My two-year peloversary

Are you sick and tired of reading yet another post that includes the word Peloton? Ah well, that’s what you get around here these days… I try to keep it short, but today is a day of celebration and I cannot let this day go by without acknowledging the fact that it’s been two years since I pulled the trigger and bought my Peloton bike. I really can’t believe that it’s been two years because, in some ways, it still feels like yesterday that I was impatiently waiting for the delivery truck to arrive.

I guess the most obvious question for these kinds of posts is always: do I still use my Peloton or has it become a clothing rack?

Hahaha.

If you’ve been here for a while, I don’t think you need any convincing that yes, my Peloton bike is very much in use. And if you think that at least the excitement must have worn off, you are mistaken. In the last year, I completed 1,651 total workout sessions, almost 500 more than in my first year. 429 workouts were on the bike, and I have found my love for stacking workouts. I am in my third year of completing a 365-day streak, and I haven’t missed a day with Peloton in 959 days.

For the visually inclined (like me), here’s a quick pie-chart for your viewing pleasure.

I know some of you probably think I am going a little overboard with all the challenges I am participating in. Sometimes I think that, too. But most days, it’s just really fun for me and it challenges me to try different types of classes and instructors and it really keeps things exciting.

This is not going to be a post that will go into the details about what a Peloton is (you probably know that by now, but you can ask me any questions) and I am not going to try to convince you to buy one (although I can make a case for it if you want). Those of you who have the bike probably understand the hype, but it’s totally ok if you don’t. I have plenty of people who happily talk with me about all things Peloton, so I am not offended if that’s not your thing.

But for my peloversary, I still want to share some things that stand out for me.

7 REASONS WHY I STILL LOVE MY PELOTON BIKE

THE COMMUNITY

I mentioned before that I am pretty self-motivated when it comes to exercising and I am pretty much a solo-runner (most days), but I still thrive on the community aspect of exercise. Therefore, I cannot overstate the impact of the Peloton community overall, and my Streakers365 group in particular. There are other split-off groups like PZPack, PeloFondo, and Barkle that are built around the Peloton platform with challenges, competitions, and races. There’s really no shortage of tools to stay engaged.

WORKING OUT WITH FRIENDS

This is not hyperbole. As you know, I’ve been doing this Peloton thing with Tanja since the beginning, but I’ve also made some new friends along the way. We communicate outside of workout sessions and I’ve been lucky to have met some of them in real life earlier this year. If you want to work out with someone, there is a good chance that you’ll find someone who will hop into a class with you.

THE CONVENIENCE/FLEXIBILITY

You might recall that pre-pandemic, I used to go to the gym 3-4x per week and I would often leave at 4:30 am to get a workout in before heading to the office. Thinking about this now makes me wonder how I did that. I know it’s all a matter of habit, I did this for years. But I have to say that it’s been really nice to scratch that commute, sleep in a little longer, and still get my workouts in before work (or sometimes even during my lunch break or in between meetings).

THE STATS!

Come on, you know I am a nerd and I need ALL THE STATS. If something can be measured, I want it measured. I thrive on graphs and statistics because they visualize my progress.

THE TRAINING PROGRAMS

Peloton has a lot to offer and if you’re here for the fun, the music, and the theme rides, more power to you. Not every workout has to be goal-oriented, in fact, I believe it’s the power of Peloton to offer something for every type of athlete. It doesn’t matter if you’re pushing for a new PR or just want to move your body on a regular basis.

I am here (mostly) for the training programs, although I occasionally fit in some classes “just for fun”. The Power Zone Program is obviously one of my favorites, but I have also done quite a few strength programs that the platform offers.

THE VARIETY OF CLASSES

From 5 minutes to 90 minutes, there is a class for even the shortest time slot in your day. I used to think “how much time do I have today” and then picked one or two classes to fill that time slot, now I vary my workouts by stacking a bunch of shorter classes. It’s fun and also a little trick to get yourself started in the morning. If your first class is “10 min morning yoga”, your brain thinks “oh, I can do 10 minutes”. And, as we all know, it gets easier once you’ve started, so the other classes in your stack just fall in line.

LIVE CLASSES

I don’t do live classes all that often but it is fun to tune in live. The instructors see you on the leaderboard and often give shoutouts for birthdays or milestones. It’s almost like you’re there in the room with them.

It’s become increasingly harder to get shoutouts ever since in-studio classes resumed, but I am still holding out hope for a shoutout for my 1,000th ride (which is coming up pretty soon!).

THE HAPPINESS FACTOR

If you’ve seen my “Weekly Run Downs”, you know that I usually sport a big smile on my face in my post-workout selfies. Endorphins are real. This bike/platform makes me so happy. Not one day has gone by when I haven’t been excited to see the bike in my living room.

And that, my friends, is the best reason of all, amirite?

Tanja
August 17, 2023 at 11:36 am

Happy Peloversary my friend. It’s crazy amazing how the bike connects us with like minded people and I cant wait for the next in-person-meet-up with our Pelo-Family! Glad you pulled the trigger 2 years ago! #pelobestiesforlife
1. San
  August 18, 2023 at 2:10 pm
  
  Thanks my friend. I am so glad I took the plunge and we’re in this “cult” together, ha <3
Elisabeth
August 18, 2023 at 4:32 am

This is just incredible, San! Such a great experience for you and I love that you USE it. Exercise equipment is so stereotypically an expensive piece of dusty furniture in a corner and you are the EXACT opposite. You’re healthy, happy, and such a great advocate for exercise and taking care of your body with physical fitness. I love the array of workouts you do and how passionate you are about Peloton.
1. San
  August 18, 2023 at 2:11 pm
  
  Thank you, Elisabeth, for the kind words. I always hope I don’t come off as braggy or preachy when I share my exercise journey, but you make me feel like it comes across the right way… just excited and passionate about this stuff <3
Jenny
August 18, 2023 at 5:31 am

Happy Peloversary! i don’t think you’re going overboard with the challenges- it’s clear that you really enjoy them. Peloton is really inexpensive for all the things you get, and you really take advantage of it all!
1. San
  August 18, 2023 at 2:11 pm
  
  Thanks Jenny, I am glad you don’t think that I am going overboard LOL I know you understand the “wanting to do it all” mentality ;)
Nicole MacPherson
August 18, 2023 at 5:43 am

I will never get tired of hearing about Peloton. I love mine so much too.
1. San
  August 18, 2023 at 2:12 pm
  
  Thanks Nicole, I know you’re equally excited about all things Peloton :)
Engie
August 19, 2023 at 8:37 am

Your enthusiasm for Peloton is so clear. You should definitely try to get an ambassadorship with them! Your enthusiasm even makes me think I should get one, although I know mine WOULD turn into a clothing rack!
Stephany
August 19, 2023 at 7:58 pm

Happy anniversary! I still want to buy a Peloton. SOMEDAY. Maybe when I’m using the spin classes more frequently (I’ve become a huge fan of the strength classes over spin lately!) For now, my little knockoff spin bike works just fine for my needs.
1. San
  August 20, 2023 at 11:56 am
  
  I think it’s smart to hold off… you really gotta use the bike to make the cost worthwhile… and it sounds like you’re taking advantage of the other classes on the app right now and that’s great!!
Tobia | craftaliciousme
August 19, 2023 at 11:57 pm

So happy to see you so happy about your Peloton two years in. I guess for many the bike did become a clothing rack. I can see why all the pints you listen make for a great experience.
1. San
  August 20, 2023 at 12:02 pm
  
  Thank you :)
Lisa of Lisa’s Yarns
August 20, 2023 at 6:08 pm

I’m glad the bike has been such an amazing investment for you! I remember when you bought it and were hemming and hawing about the cost. It’s clearly more than worth it! And if you are enjoying the challenges then you aren’t doing too many IMO!
1. San
  August 23, 2023 at 7:29 pm
  
  Thanks for the support, friend. I appreciate it. You’re right – about the investment in the bike AND the challenges :)
Kim
August 31, 2023 at 10:41 am

The happiness factor is the best part! I love that you love it. I really want to try one some day! I think they sound so great!
Anne
September 5, 2023 at 7:38 am

I looked at that picture of your bike and thought, WOW, is that her TV? HAH! It’s the monitor for the bike, right? :)
I love how much you love your bike – and that you are not afraid to share that love. A Peloton bike is not in the cards (or, um, the budget) for me, but it’s so much fun seeing all the benefit you get out of it!