Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was a fanatic for Orange Theory Fitness (OTF). I would get in a heart-pounding workout at least four days a week and most of those days I did so before the sun was even up. I loved it and it was honestly a bit of a healthy obsession of mine.
When the pandemic forced gyms to close, I was incredibly frustrated. I had a treadmill and some weights at home but relied solely on the instructors and community of OTF for all my fitness needs. I loved not having to put thought into it. I would show up, work hard and leave. Coming up with my own workout regimen was not something I was interested in.
When going to my gym was no longer an option, I did what many people did. I took a break. This lasted for a short while until I was finally motivated to figure out another option in order to ensure I didn’t remain completely inactive.
Many of my friends had purchased a Peloton machine – either a bike or a treadmill, but I wasn’t quite ready to make a large purchase on something I had never even tried. Instead, I downloaded the app on my phone. I ended up loving it more than I would have thought and since I already had a treadmill and weights, I was able to take all the classes (except the bike).
One thing led to another and I found myself then craving something that the Peloton app cannot really give: the community and competition aspect. When you have an actual Peloton machine, you can take classes with friends and can see their stats for a little competition. I had also tried out one of my friends Peloton bikes and was impressed by the smoothness of the ride.
After using the app for the entire first year of the pandemic, I took the plunge and bought a Peloton bike.
If you’re curious about the Peloton app, the machines, and if it’s right for you – look no further. Here are my honest thoughts about it.
Peloton App Pros
- First 30 days are completely free
- You have access to all the classes. This means if you have free weights at home, you can participate in all the strength classes. If you have a treadmill, you can take all the running classes.
- There are classes such as yoga, dancing and body weight strength where no equipment is needed. This means that anyone can take those classes just by having the app.
- It’s inexpensive. After the first 30 days, the app is still only $12.99 per month for unlimited access to classes.
- You can stream it to your tv. I would take classes via a tv in our garage so it wasn’t just on my tiny phone screen.
- Thousands of instructor-led classes. This means no wandering around a gym or standing at home trying to figure out what workout you want to do.
- Filter for what you want. If you know you only have 15 minutes or that you want to focus on lower body, there are filters to help you cater to whatever your needs are.
- You can view some stats. I am really into the community aspect of fitness. That is why I loved OTF and group fitness classes. The Peloton app allows you to be “friends” with other members, and to see what and how many workouts they have done. You can also track your workouts to hold yourself accountable.
Peloton App Cons (what it doesn’t include)
- Less sense of being there with the instructor. When you take a class from your phone or tv, it’s different than it being right on your machine in front of you like it would be with a Peloton machine.
- Not an interactive experience. You won’t be able to filter who else is taking the class with you, easily high five friends etc.
- Less competition. While the app will track how many workouts you have done, it cannot track how many miles, speed etc. You won’t be able to ever be a part of the leaderboard unless you have an actual Peloton machine.
- No shout-outs. See machine pros.
- No personal record. One of the features I love is trying to beat myself from past workouts. The app isn’t able to capture certain stats to help with that.
- It’s not a Peloton machine. I have been thoroughly impressed by the look, feel and quality of my Peloton machine.
Peloton Machine Pros
- Leaderboard experience. Your screen name will be on the leaderboard. Regardless on if you are fast, in the middle or a little slower. I love seeing my overall place and using it to motivate me.
- Live class shout-outs. When taking a live class, the instructors often do “shout-outs” for things like birthdays and milestones like your 100th workout etc. I have had three name shout outs and it literally made my day. It sounds corny but I promise it is very exciting to hear your name called out.
- Community. Beyond the leaderboard and the shout-outs, you can also take live or on-demand classes with friends. High five during the class and watch their stats to ensure you are keeping up.
- Stats. I will often take a class that my husband took recently. I can see what his stats were and then I can try to beat him. Anyone you are friends with via your membership, you can see what classes they have taken as a way to stay motivated.
- Camera. I use this feature very seldom but it is still a cool feature. You can turn on your camera when taking a class with a friend and you can then actually see each other. It helps with that motivation and sense of community!
- Thousands of classes. Literally whatever you are wanting, Peloton has it to offer.
- Quality of the machine. I have tried the treadmill and I now own a bike. The quality of the machines is incredible.
- Membership is for your whole household. Unlike the app, the $39.99 membership you pay for with the machine covers everyone versus you each having to have a membership.
- Separate profiles. Despite one membership fee, you will each get your own profile on the machine with your own stats etc.
- Stack classes. Most nights, I will browse through the classes and make a “stack” so the next time I work out out I simply click on it and all my workouts are already pre-loaded for my goals that day.
Peloton Machine Cons
- Cost. One of the reasons I stayed with the app for so long was because I didn’t want to spend the money. However, you’ll notice I also put this in the pros because it’s still cheaper than what my husband and I were paying for our gym memberships.
- Room for the machine. Of course, you have to make sure your house has room for either a treadmill or bike.
- Self-motivation. As with any home type workout, you have to have a certain amount of self-motivation. But the same could be said for getting up and making sure you drive to a gym and then actually get a good burn in.
Do you love your Peloton machine or app? Have questions? I’d love to connect!
Read more of Stephanie’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
