Row House - Chelsea

1

Row House - Chelsea

New York City, USA

four

The Row House Story

Row House was founded in 2014 by Eric Von Frohlich and Debra Strougo in the Columbus Circle Neighborhood of New York. Drawing from their experience running two Crossfit studios, the couple had a vision of a concept that was low-impact, effective, and could be enjoyed by all ability levels.

That vision became Row House, and they’re now the largest indoor rowing brand in the world, with over 90 franchise studios open and over 300 licensed locations. Row House is available for franchise under the Xponential Fitness group of brands.

How Did Row House Chelsea Score Overall?

The full client experience at Row House was very good, achieving The Fit Guide Award Of Excellence.

The class was also excellent, winning our Class Experience Award of Excellence.

The Highlights

The energy and passion of our coach was a real standout.

The motivating and engaging in-class technology was also a highlight.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“The coach was great - I found her guidance and explanations to be very concise and helpful.”

“I enjoyed the real sense of community from the coach and everyone else in the class.”

“The New York mural in the studio was a particularly nice feature.”

What To Expect From A Row House Session

Row House is the world’s biggest boutique brand for one of the most effective forms of low-impact cardio exercise, rowing. Using the professional, industry-standard Concept 2 rowers, Row House combines this popular machine with elements of weight training to bring you a full body cardio and strength session. The rowers use technology that offers a wealth of data, which Row House collects and presents to you during the class, as well as in an email summary afterward.

Row House focuses on the powerful energy that’s created when the class rows together on the beat of the music, guided by motivating instructors who are knowledgeable on technique and form. You even have class goals that you can achieve together, such as total meters rowed.

Dim the lights, turn the music up and get ready for a 45-minute row session that builds strength, endurance, and confidence.

The Reception Service

The phone inquiry started off well, with the call answered promptly, but the lack of enthusiasm or personal engagement made the interaction feel a bit flat. While the staff member provided clear details about the facilities, classes, and rates, the conversation didn’t leave much of an impression.

Upon arrival, the self-check-in via iPad was efficient, but it lacked a personal touch, especially for first-timers who might need more guidance. The receptionist greeted us promptly and answered questions when asked but didn’t offer an unprompted orientation, leaving us to find our way around.

After class, there was no follow-up to ask about our experience or encourage a return visit. When discussing memberships and packages, the receptionist seemed unsure and mostly relied on printed materials to answer our questions rather than engaging us.

The Class Experience

Row House Chelsea received The Fit Guide Class Experience Award of Excellence, making it one of New York’s stand-out offerings.

This was a high-energy, engaging class led by a knowledgeable and personable coach. We were especially impressed by their ability to keep the session motivating and well-structured, offering concise instruction on form and technique while radiating positivity. Their encouragement and approachability made the class both fun and effective, and we’d definitely seek them out again. The workout balanced intensity with moments of mental reset, creating an enjoyable and well-rounded experience.

A bit more information on the class format beforehand would have been helpful, especially for first-timers. While the induction covered the basics, there was no injury check. That said, the coach’s attentiveness and effort to connect with everyone in the room made for a welcoming and motivating atmosphere. The strong sense of community and upbeat energy left a lasting positive impression.

The Equipment And Studio

The training room had a calming atmosphere, perfectly suited for a low-impact workout. The equipment, including Concept2 rowers, was in excellent condition and featured smart branding touches like pacing stickers and the club’s slogan. The well-organized layout and high-end feel contributed to a polished and professional experience.

Bright lighting along a mural of NYC buildings, reflected in the front mirror, gave the space an inviting look. Adjustments to the lighting during class, such as dimming for certain sections, helped create a focused environment. Motivational phrases on the walls added a nice touch.

While the studio was generally clean, the floor was a bit dusty, which was noticeable during floor exercises. The narrow spacing between machines also made certain movements feel a little cramped. Despite these minor issues, the high-quality sound system and thoughtful design made for an enjoyable and immersive session.

The Facilities And Public Areas

The changing areas were well-designed, with interesting artwork and thoughtful additions like plants on the counters. Ample showers were available, featuring consistent hot water and good pressure, along with complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and gel. However, the amenity selection was more basic, and workout towels were only available for purchase.

The public areas were spacious and maintained a fresh and professional atmosphere. Branding was clear and consistent, with notable elements like branded signage and lighting at the entrance. Music and lighting enhanced the ambiance, and the architectural style combined industrial elements with bright, airy spaces.

Lockers were clean, in excellent condition, and equipped with numerical locks, though they lacked hangers. Complimentary water was provided, and additional beverage options, including smoothies, were available. Food offerings included protein bars and jerky.

Digital And Technology

The digital experience was impressive, with a user-friendly website and comprehensive details about classes and studio offerings. A standout feature was the club's tracking capability, allowing us to monitor class history and progress toward fitness goals—an in-class tech feature we really appreciated. The branded app made booking and goal tracking seamless, adding to the overall convenience.

While social media pages were visually appealing and regularly updated, they lacked direct booking links and class schedules.

Pricing

Row House offers the first class free, although it's billed as a limited-time offer.

If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, memberships are available from $124 for four classes per month up to $229 for unlimited classes.

Drop-in sessions are available at $40 per class, with smaller commitment packages also available, starting at a 10-pack for $380.

Top Scoring Categories

Class Experience
four
Equipment & Studio
five
Digital & Technology
four

Get exclusive fitness industry insights and discover the world's best clubs and studios.

Insider knowledge, statistics and valuable analysis based on our deep data set. Delivered to your inbox, every Wednesday.

Newsletter

Get exclusive fitness industry insights and discover the world's best clubs and studios.

Insider knowledge, statistics and valuable analysis based on our deep data set. Delivered to your inbox, every Wednesday.