Focus On: the Peloton App
Hi friends! How’s the morning going? Today I’m popping in with a review for something I’ve used and LOVED for almost an entire year now: the Peloton app!
Peloton App Review
When I first saw the Peloton commercials, I knew I wanted to try their classes. They seemed interactive and fun, and I had a feeling they’d be something exciting to add to my home workout routine. At the same time, I couldn’t justify purchasing another spin bike because I already own a different brand. (When I was teaching at the resort in Tucson, they got all new bikes and had a lottery for employees to purchase their “old” Schwinn bikes. I scored mine for a sweet deal, but you can also check them out on Amazon.) I emailed customer service to see if there was any way to stream their classes, and to my luck, they told me all about the app.
I can stream live and on-demand classes from my iPad or phone, which I’ll prop up on the bike. This would also work extremely well if your gym has spin bikes in the cardio room to use or if you’re able to work out in the gym spin room. Different gyms have different policies regarding working out in the group fitness rooms if classes aren’t going on for liability purposes. I would just ask the front desk, and if they say no, ask if they’d consider moving a spin bike or two to the cardio room if they don’t already have some in there.
Currently the app is $12.99 for a monthly membership, or $5.99 for a week pass. I happily pay for the app (so nope, this post isn’t sponsored in any way) and feel like it’s way worth the subscription. For less than the price of one studio fitness class, I have access to literally hundreds on my own schedule, at home.
Here are my thoughts on the Peloton app, and review of the whole experience:
What do you need?
You obviously need a spin bike for this one. Whether you own one or use the gym’s, it’s a critical component of the workout. (I’ve also followed their spin class cues on the treadmill just to switch things up a bit!)
A pair of light weights for any strength workouts
Water
Optional: spin shoes. I cycle in sneakers most of the time, but feel like I get a better/different workout when I’m clipped in with cycling shoes
*Also worth adding: I think at this time the app is only available for iOS devices. Please let me know if this isn’t correct!
(Source)
What to expect:
– To get a killer workout. You can either hop into a live class, or choose from any of the on-demand selections. The rides are segmented by length, style, and instructor, so you can pick whatever works for you. They have a mix of groove rides, themed rides (70s, 80s, 90s, pop, hip hop, R&B, new tracks, country), intervals, strength combo classes, Live DJ rides (my personal fave!), scenic rides and yoga.
– An “experience.” I feel like Peloton has done an incredible job of branding themselves, and also setting themselves apart from other boutique spin studios. They truly offer something for everyone, and whatever class you take, you’ll feel almost like you’re in the spin room with the instructor.
Pros:
– Live classes. The live classes give you the opportunity to take a class with other people all over the world. You have a username for the classes, and it’s common for the instructor to cheer on participants during class. I feel like it adds a fun element, and makes it even more motivational.
– Functional and safe workouts. I’m Schwinn-Certified, which staunchly abhors the use of jumping on the bike. Jumping can be fun (especially if you’re using control and have enough resistance on the spin bike), but I don’t think it’s extremely safe to do all time, especially song after song, day after day. I feel like SO many spin studios focus entirely on jumping and dancing on the spin bike (which makes my lower back and spine tremble in fear). To my surprise, the Peloton classes have very minimal jumping. They’re largely focused on climbs and intervals, and you still get an incredible workout sans bouncing all over the place.
– The music! When I first downloaded the app, I was halfway expecting the music to be lame because of copyright issues and all that fun stuff. It’s SO GOOD. They use a lot of new stuff and crazy remixes.
– No need to spend time driving to a studio. I feel like travel time can be a huge barrier when it comes to sneaking in a workout on a busy schedule, and can often add at least 30 minutes to an hour to my actual workout time. The fact that I can just hop in the garage and take a class is priceless.
– The opportunity to take classes you may not have available to you. We don’t have any boutique spin studios in Valdosta, and I love to take classes because it helps me stay on my teaching A-game. It’s so awesome to take classes virtually from such a talented and knowledgeable team.
Cons:
– The Peloton bike has some important metrics you may be missing out on if you’re using your own. One of the coolest things about using a Peloton bike is that it displays your personal metrics during class (cadence, resistance, output) and performance against those who are also taking class (through the Leaderboard). It can be an effective way to gauge your performance over time, and see how you’re improving. It’s a little different to use any ol’ spin bike, but I feel like the instructors do a great job of cueing appropriate resistance and speed. My bike used to have a screen on it for wattage, cadence, and resistance… but it was broken off during the moving process. :/ Even so, I know what my personal 40% resistance feels like that day, so I just go by Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE).
– You’re part of a community…but still kind of isolated. I always feel like I’m part of the class and part of the environment…until I remember that I’m really alone in my garage.
I think they do a great job of connecting riders and fantastic instructors, but there really is something special about taking a real class.
Tip:
– If you try a class and don’t love the instructor/music, try another one. It took me a little while to figure out my very favorite instructors and styles. The live DJ classes are almost always AMAZING (DJ John Michael is a PARTY), and there are quite a few different instructors and personalities to choose from. During one of my group fitness trainings, I learned that different participants will respond differently to instructor cues and styles (for example, some people like to be called out during class, while others hate it!). Peloton likely has an instructor that you will enjoy; you just have to find them! Robin and Emma are my very very faves.
So, tell me, friends: have you tried the Peloton app? Has anyone taken a class in NYC? Also, they have a treadmill coming out…and I kind of want it. What’s your favorite studio spin class?
Have a great day and I’ll see ya soon!
xoxo
Gina
PS. Thank you for all of your wonderful comments + congrats for the Pilot yesterday. I read him your notes and he was so appreciative for the kind words. <3
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I live in nyc, and peleton is on classpass. I’ve been able to get into a few love sn classes and they are so fun! Something about the live dj adds so much to the class. Come visit nyc – I’ll go with you 🙂
I’m also Schwinn certified, and while I have a few instructors at more dance-on-the-bike type studios, I actually feel like I get a better workout at a more traditional type of studio.
i will totally take a class next time i’m in NYC and will invite blog friends 🙂
totally agree about getting a better workout without jumping
SNAPS to no jumping! I got certified through Les Mills a while back and while I’m no longer teaching I appreciated the focus on form and good movement. I especially hate when an instructor has us do push-ups on the bike. And CycleBar, much to my surprise, even has you do bicep burls and shoulder presses while spinning. No. Just no. I just wanna spin. I’m very picky about my spin classes but I’d be willing to give Peloton a shot! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.
i think you would love it!
Hi Gina!
Thanks for the informative article! I live in an apartment above someone and don’t want to get a treadmill because I think it would be too loud for my neighbors downstairs, but a spin bike could be a great addition! Would you consider doing a blog post and/or tour of your home gym? I don’t have a gym membership and typically do all of my workouts in my apartment, but my equipment is somewhat limited: free weights, exercise ball, resistance bands, kettlebells, etc. I’d love to hear your at-home gym favorites. I hope you have a great day 🙂
sure! i could totally do one. it’s similar to this, but we’ve added a bowflex HVT to the mix: https://fitnessista.com/easy-ways-to-update-your-home-gym/
Thanks for the link, Gina! I didn’t realize you already had a similar post 🙂
We got a Peloton a few weeks ago…and after working at Flywheel for almost 18 months–I can say the bike is hands down 100 percent better–LOL. Such a smooth awesome ride. Plus the instructors are so good.
I also was in NYC Super Bowl weekend and went to a live class because my SIL lives NEXT door to the studio!! It was neat to be there (even tho we only did a 30 min class with arms).
Have a great day!
soooo amazing you got to take a live class!
I wanted to know if I can connect to someone with the pelloton to do a class together using this app?
I love Peloton and the classes. I actually found an a used bike through my local Peloton group that someone was selling. I couldn’t justify the full price but snagged the used one for almost half off. While in studio classes are great I could never find any that matched with my availability. I also move frequently so can’t make a long term commitment to a gym. I really like how you can search the app for quick 10min classes or the longer ones. Ally is my favorite that I have found. I do miss the gym sometimes but the convenience of the bike is great.
that is SO awesome you were able to snag a bike for that deal!
i still need to try ally’s classes
I love the peloton app!! I just use a bike at my gym and I find the classes to be hugely motivating. I like to mix things up a lot, so I feel like I’m getting a lot for my money. I cannot wait until the treadmill workouts launch.
Not a big fan of the beyond the ride workouts though, I think they can do better. I use aaptiv for strength workouts and treadmill workouts and I’ve fallen in love with that one too. Sometimes, I don’t get all their verbal cues which can be frustrating, but that happens maybe once a month.
So right now I feel like I have a group of personal trainers egging me on. It’s nuts how different working out is now vs. 15 yrs ago, what will be the next new technology trend?!
i have aaptiv on my phone and still haven’t tried it!
and yes, it’s incredible to see what technology has done in the past 15 years.
I have wanted to try this app, but dont have access to a spin bike often, it looks so fun!
i think you would love it!
We have a regular spin bike from amazon and my boyfriend bought wahoo speed and cadence sensors that attach to the bike as well as their heart rate monitor. This makes it easier to follow along with with the wahoo app. So far we really like using it. The only thing I have a hard time gauging is the resistance but we try to put the resistance to 0 everytime we get off the bike to know where we start. Great review!
ohh that’s really cool you did that!
Peloton is a LIFESAVER for working moms. I ride when my kid is napping or asleep at night. I wouldn’t be able to fit in workouts otherwise. Thanks for your review. The leaderboard experience using the bike is really special. I can ride with my friends from across the country.
Yes!!
i couldn’t agree more! some days it’s the only way i’m able to work out
i would definitely like to try an actual peloton bike with the leaderboard experience
My mom and sister both have a Peleton and I have taken the live DJ class while in NYC. I don’t love spin enough to pay for the bike and yearly subscription on top of my gym membership, but we have a Schwinn at home too and with a baby #2 coming next fall, getting to the gym will be hard so I might download the app then. At first I thought I could just use my mom’s login credentials but it unfortunately separate. I also wish there was a way to stream through XBox live or something so I wouldn’t have to watch on my tiny phone or iPad.
yes, i think the app is totally worth it, especially if you have a spin bike already
I love the Peloton app! It is so convenient to just be able to go downstairs, pick a class length that works for you (20 minutes – 1.5 hours), and spin.
One of the other things I appreciate is that they have a lot of Low Impact class options which is extra helpful as I am working through a knee injury. I also love their Beyond the Bike stretching and strength classes that are on the app.
I love Emma and Robin, but I think Alex might be my favorite instructor!
yes! they have so many different levels and types of classes
hope your knee continues to heal well <3
I’m not an Apple user so the Pelaton app is not available to me. (One of my top pet peeves about developers, develop apps for both iOS devices and Android at the same3 time, many developers have assured me this is not difficult)! I use CycleCast. It works and is great in many ways but doesn’t have all the options of Peloton. Thanks for the great review!
ohh i haven’t heard of cycle cast! and totally agree that developers should create versions for both at the same time. i think it’s a cost issue for a lot of brands, but at the same time, you’re cutting out like half of your audience
I purchased a Peloton about two and a half years ago, and LOVE IT!!! I ride about five times a week, and have, since I got the bike. The variety of instructors and class types are fantastic. The bike is high quality. One thing you didn’t mention was the “Beyond the Ride” classes you get with the Peloton App as well – a lot of stretching, strengthening, and yoga options. #LeFreak on the leaderboard
thank you for mentioning those! i knew they existed but haven’t tried any of them 🙂
Is there anything for treadmill classes?
I’ve been using the app once a week for about three months! I like it for all the same reasons. It does take some adjustments to know your resistance and cadence without the Peloton bike but it works out. It has actually made me not use my class pass on the cycle studios because I enjoy Peloton more.
i like their classes more than any of the studio classes i’ve taken!
My friend has raved about the peloton bike. So i’m glad you blogged about this because i would love to try it. also the peloton tread is coming out and i rather would have that than the peloton bike so having the app seems ideal for me in the future!
the tread looks AMAAAAZING. trying to convince the pilot that we need it 😉
hahaha yesss trying to convince my captain that we too need it!!
I would love to buy a spin bike, but it always seems like there’s one at the gym that’s broken. Is there a lot of maintenance required on them? Maybe my gym just has cheap bikes ha!
i feel like it depends on the brand, use and the user. you never know what people are doing on them if they’re just out in the cardio room, ya know? ours has’ required maintenance.. but now that i said that it will probably break haha
I just got this app last week and I love it so much already! Spinning is my fav cardio workout and it makes it so easy to do it whenever it fits in my schedule. We also live in a small city that is lacking a spin studio and being a working mom, I like to be able to go when it fits in my schedule! I did a 45 min hop hop ride with Alex last night and it was so good!
so perfect. yes, i think it’s especially amazing for moms!
I just moved to the suburbs from NYC and the thing I miss most about the city is boutique fitness classes! Now we have a baby so it’s hard to get to the classes available where we are now..anyway THANK YOU for letting us know you can do the workouts for free from the app! I thought you had to pay or something, I just did one this morning and am so happy! Feels like I’m back in the studio 🙂
I airplay from my phone to my appleTV so I can watch it on the big TV instead of my little screen. I love streaming peleton classes and using my spin bike. I found that propping up my phone made me a ltitle carsick since it moved!!!! Such a great option for busy moms that love to spin but don’t have the time to make it to classes!
I have the bike and I LOVE it! You’re right about John Michael, he is a HOOT! I like that they offer a wide range of instructors and types of classes. I already have a reservation for the treadmill and I can’t wait!
he’s the best!! ahhh you might be convincing me to go for the treadmill….
I hated indoor cycling and was very against getting a bike for our new workout room. Kids and husband begged me to check out the Peloton store. The rest is history! I bought 2 bikes… (so that I can ride with husband, kids, and friends) It is my favorite piece of equipment in our home gym. It is an inspirational and fun cardio workout. Instructors are incredible- something for everyone. I found this post because I was trying to figure out a way to bring the “Peloton experience” with me when I travel this summer.
I just found this blog while researching the Peloton app. Thanks for writing the review! You’re doing mostly what I’m planning on doing. I have a Keiser M3i spinning bike and have had it a while, but we home remodeled so it’s just been sitting for a couple of years. I also have an awesome home gym. My plan is to airplay the classes onto the SmartTV in my home gym. I hope it works. It should from what I googled — I’m going to give it a try via Peloton’s free trial.
I own a pelaton spin cycle and it definitely is the best one I have owned. You mentioned that a monthly subscription is $12.99. It is now $14.99, I guess it went up. I have been using the Studio Sweat On Demand app. Check it out.
Hi this is Anthony Graves again. I made a mistake about the price of the Pelaton App. Its $19.99 a month not $14.99. I will also suggest again that you try Studio Sweat on Demand’s App, it’s awesome.
Not anymore… As of Wednesday, 12/4, it’s back down to $12.99/mo.
Great post, and reassuring considering I just did this setup! I picked up the new Schwinn IC4 and it is fantastic. It’s resistance is indexed 0-100, just like the Peloton Bike, and it displays on the console. The built in cadence sensor feeds that app, along with a separate HR monitor. Really impressed with the build quality, and the $$ savings. Also, the day it was scheduled to arrive (12/4), I received an email that the monthly subscription dropped to $12.99/mo!
Hi Chris, any update on how the IC4 is doing with the peloton app?
Hi Chris, any update on the IC4 & how it’s doing with the peloton app? I’m planning to order the bike this weekend & do the same with it.
Hi, I use the app to work out on my real bike on a trainer. It’s saved me during this pandemic. And I love that I can also use my real bike. The gears on the bike help provide an escalation of resistance by 10 points. I tested this out by going to a friend’s place and doing a ride on theirs to make sure I was hitting the same resistance. My favorite thing about it is the different workouts aside from the great rides that I can also take. They have dance, barre, Pilates, yoga, strength, meditation, and even outdoor workouts. It’s really been my rock even though I do not have a Peloton product.