Row Republic
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Studio Name: Row Republic
Address: 77 N Washington St, Boston, MA 02114
Website / Signing Up: You can easily book your class through the Row Republic app or their website. It’s a seamless process that makes planning your workout stress-free!
Cancellation Policy: Be sure to take note of their 12-hour cancellation policy to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Max Class Size: Classes accommodate up to 28 people: 13 on the floor, 13 on the rower, and 2 participants doing double floor exercises.
Other Notes: Looking for more than just a workout? Row Republic hosts fun events, like Happy Hour on Thursdays after the 5:30 pm class—perfect for unwinding post-sweat.
My First Visit to Row Republic
Disclaimer: Row Republic kindly invited me to take a free class through my A Little Fit Nervous Instagram.
I signed up for a 5:30 pm class on a Thursday—right in time for their Happy Hour! As a newbie to the studio, I was asked to arrive 30 minutes before class for a new client orientation. Honestly, this was such a relief. I always appreciate studios that take the time to introduce first-timers to the space and workout. It helped ease my gym anxiety and gave me a chance to settle in before the action started.
Getting Started: Checking In and Orientation
When I arrived, check-in was a breeze. The front desk is on the left as you enter, where I filled out some quick paperwork and secured my stuff in the lockers. No need to bring a lock—Row Republic has built-in locks in their lockers, which was super convenient! If you're coming from work or need to freshen up after class, you're in luck. The studio has showers (towels provided!), restrooms, and a vanity bar stocked with products.
Next, I met my trainer for the day, Catyn, who walked me through the layout of the studio and explained how the class was structured. She even took the time to check my rowing form and asked me about my fitness goals, which made me feel seen and supported. It’s clear that Row Republic's programming is thoughtfully designed, focusing on science-backed methods to give you a well-rounded workout.
The Vibe: Energetic and Fun
As soon as I stepped into the studio, I was hit with the high-energy vibes. Loud music, dim purple lighting, and mirrored walls really set the tone. The mirrors are perfect for checking your form (and let's be honest, admiring how badass you look mid-workout). The space felt upbeat and motivating—a great combination to get out of your head and into the workout.
The Workout: Challenging, Scalable, and Fun
I hopped on my rower, ready for the challenge. The class began with a quick overview from Catyn, and before I knew it, we were off! The workout alternated between rowing and weightlifting stations, with multiple rounds of switching between the two. One cool thing: you wipe down your rower or equipment before switching stations, so when you move to, say, Rower 7, the person who was on Floor Space 7 is ready for a clean swap.
The workout was intense but scalable, so no matter your fitness level, you could push yourself as much (or as little) as you wanted. And, it was fun. The time flew by because of the variety of movements and the smooth flow between rowing and weightlifting. Plus, the low-impact nature of rowing made it a fantastic full-body workout without straining my joints.
The Cool Down: A Nice Touch
After class, Row Republic surprised everyone with cold towels—a small but thoughtful touch that was the perfect way to cool down and recover from an awesome workout.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling nervous about trying something new, Row Republic is the kind of studio that helps ease those nerves. Between the welcoming orientation, supportive trainers, and fun atmosphere, it’s hard not to enjoy your workout here. Plus, their emphasis on programming and personalized attention ensures you’re getting a quality workout, whether it’s your first time or your hundredth.
If you’re ever in Boston, or looking for a high-energy, low-impact workout, I highly recommend giving Row Republic a try. And don’t forget to stick around for the Happy Hour if you’re there on a Thursday!
