Hydrow Dives into Strength Training: A Look into the Future of Connected Fitness

As the fitness industry continues to rapidly evolve, Hydrow, a connected rowing brand, is making waves by expanding into the strength training and longevity spaces. The company has acquired a majority stake in Speede Fitness, a strength training and analytics company, with plans to introduce AI-driven strength training to its product offerings.

The acquisition of Speede Fitness is part of Hydrow’s strategy to transition into a “whole health” company and launch a digitally variable resistance product with adaptive feedback by 2025. Speede’s innovative products, such as the Speede Challenger and Speede Pro, use AI-powered cameras and data-driven analytics to provide personalized and full-body workouts.

Bruce Smith, the founder and CEO of Hydrow, will take on the role of chair of the board, while John Stellato, currently serving as the company’s president and chief financial officer, will step into the position of chief executive. The move signifies Hydrow’s commitment to expanding its product offerings and furthering its mission of promoting overall health and community.

The collaboration between Hydrow and Speede Fitness has already generated excitement among industry professionals, with Greg Tepas, co-founder of Speede Fitness, expressing optimism about the partnership. The goal is to bring cutting-edge strength training equipment to a wider audience and revolutionize the way people engage in strength training.

While some connected fitness companies, such as Peloton, have faced challenges in recent times, Hydrow’s sales have seen significant growth. The company reported a 23% increase in rowing machine sales compared to the previous year, as well as a 273% surge in sales on Amazon. Despite the changing landscape of the fitness industry, Hydrow remains dedicated to providing innovative and effective fitness solutions to its customers.

As Hydrow and Speede Fitness join forces to redefine the future of connected fitness and strength training, the industry can expect to see exciting developments in the coming years. With a focus on data-driven workouts, personalized experiences, and overall health and wellness, Hydrow is poised to make a significant impact in the fitness market.