I wanted to share one of my favorite, new ways that I have been squeezing in my cardio workouts. You’ve probably seen or heard of the Peloton bike. It’s a stationary bike with a screen for streaming live and pre-recorded spin classes led by Peloton instructors. The bike also tracks your stats such as calories, cadence, output etc… during your workout. If you choose to catch a live class, it can be a fully immersive experience with other riders and the instructor.
I decided to try the free trial of the Peloton app, streaming classes provided you have a spin bike that you can use. To test, I used a spin bike at the gym and was surprised how much I loved the classes. I have always liked spin and used to teach it many moons ago.
I was waffling back and forth whether or not to purchase the Peloton bike for my home to get the full “Peloton experience”. After running some numbers, I could not stomach paying $2,245 for the basic bike package and an additional $39 each month for the digital streaming membership. If you’re frugal like me but still want the great Peloton classes, here’s what I did as a Peloton bike hack that has worked out great!
I purchased this bike on Amazon for just under $300. It has great reviews and a 49 lb flywheel. I am very happy with it thus far. I am 5′ tall and use the lowest seat setting and it works great. The hubby says it was pretty easy to assemble (it took him about an hour and no curse words were uttered). The bike also has a handy water bottle holder.
I would recommend getting a padded seat cover. It’s a game changer especially if you are new to spinning (you’ll thank me!). I am really happy with this Schwinn memory foam one and it fits the bike seat like a glove.
Schwinn Memory Foam Seat Cover
Now most importantly how to track the cadence on your ride to keep in step with instructor cue’s. This cadence computer is a gem. I feel that it is really accurate and it is an important piece of the equation if you want to get the most bang for your buck out of the workouts. It tracks your cadence which helps you stay in step with the cadence the instructor calls out and music. I have found that I work much harder with the cadence computer to keep me honest. It also tracks the distance you’ve gone.
I also purchased this handlebar phone holder for $18.99 and it works great with my iphone X Max which is where I watch the workouts from. It even fits the much smaller iPhone 5 with a case on it. I use regular iPhone headphones or my Beats during the workout. You could also airplay the workout onto an Apple TV if you want it on a bigger screen with better sound.
You’ll want to get a yoga mat or some sort of mat to protect your floor if the bike’s not in the garage. I used one I already had but here is a similar one.
Lastly, I will be purchasing some different pedals for the bike so that I can utilize my spin shoes. The bike comes with pedals with cages for normal shoes, but not pedals with clips. An Amazon reviewer of the same bike purchased these Shimano pedals and said they work well so these are on my wish list.
Here’s the breakdown of what I spent vs. the Peloton bike and digital membership
Monthly app fee for streaming Peloton classes $12.99
Spent $382 (plus $12.99 per month) vs. Peloton Bike $2245 (plus monthly fee of $39)
Saved $1863 and $26 per month.
Whether you decide to go with my Peloton bike hack or buy the real deal, I can only say positive things about the Peloton app and their workouts. I have tried the running and yoga workouts and enjoyed them. The music is so well curated and the instructors are fantastic. Happy to answer any questions you have on the Peloton bike hack or my Peloton experience thus far.
Over The Hill & Glowing 