It’s no surprise if you’ve read any of my other blog posts that I love Peloton. I started with the Bike, then moved to the Treadmill, and I love them both. The treadmill is slowly taking over because I’ve always been a runner, and I got into the bike because I wanted something that took up less space, and was quiet to do in the early mornings before my kids wake up! Fast-forward a couple years, and I have more kids out of my bed, and they sleep through the Peloton treadmill in the morning like it’s white noise!
I first started with Peloton using a more affordable stationary bike option. I wrote all about that here, and I show you which bike I used, as well as suggest other bikes you can use to get yourself going with the app, without having to buy the actual Peloton Bike.
My first 30 days of using the Peloton app and bike was amazing, and I slowly got used to riding and getting into the habit of using a spin bike regularly. Months later, I knew I needed to upgrade to the real things. I had built the habit, but I didn’t have the metrics to see if I was getting stronger or faster, or to really even know if I was working as hard as the instructor wanted me too. With my spin bike, I was guessing on resistance and speed, so I felt like I could get myself in better shape if I were actually following the workouts as called for, and I knew I had already created a serious habit, and I loved riding the bike. The app membership is more affordable than a gym membership, at I think it’s 16.99 a month now, and the membership fee when you upgrade to the Bike is a little more at $59 per month, but it is still more affordable than many gym memberships with live classes like Peloton’s!
My month with the actual Peloton Bike were amazing. My first ride on my new Peloton bike was so exciting, I didn’t even feel like I was working out. You can sync your Peloton with your apple watch too, so not only the standard bike metrics, you also can get your heart rate metrics while you ride! This really helps you see if you are getting in better cardio shape as well. I was able to really see where I was at fitness wise, and I found myself gaining a lot more with the metrics like resistance, cadence and total output. I could see myself getting stronger in the Tabata workouts, where I would push for a specific output for 20 seconds. Each Tabata class I took I tried to beat my output, and I loved challenging myself.
With my new Bike, I also got serious about my nutrition, and I added in more strength training because I got the screen that swiveled around, so I could switch to a strength workout right after or before a ride! I am going to go over how Peloton helped me with my weight loss journey after my fourth baby, my favorite instructors, and basically how Peloton transformed my body in 30 days.
Pre and Post Ride Peloton Nutrition Plan (free!)
Here’s How The Peloton Changed My Body in the First 30 Days:
I became stronger and faster:
With the new output numbers to give me personal bests on rides, I was hooked on getting stronger and faster. The total output on a Peloton ride combines your cadence and resistance, to give you an ouptut number that basically tells you how much power you exerted during your ride. I really liked this because on the days I was close to my personal best, I pushed so hard to beat it. There are certain rides that are better for hitting a high output. I typically got my higest output from the HIIT and Hills rides by Robin or Ally Love. Seeing the numbers in real time, and chasing your personal record in real time pushes you more than you would think. I found myself pushing harder to beat my own numbers, rather than people on the leaderboard, but if you have friends to compete with, or like that part of competition as well, you will LOVE the leaderboard. The more I competed with myself, the more addicted I became. I rode every day in the first 30 days. Maybe I skipped 1-3 days, but I don’t remember missing any days. Even if I didn’t ride until 9pm at night, I still did it. I’ve never been that dedicated to a workout program, and it is the dedication and commitment I think that made the most impace on my weight loss and fitness journey. I had already lost almost all of the baby weight after my 4th baby, but there was still a lingering 5lbs that I couldn’t shake off until I started my first 30 days with the Peloton Bike.
FREE! The Peloton Weekly Workout Plan That Got Me Results
I ate more protein:
As I was increasing my output numbers and riding more, I actually WANTED to eat more protein. I am not a protein eater naturally. I prefer to live off of carbs. I love fruit, so that often takes priority for me, and then I tend to eat left-overs from my kids’ chicken nuggets or pizza, and I don’t prioritize protein. I knew this wasnt’ going to help me, so I focused on counting macros and eating enough protein.
I was much more motivated to eat healthier, knowing it would show up in my rides. The leaner and stronger I felt, the faster and harder I could ride. When I was able to see those immediate gains, rather than losing pounds, I didn’t care what happened with m weight. I cared about how I felt during my workouts. That transformed my fitness journey. I didn’t eat crap because I didn’t want to feel like crap when I rode.
Fat-Burning Post Peloton Ride Protien Shakes
I leaned out:
A natural result from riding more and eating leaner, is I finally leaned out. I finally started seeing my abs again and feeling lighter. This was the little bit of push and motivation I needed to lose thse last few pounds that felt like they were stuck forever.
When you focus on your macros, you are forced to pioritize protein, which helps you reduce the amount of carbs and fat. When your diet has a lot of carbs and fats, your body has a lot of fuel to use, which means it doesn’t need to use stroed fat as fuel. By switching your total calories to the right ratios of protein, carbs and fats, you are forcing your body to burn stored fat as fuel, but still supporting muscle growth and lean mass. The right ratios for your age, body type and activity level are really important. I offer custom macro counts, and a macro plan that I put together that gives you everything I did. By following a macro plan with the right ratios for you, you will be able to get results much faster than if you don’t!
I became more consistent:
Getting addicted to beating my personal records helped me stay consistent, foucsed and motivated. The Peloton Bike was more fun, so I naturally wanted to ride more! Also, as I got better with my cardio, there were more positive endorphins that are easy to get addicted too. On the days I missed my morning rides, I mentally could feel it. On the mornings I got my ride in first, I felt motivated and energized. If I wasn’t able too, and I had to wait until later, I noticed that I was less-focused through the day and not nearly as productive. Consistency is seriuosly the key to any weight loss goals you have. There will be so many days where you feel like you are doing the same thing over and over again, but not seeing results. The results do come, and they can really surprise you if you stay consistent for weeks. Don’t expect results in 5 days. By staying focused and building a habit, your results will come, and your life will change because your habits and values will change. You will start valuing the workout itself, rather than just losing a few pounds. A good workout becomes everything you look forward too, and before you know it you are doing longer rides, strength classes and skipping your rest day because you just want to keep going!
I created my exact Peloton workout program for you:
This is the Peloton workout program I did to lose the last bit of weight I wanted to get rid of. I worked really hard, and I made time for longer workouts. I used about 5lb weights, sometimes 10 lb weights with my strength workouts, and found HIIT classes, spin classes, core classes and strength classes that worked perfectly together for weight loss. This worked for me, and I recommend grabbing it for yourself! You don’t have to do any thinking, and all the classes are mapped out whether you have the original peloton bike, the new Bike + or the app with a bike alternative. This Peloton Guide will get you going, motivate you, and you will have so much fun because all of the classes I have on there are upbeat, challenging, and a great way to sweat! No matter what music genre you like, Peloton has it, but most of the music I have on this workout plan is pop and hip hop because of the rythm for riding.
Grab my plan here to get started today!!
My favorite Peloton Instructors:
There is a different instructor for every person, and I’m sure you will find the ones you connect with as you get going. The best thing is that they have different rides for different moods and needs! Overall, I found my favorite instructors, and I tend to just stick to them becasue I know I alwasy like them! Get ready to get hooked on these instructors, and you can find most of them have a Peloton Facebook Group for support and finding more friends to ride with!
Peloton offers a diverse range of instructors, each bringing their unique style, expertise, and personality to the platform. Here are some of the most highly regarded Peloton instructors based on popularity, user reviews, and their unique teaching approaches:
1. Robin Arzón
- Background: VP of Fitness Programming at Peloton, former lawyer turned ultra-marathoner.
- Teaching Style: Motivational, intense, with a focus on empowerment and mental strength.
- Popular Classes: High-intensity rides, themed rides.
2. Cody Rigsby
- Background: Former professional dancer.
- Teaching Style: Energetic, fun, often incorporating pop culture references and humor.
- Popular Classes: Pop rides, themed rides, and beginner-friendly sessions.
3. Ally Love
- Background: Model, dancer, founder of Love Squad.
- Teaching Style: Uplifting, motivational, with a focus on holistic wellness and positivity.
- Popular Classes: Sundays with Love, dance rides.
4. Alex Toussaint
- Background: Military school background, known for discipline.
- Teaching Style: Tough, disciplined, with a focus on pushing limits and building mental toughness.
- Popular Classes: Club bangers rides, power zone rides.
5. Jess King
- Background: Former professional dancer, known for her unique flair.
- Teaching Style: High-energy, creative, often incorporating dance and performance elements.
- Popular Classes: EDM rides, themed rides.
6. Tunde Oyeneyin
- Background: Makeup artist turned fitness instructor.
- Teaching Style: Intense, inspirational, with a focus on personal growth and empowerment.
- Popular Classes: HIIT and hills rides, strength-focused rides.
7. Ben Alldis
- Background: Former investment banker turned fitness instructor.
- Teaching Style: Structured, motivational, with a focus on performance and metrics.
- Popular Classes: Power zone rides, climb rides.
8. Emma Lovewell
- Background: Former dancer, fitness model.
- Teaching Style: Balanced, motivational, with a focus on form and endurance.
- Popular Classes: 90s rides, interval and arms rides.
Everything I Love About Peloton 2 Years In:
It’s officially been 2 years since I started riding with Peloton, and I’ve gotten in better and better shape. I’ve upgraded to the Peloton Tread, and if you are a runner, I highly recommend using Peloton for your runs as well. I use Peloton on my runs outside as well, even if they are treadmill runs. Peloton has great outdoor on demand classes, that I really enjoy, and sometimes I use the treadmill runs to listen to while I run. When you have an instructor and great music to run to outside, it makes such a difference! I get so bored of my playlists, and podcasts often make me run really slow because there is no beat or rythm to run too.
The bike is still a big part of my cross training for running. I love that I can build strength on the exercise bike that compliments my running. The additional cardio is helpful for the days I just don’t feel like a run, but I need to get my heart rate up. I have never gotten bored of the classes or instructors, and I’ve never run out of classes to take. I run or ride almost every day, and my favorite instructors always have something for me! Last year, I was so new and focused on only my rides, now I have a full fitness program with riding, running and I stay focused on protein as much as possible to maintain my results. The peloton content never dissapoints too with artist series and guests, also a monthly challenge from time to time.
What Makes Peloton Different (and worth a free trial!):
Peloton distinguishes itself from other fitness platforms with several key features:
- Live and On-Demand Classes: Peloton offers a wide range of live and on-demand classes in various fitness disciplines, including cycling, running, strength training, yoga, Pilates, Barre, Cardio, Boxing and meditation. The live classes create a sense of community and real-time interaction.
- High-Quality Equipment: Peloton is known for its high-end, aesthetically designed equipment, including its stationary bikes and treadmills, which feature large, interactive screens for streaming classes. They really do feel different. I recently used a treadmill at a gym, and it was an amazing treadmill, but I love my Peloton tread so much more!
- Engaging Content and Instructors: Peloton’s instructors are often well-known in the fitness community and provide engaging, motivational content. They offer a mix of workouts that cater to different fitness levels and goals. You start to feel like your instructor is your best friend. You connect with them, their voice, their style, and it feels like a person you look forward to seeing.
- Personalized Metrics: The platform tracks and displays various performance metrics, such as heart rate, output, and cadence, helping users monitor their progress and set personal goals. I am obsessed with the metrics, and that was key for me to totally become addicted.
- Community and Social Features: Peloton fosters a strong sense of community through features like leaderboards, achievements, and the ability to follow friends and join groups. Peloton support groups are big on social media, and it makes you feel like you have a real family!
- Versatility and Accessibility: In addition to its flagship bikes and treadmills, Peloton offers a mobile app that provides access to workouts without the need for Peloton equipment, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
These elements together create a unique fitness experience that emphasizes both high-quality content and a strong sense of community.
I haven’t tried the scenic rides yet, I tend to like to ride with the instructors and the music, but I am going to put those on my list.
If you are excited about your first month with Peloton, I recommend starting with shorter rides to build a base and habit. That way it doesn’t feel too overwhelming as you get going.
If the Peloton is too expensive for you, take a look at these cheaper options for bikes, or look for a refurbished peloton bike that is used on Amazon, so you can still get the experience without the upfront payment.