Review of the Peloton Digital App

Happy New Year, friends!

January is usually a time for new resolutions and getting back into a regular workout routine after the holidays and I am no exception to this! Like many of you, I recently saw a commercial for the Peloton Digital app which boasts itself as "the Netflix of workouts" and can be used even by those who don't own any the Peloton equipment (bike or treadmill). I am a big fan of working out at home, so of course, I was dying to try it out!

What you need:

- a membership; 30 days free & 12.99/mo after

- a device (iphone, android or firestick will do)

- a workout mat

- light, medium & heavy weights (used in bootcamp & strength classes)

- Yoga block & workout band (you can use a stool, pillow, or blanket if you don't already own)

In addition to their most widely known cycling classes, Peloton also offers other live real-time classes such as running (treadmill or outdoor), walking, strength, yoga, meditation, stretching, bootcamp & cardio. You can sign up to "join" live classes in real time, or you can watch any of the classes on demand once they've aired. All of the classes are new each day, have an awesome soundtrack, and are hosted by one of their dozen or so instructors. During the live classes, instructors will give shout-outs to workouters in real-time. If you sign up for a live class, you'll get an alert on your phone about your class starting soon so you can make sure to be ready in time.

There is something super, super addicting about the live classes. It's exciting to get an alert that class is starting soon; you feel like you're getting the super-glam class experience of a cool gym without having to leave your home. It's exciting when an instructor gives you a shout-out for joining live. You feel like a total badass earning incremental badges and seeing your "workouts completed" number increase. I like how during the workouts, the spotlight is on the instructor but you can still see other people working out in the shadows and there is always a timer on the screen telling you how much longer you have for each activity and the overall workout.

Some might say that the Peloton digital app is comparable to Beachbody on Demand, and in some ways, it is. They are both similar in that they are online workout platforms with on demand fitness videos, but they also have some big differences. I have been a Beachbody member for about 3 years now and have really enjoyed it; it's transformed my eating habits, taught me how to use equipment, and has made me hold myself more accountable. Beachbody is very comprehensive in that you have the workout videos, a personalized diet plan, a whole line of supplements & an accountability group (usually on Facebook). But not everyone needs that tremendous amount of extrinsic motivation. BoD's programs are pretty rigid and long and it's so easy to get behind on your videos and feel like you want to quit the new program that you just started. Most BoD programs have 5 videos per week that you feel like you have to keep up with whereas Peloton has the "workout whatever days you can and you're still a badass" type of feel. After 3 years of doing the same types of 4-8 week long programs on BoD, I honestly felt bored and ended up doing pilates YouTube videos because I needed something more "exciting". I really love how Peloton has themed workouts like 2000's pop, rock and roll, today's hits, etc rather than the generic techno music of Beachbody. I prefer Peloton's instructors who look like real people that are succinct in their coaching rather than Beachbody's fitness models who preach long motivational speeches. It's worth noting that motivational speeches do work for some people, I just prefer a workout with less talking. Both programs cost about the same with Beachbody on Demand totaling about $120 per year for membership & Peloton totaling $155 per year. Either way, you'd pay a similar price for an annual gym membership.

all of the glamour of a gym class at home!

Pros:

- You don't have to have a Peloton bike to participate

- You can workout via your phone or FireStick App

- The classes are always new, have great music, and give you a live progress update

- All of your workouts are tracked through the app

- You can play any of the classes on demand once they've gone live

- It's about the same price as a gym or other online workout platform

- It's not geared towards just women; it's "husband friendly" with plenty of male instructors

- The live classes don't max out like real-life ones do

Cons:

- For some of the bootcamp classes, they use a treadmill. You can sub jogging in place/running outside

- The most frequent/highest amount of all the live classes are on cycling which can be challenging if you don't have the bike

- There isn't a live class for each category every day; for example, there's not a live bootcamp every hour/day

- It doesn't come with a nutritional plan; this is more self-led

- You can't start a class on your phone and switch to the tv during the middle of a workout

All in all, I've found the Peloton Digital App very motivating because their classes are exciting and new every day. I am very motivated by being "on time" for class, the relatable instructors, and the super fun soundtracks that go along with the classes. If home workouts are your thing and you think this type of workout platform is something that you'd feel excited about, then your health is worth it! You can try risk-free for 3 days here.

XX

Lil