There’s no denying the satisfaction you feel after a really good fitness class. When the sweat is pouring, your heart keeps beating and you just know that you absolutely crushed it – you get it. Peloton has done a great job of recreating that feeling at home, but it comes at a relatively high price that many people can’t justify: say, around $1,445 for the original Peloton bike and $44 per month for the Peloton All. -Access Membership. The best Peloton alternatives offer an at-home cardio boost with many of the same features and cost less than the real deal.
When we say « Peloton alternative » we’re not talking about a standard indoor exercise bike. The Peloton alternative bikes we’ve selected offer a group fitness or coaching experience from the comfort of home, either via a built-in display or via a connected app you can stream from your phone, tablet or laptop. Before, we’ve tapped into a handful of certified cycling instructors for their guidance when you’re ready to get in the saddle.
What are the benefits of using a Peloton alternative?
Opting for a Peloton alternative to a standard indoor bike will give you more of a community-focused workout experience than a bike without a screen or connected app. Why is this so important? “Research shows that there are multiple possible benefits to group training, such as boosting motivation, improving training performance and increasing intensity,” Charlie MeredithNASM-CPT, Senior Program Manager for Barry’s RIDE, says SELF. Having a certified instructor lead you on a ride is probably a safer alternative to buying an indoor cycle and riding it, especially if you have little cycling experience. And if you choose to use the attached screen to follow your favorite show on Netflix or take a virtual scenic ride, it could distract you from the difficulty of those intervals.
The benefit of going with a non-smart bike that has a tablet or laptop mount is that you can try out different workout apps, like Peloton, JRNY, Zwift, or Equinox+ instead of being tied to the one that comes with a smart bike. « I highly recommend testing the water », Amanda MargusityA Certified Spinning main instructor at cycle bar in Stamford, Connecticut, says SELF. « Do some research, sign up for a free trial, and ask your friends what they like. The most important part of your fitness journey is that you can’t wait to show up.
What should you look for in a Peloton alternative indoor cycle?
As we mentioned before, the hallmark of a true Peloton alternative is that there’s a way to take fitness classes via an attached display or tablet stand. Beyond that, Jordan ReichertNASM-CPT, lead instructor at cycle bar in Kansas City, Missouri, notes that « key features are those that help make the bike more accessible: adjustable settings to accommodate a range of bodies and potential injuries, and adjustable resistance for riders of all skill levels. » That said, check the bike’s weight capacity to make sure you’ll be supported both in and out of the saddle. You’ll also want to make sure the bike can be adjusted to your size. According to our experts, most of the bikes they’ve come across are aimed at people between 4’10 and 6’10 », but always check the brand’s website.
