My First Month Using the Peloton

Our Peloton arrived a few weeks ago, and so far so good. I'm loving it! I really have nothing bad to say about it. I'm on day 35 of using it, and I love how sore my muscles feel. In the good way, because I know I'm definitely getting my workout in.

When I started, I probably hadn't had a workout in months. Our move preparations definitely put a snag on my workout routine, and then eventually life got too busy. But they say, you are what you eat, so I do try to eat healthy the majority of the time.

Why did you decide to get into Peloton?

First, I should start off and say I have always loved spinning. It really is my cardio-choice of workout. I love the intensity, the sweating, the loud music, and that it gets my heart rate going. Also, Andrew is a cyclist so we knew we would both use it, and it would be worth our investment. But, we were also looking into a more convenient type of working out, especially for me.

What goals did you set for yourself?

Like any other thing you commit to, you should really set goals for yourself if you're investing in the Peloton Bike. When I first started, I made a few goals for myself. . . one, to use it at least 4 times a week; two, to keep my total output of at least 200 kj per 45-minute workout in the beginning, I'm now up to 345 kj; and three, to stay in heart rate zone 4 which just means I'll be breathing hard and cycling aerobically. If I train at this intensity, I'll be improving my speed endurance. And this is why you really need this heart rate monitor.

I should also say, that I didn't set a goal that was weight-related. I'm looking into being fit and if I keep eating right, I know I'll shed a few pounds. But it was more about getting stronger and being healthy, especially as I turned 40 this year.

How I came up with my total output number?

It was really when I used the Peloton for the first time at the Peloton studio. I kept my total output at around 200 kj and I was really out of breath. Knowing that I'm not in good shape and that at that number I was staying in my heart rate zone 4, I decided that 200 would be my number in the beginning, but I quickly progressed to over 300 kj.

Why I love the Peloton Bike?

There are so many reasons why I love it. Here they are:

The Peloton Digital App. I tell everyone that asks me if I'm loving it, that one of the main reasons I love it is for its content, and it's not just for spinning. With the app, you have access to so much more than just spinning classes -- outdoor running, yoga, meditation, stretching, abs and arms, and strength workouts.

Because of the App, I feel like I have my own personal trainer, and more like trainers as there are few instructors I love. My regulars are Cody Rigsby, Robin Arzon, and Ally Love.

Live and prerecorded classes. I have yet to do a live class, but I know I will. I just have to get it on my calendar. But I do love the prerecorded classes. You can scroll through the library and take any class previously recorded.

It's convenient. I mean it's in the comfort of my own home and I choose when/what time I want to workout.

Aside from the physical health benefits, it's so good for my mental health. I love the sweating, the intensity, and I'm a better person after every time I workout.

Quality. The bike itself, along with the accessories are truly high-end. Andrew is a cyclist and that's the first thing he noticed. The bike is also so quiet. If you're in the room, you'll probably only hear me being out of breath and won't even hear the bike spinning.

Is the set up difficult?

Once you order your bike, you'll get access to the app, and an email of when they expect to deliver your bike. The Peloton team that delivers it will set it up and get you started with the basics. You'll need wifi to access the app.

We had it set up in our downstairs family room. We're lucky in this house that we have a big "playroom" and so it made sense to have it there.

How do you track your progress?

With the app, you can track your progress. The total number of days you've used it in a month, the total number of calories per workout and total month, your total output, and it honestly keeps me motivated as I know I'm getting in shape and stronger. It also helps me stay motivated to beat my own personal total output.

Do you get bored of it?

It never gets boring for me. One of my fears when we got it was that I would get bored of the same classes, but there's so much variety. There's really something for everyone. You can pick your workout time, 20, 30 or more minutes, your intensity level, the type of music you like, and arm workouts {or not} included with the spinning.

How do you stay motivated to keep working out?

Trust me, there are days that working out is the last thing I want to do, but I force myself to get on it for at least a 30-minute workout. I mostly do 45-minute workouts though. After its done, I feel so much better. I also diffuse some essentials oils {eucalyptus or something seasonal as its fall} during my workout and it gives me that extra motivation I need.

What are your favorite high intensity workouts?

Tabata rides. When I feeling like I overindulged the night before, I force myself to do a Tabata ride. They're so hard and every single time I do one, I regret choosing it in the first 5 minutes of the class, but I pull through until the end. Well, because probably too much pizza and wine the night before. But I feel so much better when it's done. No pain, no gain!

Is there a discount?

As far as I know there is a military discount if you're active {not sure about former}. You get the essentials package included with the purchase. And we used the military discount to purchase it.

Is it expensive?

I know the cost is probably a little much, but it's almost equivalent to a gym membership, if you divide it by month. When you put it that way, it really isn't all the bad. And there's a 39-month free financing program which we opted to do. In the end it's an investment in our mental and physical health. The app is $39/month with access to all of Peloton's content. With the bike and app included and no money down, you're looking at between an average of $100 - $120/month for 39 months. Of course, at any time before the 39 months are up, you could pay it off completely.

What other equipment do you recommend to make the experience better?

We use a heart rate monitor, wireless earphones, and an Apple/Garmin watch that tracks our stats. You can see my full list of fitness essentials in this post.

Did you get the extended warranty?

We did, just like we usually do on high-end electronics {iPhones, laptops, camera}. It bumps the warranty from 12 months to 39 months and it only costs $230.

How do you clean it?

I made my own cleaning bottle of essentials oils that clean and kill germs. I did a few drops of Purification and Thieves mixed with distilled water. You can learn more about essential oils here.

If you are considering getting one, don't hesitate to reach out and ask other questions I didn't cover here. Also, let the Peloton team know we sent you {account is under Andrew Mueller}.