If you’re new to your Hydrow, you might be wondering how to turn on Hydrow rowing machine. It’s a simple process, but knowing the steps can get you rowing faster. This guide walks you through everything from the initial power-up to selecting your first workout.
How to Turn On Hydrow Rowing Machine
Turning on your machine is the first step to every workout. The process is straightforward once you know where to look. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Connect to Power
First, ensure your rower is plugged into a working wall outlet. The power port is located on the back of the monitor arm, near the base. Use the provided power adapter and firmly plug it in. You should see a small white or green light on the power adapter itself when it’s receiving electricity.
2. Locate the Power Button
The power button isn’t on the front screen. You’ll find it on the back of the large 22-inch touchscreen display. Reach behind the screen on the right-hand side (as you face it). You’ll feel a small, circular button. This is the physical power button for the entire system.
3. Press and Hold
Gently press and hold the power button for 2-3 seconds. You will hear a faint startup sound and feel a slight vibration. The Hydrow logo will appear on the screen as the system boots up. This initial boot can take about 30-45 seconds, so be patient. If nothing happens, double-check your power connection and try holding the button a bit longer.
What If It Doesn’t Turn On?
Don’t panic if the screen stays black. Try these quick checks:
- Confirm the power outlet works by plugging in another device.
- Ensure the power cable is securely connected at both the wall and the rower.
- Try holding the power button for a full 5-7 seconds to force a hard reset.
- Check for any tripped circuit breakers in your home.
Navigating the Startup Screen
Once powered on, you’ll see the main Hydrow interface. If you’re a new user, you’ll be prompted to connect to Wi-Fi and log into your Hydrow account. This is essential for accessing live and on-demand workouts. Have your account email and password ready. The touchscreen is very responsive, so just tap the on-screen prompts to proceed.
Completing Your First Setup
If this is your first time using the rower, a few extra steps are required. This ensures you get the best experience and accurate workout data.
Connecting to Wi-Fi
A stable internet connection is crucial. Go to ‘Settings’ from the main menu, then select ‘Network.’ Choose your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password. A strong connection prevents video buffering during workouts. If possible, place your router within a good range of your rowing machine.
Adjusting the Foot Straps and Monitor
Before you row, get comfortable. Loosen the foot straps and slide your feet in. The strap should go across the widest part of your foot. Tighten so your feet are secure but not cutting off circulation. You can also tilt the monitor to reduce glare from windows or lights. Just grip the sides of the screen and gently adjust its angle.
Starting a Workout
With the machine on, you’re ready to go. The home screen shows various workout options.
- Live Rows: Join a session happening in real-time with an Athlete.
- On-Demand: Choose from thousands of pre-recorded rows by duration, difficulty, or Athlete.
- Just Row: This mode lets you row freely with simple performance metrics.
To begin, simply tap your chosen workout. A short countdown will begin, giving you time to grab the handle and get ready. Remember, the initial drive comes from your legs, not your arms.
Daily Use and Power Saving
You don’t need to unplug your Hydrow after each use. The machine has a useful sleep mode.
Using Auto-Wake
For daily use, you can simply pull the handle to wake the screen. This feature, called Auto-Wake, is enabled by default. After a period of inactivity, the screen will sleep. A gentle pull on the handle chain will wake the display without needing to press the physical power button. It’s a real convenience.
Turning the Machine Off
To fully power down, press and hold the same physical button on the back of the screen for a few seconds until the screen goes completely black. You’ll here a shutdown sound. This is recommended if you plan not to use the rower for an extended period, like a vacation. Most users just let it sleep between daily workouts though.
Troubleshooting Common Power Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter a problem. Here are solutions for frequent issues.
Screen is Black or Unresponsive
- Check that the white LED on the power adapter is lit.
- Perform a hard reset: Unplug the power cord from the back of the rower. Wait for 60 seconds. Plug it back in firmly, then hold the power button for 5 seconds.
- If the problem persists, contact Hydrow support for further assistance.
Touchscreen Isn’t Working Properly
If taps aren’t registering, try cleaning the screen with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals. You can also restart the rower using the physical button. If a specific area is unresponsive, it might need a software update, which usually happens automatically when connected to Wi-Fi.
No Sound or Audio Glitches
First, check the volume settings on the right side of the screen during a workout. Also, ensure the headphone jack (located on the back of the screen) is empty if you’re not using headphones. Sometimes a simple restart fixes audio problems that occured during startup.
FAQ Section
Where is the power button on a Hydrow?
It’s on the back of the touchscreen display, on the right-hand side. It’s a small, circular physical button you need to press and hold.
How do I start my Hydrow rower?
Plug it in, press and hold the power button on the back until the screen lights up, then follow the prompts to select a workout or use ‘Just Row’ mode.
Why won’t my Hydrow turn on at all?
The most common reasons are a loose power cable or a tripped outlet. Verify the outlet works, check all connections, and try holding the power button longer for a hard reset.
Can I leave my Hydrow plugged in all the time?
Yes, it’s designed to be left plugged in. It will enter a low-power sleep mode when not in use. Using the auto-wake feature by pulling the handle is the easiest way for daily workouts.
What does it mean when the Hydrow screen is blank?
It’s likely in sleep mode. Pull the handle firmly to wake it. If that doesn’t work, check the power and try the physical button. A completely blank screen with no response usually indicates a power supply issue.
How do I restart or reset my Hydrow?
To restart, hold the physical power button until the screen turns off, then press it again to turn it back on. For a full reset, unplug the power cord from the machine, wait a minute, and plug it back in.
Following these steps should have you rowing smoothly in no time. Remember, the key is a secure power connection and knowing where that physical button is located. Once you’ve done it a few times, turning on your rower will become second nature. Now you’re ready to focus on your form and enjoy your workout.