I would like to take a moment to introduce you to some of my friends. Their names are Emma Lovewell, Robin Arzon, Kendall Toole, Andy Speer, and Matty Maggiacomo. We have been hanging out every morning at 5:30AM over the past year. As I write this, they just sent an email wishing me a happy one-year anniversary. Thanks guys!! To tell you the truth, I have never met these people in person, but I feel like I know them. During the time that we have virtually spent together, they have not only changed me physically, but mentally as well. They are my instructors at Peloton.
This morning in 36-degree weather, I woke up and ran 5 miles. Yes, I did that intentionally with Matty in my ear giving me encouragement and it was invigorating. I am still in shock that I was just able to do this. Truth be told, I would not have been able to do that a year ago or ever in my life before. In fact, if this 43-year-old version of me went back in time to tell the chubby 16-year-old asthmatic version of me that’s what he did this morning. He would have thought he grew up to be delusional. I was the kid that would have to sit out of gym class for asthma. I never had any interest in physical activity or exercise at all, I wanted no part of it. I thought I knew myself, I enjoy watching movies and working on my 1966 Mustang, not fitness. So why the big change 27 years later? Well, thankfully I grew out of the asthma and my wife and I bought a Peloton.
If you have not heard of Peloton, it’s an American exercise equipment and media company that was founded in 2012. They are based out of New York City and are best known for their stationary in-home bicycle. There the folks that were mocked for their Holiday ad last year that portrayed a husband buying a Peloton bike for the wife. They not only offer classes on demand but live classes as well. Pre-Pandemic, you were able to go to the studio in person and take a live class while it was being streamed to everyone else at home. Along with the monthly subscription you also get access to their app. This is where you acquire instructional classes on Running, Yoga, Meditation, Strength, and Cardio. A very robust lineup for anyone looking for a healthier lifestyle.
Here’s how we decided on a Peloton bike. My wife has always been athletic and played many different sports in high school, clearly opposite of me. So, she’s more inclined to utilize exercise equipment then I am. We have two kids and are getting older and would like to be healthier. Both of us work and don’t have a lot of time to go to a gym, who does? We were looking for something that was low maintenance, didn’t take up a large space, easy to use, and something I might try to do. When I was a kid, I did enjoy riding a bike, it was to go to my friend’s house though, not for exercise. We heard great things about the Peloton and it seemed to fit our criteria, so we decided to give it a try. You also get a 30 trial to see if it fits your lifestyle. It didn’t take long to understand why everyone that has a Peloton loves it. It’s more than just a “bike that goes nowhere” it’s a culture and becomes an addiction. But this is an addiction that you want, it’s also good for you.
On the day of delivery my wife was not home from work yet and the kids were still in school. So, I decided to try it, I must admit I felt silly at first. I had never done anything like this before. It came with only one pair of sneakers and I chose to get them for my wife, I figured she would be using it more than me. I tried to just peddle with regular sneakers…not an easy task and not recommended. I still wanted to see what it was all about, so I found a 20-minute beginner class. The navigation of screen was laid out nice and very intuitive. This class was being taught by Jess King, I hopped on and was instantly hooked. I quickly ordered a pair of sneakers for myself and learned how to “clip in”. I started riding once or twice a week and that turned into every day. I did not feel silly anymore, in fact I felt guilty if I did not ride one day. It was not long before I hit my 100th ride or “Century Ride” as it is fondly called in Peloton terminology. For this, I was awarded a letter from the company and the coveted t-shirt solidifying my membership to this community. I’m kind of a big deal now when I proudly wear it around the house. There are other phrases you will learn along the way too, if your embarrassed to ask what they mean you can always ask me. It took a minute to figure out what a PR was and why people were getting them. (Ah, Personal Record)
Over the first 100 rides the initial change happens. There are three numbers displayed on the screen, they are cadence which is your speed, resistance which is how hard it is to peddle, and your output. Output is measured in Watts and is how much power you are exerting at any point in time. The bike is well thought out and good quality. Make sure you take your time to find the right position for yourself and you will be very comfortable. There are some online instructional videos that show you how to properly do this.
Do not be discouraged in the beginning. The more committed you are to this, the stronger you will get, and you will see your numbers rise. It’s fun to go back and take a class you did in the past and beat your own record. You start to try different instructors too and will eventually gravitate towards one or two that fit your personality. Sometimes it’s there encouraging words or their choice of music. Each instructor will create their own music playlist for the class. There is certainly something for everyone in terms of music choices. I will not voice my favorite instructor at the risk of hurting the others’ feelings. But they will want to hear from you too. Each one’s Instagram accounts are flooded with feedback of their most recent rides. They love the interaction, and they are happy to hear from you.
During any class you take there is also a leaderboard. This displays the other Peloton members who are taking the class at the same time as you. If it is an on-demand class, you can also see how you rank against anyone who has ever taken the class. For those of you who are competitive, this is where you will live. You also have the ability to give a virtual high five to the other members. It’s all encouraging and meant to make you feel like you are part of something.
“Peloton uses technology and design to connect the world through fitness, empowering people to be the best version of themselves anywhere, anytime.”
Peloton Mission Statement
As my journey on this bike began the Pandemic was also beginning. My time on the bike became a lifeline to the outside world. Everyone on the other side of the screen was experiencing what I was experiencing, and the relationships grew stronger. Bikes were being sent home to instructors houses so they could do classes from there. Instructors would take each other’s classes and you might get a high five from them too. They inspired and gave their followers an existence being their own living space. The amount this company cares about its community is astounding. I had intended to do an in-person class for my 100th but that was not possible. I did get a shoutout from Kendall though as it was a live class and instructors will announce big milestones for riders during the ride. Sadly, it does not look like I’ll be doing an in-person class for my 200th either. It’s only 3 rides away.
Right around the time of my Century Ride, I decided I wanted to try my hand at running, or should I say legs. Being I had access to all these fitness avenues on the app I wanted to explore my options. I mean I was getting to be a real athlete now, kidding. The weather was getting nicer, so I took my “friends” outside. After the first run my body pretty much said, “look man the bike may be one thing, but a runner you are not.” I didn’t listen. Robyn told me, “No challenge, no change.” The next morning, I got up and did it again because Kendall taught me, “They can knock you down, but they can never knock you out”. I am now alternating running and riding as well as meeting Andy on some afternoons for weight training. I am doing things I never thought would be possible. I feel better, I look better, and my attitude is better. They have given me the feeling that I am ready to take on anything. This indoor bike has even awakened my curiosity to the outdoors and all it has to offer. The other day I said to my wife, I would like to try hiking. I mean, I heard the words come out of my mouth, but I didn’t know who said them?
This is not just an exercise bike and if anyone tells you otherwise, they have not tried it. If you are already a Peloton member then you know. When real-life friends of mine receive their bikes, they tell me they are mad at me because I should have told them about it sooner. After a year of participation on this machine I can honestly say, I am glad I hopped on the bike that day. I am thankful for the Peloton community and I look forward to sharing more memories with you for years to come. If you are thinking about getting a bike don’t even hesitate. I hope I run into you guys at my next Peloton anonymous meeting, “I’m Monteleone77 and I am a Pelotonhalic, it’s been 365 days since I missed a class.” I’ll see you on the leaderboard.