GoRow Training Studio

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.

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.

Bad ass workout + some bad ass tunes = Bad Ass Good Time.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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 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.

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!

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!

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%

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!

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.