit too hard in the floor portion of the class, so will need to recuperate/do physio before returning. Tough to get hurt in the rowing section and Garrett gives individualized attention. Highly recommend for an amazing, full-body, fat-burning workout. read more

I agree with the other reviewers, it is quite a workout! You will walk out of there sweating, but with a sense of accomplishment. Garrett is an experienced trainer and very encouraging. AND it's easier to park here than any other place in Hoboken! I would highly recommend. read more

Garrett really does a good job of making sure your posture and form is perfect. The class is very fun and free flowing mixing the row machine, dumbbells, core strength and stretching. Garrett makes the class fly by and is very motivational and helpful, encouraging the class all the way through while setting goals for row times. The class itself sure is a workout and definitely pace yourself if its your first time (I learned the hard way). I will surely be signing up for another class very soon! read more

Garrett was very helpful when I had questions about timed rowing for an upcoming Police Academy. Thank you ! and we look forward to training with you. read more

This class is awesome! The studio itself is really nice, and the no more then 9 people at a time is ideal. The instructor garret gives you a varied workout every time so you are constantly working different muscles. The rowing portion is not the boring rowing you are used to at the gym.. Garret pushes you the perfect amount where you feel accomplished after class. He takes time for every person during the class..I've had personalized type classes leave me feeling like I never want to go back, and this is the exact opposite. This is an absolute must try for anyone looking to switch up your routine.. And no need to feel intimidated (I totally did) garret, his instruction and the pace of the class make u feel very comfortable. read more

I've actually known Garrett for a few years & so wanted to try his class as an incentive to lose the weight I had piled on by not exercising . His workouts are extremely challenging especially for a rookie like me but with his attention & encouragement I've been able to make it through to my first few workouts without a hitch meaning I haven't run the other way!!!! He's not only a brilliant trainer more importantly he's someone striving to make a difference in people's lives read more

Very good Instructions on proper technique. Knows how to train very well. Only my second class. I did 5 years in the Marines. I will say an amazing full body and cardio workout. read more

Garrett refused to let me use the voucher that I bought. Stay away from this scam! I gave him my money and got nothing in return!

I have been attending class weekly since March 2012. The workouts are intense but fun. Garrett is a great guy who really helps you achieve your personal best whether you're experienced or it's your first time. The studio can hold up to 10 attendees, which is nice because the classes are more personalized. You will definitely see results from this workout. read more

I've been attending GoRow for a few months now. All I can say is that this workout is AWESOME! Since starting, my strength, stamina and endurance has increased significantly. I have also started to see significant changes in my physique. Garrett is professional and very experienced. The classes are small enough to get specific focus, instruction, and motivation. If you want to take your fitness to another level, I highly recommend you give this workout a shot! You will not be disappointed! read more

I've been taking classes at GoRow twice a week. Right now, it's my cross training as I prepare to run the NYC Marathon in November. I've taken six classes so far and I can definitely tell the difference. First, its not 60 minutes of rowing. You row for half the class and then do other things like weights, core work and stretching. It's a well rounded workout. Garrett is great- very high energy and very encouraging. He has a great demeanor which is perfect for any level of fitness. I'm a big fan and look forward to continuing his classes. I'd encourage anyone to try GoRow, as its a complete body workout. read more

This was a great class that is almost like getting a personal training class at less than half the price. I'm looking forward to going back.

This was my review. lmk what you think I experienced my first rowing workout the other day. I've never considered using the rowing machine in my previous workouts--it just seemed too simple, sitting down and just moving my body back and forth. Little did I know how intense it could be once you combine it with abdominal and arm strength techniques for a straight 55-minute session! I met Garrett Roberts and came across his studio through word-of-mouth because I had been searching for new ways to gain strength, lose weight and inches from my waist, and switch up my normal workout routine. I know a lot of people in the fitness world around Hoboken, so I became well acquainted with some of Robert's patrons and learned about his program. I decided to take a chance and signed up for a class. The one thing I love most about the class is that it truly challenges you and prepares you to row your heart out without feeling completely exhausted! Due to the small group numbers, Garrett is able to give each member of the class individual attention and instruction on how to use the rowing machine properly, and ultimately guides you all along the way. I felt like a professional towards the end of the class. He welcomes you to visit the studio for tours of the gym in-between classes, and he is always willing to discuss strategies that would best meet your goals with his workout concepts. You can also contact Garrett personally to find out more information, though his website is pretty extensive and can probably answer any question you may already have. I wanted to express my appreciation for this new workout routine that genuinely has me looking forward to the next class! GoRow also has 'mommy and me' classes, which is super exciting because I have a six year old daughter and have been on the look-out for an affordable workout class that we both can attend together. read more

Not thrilled about the experience here at all. I purchased a Groupon for three classes as I read the online reviews and was curious. Now I realized I should have just signed up directly for ONE class to try it out. First, I live in Jersey City so getting there isn't the easiest - Hoboken is just extremely frustrating to get around and the studio is on the far north of town. Second, if you sign up for a Groupon - you can't just make reservations for the classes - you have to contact the owner and ask to be admitted. The first time I contacted Garrett, he was very nice and polite. He confirmed the reservation online. Also - you don't realize that there is a security CODE needed for the front door. I was never advised of this and had another woman not been arriving at the same time as myself (I assumed she lived in the building) and had nicely allowed me to enter with her then I'm not sure how I would have gotten in aside from calling. During our class, the instructor actually called out the window to someone else the security code - which I found odd. I arrived a good 20 minutes before the class and was shown to a machine. You would have thought this would have been an ideal time for the instructor, Garrett, to go over with new clients the techniques, the form, some of the procedures of the various exercises that would go on during the class. Instead, there was no interaction and, having rowed before, I naturally spent the time stretching not anticipating all the nuances I'd have to adjust to later. After the class started, it was "initiation by fire" which I found very frustrating. Garrett kept coming over and correcting me and the other new girl that was also there for the first time on our form and technique. I found this very frustrating as I felt I couldn't really be engaged well into the class. It moves fast and having to "on the fly" worry about all these new form instructions at the same time made the workout annoying. Although Garrett seems to be a nice person, his treatment of new people should have been handled differently. That being said, I definitely sweat during the class however and believed I got a good workout but I still left with the idea that the class wasn't a great experience. A few days later, Garrett emailed to understand if I liked the class. I wrote back that I wasn't sure it was for me but thought I would try it again and would email the next week to reserve another time. Since then - about a week ago - I have tried to email him twice and with no response. I'm not sure if he just didn't care anymore since I wasn't thrilled with the first experience and probably wouldn't be signing up for long term classes. Bottom line - the class and the experience just wasn't for me. That being said, other people seemed to enjoy it. If you like the idea of going to a specialty rowing class in Hoboken, then I suggest you ask for a trial class first before investing anything further. Also - ask for the door code and if he can go over form BEFORE the class starts. Since you can't give a 2.5, I had to give 3 stars - I wasn't able to give it a second try since Garrett never responded again but then I didn't feel like calling either and then going over there - wasn't worth the hassle. read more

Let me start this review by saying I am 64 years old, slim but had not exercised in quite a while and thought I was in good shape because of my weight. Ha! Read on....I truly was hesitant about going since exercise classes are usually for the young. Speaking with Garrett about my age and fantastic condition etc. he told me I was far from his oldest clients that row and should come in. I bit the bullet and signed up for one class. I am now hooked! (Just because I am slim does not mean that I am athletically good shape - just the opposite). I was breathless and ached the next day. This was my body and mind telling me that I needed physical activity that was LOW IMPACT. Weights, stability and balance exercises are part of the routine. Thighs = goodbye; saggy arms = up high; flabby belly = no more jelly. I now attend classes 4-5 times a week and enjoy the hour with Garrett. Garrett is a pro in the rowing field. Every class I improve as everyone else. Enthusiasm, compassion, perfectionism are his middle names. Every single new rower/client gets Garrett's complete attention so you don't feel like an outcast. Music and laughing is what makes GoRow in a class of it's own. I am thrilled every time I go even though I am older than the majority. Give it a try you have everything to gain as I have. Lynn Harland read more

I checked this out last week, great class! Instructor was knowledgeable and very helpful. Good work out, was sore the next day! Former swimmer concerned about multiple shoulder injuries, was able to get an upper body workout without too much stress on my shoulders. Would definitely go back! read more

Probably the toughest work out I have ever done, but it was actually fun. Like a Barry's bootcamp style alternating the cardio and strength, but with rowing rather than running (so I personally liked this much better). Instructor was awesome and really encouraging. read more

Garrett makes me like working out, which says A LOT! You get a lot out of the classes and he is really attentive. Definitely give it a try!

I've been going to this class twice a week since February and it's definitely one of the best workouts around. Not only do you get results (my arms look awesome), the combination of rowing, free weights and floor exercises makes for a class that's never boring. A+ all around. read more

This review has nothing to do with the actual rowing classes but with the customer service that was provided by the studio's owner even before I stepped into the studio. I purchased a groupon for 3 classes, in order to schedule the classes you need to call the studio so that you can reserve classes. I called twice and left detailed voice messages, explaining that I was going to use a groupon and wanted to make a reservation for the following Saturday class. I also emailed twice explaining the same thing. I received no response from either the phone calls or the emails. When I called the third time, the day before the class I wanted to attend, the owner of the studio answered and said that the class was now full. I explained that when I started the process of contacting him, there were plenty of spots. His answer, "well, the groupon is not valid for weekend classes anyway". I said that I had not seen that anywhere on the groupon. He agreed that it was not and further went on to blame groupon for that. He said groupon would not allow that to be stated. I use plenty of groupons and I have seen exclusions in the fine print all the time. I think he probably didn't realize at the time he set the groupon up, realized later what he should have done and by then it was too late. I then said that someone should have called or emailed me immediately to explain that to me seeing as how I wanted a Saturday class. He responded that his secretary was out sick. It seems that he was not going to take the blame for any of it. He kept trying to get me to make a reservation for a weekday class even though I told him that I do not live in the area nor do I work in the area. That I intended to make a special trip to his studio to take his classes. And I could only do that on the weekends. I work in a fitness facility and if I ever treated a potential client like this I would be fired or if I were the owner I would be going out of business. I wonder whether he would ever have responded to my calls or emails. read more

If you buy into any sort of deal for this studio - groupon or CLASSPASS or whatever service it may be - the owner of this studio reserves the right to kick you out last minute if the class fills up with people who must be buying packages directly through him - which is bizarre considering that he must have agreed to provide his classes through these services. I took the class once - it was hard and a good workout and was planning to buy other classes from him until the next time I signed up the day of the class he emailed me that the class was now full. He is clearly not driven by being a decent business owner and honoring his agreements but more concerned with how to make the quickest dollar. I imagine he would have more clients and wouldn't need to sign up with CLASSPASS or groupon if he wasn't so focused on the short term. He may be able to row across the river or wherever but he's not very good at customer service and building client relationships. read more