Should You Buy a Peloton?
First, let me start off by saying this is just my opinion. I have been asked by a lot of people, (since there's a big hype about it right now), if I think they should buy a peloton. My answer is probably a little more complex than you might think, and this goes for all at home workout equipment machines. Anyways, I'm going to break it down into a pros and cons list for everyone.
PROS
1. Super convenient - I have a home gym, and there is nothing more convenient than walking outside to the garage or into a room in your house and being able to get a great workout. This is a huge selling point for most at home workout machines, and the Peloton is no different. It's super easy to be able to jump on the bike in the morning before/ after work, workout for 30 minutes, and then go on about your day.
2. It'll get you moving - For those that are currently not working out, this could be GREAT for you. I'm all about doing things you enjoy, and if being able to do these virtual classes, or adjusting to your specific goal by changing the workout intensity (like the new Bowflex does), then I'm all for it. If you enjoy it, and it get's you moving, I'm all about it. Because at the end of the day, this will burn some calories and get you active, which is great for long term health.
3. Great accountability - This goes hand and hand with convenience, but having a bike or other piece of equipment taking up space in your home makes you wanna use it, and you kind of have no excuse as to why you can't use it since it's in your home.
CONS
1. Price - The Peloton is listed at $2,245, which is kind of steep for a stationary bike. There are plenty of other alternatives out there that give you the same piece of equipment, just without the brand Peloton or the classes that are installed, but, why not just YouTube a class? Just because this stationary bike is wrapped up all nice, doesn't mean it's worth the price. Concept 2 makes a better overall bike, in my opinion, and it's $1300 cheaper with a 2 year warranty, instead of a one year. Link to look at that is here
2. Membership - Not only do you have to buy the $2,245 bike, but you also have to pay a membership to be able to use the features on the bike. The membership is $39 a month ($480 a year) and you're forced into a contract for 1, 2, or 3 years. Sure, it say's you can cancel or pause anytime, but if you cancel, you have to pay off your remaining balance for the amount of years you agreed to.
3. It is just a stationary bike - I kind of touched on this on #1, but the Peloton didn't reinvent the wheel, neither do all these other companies that put out home gym equipment, they literally just find another way to market it better. But if you really break it down, it is just a stationary bike, which has been around for 50+ years. It's nothing special. I have actually been wanting to get a stationary bike, but Peloton isn't anywhere on my radar.
4. Other aspects of fitness? - So, I've heard a lot of people say they're thinking about canceling their membership because this is "all they need" for fitness, when in reality, this is a cardio machine.... this will burn calories, and get you active, but this does NOT replace all of the other aspects of fitness you NEED. You still NEED to be lifting weights/ trying to become stronger, getting better at functional movements you'll use the rest of your life (squats, lunges, pushups, etc) trying to become more mobile through stretching, and of course eating right. These things are non-negotiable and you will either do them now, or your doctor will tell you later in life when you HAVE to.
All in all, it's not a bad choice, if you want to spend the money and do it, because you need the group fitness feel, but can't go to a gym, then by all means, go ahead. I want everyone to be able to be healthier, and if this is something you think can help you achieve that goal, then do it! If it were me, and I was going to spend $2,300 (not including the price of membership), I would buy myself that Concept bike ($900) along with a bar, some dumbbells, and bumper plates ($700, maybe cheaper). This way I would have a way to get stronger, become more flexible, and get a great cardio workout, all while still being able to get a better stationary bike (in my opinion), all still $700 cheaper. This goes for all of those at home workout machines, Bowflex, Peloton, all of them! Anyways, that's just my two cents, what do you think?