Club Row Fitness

In ordinary circles, conversations about rowing are apt to conjure up images of gliding gently down the stream — merrily — in fact. But in the local fitness community, Vancouverites are more likely to visualize proper rowing technique, which is fundamental to improving stroke rate and split time — just two of the performance metrics used to master your workout goals at Club Row fitness studio.

Nathan Morris, founder/owner, is the brains and brawn behind Vancouver's Club Row, which opened in Chinatown in October 2017. As one of the city's prominent fitness gurus (he also owns Burnaby's Crossfit gym Driftwood Athletics), Nathan wanted to create a unique and socially inspired high-cardio low-impact workout with a competitive bent — think spin class on rowing machines with an uber-cool club vibe.

He started the concept with 10 machines in his garage and a loyal following of fitness buffs. Among them was Cassandra Hesse, whose dedication and passion for the group workout earned her the head coach role at Club Row.

"Nate knew it was taking off so he expanded and built the studio," says Cassandra. "The room's dark, candles are lit and everything is close together; it mimics that special intimate feeling of what it was like being in the garage."