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08.06.18
My Thoughts On The Peloton Bike & My Favorite Workout Pieces

This has been a highly requested post for a long time, and I’m finally getting around to writing it – my thoughts on the Peloton bike. The number 1 question I get asked is, “Is it worth it?” And the answer is: It depends. On whether or not you use it. For the first year I had it, I only used it about 30 times (less than once/week)…not worth it. But now, I ride 2-4 times/week, so it’s totally worth it (see the cost breakdown of owning the bike vs visiting a studio below). Let me start by saying, I was not an avid spinner – I had only ever taken 3 spin classes in my life before buying the bike. I wasn’t exactly sure if I would like it or not, but I looooove it! True, I didn’t use it that much when I first had it, but that was out of pure lazy-ness and a life rut, not because I didn’t like it. I love the convenience, the instructors, and I’ve never taken a class and said…”Ehhh, that wasn’t great,” after it was done. I always have a great workout, and am so happy when I finish a ride. My favorite instructor is Cody – he is super positive & uplifting but all while really pushing you, and his playlists are the best! I also really like Alex on days I want to get my ass handed to me (he’s more in-your-face “let’s f-ing GOOOOO!!!” than Cody). When I asked the question on IG stories the top answers were: Cody, Alex, and Robin.

My spin situation isn’t this pretty…my bike is in my basement ;). But I actually kind of love that, because I turn off all the lights, put my headphones on (these are the wireless headphones I use, and I love them), and take a class. It feels much more like you’re actually there in the studio when the lights are off and headphones are on IMO. In our old house, I had my bike in the loft and I never felt as motivated…maybe that’s why I used it less?! I would highly recommend putting it in a room that can be dark!

My stats from this mornings’ ride – it’s such a good workout! I also did a 10-minute arm session after this from Beyond The Ride (an option for additional workouts on the bike screen). Breaking down my thoughts below in PRO’s and CON’s. Let me know if you have any additional questions!

PROS: 
– You don’t have to leave your house to get to a class
– Fun instructors/classes/music
– The bike doesn’t take up a lot of space in your home (pretty compact, way smaller than a treadmill or elliptical)
– On-demand classes let you ride on your own schedule (you do not have to join live classes, all live classes are saved and added to the on-demand option!)
– Instructors set pace and resistance, so all you have to do is follow along (just like you would at an in-person class)
– Bluetooth allows you to throw on wireless headphones for the class (this is how I prefer to ride)
– There are so many workouts ‘Beyond the Ride’ – honestly, I could cancel my gym membership, they’ve added SO much since I first bought the bike
– Great for beginners if you’re intimidated by going to classes at a studio
– There’s now an app! Thanks to one of our readers, I just found out about this! The app is amazing. Good news! Even if you don’t have a Peloton, you can get the app and do all the classes on there – they have cycling, running, bootcamp, outdoor, strength, stretching, yoga, and cardio. I tried a 10 minute HIIT class, and it was legit! The app offers a 14-day free trial.

CONS:
– Cost ($1995 + $39/month for the subscription to all the classes)
Honestly, this is the only con in my opinion. And if you already take spin classes, it’s actually a good deal if you use your bike consistently. One class at SoulCycle is $36 (plus tax and shoe rental). If you average 2 classes/week, you’re spending more than $3,750 a year. The Peloton subscription is unlimited – you could ride it every day, so if you love spin and spend the money on it, this would actually move from a CON to a PRO.

I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about favorite workout pieces – leggings, tanks, shoes, etc, so rounding up my most-worn pieces here to reference!
THESE LEGGINGS – I have 5 pairs of these because I literally wear them almost every day. My favorites.
THIS TANK – A classic, comfy, breathable.
THIS TANK – super comfortable, like the option to tie or tuck it in.
THESE LEGGINGS – new in, love them so far! Stayed in place during a bootcamp class.
CAMO LEGGINGS – I get asked about these a lot. Love them for workouts and running errands!
THIS SPORTS BRA – It’s hard to find a great sports bra, but I looove this one.
SNEAKERS – A lot of people ask if I work out in these and yes, they’re great! They are true to size. I also love this pair (and I will say, these are the most comfortable sneakers I own). I went down a full size in these.
APPLE WATCH – This is the exact one I have. I am loving my Apple watch all-around, but especially for tracking workouts!

M&B