Key Points
-
The Peloton app offers a fun, convenient way to work out at home.
-
Choose from a variety of exercise options: spin, treadmill, yoga, strength training, and more.
-
You can buy, rent, or finance Peloton workout equipment through their website.
-
Users get limited access to the Peloton app without paying.
-
This program is ideal for people in a fitness rut or who don’t have the time to take classes at a local studio.
When you hear people rave about the Peloton app, the first thing that pops into your head is probably an overpriced spin bike. Thoughts of how you could never possibly afford equipment so expensive may follow. In response, you sigh, shrug your shoulders, and go about your day like the rest of the world.
That’s an understandable first impression – especially for newcomers who may not understand what the hype is all about. However, the Peloton app is so much more than just a bike, which is why many have deemed the price tag more than worth it.
What Is the Peloton App?
Founded by John Foley in 2012, the Peloton app is a downloadable fitness program that allows you to train with rockstar instructors from the comfort of your own home. It’s primarily designed to improve the at-home workout experience and famously “empowers people to be the best version of themselves anywhere, anytime.”
Blending the convenience of modern technology with the appeal of upscale fitness, the Peloton app is ideal for busy bodies and exercise enthusiasts. No matter how crazy or hectic your schedule might be, Peloton makes it much easier to check your daily sweat sesh off your to-do list.
What Do You Get With the Peloton App?
Want to feel like you’re at the gym while exercising at home? Are you looking for a motivational community that gets you pumped while performing high-intensity cardio workouts?
If so, the Peloton app is for you. You won’t have to stress about packing a gym bag, finding a decent parking spot, or rushing to get to class on time (not to mention the loads of gas money you’ll save by ditching round-trip commutes to the studio).
By using Peloton’s large touch-screen tablet that comes attached to the front of your bike, you can instantly join thousands of other riders in a live class with just a few taps of your finger. It’s that easy.
In addition to a full schedule of live spin classes, Peloton offers pre-recorded classes that can be accessed at any time. Whether you’re an early bird or more of a night owl, you get to be in charge of not only how you sweat, but more importantly, when you sweat.
Depending on which Peloton membership you decide to go with (more on this below), expect to enjoy a variety of beneficial features while using the app. In real time, measure and log your performance metrics including pace, total distance, heart rate, calories burned, cadence (pedal speed), resistance, and more!
For those of you who like to keep an ongoing record of your efforts, Peloton also celebrates the challenges and milestones you achieve. By tapping the trophy icon at the bottom right of your screen, you’ll see it all: the number of rides, runs, and walks you’ve completed, daily and weekly streaks, and social awards for exercising with your friends.
The Peloton app also provides users with a class search filter to support their fitness goals and workout preferences. By simply scrolling left through the app’s category bar located at the top of the screen, customize the following options:
-
Class duration (If you need a quick 10-minute workout or a full 60-minute calorie burner, the Peloton app has you covered.)
-
Intensity level
-
Workout type
-
Music genre or artist
-
Instructor (You have to try Cody Rigsby, Peloton’s most beloved spin instructor, because he will have you smiling, laughing, and dripping sweat all at the same time!)
How Much Does the Peloton App Cost?
At first glance, the cost of the Peloton bike alone can seem pretty outrageous. For most people, it’s not easy to part with nearly $1,300 – especially if you’re skeptical about the product you’re paying for.
Before pulling out your wallet, make sure the benefits outweigh the dent to your bank account. This is definitely a smart approach! Thankfully, Peloton offers a considerable amount of options to help accommodate your financial situation.
Pay the full price for a Peloton up-front, explore monthly financing options from 12, 24, 39, or 43 months, or rent a Peloton by paying a low monthly fee of $89 per month (plus a one-time $150 delivery fee).
Want to hear something even better? The rental cost includes cycling shoes that securely attach to the bike’s pedals and an All-Access Membership. Cancel at any time or, if you become gloriously addicted, simply cover the remaining balance and the bike is yours.
To assess the total cost, select a membership that best fits your needs and identify the necessary equipment and supplementary materials – if any – that you’d like to purchase. Doing so will optimize your Peloton experience.
Consider the detailed breakdown of costs below:
Memberships
Picking the membership that’s right for you can be tough if you’re not sure what features to prioritize in your search. Peloton offers two main subscription options to choose from: the App Membership and the All-Access Membership.
Peloton App Membership
With the Peloton App Membership, you gain access to an extensive library of both live and on-demand classes. Note that this option only allows a single user profile, which means that you won’t have permission to share membership perks with family or friends.
The App Membership is geared toward people who don’t have a Peloton bike (or who don’t intend to buy one). It’s also best for members who have an alternate at-home bike they’d prefer to use instead. Yes, you can use the Peloton app without a Peloton bike!
Going this route won’t allow you to track your performance metrics through the Peloton app, but you can still measure your heart rate and total calories burned with a fitness tracker or smartwatch. Record other metrics like cadence, mileage, and output with add-on materials for your spin bike. Ordering these parts requires a tad more effort on your end, but it’s worth it if you’re looking to save money.
Price: $12.99 per month plus tax
Special Pricing
For the App Membership only, Peloton grants discounted memberships to college students, military members, healthcare workers, veterinarians, first responders, and educators. All you have to do is select your status and verify it with proper documentation. From there, start reaping the rewards of Peloton classes at your reduced rate!
Find your discount below:
College students: $6.99 per month
Military, healthcare, vets, first responders, and educators: $9.99 per month
Peloton All-Access Membership
With the Peloton All-Access Membership, you get unlimited access to Peloton’s ever-growing collection of classes, but there’s even more that you’re going to love. On top of live and on-demand classes, participate in scenic rides, group challenges, and real-time performance tracking all through the app.
If you have a Peloton bike – or plan to purchase one – then the All-Access Membership is for you! Enjoy exclusive content, record a full set of metrics in one place, and play in gamified competitions that display your class rank on a leaderboard. You’ll seriously feel like you’re at the spin studio but without all the hassle of actually driving there.
On top of these, the All-Access Membership lets you create multiple profiles for everyone in your home. If you have a big family or live with a group of friends, then this option is a major steal!
Price: $44 per month plus tax
Equipment
While Peloton is most renowned for its spin bike, the company also sells other at-home exercise equipment. Treadmills and rowing machines come with correlated classes that are competitive, fun, and expertly crafted to make you feel the burn.
Peloton also advertises the Peloton Guide for $295: a webcam + remote that connects to your TV. This device uses AI technology to detect your movements and present helpful corrections during an instructor-led strength workout. Luckily, these personal training sessions are included with the All-Access Membership (or for an additional $24 per month with the App Membership).
Do indoor-cycling classes get you fired up? If so, then you can either order a Peloton Bike for $1,195 (plus tax) or buy an alternative spin bike that still allows you to connect to the app and view your workout stats during every ride. Note that delivery and assembly for the Peloton bike are now included with your purchase. Heck yes!
If running on the treadmill is your happy place, then investing $3,245 in a Peloton Tread is a sure way to magnify the thrill and intensity of your runs. This piece of equipment has an HD touchscreen and great cushioning – many claim it feels much better than running outside – and is designed for all fitness levels.
If these prices are outside of your budget, no worries! Remember that you can always rent or finance through Peloton, find cheaper substitutes online, or purchase used bikes and treadmills through sites like Facebook Marketplace.
Additional Materials
After picking a Peloton membership and buying (or renting) the corresponding equipment, supplementary materials can enhance your at-home workout experience even further. Purchasing these is entirely up to you, but highly recommended for Peloton’s running and cycling audiences.
Spin Shoes + Cleats: $125
These are a must! Cycling shoes enable you to clip your feet into the pedals of your spin bike, creating a much smoother ride. Peloton shoes already come with cleats. If you decide to order different spin shoes, you’ll have to buy the cleats separately.
Note: The Peloton bike uses Delta-compatible cleats.
Dumbbells: $10 to $25
Since most indoor cycling classes include a weights segment about halfway through the ride, snag a set of two to six-pound dumbbells. Not only will these beautifully sculpt your arms, but they’ll also help you follow your instructor’s cues better.
Cadence Sensor: $40
A cadence sensor enables riders to accurately gauge their pedal cadence, or revolutions per minute (RPMs). Similar to the mechanisms of a speedometer, it helps you stay on beat and analyze your speed throughout a class. Having this will incentivize you to hit milestones and constantly push the limits of your comfort zone.
Easily mount the cadence sensor to your spin bike or cycling shoe and wirelessly connect the device to your Peloton app. The magnet inside is automatically activated as you move through each pedal stroke. Tada!
Tablet or Phone Stand: $25
Unless your spin bike of choice comes with a tablet attached or a tablet holder, then getting a stand for your device is crucial. A stand lets you comfortably watch the instructor and feel more immersed in the flow of the class. If you choose to stream Peloton workouts through your TV or you get a Peloton bike, you can skip this step.
Can I Use the Peloton App Without Paying?
Perhaps you’re on a tight budget, don’t want to cancel your gym membership, or already have the equipment you need at home. Whatever the case, you technically can use the Peloton app without paying for it in one of two ways: a 30-day free trial or a limited access free version that’s available on your smartphone.
It’s no secret that you’re going to get the best and the most with a paid membership. Without one, you’ll have a very limited number of features to explore. The free version of the app only gives you five pre-recorded classes to go through that are refreshed every two months; that’s approximately one new class every week and a half.
There are also free “just ride” and “just run” components that invite you to hop on your Peloton bike or treadmill and exercise to the extent of your heart’s desire. You have more freedom and flexibility here to log your metrics, compete with yourself, ride or run to your favorite music, save each workout to your personal history, and even share your progress on social media or Strava.
Since life can unexpectedly hit hard sometimes, using the free version might be what’s best for you right now. Fortunately, having to make adjustments to your spending doesn’t mean your health and fitness have to suffer. There are countless creative ways for you to get quality exercise in and still leave with that coveted endorphin rush.
Alternative In-App Workouts
There’s more than meets the eye with Peloton. Not only does the app have upbeat spin classes, but it also offers strength training segments, virtually scenic runs, boot camp style programs, boxing, yoga, stretching, barre, pilates, dance, and outdoor options as well. For many of these, you won’t even need equipment!
How To Use the Peloton App
Before getting down to business, designate a private training space in your home that is distraction-free. From there, gather any necessary equipment and additional materials to maximize your sweat sesh and place them how you like.
Once everything is set, use the Apple App Store or Google Play to download the Peloton app directly to your smartphone, tablet, computer, or TV. If you have an Apple Watch, you’ll be able to sync the app with your device after creating a Peloton account.
To set up your profile, connect to Wifi and choose your local time zone. You'll be prompted to enter your email and to create a password. Next, opt for the 30-day free trial or immediately select a membership and provide relevant payment information.
Activate your Peloton Bike or Treadmill, if applicable, and input personalized information to enhance and customize your Peloton profile. Review everything you submitted, agree to Peloton's "Terms and Conditions," and confirm by tapping "Looks Good."
From your preferred device, go to the Peloton app’s dashboard, pick a class, and start exercising!
It doesn’t stop there. Once you get more accustomed to the app, sync your Facebook account if you’d like, make new Peloton friends, and invite them to join you in class! Through the Workouts tab, monitor your completed classes and unlock badges with every achievement you hit.
Connect your smartphone’s health app and a heart rate monitor to retrieve even more fitness data. If you’re a devoted runner, Peloton also functions as a running app and tracks your outdoor routes.
Go to settings and get “the tea” on your favorite Peloton instructors, learn everything you need to know about the Peloton Bike and Tread, shop Peloton apparel, and explore FAQs through the customer support button.
Here’s the best part: Before choosing a class from the library, scroll through the instructor’s playlist to discern whether or not you’ll vibe with the music. Since music can often make or break a workout, this is hands down one of the top features Peloton has!
Peloton App Reviews
Amy Roberts – a certified personal trainer, running coach, and competitive runner – says “The Peloton is well-built, smartly designed and executed, and great fun. The workouts are also highly motivating, which is an essential part of adherence to an exercise program. But the Peloton is also very expensive up front, and an ongoing monthly expense for as long as you use it.”
It’s also worth noting that the Peloton App boasts a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating on the Apple Store, with over 693,000 people shouting its praise. The majority of complaints involve the hefty price tag attached to Peloton equipment rather than the actual app itself.
Plus, in 2022, nearly three million subscriptions were reported worldwide! Customer expense concerns aside, Peloton is doing something right.
Photo source: Onepeloton.com
Tips + Final Thoughts on The Peloton App
As you embark on your Peloton journey, keep the following in mind:
Adhere to Peloton’s recommendations (found in the customer support section) for proper bike setup. Leggings or biker shorts are going to be your best friend throughout your Peloton journey. Also, remember to start with beginner classes before gradually working your way up through Peloton's difficulty and intensity levels.
Try out all of the Peloton instructors to find the one that’s perfect for you. At the start, focus on proper form and technique along with adjusting your body to the demands of a Peloton workout before worrying about leaderboard competitions.
Prioritize rest days and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Your body will immensely reward you for it. Also, stretch consistently after a ride or run to prevent injury and to ease sore muscles.
Soak it all in for a moment. Celebrity instructors, routines that make you sweat buckets, and the unmatched camaraderie of their supportive virtual community are what you have to look forward to with the Peloton app. Plus, you get all of this at home. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Regardless of which membership option and class workout types you decide to go with, this worthwhile investment won’t just benefit your health, it’ll change your life.
