MyRow turned my Concept2 rower into a smart device.

I've longed for a product like MyRow to enter the market. I'm passionate about rowing and own a Concept2 Model D, one of the most recognized rowing machines worldwide. Concept2 ergometers, which is the technical term for "rowing machine," are commonly used in gyms all over the planet. However, the Vermont-based company has been slow to adopt the smart fitness revolution. Their only upgrade is some clips on their latest machine to hold a third-party tablet.

Inspired by Peloton, many companies have added high-definition screens with live classes to their exercise equipment. In contrast, Concept2 remains faithful to the PM5, a small device with an LCD screen that was released in 2014 and only displays statistics like segment times and stroke rates. The experience feels like having a Game Boy while everyone else enjoys a Steam Deck. To try to solve this issue, I bought a 3D-printed smartphone holder, but I still feel a bit limited.

Then MyRow emerges, conceived by Gary Simpson, founder of Transit Wireless, the company that brought cellular service to the New York subway. During the COVID lockdown, he had a Concept2 and a Peloton bike at home to stay fit. At CES, he confessed to me that despite his love for rowing, he often preferred the bike for its bright screen and video classes. That's how MyRow was born, aiming to provide something similar for the Concept2.

The final product is an internet-connected screen that can be adapted to the Concept2 Model C, D, E, or RowErg as long as they have the PM5. The package includes a 22-inch screen, a power adapter, and the necessary mounting arm. After installation, users can access on-demand video classes and digital training guides, along with a more pleasant way to view rowing statistics compared to the small screen being used before.

I completed the installation in less than half an hour, the majority of the time spent attaching the support arm. It’s important to note that you’ll need to connect a data cable from the PM5 to MyRow since the tablet doesn’t directly interface with the machine. Good cable management is essential, as you’ll need to find a proper way to route them along the rower.

In terms of functionality, MyRow is basically a customized Android tablet that takes a minute to turn on and another minute to update. Since it’s a new device, it has received numerous updates, adding new features and plans. The interface is quite simple, with clear goal boxes, which is ideal for adjusting settings during use.

This device also boasts a surprising amount of connectivity, including ports for Ethernet, USB-C, micro-USB, USB-A, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Additionally, it is compatible with Bluetooth and ANT+ for any headphones or heart rate monitors. On the front, there’s a webcam that isn’t being used yet, but the company plans to develop a form analysis tool that could utilize it in the future.

Once the user secures themselves on the machine and grips the handle, it’s time to select the workout. You can choose from video workouts, as well as personalized training plans that will display the intervals on-screen. The statistics are presented like in any other on-demand fitness class, showing key information like calories burned, distance, stroke rate, pace per 500 meters, among others.

The left side of the screen shows a timeline indicating the next interval, while the right side displays a leaderboard for the video class you’re participating in. Surprisingly, I discovered a competitive side in me when I saw the leaderboard, and I managed to enter the top 10 in several classes, although I think that’s due to the still-small user base of MyRow.

Despite my enjoyment of using MyRow, there is one aspect that concerns me, given the product's personalized nature. Concept2 rowing machines use air resistance, and the fan noise could drown out the instructions and music, even at max volume. Perhaps more attentive rowers won’t notice, but I would have liked them to have worked harder to mitigate the machine's noise.

Looking ahead to 2024, I’ve reflected on my exercise habits and admit my limitations. I don’t consider myself one of those who obsess over small improvements. While I enjoy rowing, I tend to get bored, and a bigger screen could help, allowing me to watch content while I train.

For this reason, I'm excited to know that MyRow promises to integrate streaming videos into its platform by Spring 2025. When you’re not in an on-demand class, the screen only shows statistics that can become monotonous. The sooner we can add some form of entertainment to this, the better.

I am optimistic about MyRow's potential to make the Concept2 friendlier even for its most loyal users. It is currently available for purchase, costing $500 for the tablet and a monthly membership of $36, or $359.88 if paid annually, representing a 20% discount. However, if you purchase just the tablet, you will still be able to use the Just Row function, although the price is significant for improving data display.