Love a spin workout? Wondering whether a Peloton bike could be a great investment for you? Well, let’s explore the world of Peloton home workout equipment to find out.
What is a Peloton bike?
Basically, it’s a stationary indoor exercise bike – but with a twist. You’re not just spinning your wheels – you’re part of an interactive virtual spin class. Just turn on the screen and start streaming live workout classes straight into your own home.
- It’s fully adjustable, so the whole family can use it.
- If you don’t fancy live classes, you can stream workouts from the Peloton library.
- It’s pretty quiet, which is great if you’re spinning in a flat!
You can make your workouts more challenging by opting for the Peloton bike+, which lets you combine spin and strength training into the one class.
Don’t like spin? Not to worry. There’s also a Peloton treadmill with interactive classes, including running workouts and power walks.
How does Peloton membership work?
There are two membership types. Here’s a breakdown.
- All Access Membership: you need the bike or the treadmill to become an All Access Member. It costs £39 a month, and you can access everything from live workouts to the member leaderboard. One membership covers the whole family.
- Digital Membership: otherwise known as the Peloton App, this costs £12.99 a month per person.
What makes the app different, and why does it cost so much less? Let’s check it out.
What is the Peloton App?
You can do more than just spin with the Peloton App. In fact, you can access more than 10 class types, including yoga, strength training and running workouts. So if you want a little variety in your training, it might be worth downloading the app, too.
- If you sign up for All Access Membership, you don’t pay extra for the app. It’s included in the membership price.
- Otherwise, you can download the app for £12.99 a month.
Can I use the Peloton App without the bike?
Yes. Since the app includes various types of workouts, you don’t need a bike to enjoy what’s on offer. Just download the app and check out which classes work for you. Home workouts can get a little stale over time, especially during lockdown, so the app might keep you engaged and motivated.
All that said, there are plenty of other fitness apps available. If you’re not buying the bike, it might be worth checking out a range of apps to find your fit – there’s no reason to limit yourself.
How much will Peloton cost me?
Now for the big question – what’s the total cost of buying your own Peloton bike? Let’s break it down.
- Peloton bike: starts at £1,750 or £45 per month
- All Access Membership: £39 a month
- Cycling shoes: £119
- Bike mat: £49
So, all in, prepare to spend around £84 a month on your bike for All Access Membership.
You can always buy the treadmill instead, but it’s still pretty expensive. Expect to pay £2,295 or £59 per month for a basic treadmill, and you’ll still need a membership, too.
Is a Peloton bike cheaper than a gym?
Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s why:
- Basic Peloton cost per month: £97.
- Average gym membership per month: it varies depending on your location, but expect to pay somewhere around £40 per month.
- Personal trainer: training sessions cost somewhere around £40 per hour, but again, it varies.
The verdict? A basic gym membership is probably cheaper than buying a Peloton bike, and you’ll have full access to the facilities. However, if you also want the support of an instructor cheering you on, the bike has the edge price-wise.
Peloton: right for me?
It depends on what you want from a home workout experience.
If you enjoy spin classes and fancy spinning a few times a week, it might be worth it. That said, if you want the freedom to simply cycle and do your own thing on the bike, check out other types instead.
The same can be said for the treadmill. It’s great if you want to feel part of a class, but less great if you want to run or walk your own way.
For those of you looking for more variety in your workouts, you might be better exploring home workout apps, joining an outdoor gym or purchasing other gym equipment instead.
Home gym equipment lets you save money on gym memberships, but if you want to keep your gym membership too, maybe look for cheaper models than Peloton.
Just remember one thing – home workouts might be growing in popularity right now, but don’t feel pressured into buying equipment you can’t afford. Make sure you can comfortably take on new debt if you opt for financing, and don’t overextend yourself to buy equipment outright!
