I love my Peloton Bike. Seriously. This may sound like an ad but I promise you it isn’t. I’m not getting paid for this and for all I know the Peloton brand doesn’t even know I exist. But I do, and that’s ok:)
It all started about a year ago. I’ve always wanted a Peloton bike but let’s be real… the price is pretty hefty. I never thought it would be possible but always watched the ads longingly, wondering what life would be like if I had that wonderful piece of machinery. Ok…that may be a little over the top but I really have always wanted one. I even tried the hack where you buy a cheaper bike, add some devices and use the peloton app and bam.. just like the real thing, right? Not for me, it fell flat and I can tell you as someone who’s done both..the hacks simply don’t compare to the real thing. So when a used bike with the shoes and weights came up on marketplace, my husband and I jumped at the opportunity. In fact, he was the driving force in all of it. It was still a bit pricey (although nowhere near the price of new) but he knew it would be worth it. And I cannot thank him enough for launching me into my newest obsession.
Now then, let me add a caveat here. I’m in love with not only my Peloton bike but Peloton as a whole. It is a seriously amazing empire and they have this whole fitness/wellness thing sooooo figured out! If you’re not familiar with Peloton it is basically an interactive exercise program. It started primarily (I think) with a bike.. at least that was what was primarily promoted. And they have been adding more and more to the exercise repertoire. They have everything from indoor/outdoor cycling, indoor/outdoor running, rowing, strength, cardio, pilates, barre, meditation, boot camps, and the list goes on. I feel like everything I need in any given day is at my fingertips. If I want to work on adding strength I can, if I need to focus on my mind and sit and meditate for a while I can. If I want to do absolutely everything (so not recommended!) I can. I must admit, I’m still playing around with the whole of the app but so far my favorites are cycling, strength, barre , and meditation. Usually I cycle every day and add in one or two others depending on the load. Seriously, check out their app.. it is so worth it!
But now, what I’m really here for.. the bike. Some would say, it’s just a bike but I would say that it is so much more than that. It’s an experience, it’s a mindset, it’s an accomplishment. The workouts themselves are intense.. especially when you start getting into Tabata or HIIT/Hills. My first experience with a Groove ride just about killed me. I thought it would be a nice fun workout, maybe a little dance, a little fun. While I would say that is the case, it certainly was fun.. I would also say if you’ve never done one before be careful, they pack a punch! What I love most about the cycle rides though is that it’s not just physical, it is a focus on your mental load as well. Not only do they push you physically but they do mentally. So many times early on in my Peloton experience I would end my workout feeling exhilarated because not only did I accomplish more than I thought I could but I was encouraged the entire way. I was pushed towards greatness again and again. The nuggets of wisdom, encouragement, empathy …all of it. Especially for someone who was just starting her healing journey. It was huge for me and I will always forever be grateful for that. Even now I get blown away by what the instructors say and how they encourage. Some of my favorite nuggets (definitely paraphrased and not exact) …Stay here in this moment, it’s painful and awkward but it’s changing you; don’t try to change it, let it change you – Emma Lovewell. You are worth it – Leanne Hainsby Aldis. When you think you’ve given it your all give just a little more – Ally Love. Just wear the damn dress – Bradley Rose. There’s so much more, honestly I feel like I get something physically and mentally out of each ride and I look forward to how they are going to encourage me each time.
The physical change in myself along with the mental has been extraordinary. I’ve always felt I’ve been fairly fit. I would exercise fairly regularly (depending on the season) and always felt good about it. But now I feel strong. My body feels strong. I feel like I can tackle anything. My mind feels strong. I believe in myself. I know what I can do and I like it. I like how I feel. I like how I’m looking. I like the confidence it’s giving me to focus on myself, what I need and not care about the rest. For the first time I’m putting myself first and I’m wearing the damn dress and I feel good! God has given me this life, this body and no longer will I squander it. He has given me all of the tools I need to thrive and I will thrive.
I really hope this didn’t sound too much like a commercial, that was never my intent. I simply want to encourage others as I’ve been encouraged and pave a path to multi faceted health as others have paved for me. Simply put, I’ve promised you that I would share what’s worked for me in my life and in this healing process this bike has been consistently at the top of my list. There have been days I haven’t wanted to get on and more often than not now there have been days that I do. I’m coming up on my 150th ride and never thought I’d get this far. If you have a chance, I highly highly recommend it. I can say this has been one of the best investments in my healing journey and think it could definitely be for yours! But above everything else, even if Peloton is not the right fit for you.. invest in yourself. Invest in your healing, in your life, in you. I promise you won’t regret it.
