Hey-O! Like a lot of my post, this one started with a selection of crowd sourced ideas on Instagram around the Peloton bike and alternative options. Similar to my ginger ale post, I had a simple question and you all let me get carried away as usual. So I am giving the internet the post it never asked for, a comprehensive look at alternatives to Peloton. Scroll straight to the chart if you just need answers.
*This post does contain affiliate links, which means you purchase at no cost to you using the links below. All opinions are my own.
- Peloton // 2. Nordictrack Commercial S22i // 3. Sunny Health SF- B1879 // 4. Myx Fitness // 5. Echelon EX5s // 6. Bowflex C6 // 7. Soul Cycle // 8. Proform Carbon Cx PFEX63919
Why I am Looking For A Stationary Bike Even Though I Hate Cycling
I am on the hunt for a fitness bike even though I don’t usually enjoy spinning. My local spin classes were at 5 am with people who regularly go and know each others names like that bar on Cheers. I distinctly remember hating the high fiving and singing along to songs. Plus, the stationary hamster wheel like activity and the numb butt just drove me to the brink.
But with COVID-19 and the move to the new house, I am singing a new tune. I can’t swim and run like I prefer -no sidewalks for safe running in our new neighborhood and we moved too far from our old gym. But I can at least get some activity in our home.
Factors You All Love About Peloton
Prior to lockdown, I had several coworkers rave about Peloton and when I polled the audience over on Insta, here are the things that stood out.
- App- The number one thing mentioned even by those who don’t own the Peloton
- Instructors- Many folks even recommended their faves by name (yes, yes I will try Cody’s classes, promise.)
- Diverse Classes- More than just a spin class, there seems to be a wealth of different classes
- Lack of Commute- Really time is of the essence for most and the ability to take a twenty minute class in the time it takes to commute to the gym was key for you
- Social Feel- Peloton classes feel social even when you are doing them from home alone
- Privacy- Feels social but isn’t social and you can get your sweat on without feeling watched
- Great workout- You can actually get really sweating in just twenty minutes
Most Important Factors to Me
- Price- Let’s be real here, this could be a passing fad so I need to make sure the one I snag isn’t going to cost me the same as a used car.
- Diversity of activities- We’ve established that I hate indoor activities. I need to be entertained in the same way I would in a live class and the only way I can do that is with more activities that just the bike.
- Diversity of instructor bodies- I’d love an option where not all the instructors have the same form, gender, race, age, size. I am looking for an option that represents the real world as much as possible. (I am assuming this will be difficult to accomplish but I can still hope.)
- Weight- I need a bike that is heavy enough to feel stable and not shaky but light enough that I can move it without Marcus around.
- Size- Want something that can go into a closet if necessary.
Suggested Stationary Bikes and Comprehensive Look at Alternatives to Peloton
As usual when I do anything that will inevitably involve you, I like to take your opinions. Here are the most suggested bikes when I asked over on Instagram and how they ranked on key features.
My Personal Selections
Worth noting. several people offered up multiple non-bike options, like the Hydrow Rower and multiple treadmills. While these looked fun, I had to pass because of the lack of diversity of the exercises. I am not looking to do one activity forever so those kind of activities just wouldn’t suit me.
When it came to bikes due to price, weight and desire for diversity of activities, I narrowed my choices down to Myx Fitness and Proform which both would give me the best bang for my buck. I will use it with the corresponding app and then transition over to trying the Peloton app for a little while and see which I like best. Hope this comprehensive look at alternatives to Peloton was helpful for you!
****Edit: 11/19/2020 Since I first wrote this list end of 9/2020, I partnered with Myx Fitness to review a bike. So far, I love it. Review coming shortly but you can use PREPFORDWIFE from Myx Fitness to get $150 off your order and Free shipping.