Favorite Peloton instructors

Hi friends! I hope you’re having a wonderful morning so far and staying safe and healthy with everything going on. We’re into our second week of self-isolating over here and I’m just trying to keep the kiddos busy and happy in between catching up with work stuff when I get the chance. We’re taking it day by day, and while it’s certainly a time of stress and unknown, I’m trying to focus on the positive things for the girls’ sake and for my sanity. 🙂 We’ve been going on walks or to the soccer field once or twice a day for fresh air and it’s been lovely.

Something on my gratitude list: seeing all of these incredible resources and gifts that everyone is sharing online. Each day, I get to pick what activities to do with the kids based on live events that are streaming and work out with beloved studios. It’s also become apparent how much we truly need the arts for quality of life. Music, art, and theatre has really brought me comfort in these crazy times.

My Favorite Peloton Instructors

Sharing my favorite Peloton instructors depending on how I'm feeling. fitnessista.com

It’s been so awesome to see different fitness brands offering discounts and freebies for their apps. Since Peloton is currently offering 90 days free, I thought I’d share my favorite instructors! I’ve been using the app for almost three years now (and have had the bike for a year and a half) and it’s become a regular part of my fitness routine. While I gravitate towards the cycling classes, they also have awesome running, yoga, bootcamp, and meditation classes.

Peloton Instructors Ranked

Cody photo source

I’ve taken class from pretty much everyone and Cody remains my #1 fave. He has such an incredible positive energy, he dances on the bike, his catch phrases are amazing, and I like when he calls everyone, “Boo.” His classes aren’t the most challenging, but I gravitate to him because his classes always make me laugh at least once and he truly makes exercise fun. The Live DJ classes with John Michael are #1.

Robin photo source

I feel like Robin is truly living her purpose by working for Peloton. She’s a lawyer and ended up quitting her job in the legal field to teach. I feel inspired that she took such a huge leap for her wellbeing and happiness, and in the process, she’s been able to touch and positively impact so many people. She is the perfect mix of tough and motivational, and a very effective instructor. I feel like I take her classes equally to get a workout from her and also to learn ways to be a better instructor myself. My fave Robin classes: the 45-minute Tabata classes.

Ally photo source

Whenever I take class with Aly, it’s almost like a spiritual experience. She always drops a mantra or bit of wisdom and I take it with me for the rest of the day. She mixes up her playlists with older and more current music and I always enjoy her classes. Which class to take? Sundays with Love.

Denis photo source

Ok so I have to admit I have a little bit of a crush on Denis. He’s SO nice and soooooo good-looking. Sorry not even sorry lol. His playlists are more rock-focused, which I think is a nice way to switch things up and always make me work a bit harder. Favorite Denis classes: any of his 30-minute themed music rides and I also love his yoga classes.

Alex photo source

Alex is amaaaaazing. Whenever I hit a new PR, it’s usually with an Alex or Ally ride. He creates a club vibe in his classes and has such a powerful energy. He encourages me to push myself and I love his playlists. Try the Club Bangers or Tabata rides!

I also love Emma and Olivia’s classes. 🙂

So, tell me friends: are you a Peloton fan? Who’s your favorite instructor?

Are there any fave local instructors offering streaming classes right now? Feel free to shout them out in the comments!
xoxo

Gina

More Peloton posts:

The Peloton app

Is the Peloton bike worth the money?

How to combine Peloton with other workouts

How to PR on your Peloton bike

Post Navigation:

31 Comments

  1. Linda on March 23, 2020 at 7:38 am

    Denis is my favorite! I’ve only had the bike since Christmas and must admit that I haven’t really taken a ton of classes with all the instructors. I always worry that I’m not going to enjoy them, which is ridiculous. Our state just did a shelter in place order that starts tomorrow, so I think I’ll be getting some more bike time.

    • alexa on September 18, 2020 at 11:14 am

      OMG! I have been looking at pelotons since I moved to my parents house and I miss all my endorphine releasing hype spin classes since this pandemic began… FINALLY I was told my mom has a peloton being delivered next month! (I didn’t even believe her!) I have never been so happy since this pandemic began – I hope I find an instructor to push me and drive me past my limits to deliver the hype! Do any peloton instructors incorporate tap backs, and moves out of the bike?

  2. Janice O'Kane on March 23, 2020 at 8:50 am

    Same! Love all the instructors you mentioned for the same reasons. I also kind of like Leanne every once in a while, maybe it’s the accent? Just got the bike in February and am using the 6 week cycle basics program to get started. That has introduced me to a lot of instructors. Really, they are all pretty great. My husband and I are so grateful we have the Peloton in our life right now!

  3. Amanda on March 23, 2020 at 9:14 am

    My favorites are Robin, Kendall, and Emma! I really love Kendall’s intervals and arms classes because she has a boxing background and incorporates that – with weights it’s really tough!!

  4. Shannon on March 23, 2020 at 9:29 am

    Thanks for this post!!! I took a Cody class pretty quickly after getting the bike and it’s been hard for me to go with anyone else!! Glad I have some motivation to try out a couple others!

  5. Stella on March 23, 2020 at 9:30 am

    I too usually carry with me something Ally says in her class for the day. I don’t have a bike – I use the ones at my gym – so I am missing the spin instructors! Haven’t vibed with a yoga instructor on the app yet…I feel like they all talk way too much.

  6. Caryn on March 23, 2020 at 9:38 am

    At first try, I didn’t think I would enjoy Jess King’s classes since I’m not into EDM or house music but WOW. Jess is incredibly fit and never tires. If you need a challenging ride, she really pushes me. Some classes give you such a range in resistance that it’s really up to you to make things challenging, but not with Jess. Her suggested lowest resistance is usually a difficult level for me (admittedly I’m not in the fittest person but I have a competitive side to me so I normally try to land in the middle of resistance levels). I always end up setting PR’s when I take Jess’ rides due to the level of difficulty she brings to every class!!

  7. Beth on March 23, 2020 at 9:42 am

    I’ve been an app user for 1.5 years and I really enjoy all of the instructors, even the ones in the UK (but I haven’t taken any German classes yet). But the first time I took AT’s class I had the worst workout. I kept starring at him and kept missing his cues. Then I shut my eyes hoping that would help but his voice is magic too. I’ve never enjoyed hearing someone count before…

  8. Jenny on March 23, 2020 at 10:25 am

    Thank you so much for all of the great resources you’ve provided over the past week! It has been so helpful for me to get great ideas to plan my home workouts. Your positive attitude, and that you are always so understanding especially in this crazy time, has been a huge comfort and help. Hope you are well and sending lots of positive wishes to you and your family 🙂

  9. Lisa on March 23, 2020 at 11:27 am

    I love Emma and Robin. I also take many of Robin’s treadmill classes. Another favorite is Irene, she only has a few classes in English (she’s the German instructor) but I have done and loved every one.

  10. Chrissy on March 23, 2020 at 11:34 am

    I just got the Peloton app this week to deal with the stress related to having 3 kids under 5 at home while my husband and I both try to work full time jobs…it’s not easy. I tried a spin one, but I’m having sensory overload from the kids underfoot and noisy constantly, so I couldn’t handle the music and the struggling to hear the instructor over the music. Does Ally do spin classes? Seems like she might be a good fit!

    • katie on March 23, 2020 at 3:51 pm

      yes! i love her classes. ally’s sunday’s with love classes, or feel good classes, always bring the right amount of pushing me while also not making me go cortisol crazy/ feel hyper stimulated (I have very small children at home too). i actually find matt wilpers pretty laid back too and he has very approachable classes–

  11. Elizabeth on March 23, 2020 at 12:27 pm

    I love Cody and Ally! Also a big fan of Jen Sherman if you haven’t tried her.!i seem to share a lot of music favorites with her which make her classes extra fun for me!

  12. Elizabeth on March 23, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    My mother in law hasn’t been able to do her usual YMCA classes. Do you have any workout recommendations for older folks in terms of online resources?

    • Kelly on March 24, 2020 at 1:47 pm

      I just took Leanne’s 30 minute Celine Dion ride for something different and I was singing out loud the whole time. Highly recommend.

    • Kayla on March 28, 2020 at 10:20 am

      Obe Fitness just launched a number of workouts for seniors on their platform.

      • Fitnessista on March 29, 2020 at 6:27 pm

        thank you for sharing this!!

  13. Nicole on March 23, 2020 at 2:24 pm

    I love Cody for the good vibes, and Robin for her energy – it really motivates me to work harder! I love having the flexibility to work where I’m at, too – variety is so key. I do a ton of Jess Sims’ strength classes as well. I think she’s fabulous and I find she provides a really well-balanced program. I also love Anna and Aditi’s yoga classes. They are both so grounded, and have different, equally calming approaches. Their voices for the meditations are so soothing, too! I hope people take this opportunity to try out the app, it’s an amazing variety to have access to at home.

  14. Kim N on March 23, 2020 at 10:03 pm

    Ahh! You totally missed on reviewing 3 of my favorites!! I absolutely LOVE Kendall. She is there for you when you want to feel like a total badass. She is my happy medium between the inspiring Ally Love and the happy Robin. Jess is the underdog – so incredibly happy in a cheerleader sense but will literally kick your ass with her Sweat Steady workouts. She is a guaranteed PR. Tunde is just a beast. She makes every workout look so effortless while tackling it with success grace – oh and giving me muscle toning goals.

    My fiancé, who is a Ironman athlete and has literally ridden for hours on his trainer like it was nothing, was anti-peloton bike for the last 4 months since I got my bike (which he bought me btw). He did his first ride on Saturday and he is HOOKED! He is obsessed with Matt Wilpers.

    I love how there literally is an instructor for everyone regardless of your mood!

    • Erika Kuhn on August 31, 2021 at 8:13 pm

      I just got a Peloton a couple weeks ago and Tunde is my fave!

  15. nancy c on March 24, 2020 at 9:12 am

    chase is great

  16. Brittany on March 24, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    Love to see everyone’s favorite instructors!! I totally agree with your list…special shout-out to Emma!!

  17. Erin on March 24, 2020 at 4:54 pm

    I live for Cody’s classes right now. I rarely take anyone else and you are totally right, the live DJ classes are where it’s at!

  18. Brianna on March 24, 2020 at 9:40 pm

    Cody gives me LIFE. His end of the decade class had the BEST music!

  19. Mary on March 27, 2020 at 6:13 pm

    I rotate between Cody, Denis and Ben from the UK. I need to branch out so thanks for this post

  20. Michelle on March 29, 2020 at 5:30 pm

    I’m a total Power Zone fanatic so Matt, Dennis, Olivia and Christine are my absolute go-tos. Olivia is amazing, though. I can’t believe I never gave her a chance before her PZ classes. And I’ve always been a Christine fan. LOVE her!

  21. Stacey on April 1, 2020 at 8:04 am

    So I had never taken a class with Denis before, but you listed all my favorite instructors and your take on their classes is spot on with how I feel. I had a ROUGH morning (btw it’s only 8am here) getting my kids ready for digital learning and trying to manage my full time workload with 7 of us home- needless to say there were tears before 7. Anywhoo, decided to take a class with Denis and oh my were you right!!!

    • Fitnessista on April 1, 2020 at 10:51 pm

      yesssssss. so happy to hear!! sometimes he’s everything you need 🙂
      xoxo

  22. JS on May 4, 2020 at 3:44 pm

    I love Kendall and Leane! And I LOVE their walk/run options on the app. hasn’t gotten me back into running!

    I use the app and my spin bike…while it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the the peloton bike, it does the job!

  23. Adrienne on July 24, 2020 at 8:33 am

    My peloton just came in two days ago and todays my third ride haha–I’m HOOKED!!
    This morning I remembered this post you wrote and had to come scan it! I did Ally Love and Cody for my first two–going to try them all! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on July 24, 2020 at 1:35 pm

      YESSS! enjoy!

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.