Last month, the Disney Plus app got a major redesign. Next year, Disney is merging the Disney Plus and Hulu apps into a single Disney Plus app, and it's already integrated a lot of Hulu content into Disney Plus. Ahead of that merger, Disney changed its flagship streaming service app so content would be more easily accessible, including a new navigation bar and more personalized recommendations.

But that app redesign was limited to U.S. subscribers — until now. Yesterday (Dec. 3) Disney announced that the newly redesigned Disney Plus app is being rolled out to all international subscribers.

That means subscribers outside the U.S. will now get the new user interface with the navigation bar and four tabs: For You, Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN (this change is only on smart TVs and streaming devices). You'll also start to see more personalized recommendations in the For You tab.

Additional changes include a new Live hub, rrepresented by a lightning bolt icon on the sidebar); a new video display in the hero (top) carousel; a new, more dynamic brand row that now also includes Hulu Originals, FX, ESPN Originals, and ABC News; and updated content rows that feature cinematic poster-style artwork and now include badges like “Season Finales," “New Series," and “New Movies.”

Now, just because you can access content from all three brands doesn't mean that all of the content from all three is now available on Disney Plus. Access to ESPN content requires that you be subscribed to a bundle with ESPN included. Hulu content, meanwhile, also requires a bundle with a Hulu subscription, but even then, not everything from Hulu will be available through the Hulu hub on your Disney Plus app. Disney also says that only some international users have access to ESPN, and that ESPN's availability will vary based on country.

U.S. users have been able to use the updated app for about a month now, so if you've read this far, you might be wondering, "What's in it for me?" Well, the app itself isn't changing if you're in the U.S., but Disney is adding a supported device, guaranteed to give your workouts a boost.

Disney Plus now available on Peloton

If you've ever used a Peloton, you know it's got a screen perfect for watching shows and movies. But you bought your bike or treadmill to work out, not to binge-watch.

Well, now you can do both. Yesterday (Dec. 3), Disney announced that you can now stream Disney Plus content directly on your Peloton equipment. No restrictions either; you can watch the full Disney Plus library.

To access Disney Plus on your Peloton, you just need to do two simple steps. On your screen, tap the Entertainment tab. Then, select Disney Plus and enter your Disney account email and password to log in. Once you do that, you can binge-watch till you drop, though maybe take a break from binging and biking if you think you're actually going to collapse.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to get Disney Plus and Hulu for free
• 6 Scorsese movies were just added to Netflix and Paramount Plus — here's what I'd stream first
• HBO Max just messed up 'Mad Men' and it makes me sick

Earlier this week, Amazon Web Services suffered a serious outage that took down a good portion of the internet, with major disruptions to apps like Snapchat, Strava, and Venmo. The outage caused by a Domain Name System resolution issue lasted multiple hours, as some reports claimed it affected at least 1,000 different apps and services.

We tracked some of the larger services that were disrupted, including Zoom, Roku, and Ring cameras. But the outage affected others, too. After all, AWS is a major backbone of the internet, covering 30% of the cloud industry according to ABC News. So that means a lot of devices and services are vulnerable when outages hit, especially some that are quite surprising.

Here are five services you may not have expected to get taken down by this week's AWS outage.

Smart beds

Any product you can think of probably has a smart version at this point. Eight Sleep makes smart mattresses, and it's normally among our best smart beds picks.

However, the AWS outage managed to cause problems for the company's $2000+ "Pod" mattress covers, as reported by Dexerto. Instead of totally shutting down, the covers had no off mode, leaving some stuck heating up or in odd positions.

The Pods have on-device buttons for controlling temperatures without your phone, but it does require an internet connection to make the adjustments. With a lack of an offline mode, the temperature could not be lowered or recline modes stopped.

Eight Sleeps' CEO Matteo Franeschetti posted: “We will work the whole night+24/7 to build an outage mode so the problem will be fixed extremely quickly.”

On October 22, the company introduced a new "Backup Mode" that is supposed to allow you to make changes via Bluetooth in the Eight Sleep app if an outage is detected.

The Premier League

Surprisingly, even major sporting leagues like the English Premier League were hit by the AWS outage.

As seen by The Mirror, England's top league confirmed that a match between West Ham United and Brentford had to be played initially without the use of semi-automated offside technology, which was only implemented league-wide this past April. Instead, the refs relied on virtual offside lines, which had been used in previous seasons.

"Due to the impact of today's global AWS outage, this evening's match will now begin without the use of Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT)," the Premier League Match Centre X account posted on Monday.

During the second half of the match, SOAT returned. The technology is supposed to place digital offside lines using optical player tracking and produces the graphics showing offside during broadcasts and in stadiums.

Apparently, the system migrated to AWS in 2024.

Peloton

At the same time, Peloton reported that its services were impacted by the outage. Peloton subscribers were unable to access classes or even search for them. Peloton's services went up and down where it was confirmed the Studio platform for booking classes was intermittently available.

While the AWS outage was mostly over by 3 pm Pacific. Peloton didn't mark its outage as resolved until October 21, though the company reported its services were "back in an operational state" by 4 p.m. ET on October 20.

Airlines

Some airlines were hit by the AWS outage though it wasn't nearly as bad as the massive Crowdstrike outage that took down thousands of Windows systems offline in July 2024.

For the most part, it appears the AWS outage only affected websites for United and Delta which led to fliers being unable to check in or check ETAs for their flights using the company sites.

A United Spokesperson told customers on X that it experienced "a system glitch affecting our online tools." The company later told CNBC that some of its internal systems were affected by the outage.

Delta confirmed that it had some minor delays but also told CNBC that the company did not “anticipate any significant customer impact moving forward as a result of this event.”

The issues are compounded by the ongoing US government shutdown, which has caused air traffic controller shortages that are delaying thousands of flights.

LitteRobot

One thing you don't want taken out by a global outage is your cat's litter box. Unfortunately, owners of the automated Litter Robot 4 litter box discovered that the AWS outage gummed up the works for the cat box.

As one Redditor noted, "It's wild to me that I am required to rely on a random server somewhere just to control the litter box on my own network. C'mon whisker, give us the option for local control."

The company acknowledged the problems on X in a response to a complaint.

"Some Whisker app functionality may be impacted by a brief system outage. We're monitoring this situation closely," the company account posted. "All Litter-Robot functions will perform as they should, but you may see a delay in Whisker app related activities and status updates."

Unlike the Peloton or smart beds, the Litter Robot still worked as a functional place for cats to do their business — it just didn't clean up or respond to app requests.

So, in one way, the $700 device did its job.

More from Tom's Guide

• I got roasted by an AI Snoop Dogg in Amazon Luna — GameNight hub is set to take on Nvidia and Xbox cloud gaming
• Ninja Slushi lovers have found the perfect storage solution — and it's only $32 at Amazon
• Amazon's $2.5 billion settlement — how to get your payment and when they're going out

For some people, being a morning person or "early bird" is easy. It comes naturally to them and fits with when they feel most energetic and productive each day.

For night owls, the opposite is true. Their energy levels seem to peak in the evening and they can power through tasks at twice the rate they can when getting up and feeling groggy in the morning.

There are also a lot of people who don’t naturally fall into either camp, and those people might find they benefit most from training to be a morning person. After all, getting up early is one of the top sleep hygiene habits of the highly successful.

For advice on how to become a morning person, and why it could be worth trying, I spoke to Peloton instructor Ben Alldis.

What are the benefits of being a morning person?

“Being a morning person means there’s extra time in your day, at the start of your day, which is when you’re feeling most fresh to use as you would like,” says Alldis.

“You can get an early start to workout, or get out for a dog walk, or just spend a moment with a coffee and some calm before a busy day begins. It allows for as much productivity or slowness as you desire.

“It’s time that is free from noise and distractions, and if I can be disciplined enough to not check my phone for maybe the first hour after waking, I’m setting myself up for a really good, positive day.

“If we look at the science of it all, waking up early often means a good, healthy sleep pattern, which creates better energy, mood, and even immune function. It also becomes a really great slot for building habits, such as making a healthy breakfast and getting outside at the start of the day, things that are much harder to fit in once the day gets busy.”

What makes it harder to be a morning person?

“I would say there are many challenges that can affect waking up early,” says Alldis. “As a soon-to-be dad myself, I already know that an inconsistent sleep routine will definitely make my early morning routine look very different.

“The reality is there will be disturbed sleep due to children, different working hours for people, and social commitments that can push bedtimes back. Another thing to consider is that our natural rhythms are different. For some people, they can feel more energized later in the day, and therefore sleep later in the mornings. This is the ‘night owl’ in people, and it doesn’t link well with early mornings.

“I think we’re all guilty of late night scrolling on the phone or ‘one more episode’ of your favorite show, which definitely has an impact on our sleep quality and ability to wake up feeling refreshed. Last but not least, caffeine too late will always mean that sleep is hard, and waking up early even harder.”

How to train yourself to be a morning person

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• 12-year study reveals the type of exercise that makes you live longer — it's not cardio
• Forget planks — I tried the wall bear hold to strengthen my core and I’m not going back

After what seems like ages, Peloton is giving all of its exercise equipment — treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines — a big makeover with better displays and niceties like built-in fans. But just as significant is the launch of Peloton IQ, a new feature that couples AI with cameras built into the devices to deliver a much more customized fitness regimen and provide live guidance as you're working up a sweat.

I got a chance to check out the new Peloton Tread+ and Bike+, as well as Peloton IQ; here are my initial impressions, as well as what I think are some pretty cool new things coming.

Peloton Tread+, Bike+, and Row+

Peloton's treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines all look similar to their previous models, but with a notable difference: The displays on all three models can now rotate 360 degrees, making it easier to use them for off-device workouts.

There are a few differences between the regular and the Plus models. For starters, the base model displays are 21.5 inches, versus 23.8 inches on the premium models. While I don't have the specifics yet, the display on the Tread+ certainly appeared to have a higher resolution than the original Tread+.

You also get some other niceties when you pay up: On the Plus models, above each display is an improved speaker tuned by Sonos that will deliver a more powerful audio experience. Embedded in the middle of the speaker is a small camera on a swivel that's used by Peloton IQ to analyze your form as you exercise. And, as an extra bonus, a small fan sits atop the display to keep you cool as you work out.

Finally, all three Plus models will feature hands-free voice control, so you can say "Okay Peloton" to change the speed of the treadmill, look for different music tracks, and start and stop workouts.

The Bike, Bike+, Tread, and Row+ can be professionally installed in your house for $150; if you buy the Tread+, it'll run you $299. Having tested the previous version, you'll definitely want to spring for this service.

As with every model, you'll also need to sign up for a Peloton membership, which runs $49/month.

Peloton IQ

Peloton IQ uses AI to basically become your own personal coach. In the most simplest terms, it analyzes how well you do during your workouts, and then automatically tailors its recommendations based on the goals you want to hit.

In addition, it also takes into account your preferences for instructors and music when suggesting classes to take.

While Peloton IQ is available for all Peloton members, it's fair to say that those who have the most expensive gear — the devices with cameras built in — will get the most out of it.

In one demo that we watched, a representative followed along with a weightlifting exercise. On one half of the screen, the instructor went through the motions, while the second half of the screen showed a feed of the Tread+'s camera, with the rep following along.

The camera drew a white rectangle around the representative as he was exercising, and if his form was less than ideal, it would display a suggestion on the screen, as well as speak instructions on how to better perform the routine.

Weight Rack

For those into strength training, a feature called Weight Rack will track your reps and volume, and offer suggestions to increase or decrease the amount of weight you're lifting, or change the number of reps based on your goals and how you've been performing based on your form and other metrics.

Workout Generator

This feature lets Peloton members input things such as what muscles they want to work, experience level, and how much time they have, and Peloton IQ will then offer a workout tailored to those requirements. In addition, you can take any on-demand instructor-led strength class and modify it to suit your goals. While you'll no longer have the instructor giving you guidance, you will be presented with videos showing the proper form for each exercise.

Integration with Apple, Garmin, and Fitbit

If you have an Apple Watch, Garmin, or Fitbit device, you'll be able to sync your account with Peloton so that you can get credit for any workouts or activity you do away from the Peloton machines. While it won't be able to sync every metric — the best Garmin watches can get pretty into the weeds, especially with running stats — it will be able to link the major ones, such as pace and heart rate.

Outlook

As usual, Peloton's devices don't come cheap. The second-gen Tread+ is $700 more than the original, the Tread is $300 more, and the Bike+ is $200 more than the model it's replacing. Even before that, Peloton's gear was often the most expensive among the best exercise bikes and best treadmills.

Running on the new treadmill and cycling on the Bike felt just as good as on the older models; regardless of which you choose, I think the 360-degree rotating screen will be a real treat for those who need a bit more flexibility in where they do their workouts.

We're seeing AI pop up in all sorts of fitness gear, such as the Apple Watch's Workout Buddy, so it's no surprise that Peloton is also making it a feature in its new devices. We'll have to see how well Peloton IQ is at reading your vitals and tailoring your routine accordingly, but if it performs as advertised, it could make that pricey Peloton membership more of a value.

Peloton has just added kettlebell classes to its apps, giving you a new way to mix up your strength training. The first four classes are available now, with fresh workouts dropping every week.

These sessions blend traditional strength moves with explosive kettlebell techniques and cater to different fitness levels. Whether you're already training with the best kettlebells or just getting started, here’s a breakdown of the four class types:

• Kettlebell Basics: A beginner-friendly option, breaking down the fundamentals of kettlebell movements to build a strong foundation for progress.
• Kettlebell Strength: This class is mostly focused on strength training, with 80% heavy lifts. The other 20% includes fast, explosive movements factored into transitions between exercises.
• Kettlebell Conditioning: Here, the mix is 60% ballistic moves combined with 40% bodyweight and high-rep strength exercises. This style is designed to improve cardiovascular health and functional mobility.
• Kettlebell Strength & Conditioning: This hybrid training style combines strength and conditioning in a balanced 50/50 split.

How to access Peloton's kettlebell classes

Peloton's new kettlebell classes are available on both the Peloton App and the Strength+ App, but where you can access them depends on your location.

In the U.S., you’ll find the same kettlebell classes on the Peloton App. Plus, they're available on the Strength+ App, which also offers an exclusive two-week kettlebell program, led by former D1 football player and NASM Certified Personal Trainer Dre Mayes, alongside Peloton instructor Jess Sims.

In the U.K. and globally, kettlebell classes are available on the Peloton App with four classes to start and new ones added weekly.

Do you need to subscribe to Peloton?

While Peloton did once have a free version of its app, it discontinued this in April 2024. So, if you want to use the kettlebell workouts, you will need to sign up for a membership, but that's not as straightforward as it sounds.

If you're ready to download one of Peloton's apps, the situation has got a little complicated. For those with a machine (like the Peloton Bike or Peloton Tread), you'll need the All Access subscription level, setting you back $44/£39 per month.

All Access means you can use the smartphone-based Peloton App for free. This also applies to the App+ membership ($24/£24 per month), which gives you access to Peloton's classes, just not on their equipment.

But, if you don't already subscribe and want to start these new kettlebell sessions, you need the Peloton One membership, which gives you basic access to the Peloton App (but only three instructor-led classes) for $12.99/£12.99.

Or (and, yes, we're getting worn out with all the options, too), if you're in the U.S. and you're only interested in building muscle and not the brand's cardio sessions, you can sign up to the Strength+ app for $9.99 a month and start the new kettlebell workouts.

More from Tom's Guide

• I did 50 kettlebell swings every day for two weeks — here's what happened my body
• You'll never do crunches again — after spending 10 minutes on these three kettlebell ab exercises
• Peloton just launched its first strength training app — here's everything you need to know

The new year is here. If you’re looking for a fun and fresh way to stay in shape, these Peloton deals are here to help you do it with some savings to boot.

Right now you can get the Peloton Bike for $1,145 at Amazon. Meanwhile in the U.K., the Peloton Bike is £1,209 at Amazon. Full disclosure, these have been cheaper in the past ($1,095 in the U.S., £1,040 in the U.K.) but these are still some excellent savings. Plus, head to Peloton’s website and you can get two months of Peloton One membership for $2.49/month or £2.49/month across the pond. After the first two months, membership costs $12.99/£12.99 per month.

Keep scrolling to see my favorite Peloton deals right now. Plus, check out the deals I’d get from $19 in Best Buy’s weekend sale.

Quick links (U.S.)

• shop Peloton deals
• Peloton App One: $2.49/month for two months @ Peloton
• Peloton Altos Cycling Shoes: was $145 now from $104 @ Amazon
• Peloton Bike: was $1,445 now $1,145 @ Amazon

Quick links (U.K.)

• shop Peloton deals
• Peloton App One: £2.49/month for two months @ Peloton
• Peloton Bike: was £1,599 now £1,209 @ Amazon
• Peloton Bike Plus Starter Package: was £2,389 now £1,939 @ Peloton
• Peloton Tread: was £3,345 now £3,095 @ Peloton

Peloton deals (U.S.)

Peloton deals (U.K.)

Peloton just dropped a new app, and you don't need an expensive machine to use it. Instead, with just a couple of weights and a yoga mat, you can make the most of the new Peloton Strength+ app and build muscle at home or the gym.

And if you're already thinking that you've tried the Peloton app (which is one of the best workout apps around), this is a separate app focused solely on developing strength throughout bodyweight and resistance workouts.

It costs $9.99 per month and is available for iPhone in the U.S. starting today. And if you're already subscribed to the Peloton app, your existing membership means you get access entirely for free (unless you're on the entry-level Peloton App One).

Of course, if you have used the Peloton platform before, don't worry, you're not imagining things — Peloton has offered some strength workouts since 2018, and stepped things up in 2022 with the launch of Guide for tracking weights routines.

But the new Strength+ app is designed to take a more focused approach, forgoing Peloton's usual roster of exercise bike and treadmill sessions in favor of a custom workout generator and instructor-led multi-week programs.

Did Peloton really need a new app?

It's not a secret that Peloton has struggled to define itself in a post-pandemic world. The company soared during 2020 and 2021 as people switched to home workouts and needed equipment to train without leaving the house.

But then as life returned to a more normal state, people returned to the gym and in-person classes. Sales of Peloton's equipment dropped, and it has since prioritized making the Peloton experience more widely available.

Now there are three parts to the brand's digital offering; All Access which works with the machines, the Peloton App (in machine-friendly App+ and equipment-free App One editions), and now the Strength+ app.

On paper, it sounds confusing. But I think it makes sense to decouple strength workouts from the primary app. I've used the Peloton App before, and it is definitely catered to those with the brand's equipment.

There are plenty of great options there for strength and resistance workouts, but they're hard to find among the thousands of cardio classes (like the Defected Records spin class I went to earlier in the year).

Plus, spinning out a dedicated app means Peloton can actually cater specifically for building muscle, with features like the workout generator and short instructional videos designed for when you're at the gym.

When my colleague Kate Kozuch tried the Peloton Strength+ app a few months ago, she found this level of customization was useful, and being able to quickly switch out specific moves for alternatives meant she could tailor the routine to avoid aggravating her sore knees.

So while I think it definitely makes sense for Peloton to go this route, it's still a tough ask to get people to imagine the company as anything other than the brand that makes exercise bikes, especially when it's entering such a crowded market.

I use the Chris Hemsworth-developed Centr for my home workouts, and so the Strength+ app would have to really blow me away to make me switch. But, ultimately, it's about finding what works for your training, and to find a way to make exercise fun, as it's much easier to stick with it that way.

More from Tom's Guide

• Peloton's workouts are coming to the Fitbit app next month, at no extra cost to Premium members
• Peloton's free app bites the dust — here's 3 workout apps to use instead
• You can now read ebooks on your exercise bike, thanks to new Peloton and Amazon partnership

Peloton today (September 3) is taking the wraps off a new app, Strength+, aiming to connect the 12-year-old fitness company with novice and experienced gym-goers alike.

Strength+ will exist entirely separate from the familiar Peloton app experience that’s been centered around the brand’s own workout machines like Peloton Bike+ and Peloton Tread+.

Strength+ will launch first in beta, with interested users able to request an invitation to get started. Ahead of the announcement, Peloton gave me access to an early version of Strength+ so I could get a taste of how it compares to the existing Peloton formats — and whether it’s a viable answer to lost earnings (via Yahoo! Finance) and departing instructors (as reported by New York Magazine) as fewer people feel compelled to exercise solely at home.

“While Peloton is well-known for delivering a fantastic home experience, we understand that people crave flexibility in their workouts and that includes flexibility in a gym setting,” said Brent Tworetzky, SVP of Product for Peloton. “Peloton Strength+ is intended to be a standalone app built for an in-gym experience, whether that gym is in a commercial or hotel gym, or at a home gym.”

Tworetzky said through research and takeaways from the Peloton Gym feature that launched last year, the product team learned Peloton Members “are looking for a strength experience that supports them in the gym, including gym focus and gym flexibility.”

As a long-time Peloton Member trying out Strength+, I explored the two paths to using the app as an aide in my apartment building’s modest gym space: Create Your Own Workout and Programs. 

The custom workout builder let me specify my desired workout duration, target muscle group, difficulty level, and equipment access. I was served up a one-off gym plan based on my settings, with the option to swap out moves one-by-one or entirely refresh my curation until satisfied with the routine.

As someone with a knee that needs low-impact training, I definitely appreciated the option to replace squat jumps with weighted squats.

Programs are a bit more tailored, with gym plans created and the involved moves demoed by Peloton instructors, complete with the kind of audio guidance you might get from an actual personal trainer moving around the machines alongside you.

Instructor Andy Speer, who recently developed an exclusive five-move dumbbell workout for Tom's Guide, is among those working closely with the product team to introduce this gym-centric initiative, bringing his 15 years of experience as a personal trainer pre-Peloton to the Strength+ platform.

“There's a huge community, myself included, of people who really just like training at the gym, and we want to break into that market,” Speer told me. “We know we have amazing instructors who can give you well thought out guidelines and workout plans to take to the gym.”

I gave Speer’s four-week Ignite Your Strength program a go for a few days, following a circuit designed to progress towards 'feeling confident' and understanding 'gym flow'. “What we are doing is programming in a way that gives the member the most opportunity for success in training,” Speer said.

This goes beyond simply showing users how to complete moves to embrace education on gym etiquette and proper machine use via a feed of shorts-style, instructor-hosted videos that feel more off-the-cuff than Peloton’s polished studio content.

Not only did I find it refreshing to see the instructors (including Rad Lopez and Assal Arian in addition to Speer) in a new setting, but some of the videos actually taught me things I didn’t know about navigating the gym.

“There’s a certain, you know, ebb and flow to the gym floor,” Speer said. “We were really thoughtful about not putting people in positions where you have to do something here and then run over there and then save your spot and run back.”

With that in mind, Tworetzky hopes users will be able to “put the phone down” and added that the app “allows for using all or some of the equipment found around the gym, including bars and machines,” opening Peloton’s figurative doors to categories of gym equipment that has never been seen in its content before.

“Over the years I’ve honed in on how to make the best possible workouts on the Peloton platform with dumbbells and body weight, but I was really excited to just get back to all these endless opportunities here in the gym,” Speer said.

Another first for Peloton? Users have the option to bring their own music to the Strength+ experience rather than relying on instructor playlists. This meant I could run my favorite workout tracks on Spotify (but you can use any music streaming service) without interrupting the app’s audio cues.

Then, after my workouts, I could review my performance based on the honor system of lifted weight and completed reps. Strength+ creates a progress dashboard that visualizes results over time, and it presents motivation for me to actually improve.

“Tracking what you're doing is critical for progress, right?,” said Speer. “At the end of the day, we really want to give people the ability to track what they're doing. They don't have to write it down in a notebook or in a separate notes app on their phone. It's all right there, and that's how you're going to make progress.”

Peloton Strength+: What we know about membership pricing and the release date

Peloton has not shared pricing or an official release date for Strength+ yet. From my conversation with Tworetzky ahead of the app’s reveal, it seems Strength+ will either come at a separate monthly cost for non-paying Peloton users or be offered as an add-on for Peloton All-Access users. 

For now, Strength+ is available to try in beta. Interested users can request a beta testing invitation on Peloton's website. During the beta window, users will be encouraged to provide feedback, as both Speer and Tworetzky emphasized that the work-in-progress app will be tailored to meet user needs. 

“It's going to be evolving over the years as everything does, just to really tweak it and make it the best app possible,” Speer said. “The best part is this is just the beginning,” added Tworetzky. “We are excited to hear from beta users and improve the experience even further.”

More from Tom's Guide

• I'm using my Peloton bike more than ever after adding a second display
• I tried Peloton's first 30-minute Defected Records dance workout
• You can now read ebooks on your Peloton bike with new Amazon partnership

If your Peloton equipment has become a de facto laundry line, you now have another reason to put away the clothes and get riding, thanks to Peloton's new partnership with Amazon to bring ebooks to your treadmill and exercise bike display.

Like many of the best exercise bikes, Peloton machines have large, immersive displays so you can join the company's high-intensity classes. But sometimes, you just want to kick back with a leisurely spin or jog and read a book — and now you can. 

From what we can tell, Kindle ebooks are now available to anyone who owns a Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread or Tread+ exercise machine. If you have a Peloton device, you can find your Kindle library in the Entertainment tab at the bottom of the navigation bar on the device's display. 

As the Kindle app works on other devices, you can pick up a book where you left it and adjust the book. This includes adjusting font sizes, placing bookmarks and moving between chapters. Page turning is a simple tap on the display.

It's unclear from Amazon's announcement how you might integrate guided workouts into reading a book, though perhaps you would prefer to start a run or ride without a guide. Peloton hasn't officially made an announcement themselves.

Amazon provided several book recommendations in their announcement post if you want something new to read.

The Kindle feature isn't available everywhere but in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Austria and Germany.

DIRECTV Stream

In other Peloton and entertainment news, the fitness company is partnering with DirecTV to bring DirecTV Stream to what sounds like all Peloton machines, including bikes, treadmills and rowing devices.

The partnership enables exercisers to watch shows, news and sports while following workout routines via a new "Just Guidance" feature. The Just Guidance tool features workouts created by Peloton instructors.

DirecTV stream is DirecTV's package of live channels you can stream on smart devices. You did need a subscription with the entry-level "Entertainment" option starting at $59.99.

They also offer more sports-focused add-ons or packages. In our review, Kelly Woo said that the streamer works best for sports fans but might not compare to other live services like Hulu with Live TV or YouTube TV

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried Peloton's first 30-minute Defected Records dance workout — here's what happened
• Best Peloton alternatives 2024 for at-home cardio workouts
• Amazon found responsible for sale of hazardous 3rd-party products — ordered to recall 400,000 items

This year's Made by Google event saw the launch of several new phones and the Google Pixel Watch 3, an upgraded model of the company's flagship smartwatch. But in the hours after the event, Google-owned Fitbit and Peloton had a surprise announcement ready to go.

Continuing its shift away from hardware like the best exercise bikes, Peloton has teamed up with Fitbit to offer its workouts through the Fitbit app. There'll be a limited amount available for free, but you'll need a Fitbit Premium membership to get full access.

Then you'll be able to take strength, running, boxing, cycling, barre and Pilates classes, with new sessions added gradually over the coming months. Although we don't know which workouts will be available, it'll be an experience roughly equivalent to the Peloton App One, which costs $12.99 per month for access to off-equipment workouts.

This partnership, which will officially launch in September, could be a sign that Google is starting to position Fitbit Premium as an alternative to Apple Fitness+, the workout app designed for iPhone users and Apple Watch owners.

Although it's not quite as streamlined as Apple's take (yet), the partnership with Peloton makes the service better value, with access to Peloton's motivational, upbeat trainers. These instructors are celebrities in their own right and are a cornerstone of the experience, but previously they were locked exclusively in the Peloton app.

However, it's not the first time Fitbit has partnered with other trainers for Fitbit Premium workouts, as members already have access to classes from brands like Les Mills, Alo Moves and Yoga with Adriene. Plus, you get features not available through the Peloton App One, like recipes and detailed sleep insights based on the data recorded by your tracker.

If you already use one of the best Fitbits, this all makes Premium a lot more compelling than it was before, especially given the relatively lower cost of membership — just $9.99 per month. But Google, as it often does, is giving mixed messages.

At the Made by Google event, the company announced that the Pixel Watch 3 will have access to Fitbit's Daily Readiness Score, previously only available through Fitbit Premium. So if you buy the watch, there's less reason to take out a subscription.

And Fitbit's future as a hardware brand is still uncertain. When Google acquired the popular fitness tracker brand, it promptly removed features from Fitbit's top-tier devices and made them exclusive to Google-branded Pixel watches instead.

It's not unreasonable to think that Google may one day shift all of its efforts into Pixel devices, make the Fitbit brand a digital-only offering powering the fitness and wellbeing features on Pixel Watches and other Google hardware.

Which is what makes this announcement with Peloton more curious. On the same day that Google took one of Fitbit Premium's key features and made it available for free on the Pixel Watch 3, it announced a new paywalled offering for Fitbit Premium members.

We'll have to wait and see what Google actually has in store for Fitbit devices, and this team up with Peloton is a great deal for existing Fitbit Premium subscribers. But Google needs to make a choice — continue with Fitbit, or fold the brand into the Pixel team.

More from Tom's Guide

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• Google Pixel 9 — 6 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
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Some people find the gym motivational, but you don’t have to take out an expensive monthly membership to build muscle and strengthen your core (the muscles that connect your upper and lower body). All you really need is your body weight and a set of dumbbells to get started.

If you’re hoping to train at home regularly, we recommend picking up a set of the best adjustable dumbbells, as you can quickly change the load between moves and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger, following the progressive overload training technique.

It’s also fine if you have fixed-weight dumbbells, just be sure to choose a load that’ll challenge your muscles to get through a set but won’t affect your form. Then you’ll be ready to take on these three essential strength exercises recommended by Peloton instructor Jermaine Johnson.

According to Johnson, “These exercises provide a solid foundation for overall strength and functional fitness, making them suitable for individuals of all fitness levels and goals.” They’re also ideal if you’re a regular lifter, as you can adjust the intensity by increasing the weight.

What are Jermaine Johnson’s three top strength exercises?

Johnson says that the “three essential resistance training exercises [he recommends] for most people are squats, deadlifts, and push-ups.” You only need the dumbbells for deadlifts initially, as you can do bodyweight squats and push-ups until you feel ready to add weights into the mix.

“Squats target the lower body, engaging the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Deadlifts strengthen the posterior chain, including the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. Push-ups are effective for the upper body, working the chest, shoulders, and triceps,” explains Johnson.

Each move also engages your core, a section of mid-body muscle that connects the upper and lower body, helps increase your stability, boost your balance, and improve your posture. Plus, it’s also where you’ll find the rectus abdominis six-pack abs muscle.

How to do Jermaine Johnson’s three-move strength workout

When you’re tight on time, it can be tempting to train to a timer, setting yourself a target to get through several circuits, but Johnson advises to stick to repetitions initially. He recommends that you “focus on performing 8-12 repetitions with proper form, increasing weight as you progress.”

“Rep-based training lets you control how hard you're working out, making sure you're engaging your muscles properly and pushing them enough,” Johnson adds, but that you should “rest when needed, and maintain consistency. Proper technique is crucial to prevent injuries. With patience and dedication, you’ll steadily build strength and achieve [your] fitness goals.”

1. Squats

• Stall tall with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes slightly outward at 45 degrees.
• Begin to lower as if you’re sitting on a chair directly beneath you, sending your hips back in space.
• As you squat down, ensure that your knees track over your middle toe and your weight is evenly distributed through each foot.
• Make sure that your back is flat and lift your chest to avoid rounding your spine.
• Pause for a moment once your thighs are parallel to the floor, then push through your heels to stand and return to the starting position. That’s one rep.

2. Deadlifts

• Stand tall with a dumbbell in front of each foot, and feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
• Hinge forward, sending your hips back in space, bending your knees as you lower, with a straight spine and core engaged.
• Reach down to grip each dumbbell, hands shoulder-width apart and palms facing your shins.
• Reverse the process as you begin to lift back up, keeping your chest up and engaging your glutes to power the movement.
• Rise until you reach the starting position, then hinge at the hips and lower the weights back to the floor. That’s one rep.

3. Push-ups

• Start in a high plank position, with your hands shoulder-width apart and directly under your shoulders, keeping your spine straight and core engaged.
• Slowly bend your arms and lower your chest towards the floor, pausing just above the ground, and hold this position for a moment.
• Straighten your arms, keeping your core engaged and spine straight, as you return to the starting position. That’s one rep.

Can you build muscle with this three-move workout?

Each move in Johnson’s routine is an example of a compound exercise that works multiple muscles simultaneously. It’s an effective and efficient way to train and helps you develop functional strength that can help with everyday activities like walking and lifting.

But if you do this routine regularly, you’ll start to find the moves easier. At that point, you’ll need to adjust your training to keep seeing results. According to Johnson: “It helps to change up your routine and challenge your muscles in new ways.

“Reassess your workout program and make adjustments to increase intensity or volume. This could involve adding more weight, increasing the number of repetitions or sets, or decreasing rest intervals between exercises.”

Plus, you can vary the type of weights you use. “Dumbbells are versatile and allow for a wide range of exercises, making them great for targeting specific muscle groups with isolation movements. They’re also ideal for beginners due to their familiarity and ease of use.”

Meanwhile, if you want to challenge your muscles differently, engage your core, and work on your stability, it’s worth considering adding kettlebells into your routine. As Johnson explains: “Kettlebells offer benefits such as enhancing grip strength, coordination, and functional movement patterns. They’re particularly effective for dynamic, full-body exercises like swings.”

More from Tom’s Guide

• 7-move dumbbell HIIT workout to build muscle and burn fat
• You only need these 5 moves and a set of dumbbells to build full-body muscle and strengthen your core
• I did the Peloton core challenge — here’s what happened to my abs

You may think that you need the gym if you’re looking for a way to exercise, build muscle, and boost your metabolism. Fortunately, all you need is this five-move dumbbell and bodyweight workout designed by Peloton Instructor Andy Speer.

If you regularly train at home, it’s worth picking up a set of the best adjustable dumbbells, as these combine several weights, allow you to quickly change the load, and you can gradually increase the weight as you get stronger using the progressive overload technique.

But if you have fixed-weight dumbbells nearby, that’s fine too; just make sure that you choose a load that’ll challenge your muscles but isn’t so heavy it’ll affect your form. It’s vital to do each move with proper technique if you want to get the most from your session and avoid injury.

With weights by your side, you’ll be ready to take on this short exclusive routine developed by expert Peloton instructor Andy Speer. There are four dumbbell-based exercises in the circuit, alongside a push-up variation that only requires your body weight to try.

How to do Andy Speer’s five-move dumbbell workout

You can program these moves in any way you prefer, doing them all five in a row several times, adding them to the end of your usual workout, or adding specific moves into your regular routine, but our favorite technique is high-intensity resistance training (HIRT).

The aim is to exercise intensely in short bursts with minimal rest to work your muscles hard and boost your metabolism. If you want to try, do each move for 40 seconds, take a 20-second rest, then start the next. Repeat five times for a 25-minute muscle-building, fat-burning workout.

1. Snatches

You only need a single moderate dumbbell to do a round of snatches. According to Speer, for this move, follow the 3 P’s of the snatch; Pop, Pull, and Punch.

• Hips pop forward, by pushing down into the ground.
• Elbow pulls: dumbbells straight up, close to your body to chest level.
• Fist punches: Using the momentum created by your hips and pull, continue the upward motion by punching the sky.
• Finish in the standing position with the dumbbell overhead, arm locked.
• Pause for a moment, then control the dumbbell back to the starting position.

2. Swings

You’ll need two weights for the dumbbell swing. Speer recommends doing this a ski-style swing, as though you’re using two skiing poles at each side, rather than the traditional kettlebell swing, where you move the weight between your legs.

• Start in a standing position with dumbbells in each hand by your side. Don’t lean back, stand tall.
• Hips Back Hands Back: Push the dumbbells back as you pull your hips back into the bottom position of the swing.
• Pop It: Pop your hips forward, by pushing down into the ground.
• Lock It: Lock in the top position of the swing by squeezing your glutes, tightening your abs, and stopping the dumbbells at (or slightly below) chin level.

3. Walk out to push-up

You can put down the dumbbells for this move, as all you need is your body weight. According to Speer, “This move works your core, and upper body and will increase your heart rate. It’s sneaky and has a ton of benefits.”

• Start standing tall with a straight back and feet hip-distance apart.
• Reach down to the floor, find a gentle stretch in your hamstrings, place your hands on the floor, and walk them out to a full plank position.
• Perform one (or more) push-ups.
• Walk your hands back in toward your feet and stand tall.

4. Reciprocating rows

If you have adjustable dumbbells or a rack of fixed-load weights, now’s a good time to switch to a lighter set. This will help you keep your technique on track throughout the entire move. As Speer explains, “This move challenges the upper body, core, legs and the constant motion of the dumbbells really jacks up your heart rate.”

• Holding the dumbbells at your hips, hinge back to bent over row position.
• I like the wide or sumo stance for this move; you can do a traditional parallel stance as well.
• Row one dumbbell, then as you lower that weight, row the other, so both are in motion at the same time.

5. Thrusters

You’ll want to take a small increase in the weights to a moderate load for the thrusters. “This is a classic full-body strength move that will make you sweat,” notes Speer.

• Start with the dumbbells in a racked position at your shoulders.
• Lower into a squat and hold that position for a moment.
• Then, in one smooth motion, push back to a stand and drive the dumbbells overhead.

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In all my running — four marathons and counting — and all my training, I have mostly run by myself. There’s something about the solitude with my thoughts that’s appealing. What’s not appealing, however, is doing 10+ mile runs in the rain, or when it’s bitterly dark and cold outside. But, despite using them at the gym, I never bought a treadmill to use at home.

So, when I got the chance to review the Peloton Tread+, I was curious to give it a shot. I was also interested to see how I would respond to running in a group setting with an instructor, and if Peloton’s trainers really lived up to the hype. One of the reasons Peloton’s home equipment is so popular lies in its classes; some instructors have even become brands unto themselves. 

My wife was just as intrigued, so she created her own account and tried out the Tread+ with me. After dozens of miles and countless sessions — both on and off the treadmill — here’s what I think, and how it compares to some of the best treadmills on the market. 

Peloton Tread+ review: Price and availability

The second-generation Peloton Tread+ began shipping in December 2023. It costs $5,995 from Peloton, twice the cost of the standard Peloton Tread. Peloton does offer financing, but not the leasing model it debuted with the Bike and Bike+. Fortunately, delivery and setup is free. 

The Tread+ is an upgraded version of the base model Pelton Tread, with a longer running surface, slat belt, and a 32-inch display (compared to the Tread’s 23.8-inch screen). Because the machine is physically larger, it also weighs more — 455 pounds vs 290 pounds. Fortunately, it has wheels on the front of the machine to make it marginally easier to move around, if needed.  

In addition to the cost of the treadmill itself, you need to sign up for a Peloton App membership, which costs $44 per month. However, everyone in your household can use the same subscription. 

Peloton Tread+ review: Design

At the very front of the Tread+ is a large 32-inch touchscreen display with an integrated soundbar beneath it. The display can tilt back and forth, so you can get the best view depending on your height. A large clear plastic shelf gives you ample room to place your phone, and there are even two indentations to hold a water bottle.

In front of this is a large horizontal bar, in the middle of which is a big red button that stops the treadmill. Around this is wrapped a cord with a magnet on one end, and a plastic clip on the other. As a safety precaution, you can attach the clip to your shirt, so that if you go flying off the treadmill, it will yank out the magnet, stopping the machine.

On either side are horizontal handrails, each of which has a large circular knob; the knob on the right controls the speed of the treadmill, while the knob on the left adjusts the incline.

Both moved very easily, and the Tread+ responded instantly to my commands, but I wish there were visual cues as to which direction to turn the knobs. The first few times on the Tread+, I would accidentally ramp up the speed when I meant to slow down.

The Tread+’s base looks more like tank treads than the traditional conveyor belt you find on most treadmills; it’s made up of 59 slats, which Peloton says will provide a more cushioned ride than conveyor belt-style treadmills. 

In all, the Tread+ is a massive piece of equipment. It measures nearly 6.3 feet long by 3 feet wide, and stands about 6 feet high, and weighs 455 pounds. Peloton recommends ceilings be at least 7 feet high in whatever room you’re planning to place the Tread+; I can’t help but feel like I’m going to bump my head every time I hop on.

Peloton Tread+ review: Safety features

Peloton has incorporated a number of safety features into the revamped Tread+ to prevent the problems with the first version. The original Peloton Tread+ was recalled in 2021 after the death of a child and numerous other injuries resulting from individuals being pulled underneath the treadmill’s rear roller. The new version has a rear safety guard to prevent similar incidents from occurring. 

In addition, the Tread+ has the aforementioned magnetic clip, which when removed, prevents the machine from working. Sensors in the base of the machine itself can detect when there’s no one on the machine itself, and will lock the machine; you need to enter your passcode twice in order to get the machine going.

Peloton Tread+ vs. Peloton Tread

The Peloton Tread+ costs $5,995 — twice that as the base model Peloton Tread, which costs “only” $2,995. So what do you get for that extra $3,000? Here’s a little comparison:

Peloton Tread+ review: What I liked

After using the treadmill for three months, my wife and I found a lot to like about the Peloton Tread+, as a piece of hardware and as a means to access Peloton’s digital services, like its app, classes, and the brand’s famously motivational instructors. 

The instructors

This is Peloton’s forte: There’s something here for everyone. Whether it’s a live class, training program, or anything else, you’re not lacking for options. And you’re not just stuck with running: there are strength training classes, weight lifting, yoga, Pilates, upper-body, lower-body, Tabata, HIIT, meditation, stretching, walking, and dance music-inspired spin classes.

There are also multi-day and multi-week programs aimed at all of these areas, as well as more traditional programs to get you ready for a 5K, half-marathon, or full marathon. Having trouble finding one you like? You can search and filter classes by music, length, difficulty, and instructor. 

Or you can try workouts with specific themes, such as a 90s run, where the playlist is populated with Britney Spears, Spice Girls, and Haddaway, or a Soul Walk featuring Marvin Gaye, Earth, Wind & Fire and Luther Vandross.

My wife and I both used the treadmill, and were more than pleased with the breadth of classes and programs offered. She especially liked the encouragement from the instructors, who motivated her to give that extra bit of effort during workouts. All of the ones we tried were very personable, energetic, and positive. 

One of the workouts I liked the most was the instructor-led runs through cities — it was a great way to explore places I’d never been to. And, when I wanted to run on my own, there were equally breathtaking runs through places like Yosemite and the Dolomites in Italy.

It’s quiet

I don’t have the biggest house, so I was concerned that the noise from the Tread+ — which was going in a room right across the hall from my daughter — would disturb her if I decided to work out while she was sleeping.

Fortunately, with the door closed, you could barely hear the treadmill in the hallway, and she never woke to complain that it was too noisy. I did notice it when I was in the room directly below, though: there was a bit of a rumbling and a steady thrum, but from a room away, it was easily drowned out by a TV.

It works well with other devices and services

I like to track my heart rate during my running, so it was great to see that the Tread+ could sync with my Apple Watch to record my beats per minute during exercises. Hopefully, Peloton will expand its partnership so that it will work with more of the best smartwatches from Samsung and Google; being able to connect with Garmin would be amazing.

You can, however, connect it to your Strava account, so you can get credit for your workouts there. The Tread+ can also connect via Bluetooth to your workout headphones or earbuds, so you don’t disturb anyone else in your house during your workouts. 

Want to Netflix and run? The Tread+ has you covered there, with options to stream from Netflix, Max, and Disney (which includes Hulu, if you have that subscription), NBA League Pass, and YouTube TV. It’s a good start, but I wish there were more streaming services available.

Peloton Tread+ review: What I didn’t like

I found that the Peloton Tread+ was a great way to move my body without leaving the house, whether I wanted a low-intensity walk, high-energy run, or to use the app and do some off-equipment exercise. That doesn’t mean the Tread+ is perfect, though. 

The display

Yes, it’s big — at 32 inches, it’s a lot larger than the 23.5-inch display on Peloton’s entry-level treadmill. But, size isn’t everything.

For one, the resolution of the Tread+’s screen is 1080p — the same as the Tread. If I’m paying $6,000 for something, I would expect that the screen would be 4K. What’s more, the content itself seemed low-res, even though I had a strong Wi-Fi connection to the treadmill.

One of the nice features of the Peloton Bike+  is that its display can swivel to the side, so that you can use it for activities other than biking. Unless you’re sitting directly behind the Tread+, you can’t easily see the screen, so it’s a lot harder to follow along with other types of workouts.  It’s something I sorely wish the Tread+’s display would also do — especially considering one of its chief rivals, the Echelon Stride-8S ($2,799), has a screen that can do just that.

The Tread+’s screen does tilt up and down, though. When I first received the Tread+, the screen would tilt back down on its own. Peloton sent out a representative to tighten the hinge, which kept it in place. For good measure, he also tightened a few other bolts on the machine.

Free Mode isn’t so free

Another feature that separates the Tread+ from the Tread is the “Free Mode,” which unlocks the tread so that it will only move as fast as you’re running; it’s the closest thing you’ll get to running outdoors, so it could be a great option for training. 

However, there’s still enough resistance so that you can’t just run like you would outside — as a safety precaution, you have to hold on to the front bar on the treadmill to create enough downward force to move the belt. So, while it’s a nice feature to have, it may be easier to just head outside. 

It’s wickedly expensive

And here I thought the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro was out of my price range. At $5,995, the Peloton Tread+ is nearly twice that. In addition to the cost of the Tread+ itself, you also need to subscribe to the Peloton All-Access Membership, which costs $44 per month.

Peloton’s other treadmill, the Peloton Tread, costs half as much — and even then, its $3,000 price tag is higher than many of its competitors. And the Tread+ actually has some downgrades compared to the entry-level machine, like an older Bluetooth standard (4.2 vs 5), 2GB less of RAM (2GB vs 4GB), and a USB-A charging port in place of the Tread’s USB-C port. 

Should you buy the Peloton Tread+?

The Peloton Tread+ is a well-built machine, but ultimately, I’m not sure it’s worth the premium over the base model Peloton Tread. The biggest differences between it and the Tread are its larger display and cushioned belt.

Apart from the size of the screen, though, it doesn’t offer any greater resolution, nor the ability to swivel the display, as you can with its rivals, such as the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 ($1,999) or the aforementioned Echelon Stride-8S. I did like the integration with other services and devices, but this isn’t something unique to the Tread+, as it’s more to do with Peloton’s software. 

The Tread+’s belt is nice to run on, but why spend an extra $3,000 on a treadmill when you could get a dozen pairs of the best running shoes instead, and still have access to some of the best instructors around?

The Peloton app is one of the best workout apps for at-home training. Unfortunately, one of our favorite features, a completely free membership tier with access to a sizable library of workouts, is officially dead. 

Peloton rebranded last May as a fitness-focused company for everyone — not just folks who can afford fancy workout equipment — with the Peloton app as the crown jewel of the workout empire. 

At the time, three tiers of membership were introduced, including Peleton Free, Peleton One ($12.99 a month) and Peleton+ ($24 a month). Two remain. 

The free tier included a decent selection of workout video classes and access to Peloton Gym with guided strength programs you can follow at your leisure and more. The idea was for free users to get hooked on the content and eventually pony up for the big-boy paid subscription. It didn't work. 

As reported by CNBC, the free app tier is no more. The good news is that if you’ve already signed up for the app's unlimited free membership, you're access won't likely be revoked by Peloton. Well, at least not right now. 

The even better news is that there are loads of free workout apps available, many of which rival Peloton's. I cover fitness tech for a living and in no particular order, these are the three, free Peleton app alternatives I dig most.

1. Nike Training Club

As noted in our review, the Nike Training Club app is an excellent way to train at home without breaking the bank, with over 500 workouts to select from. Categories include yoga, high intensity interval training (HIIT), dance, kickboxing, pilates, meditation and more. 

You can also sort workouts using factors like targeted muscle group, intensity, fitness level, equipment available, duration, etc. Some are led by instructors and others are not. I prefer those that are, and find Nike's experts to be quite engaging. 

Additionally, there are numerous multi-week training programs that users can work through at their own pace. Other features include resources on nutrition, mindfulness, recovery and sleep. The Nike Training Club app is available for both Apple and Android users. 

Download Nike Training Club: iPhone | Android

2. Fiit

The Fiit workout app is one of the highest-rated options available for Apple or Android devices. And while Fiit has paid subscription tiers, there's also a free one with plenty to offer. 

Launched in February 2023, the free tier gives users access to Fiit's daily live group classes and includes popular workouts like spin and treadmill classes, weight and strength training, recovery and more. Live classes take place eleven times a day on weekdays and four times a day on the weekends. 

Best of all, they are made to be inclusive and appeal to beginners and advanced athletes alike, no matter one's fitness level or desired workout intensity. By the way, Fiit's expert instructors are also seriously enjoyable to follow along with. 

Download Fiit: iPhone | Android

3. Caliber

The Caliber app is another completely free option, with a focus on strength training. Similar to the two apps above, it features a mix of training plans — targeted at both building muscle and cutting fat — on-demand video workouts and weekly lessons.

Users can track their progress toward fitness goals, with insights into strength and body composition. Caliber also syncs with nutrition data and is completely ad-free. Of course, if you want to step up your focus on training, Calibers offers virtual access to real, live fitness experts for just under $20 a month.

Download Caliber: iPhone | Android

Other free apps

For keeping tabs and everything from walks to hikes to mountain bike rides, I turn to the free version of the Strava app. My colleague Lee Bell is also a big fan of the free Gymshark Training app. And, if you're more of a pavement pounder than a gym shark, check out the Runkeeper app. 

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I’ve never really been a group exercise class kind of person. I know they can be fun and a great way to connect with others, but I prefer popping in a set of headphones, turning up my music, and getting through a high-intensity resistance workout instead.

But I don’t want to be closed-minded about it either, so I started looking for ways I could join an in-person session. Fortunately, I then heard about Peloton’s partnership with Defected Records to bring DJ-curated dance music to Peloton’s famously motivational classes.

However, since I don’t have a Peloton Bike or any exercise bike at home, I decided it was worth taking the trip to the Peloton Studio in London to give the first Defected class with Peloton instructor Leanne Hainsby a go. 

I packed my workout kit in a bag and made my way there for the live-streamed session. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after taking my first Peloton class, I think I understand why so many people love them.

The instructors make the class

If you talk to people about Peloton, there’s a good chance they know two things about the brand; it makes home workout equipment, and the class instructors are a big part of the experience. I’d always assumed that this was true about the instructors, but that maybe their influence was overstated.

I was happily wrong about that, though. Leanne arrived at the studio once we were ready to go and despite having to address two crowds — us in the studio, and Peloton App members at home — she balanced the two well and kept us all motivated across the 30-minute high-intensity class.

It was also genuinely very impressive how she was able to simultaneously present live to hundreds of people, make sure she was engaged with the virtual audience, give all of the proper instruction so that we could get the most from the class, and actually do the workout herself.

I wasn’t a big fan of the Peloton leaderboard (more on that later), but I really got into the swing of the spin class because Leanne’s energy was infectious. I cheered (which is unlike me), found a good rhythm during the out-of-seat sections, and worked hard thanks to Leanne’s approach.

I wish I’d tried it at home first

Peloton’s studio spans several floors on a street just off Covent Garden Market in central London. I turned up in my battered HOKA Transport walking shoes and my dog-walking jeans, so I felt a bit out of place. I felt better after getting changed, but then I had to put on the bike shoes.

I got the sizing wrong — as an American brand, Peloton uses U.S. sizes, even in the U.K. — and then I’d not used clip-on shoes before, so I had to ask how to attach them to the pedals and flailed around attempting to un-clip at the end (apparently, the trick is to push your heel out to the side).

Plus, I had to contend with being in a studio with loads of Peloton enthusiasts (some were on their 2,000th session) while I had never even taken a class before. And the Studio classes are live-streamed and recorded for the Peloton members working out at home. It was a bit daunting.

Despite all this, I had a good time and decided not to worry about what everyone else was doing and to focus on Leanne’s instructions and energy. But if I’d at least done a Peloton class before, I think the rest of my anxieties would have been a temporary footnote instead.

Group exercise is actually really fun

Each of Peloton’s studio classes is live-streamed and filmed for the Peloton app, so you have to be ready 30 minutes before the start time. As we queued up at the studio door, I realized that coming together in a group to share an experience is exactly what I used to enjoy about yoga.

Unfortunately, my local studio closed a few years ago, and I’ve not done any group exercise since. But as we filed into the room, clipped in, and got on the bike, it didn’t feel like it mattered that I was a complete newcomer, as the aim was to work out and have fun together.

It helped that the dark room made me feel less in the spotlight, even though I was directly in front of the instructor, and that everyone was there for the same reason. After all, the classes cost £25 ($35 in the New York studio), so you want to get the most from the session.

This is also how my colleague Kate Kozuch felt when she tried a Peloton class at the brand's New York studio with famed instructor Cody Rigsby. Plus, we both appreciated that you don't need to be a Peloton app member to join the class — just pay your fee and you're good to go. 

I enjoyed the atmosphere and even stayed around after to meet Leanne, who was really nice and encouraging. These classes won’t replace home workouts for me, but it’s got me interested in exploring other group sessions, especially now Zumba has an app so I can practice the moves before I go.

The leaderboard pushed me hard

One of Peloton’s most famous features is its leaderboard. Your on-bike efforts are translated into a performance number, and it’s used to rank you against all the other spinners. I had to sign in on the Peloton Bike’s display to join, so I could have opted out, but I wanted the full experience.

The number on the screen kept me working my hardest as I was determined to maintain my place in the top 50% of the studio participants. I trained more intensely than I probably would have at home, so in that sense, it did exactly what it was designed to do.

Though I can’t honestly say that I enjoyed the feeling. I got a cramp in my right calf and pushed through it because I didn’t want to fall out of place. I ditched the gym for home workouts to avoid exactly this type of pressure, so I don’t think it’s right for the way I train.

But we’re all different, and this may be exactly the kind of drive you need. In the end, I found that Leanne’s energy had a far more positive impact on my motivation. Using her cues on when to dial up the intensity or load up the resistance helped me get the most from the class.

More from Tom's Guide

• I swapped my real bike for Peloton classes for two weeks — here’s what happened
• 8 Peloton hidden features everyone should know
• Peloton vs. NordicTrack: Which is the best exercise bike

Ever since its first class, Peloton has used music to keep you motivated to work out. In the years since, the songs have gotten more varied, but now Peloton plans to take things a step further and will host their first live DJ ride later this year from their London studio.

Of course, you’ll need one of the best exercise bikes and a Peloton membership to take part, but it’s one of several dance-focused sessions that’ll be added to Peloton’s app throughout the year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the UK-based house label Defected Records.

The first class, taught by dancer-turned-instructor Leanne Hainsby with a custom music mix from BBC Radio DJ Arielle Free, goes live on March 21. There’ll be six cycling classes in total with tunes curated by the DJs on the Defected Records roster, and three live DJ rides too.

The new classes will be nightclub-inspired, so expect lots of vibrant colors and plenty of dance music (although hopefully without the sore head the next day), and you’ll even be able to book to attend these classes live at the Peloton studios in London.

If you’re not in the UK, the sessions will be live-streamed on the app to all Peloton Members. Although we don’t know what’ll be on each DJ's mix, Peloton and Defected have dropped a playlist with tracks from Idris Elba, CamelPhat, and Endor.

Defected Records launched in 1999 and has played a part in some modern house classics, like Roger Sanchez’s "Another Chance" and "Finally" by Kings of Tomorrow. More recently, Endor’s 2019 remix of "Pump It Up" has become a massive hit, racking up more than 330 million streams on Spotify.

These up-tempo dance tracks are also a great way to keep pace, so they’re ideal for soundtracking your spin sessions. It’s an interesting time for Peloton to launch dance-inspired workouts, as Zumba recently released an app so you can dance your way fit without needing a studio or group workout. 

Defected's DJs coupled with Peloton’s famously motivational instructors should make for a fun and effective ride that’ll work your muscles and get your heart pumping. But it might be worth popping in a set of workout headphones to save everyone else from the bass.

More from Tom’s Guide

• Peloton may have finally won me over — here's how
• The best workout apps in 2024
• I did a Zumba dance workout every day for a week — here’s what happened

It doesn’t matter if you’re working out from your living room or your local gym, training for a marathon, or doing your first 5K, here at Tom’s Guide, we believe in helping you find the products that’ll help you reach your goals.

The Tom’s Guide Fitness Awards 2024 is a chance to celebrate these products — from the running shoes that might get you across the finish line, the fitness tracker that helps you sleep better, to the new fitness program that’ll transform your home workouts if you’ve finally canceled your expensive gym membership.

Our Fitness Awards recognize innovation, admirable efforts in safety, and those making waves in terms of sustainability in the fitness world. We’re excited to highlight the products that are the best of the best — the ones worth buying this January to help you reach your fitness goals, whatever your budget. 

The awards are judged by us, the Tom’s Guide fitness team. Together, we have years of expertise in the sector and we know what we’re looking for when it comes to the latest gear. From marathon runners to personal trainers, our team has put all of the winning products to the test to ensure they’re worth recommending. We’ve tracked down the best products on the market.

During testing, we’ve looked at how easy the products were to set up and use, how enjoyable they made working out, and whether or not they’d actually make a difference in the busy lives of our readers. 

After hours of running, lifting, squatting, and sweating, we present the winners of the 2024 Tom’s Guide Fitness Awards.

Meet the judges

Best Innovation Award: Garmin HRM-Fit

It might not sound all that innovative — a heart rate strap with clips on it, but if you've ever struggled with the reality of getting a chest heart rate strap to sit under your sports bra without chafing, you'll appreciate Garmin's latest device as much as we did. 

Featuring a clip-on design, the heart rate monitor can be attached to the chest brand of most of the best sports bras. This means it is more comfortable to wear on the move and more accurate at capturing heart rate and training data.  

Like with all of the best heart rate monitors on the market, when paired with one of the best Garmin watches, wearing a heart rate monitor captures more accurate measurements that can be seen from your wrist. Heart rate monitors are particularly useful when running on a treadmill indoors, or if you’re tracking a workout without your watch.

It's not often a product makes you say "at last!" but this one truly did. 

Best Safety Feature Award: Apple Watch Ultra 2

It’s a sad problem for tech companies to face, but more than ever, keeping lone runners and walkers safe is a priority. One brand that seems to be leading the way is Apple. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has fall detection and crash detection — in the event of a fall, or crash, the watch will automatically call the emergency services and provide them with your location, as well as alert your emergency contacts. It also has an onboard Siren, an 86-decibel alarm that can be heard up to 180 meters away, designed to draw attention if you’re lost or injured out on the trails.

Talking of trails, we've also been impressed with the Ultra 2's compass app will also detect two new waypoints: your Last Cellular Connection (or last reception location) and your Last Emergency Call Waypoint, which will lead you to a place where an emergency call can be made on a carrier network.

These safety features are, hopefully, additions you’ll never have to use, but it’s nice to know they are there.

Sustainability award: Apple Watch 9

From gyms going ‘green' to brands using more recycled products in their manufacturing, sustainability is, as ever, important in 2024. When it comes to making small decisions that’ll have a positive impact on the planet, a few brands stood out from the crowd, one being Apple. 

When it comes to the Apple Watch, while all aluminum Apple Watch models were already made of 100% recycled aluminum, the Apple Watch Series 9 took things one step further. The watch has more recycled internals, including a 100% recycled cobalt battery. The new Sport Loop also features 82% recycled yarn, so when paired with the aluminum watch, it's the first carbon-neutral-certified Apple device.

It’s also worth noting that the Apple Watch box is smaller than before, using less paper, and Apple says it’s shifting away from air-shipping and offsetting power demands. The rest of the products are on pace to join the carbon-neutral bandwagon by 2030, but it’s the 2023 Apple Watch family that’s leading the way.

Read our Apple Watch Series 9 review to find out more. 

Best Running Watch Award: Garmin Forerunner 265

When it comes to choosing the best running watch on the market, there's a lot of competition, however, the Garmin Forerunner 265 stood out from the crowd for several reasons. Firstly, it's cost — you're getting an awful lot for your money with this little watch, which has a lot of Garmin's premium training features, for a fraction of the price. 

Secondly, the screen. The Forerunner 265 has a bright, AMOLED screen, which is easy to see in direct sunlight. We were blown away by how clear it was to read, even in direct sunlight. 

Finally, the comfort of wearing the watch. The Forerunner 265 comes in two different sizes — the Forerunner 265 has a 1.3-inch display, with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels, and the Forerunner 265S has a 1.1-inch display, with a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels. It's comfortable to wear 24/7 and its battery keeps up with you. 

Read our Garmin Forerunner 265 review here to find out more, or check out the best Garmin watches to buy in 2024.

Best Fitness Tracker Award: Fitbit Charge 6

The best fitness tracker award goes to the product that's best for most people, and that's the Fitbit Charge 6. As well as built-in GPS, and several advanced health tracking features in an affordable package, the Fitbit Charge 6 is the first fitness tracker to have all of the major Google apps built-in to the watch, including Google Maps and Google Wallet. 

During testing, we were impressed by the tracker — it has a number of exciting updates compared to the Charge 5 — the haptic side button is back, making it easier to navigate around the tracker. You can also now use the Charge 6 as a heart rate tracker when using NordicTrack, Peloton, and Tonal gym equipment.

The Charge 6 is comfortable around the wrist, and easy to read in the bright sunlight. The upgrades made on the Fitbit Charge 5, namely the re-addition of a side button and the Google apps, have made what was already a great fitness tracker, even better in our eyes. 

Read our Fitbit Charge 6 review here. 

Best Sleep Tracker Award: Oura ring

One thing most of the fitness trackers on the market claim to track is sleep, yet when it came to which did this best, one little gadget stood out from the crowd, and that's the Oura Ring Generation 3. 

The Oura has a real focus on rest and recovery — when you log into the app you’ll see your activity goal, your readiness score, and your sleep score all laid out simply. If your sleep score is low, the ring will adjust your suggested bedtime, and give you tips on what you should be doing. It’s all very user-friendly, and the app is divided into Readiness, Sleep, and Activity. 

On the Oura app, you can use your skin temperature data to see Oura’s period prediction, helping you gain a better understanding of how your temperature changes during your cycle. You can also integrate the data from your ring with Natural Cycles, to see your most fertile days, helping you to plan a pregnancy. Read more about period tracking on the Oura ring here, as well as our Oura Ring Generation 3 review.

Best Workout App Award: Nike Training Club

Getting fit shouldn't cost the world, and one of the best workout apps on the market is completely free, so it's retained its spot on our Fitness Awards list for the second year running. The Nike Training Club app offers hundreds of classes, including cardio, mobility, and yoga.

Like most workout apps, the Nike Training Club app is like having a personal trainer in your pocket, but if you’re looking for a trainer-style training plan, which tells you what exercises to do each day, you might be a little disappointed. There are 14 different training programs on the app and you can only do one training plan at a time. In addition to following a program, you can do as many on-demand workouts as you want. 

During testing, we found the instructor-led workouts to be engaging and motivating, and also enjoyed the whiteboard workouts, which show you the entire workout so you can follow at your own pace. There’s also the option to connect the workout to your Apple Music. It’s not perfect, but for a free app, there’s plenty to keep you moving here. 

Best Running App Award: Runna

Runna stormed its way to the top of the best running apps thanks to its personalized running plans — whether you’re training for your fastest 5K, or your first marathon, there’s something for everyone on this app. The app itself is easy to use and extremely motivating, with the sessions clearly marked each week along with helpful pointers from coaches Ben Parker and Steph Davies. There’s the option to switch between kilometers, miles, and treadmill paces at a glance, to change your goal at any point, and add strength training to the plan at the click of a button. Plus, the plan can sync to your watch seamlessly — all you need to remember to do is the sessions themselves. 

Our Fitness Editor, Jane McGuire, credits Runna with helping her reach her marathon PR of 3:38 at the 2023 London Marathon. In her post-marathon round-up, she wrote, "This is, hands down, the best running app I’ve used when it comes to coaching. Runna's got an excellent level of customization, and it’s extremely easy to use. If you can’t afford or find a running coach, this is the next best thing." Check out our Runna app review to find out more. 

Best Home Workout Equipment: Pvolve

When it comes to home workout equipment, your options are endless — from expensive exercise bikes and treadmills to resistance bands and ankle weights. That said, as a fitness editor, I truly believe the best items to buy are the ones that motivate you to move, and one workout platform getting a huge amount of attention right now is Pvolve. 

We were impressed by the platform, which uses resistance equipment to sculpt strong muscles, without impact. Pvolve has a good mix of classes on the app — from full-body sculpt classes, to progressive weight training and mobility. You can filter classes based on the equipment you have, or want to use, and there are several different programs available, based on your goals. 

Need more evidence it works? Jennifer Aniston, who credited Pvolve for getting her in “better shape than [she] was in her twenties”, after feeling burnt out and broken by intense cardio. Were still waiting to get abs like Jen, but have loved the workouts. Read our full Pvolve review here to find out more. 

Best Treadmill Award: Technogym Run

If you are lucky enough to have room and the budget for one of the best treadmills in your home, the Technogym Run is the best of the best. It's premium, robust, and well-made, and there's no wobble when you pick up the pace on the belt. It doesn't come cheap, but our Senior Fitness Writer Sam Hopes was blown away by it when testing at the Technogym HQ. 

Unlike the likes of the Peloton Tread, which focuses on classes, the Technogym Run has several athlete-approved features to enhance your training. There's a sled mode, a blisteringly fast top speed, and a stable running belt that mimics the feeling of running on the road.

It's a beast of a treadmill, but if you have the room, it'll revolutionize your training.

Best Exercise Bike Award: Peloton Bike+

It's not new, but the Peloton Bike Plus is still our favorite exercise bike on the market, and our top pick if you're thinking of adding a piece of cardio equipment to your home. 

The Bike Plus has all the bells and whistles you would want including live classes, an abundance of on-demand workouts — and not just for cycling — all in the convenience of your home, a rotating screen, and Apple Watch integration. You can also set auto-resistance on the machine, meaning you don't have to worry about manually upping the resistance mid-workout, or if you're pushing yourself hard enough. 

Like most of the best Peloton products on the market, the magic of the Bike Plus lies in its content, which truly is second to none. What's more, the rotating screen means you can use it for more than just spinning and taking strength classes off the bike. 

You can't go wrong, but if you're looking for more information, check out our Peloton Bike Plus review here. 

Best Recovery Tool Award: Hyperice Heated Head attachment

The world of recovery products is heavily saturated — from foam rollers and massage balls, to massage guns and air compression leg sleeves. One product that stood out from the crowd was the Hyperice Heated Head attachment, which attaches to the head of all Hyperice massage guns to combine the benefits of heat with percussion massage.

Featuring three different levels of heat, the attachment targets muscle tension, stiffness, and discomfort to promote relaxation, reduce muscle soreness, and maintain mobility. We loved the feel of the attachment on sore muscles post-marathon, and appreciate that Hyperice is enhancing products already on the market, rather than encouraging people to buy something new. 

Best Running Apparel Award: SunGod Zephyrs

These SunGod running sunglasses are so lightweight, we frequently forgot we were wearing them when testing them on some sweaty runs in a heatwave. Despite the high temperatures, the Zephyrs stayed in place, even when things got a little sweaty. 

We love that you have the ability to customize just about everything about these sunglasses, from the frame and lens color, to the option to add a prescription should you need. At the time of writing, there are six different colored frames, and six different lens colors to choose from. The frames are 100% recycled, and come with a lifetime guarantee. 

We tested the Zephyrs sunglasses in a tortoiseshell brown frame, with a rose lens, and found they did a good job blocking out bright sunlight, while still giving us a clear view of the conditions ahead. Even on cloudier days, we were still able to see well wearing the Zephyrs sunglasses. Not for you? Check out these other best running sunglasses here.

Best Running Shoe Award: New Balance 1080v13

It goes without saying, you don’t have to own multiple pairs of running shoes to be a runner. While some people might invest in multiple pairs for different sessions, if you’re new to running or are on a budget, you’ll still be able to build fitness and train for races with only one pair in your closet. Plus, if you’re looking for that one pair, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is a brilliant shoe to invest in. 

A seriously versatile shoe, the New Balance 1080v13 is soft and plush enough to keep you comfy on your long runs, but can also pick up the pace when you need it for faster tempo sessions. Compared to the New Balance 1080v12, the New Balance 1080v13 has more of the brand's Fresh Foam X midsole foam, and the stack height is larger, yet the shoe has gotten lighter.

We were impressed with this shoe for long runs, and it's one we'll reach for when marathon training. Check out our New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 review here to find out more.

Best Outdoor Jacket Award: Outdoor Research Helium Jacket

The best outdoor jacket is the one that can meet all of your needs when the weather turns. The Outdoor Research Helium Jacket scooped up this award, and for good reason (if you haven't seen what happened when our Senior Fitness Writer, Dan, tested the jacket in the shower, you need to ASAP). 

Seams on the Outdoor Research Jacket are also minimal and, better yet, fully taped — the zipper track is also moisture-resistant. The Helium jacket comes treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, which is an industry standard among high-end outerwear brands. This coating makes water bead up and roll right off the jacket. 

In terms of reliability, the Outdoor Research Helium jacket has an unlimited lifetime warranty with free jacket replacements. Plus, when tested in the shower, the Helium Jacket ticked all of Dan's boxes — aside from a few drips from the hood down his shirt, he remained dry and happy. 

Best Hiking Boot Award: Scarpa Maverick Mid GTX

We've hiked miles in some of the best hiking boots on the market to find the best of the best if you're heading out on an adventure. But one pair that really stood out from the crowd was the Scarpa Maverick Mid GTX. They are snug without being binding, come with Ortholite insoles to squelch odors, and use a Gore-Tex liner to keep things dry. In our tests, the Scarpa Mavericks did a good job handling a variety of hiking trails, from mud to rocks.

From our first steps in the Scarpa Maverick Mid GTX boots, we found them to be extremely comfortable. The outsole is a good balance of stiffness and flexibility. It's firm enough to protect the bottom of your foot over rough terrain while remaining pliable enough for comfortable all-day treks. 

The Mavericks also strike the right balance in styling. The ziggurat side panels acknowledge their technical heritage, yet they maintain a level of sophistication so that the topsides don't look like they were designed for the disco.

Best Cross-Training Shoes Award: Nike Metcon 9

Our Senior Fitness Writer, Sam Hopes, is a Personal Trainer and CrossFit fanatic, so we turned to her when it came to choosing the best cross-training shoe. Her top pick? The Nike Metcon 9. 

Sam said, "I wear the Nike Metcon 9 around four times a week, and the shoe has barely picked up a scuff mark. Expect an extended cross-stitch mesh upper that wraps around the shoe and provides superior flexibility and a raised groove at the medial toe box side of the upper for grip during rope climbs. The more pronounced rope guard has divided crowds early doors, but I don't mind it, and any help on the ropes is welcomed. 

"Nike also improved on the 8 with a larger Hyperlift plate that adds a drop to the shoe, mimicking the raised heel of weightlifting shoes. The dual-density midsole foam makes the Metcon 9 much comfier than the super sturdy 8, but runners will look elsewhere, as these aren't suitable for more than a short 1K."

Best Yoga Mat Award: Manduka PRO Lite

Another brand doing its bit for the planet is Manduka, and this is one of the reasons the Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat scooped our best yoga mat award for the second year in row. It's one of the best yoga mats on the market and from a sustainability perspective, it’s built to last forever, and is manufactured using a process that ensures no toxic emissions are released into the atmosphere. 

As a yoga mat, it’s super comfortable to use — the 4.7mm thickness ensures you can still feel the ground during practice, and the mat is available in three different sizes, standard, long, and long and wide, to suit every yogi. You'll feel good using this mat in more ways than one.

Best Workout Headphones: Jabra Elite 8 Active

When it comes to selecting the best workout headphones on the market, we turned to Tom's Guide's Audio Editor, Lee Dunkley, for advice. His pick? The Jabra Elite 8 Active, which is his opinion, are some of the best sports headphones out there.

"Upgraded with military-standard materials for unbreakable protection, they're built like tanks. They have Jabra’s warm sound signature to jumpstart workouts the moment you press play, along with adaptive active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and some of the longest battery life available", says Lee. 

The Elite 8 Active are one of the strongest pairs of workout headphones we've seen, and benefits from solid feature support across both iOS and Android devices. Check out our Jabra Elite 8 Active review here to find out more.

Best Running Headphones: Shokz OpenRun Pro

When it comes to running headphones, there are a few things we look out for — sound quality, comfort, and safety. The Shokz OpenRun Pro ticks all of these boxes, especially the last one, as the bone conduction, by design, allows you to hear traffic and people behind you on the run.

Since Shokz OpenRun Pro is rated IP55 sweat-proof, the headphones are safe for most kinds of workouts, even if you get caught in a little rain. The rating doesn’t cover swimming, but Shokz OpenSwim offers a fully waterproof alternative we also really love.

During testing, we were impressed by these headphones and their battery life. The OpenRun Pro is rated for 10 hours. Better yet, the battery can last up to 10 days when the headphones are turned off. 

Read our Shokz OpenRun Pro review to find out more.

Whether you’ve signed up for your first race, or you’re looking to take your first steps into running this year, keeping the motivation up can be half the battle. To help you create a consistent running routine, we've turned to three Peloton instructors for a dose of running inspiration. 

Susie Chan is a record-breaking endurance runner, who has completed some of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. Becs Gentry is an accomplished 2:37 marathon runner, who has competed in the Olympic Marathon Trials for team Great Britain.

Meanwhile, Joslyn Thompson Rule is a sports therapist, who has worked in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, mentor, and coach for over 19 years. All three are Peloton Tread instructors, and we sat down to chat with them to get all their tips on how to build a rock-solid running routine. 

Looking for the best gear to get started? We've hand-picked the best running shoes and the best running watches to help you feel comfortable and track your progress. 

Don’t put pressure on yourself

“I think the hardest thing for me with beginner runners is seeing them put so much pressure on themselves,” says Gentry. “They’ve decided they want to grow within this sport, but then they put so much pressure on, that they stop enjoying it. You don’t have to go for that run. You’re choosing to — so make it fun!”

“See if you can arrange to go out with a friend,” adds Chan. “Or get on the Peloton app if you’re looking for more motivation!”

Set small, achievable goals

As a beginner, the big picture might seem overwhelming, so set yourself smaller goals you can tick off along the way, says Chan. “One mistake I made was that I thought I had to be running the whole time,” she says. “Run/walk, start slow and steady, and, for me, it was lamppost to lamppost.”

“Also, don’t forget to acknowledge how far you’ve come because some runs will be horrible and feel really tough, but if you keep a little bit of consistency, after a month maybe you’re running down the whole street without stopping — it’s good to reflect.”

Be flexible

Embrace being a beginner, and learning what works for you, says Thompson Rule. “Maybe that first run, or second run, or third run won’t be exactly how you pictured it, but don’t feel like you’ve already failed,” she says. 

“The whole beginning period is trial and error — finding out what works for your body. Maybe you’re a morning person, or maybe you prefer going out in the evening. Give yourself time to learn.”

Stop and walk if you need

One mistake all three Tread instructors see time and time again? Beginners racing off the start line, whether that be during their first run, or first race, then having to stop and catch their breath a few minutes later. 

“There’s so much stigma attached to stopping and walking as a failure. Failure in my world is an acronym for first attempt in learning, so understand that — you’ve just learnt that perhaps that pace is a bit too fast for you, but that’s ok. That’s great. Learning about yourself is the best lesson in the world,” says Gentry. 

Remember that every runner was once a beginner

“People often say to us, ‘I’m not a runner’, and it’s because people have this vision of what a runner should look like. They’ll set off too fast, and they’ll have to stop and walk, and they’ll think I’m not a runner, I can’t do this.”

“But you’re still putting one foot in front of the other, and if you’re moving faster than you would be if you were walking, so you’re running. You’re a runner!” adds Thompson Rule. 

Start by focusing on time, not pace

“Time is a really good way to start,” says Gentry “you can learn your pace as you go, but starting with running for five minutes and just doing that a couple of times is more achievable.”

“A lot of it is about confidence, but five minutes could be a couple of times around the block where you live, and it’s a really nice way to track your progress — perhaps next week you run for seven minutes, and when that feels easy, maybe go for ten.” 

“Once you’ve learnt what that feels like, the pacing will come a little bit later,” adds Chan. “It doesn’t have to be number crunching, it can be really simple. Go and run for one song, then try and run for two. People love geeking out over numbers, but you don’t have to.”

Try the talking test

Worried you’re going too fast? Thompson Rule has a simple solution — “one of the things we do when recording outdoor audio workouts is focus on the rate of perceived exertion.”

“There’s no data to look out, this is about whether you think you could hold a conversation running at this pace. Could you sing along to whatever you’re listening to? If the answer is no, you might need to slow down.”

Don’t worry too much about form

We’ve all got a picture of what a runner looks like, but as a beginner, don’t worry too much about your form, Gentry advises.

“Most of us start to run two decades into our lives, when our skeletal system is formed, and our bodies are clever — they will make the easiest path, literally, around movement.”

But everyone's form is different. “I have a twisted hip. If I wanted to be a textbook runner I’d have to have all sorts of physio, which would probably stop me running for a big chunk of time. My body has found it’s most efficient way to run,” Gentry adds.

“Instead, focus on keeping your chest open, and your shoulders back and down because that makes it easier to breathe. It also means you’ll engage your core, and tuck your hips underneath you as you run.”

Don’t forget to smile

Last, but by no means least, don’t forget to smile as you run. “The minute you frown, you tense a little,” says Gentry. 

More from Tom's Guide

• 9 best strength exercises to improve your running performance
• Running vs power walking: Which burns more calories?
• We ran 100 miles on the Peloton Tread - here's our verdict

If owning your own Peloton bike doesn't signal that you are the epitome of health, then what will? All jokes aside, Peloton exercise bikes provide a great way to stay fit at home and make sure you keep progressing and hitting your fitness goals via the live classes and feedback provided. And now, as part of some of the best Black Friday deals, you can get the original Peloton bike for considerably less.

Right now, the Peloton bike is just $1,095 at Amazon, that's $350 off its original price. Over last year's Cyber Monday deals, we thought we had seen the Peloton bike hit its lowest sale price at $1,145, but this year's early Black Friday offer has topped this and we love to see it. 

We don't know how long this 24% discount will stick around, so check this deal out now while you can.

This is a pretty mega deal happening within the Peloton sale. Not only is this a compact exercise bike for using and storing away neatly in your home but it's also adjustable, meaning the whole household can get fit together. If the 22-inch screen isn't big enough for you, there is the option to mirror the display on a smart TV, providing a superb immersive experience.

In our Peloton bike review, we spoke about how we loved doing the live classes during testing. The exercise bike brand reveals weekly live classes allowing users to plan out their workout schedule each week, helping you to stick to your goals. It's hard to tire of this bike when the workouts are so rich in variety, for example, you can do Tabata rides, interval and arm rides, low impact or endurance rides, and the list goes on.

We must note that the Peloton All-Access Membership is not included in your purchase and must be bought separately in order to access Peloton content on your Bike. This costs $44 per month, but will be accessible to your household so perhaps you could strike up a deal with your partner or roommate and bring down the cost a little between you both.

Looking for some new sweat-wicking gear? Check out this deal: Amazon’s best-selling Under Armour workout T-shirt just crashed to $9 before Black Friday. Or if you are looking to invest in a new Garmin fitness tracker you might find this article helpful: Garmin Fenix 7 vs Fenix 7 Pro: Which running watch should you buy?

Black Friday is the best time of year to buy discounted top-of-the-range fitness equipment from some of the biggest names in the game. And today, Peloton has blessed the internet with a generous bunch of Black Friday deals on some of our all-time favorite fitness equipment.

Last year we saw the original Peloton Bike go on sale for the lowest price we had ever seen in an early Cyber Monday deal, which was $1,145. That’s $300 down from its original price. This year, they've topped this by slashing $350 from the original price. We see this 24% offer as a pretty great deal to be rolled out before Friday.

This is just one example of the fantastic early Black Friday deals happening now. Below you’ll find what offers are available on the Peloton Bike+, Peloton Row, Peloton Tread and smaller workout accessories designed by this popular fitness brand.

Quick links: Peloton Black Friday deals

• Peloton Glass Water Bottle: was $17, now $10 at Amazon 
• Peloton Yoga Block: was $30.00, now $15.00 at Amazon 
• Peloton Bike Mat: was $75, now $45 at Amazon 
• Peloton Bike: was $1,445, now $1,095 @Amazon 
• Peloton Bike+: was $2,495, now $1,995 @Amazon 
• Peloton Tread: was $2,995, now $2,695 @Peloton 
• Peloton Row: was $2,995, now $2,745 at Peloton 

7 early Black Friday Peloton deals

Is Black Friday a good time to buy a Peloton?

It’s no secret that Peloton products sit at the higher end of the price spectrum but many of their staple pieces of equipment consistently rank at the top end of our exercise roundups. Black Friday is an excellent time to shop for a Peloton, as you're likely to save hundreds of dollars, and this year the deals have started early. 

Should I buy a Peloton now, or wait? 

As Peloton has started its own Black Friday sale ahead of actual Black Friday, it's unlikely the Bike, Bike+ or Tread will get any cheaper. It's worth noting, the exercise machine deals listed above do not include a Peloton membership and this is something that must be purchased separately to benefit from the extra frills, such as guided workouts. Peloton's cheapest membership starts at $12.99 and its All-Access membership costs $44 a month (find out about all of Peloton's membership options here) but that accounts for your whole household. So, if your partner or roomie is also keen to use the machine, you could work out a better deal for yourselves by splitting the monthly cost.

If you choose to buy the Peloton Bike or Peloton Bike+ from the Peloton website instead of Amazon you will notice that Peloton has created some package deals that are also discounted in their early Black Friday deals. The packages include items like cycling shoes, a bike mat, light dumbbells, and a water bottle. Similar accessories are included in package deals for the Tread and Row machines. 

If you're on the fence, remember these discounts are only available for a limited time. Plus, if you want to check out some more great deals happening over this early Black Friday period, take a look at these 5 early Black Friday running watch deals or these Asics running shoe Black Friday deals

Peloton is reportedly bleeding subscribers in the wake of its May recall of nearly 2.2 million bikes over a defect that could result in the seat breaking during use. The company offered original Peloton Bike owners in the U.S. free replacement seats, but a flood of requests has left it scrambling and customers waiting for months. Roughly 20,000 subscribers have paused their monthly subscriptions in the meantime, according to a Peloton shareholder letter released this week.

The recall's overall price tag is costing Peloton tens of millions of dollars, which has “substantially exceeded” the company's expectations, Peloton CEO and President Barry McCarthy said in the letter. Peloton has received 750,000 requests for new seat posts since issuing the recall for its PL-01 Bike in May. McCarthy said that amount was “more than we expected,” and so far only about half of those requests — 340,000 — have been fulfilled. Peloton expects to complete the remainder by the end of September. 

As a result, customers still waiting for their replacements have opted not to extend their subscriptions to the interactive fitness platform they use with the bikes. Peloton's total number of subscribers dropped by 29,000 quarter-over-quarter in the three months ending June 30, 2023. And while some of that can be chalked up to a seasonal slowdown in hardware sales typically seen in the summer months, it's a “higher than anticipated” churn, McCarthy said, with the slow replacement seat rollout mostly to blame.

“The cost of this recall substantially exceeded our initial expectations, leading to an additional accrual of $40 million this quarter for actual costs incurred as well as anticipated future recall-related expenses,” McCarthy said in Peloton’s Q4 shareholder letter. “In addition, an estimated 15 to 20 thousand of our 2.2 million impacted Members elected to pause their monthly subscriptions in Q4 pending the receipt of a replacement seat post.”

The Peloton bikes affected by the recall are some of the earlier Peloton Bikes (not the Bike+ model with the rotating screen) sold between January 2018 and May 2023 in the U.S. According to a report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Peloton has received 35 reports of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use. The CPSC said there have been 13 reports of injuries, including lacerations, bruises and a fractured wrist. 

To check to see if your Peloton Bike is among the ones being recalled, look for the model number PL-01 on the inside front fork, near the flywheel. It's worth noting the recall does not affect bikes sold outside of the US. This is the second mass recall for Peloton, which had to recall its Tread and Tread+ in May 2021, after a child died in an accident involving the treadmill.  

More from Tom's Guide

• The best Peloton alternatives for 2023
• I ditched the Apple Watch for the Coros Vertix 2
• Peloton vs. NordicTrack: Which exercise bike is better for you?

Despite working for a tech website, my only experience when it comes to playing video games is the dance mat that plugged into my brother’s PlayStation as a kid. 21 years since my dance mat days, I didn’t know what to expect when it came to testing Peloton’s latest "gamified fitness experience."

Luckily, Lanebreak, which launched on the Peloton Tread on June 28, didn’t involve me stamping my feet in time to Britney Spears’ Lucky. However, it did put me through my paces. Read on to find out what happened. 

What is Lanebreak? 

Lanebreak launched on the Peloton Bike and Peloton Bike Plus last year (here’s what happened when this Tom’s Guide editor put it to the test), and Peloton says it has tweaked the experience to make it more suited to running and walking. The principle is the same — you select your level, choose your difficulty, and your class, based on how long you’ve got and your music preferences. You then have to collect points by moving through different lanes (you do this by adjusting your incline). In each lane, there will be different Moments that might require you to adjust your speed to score points. Sounds complicated, right? Yet once you’re a couple of minutes in, it becomes second nature. 

I tried Peloton Tread’s new Lanebreak feature — here’s my verdict 

It showed off the capabilities of the Tread

When I tested the Peloton Tread for Tom’s Guide, one of the best things about it compared to some of the best treadmills on the market was its intuitive design. Lanebreak showed off the Peloton Tread’s easy-to-access incline and speed knobs, which are conveniently placed on the arms of the treadmill, meaning you don’t have to worry about reaching and tapping on the screen as you pick up the pace. 

The entire game involves moving between lanes via the incline knob and changing your speed to collect points, and the Tread was easy to control. That said, compared to Lanebreak on the Bike, which allows you to switch lanes by turning left and right on the resistance knob, the incline knob scrolls up and down. It was easy to overshoot and jump two lanes, but I’m being picky.

The Lanebreak game also showcased Peloton’s new auto-incline feature. As its name suggests, when turned on, the Tread will automatically adjust its incline to follow the curve shown on the 3D game. You can turn this off if you’d rather.

A 20-minute class felt like 10

I tested Lanebreak on a day when I really didn’t feel like running, and the 20-minute class flew by. Peloton’s magic is in its classes and its instructors, but on days where you’d rather get lost in the run than have to listen to someone chirping at you, Lanebreak allows you to switch off while still getting a decent workout. 

There are four different levels of class —  Light (15-min mile average pace), Moderate (12-min pace), Hard (10-min pace), Challenging (8:30-min pace), and Extreme (7:30-min pace). Classes last between five and 30 minutes and encompass different musical genres, with Peloton adding new classes each week.

It’s fun if you want something different to ‘Just Run’

As mentioned above, one of the reasons you drop the better part of $3,500 on a Tread is because of Peloton’s classes. It’s what sets the brand apart from its competitors. In a way, Lanebreak loses some of this magic — there’s no instructor, and no leaderboard, however, I think that’s ok. Lanebreak isn’t designed to be a serious class (although the sessions are formatted by Tread instructors Jess King and Kirsten Ferguson, so you're still getting a workout), it’s designed to be fun and to get you moving on days when you might not want to.

My verdict? One of my friends said Lanebreak looked like a running version of Mario Kart, but I’ll have to take her word for it, as I’ve never played it (sorry, colleagues). I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this kooky feature, and I think it makes a fantastic addition to an already excellent array of classes. Perhaps it’s time to dig out that dance mat after all… 

More from Tom's Guide

• Peloton Gym is a big step away from bikes — and it's completely free
• Peloton Bike vs Peloton Bike Plus — Which should you buy?
• How to use your Apple Watch as a heart rate monitor on Peloton
  

The future of Peloton might not be all bikes and monthly membership fees. On May 23, Peloton is launching a rebranding initiative that better structures app-based offerings and introduces free programming through an all-new feature called Peloton Gym. 

Peloton’s new target is making the workouts accessible to anyone, anytime, anywhere. The Peloton App and at-home machines already had a reputation for flexibility — remember the time people had no option but to work out while quarantined at home? — but the brand’s fresh messaging doubles down on free exercise features.

The Peloton App now offers three distinct membership tiers: Peloton App Free (free), Peloton App One ($12.99/month) and Peloton App+ ($24/month). App One members will get strength and floor-based workouts, while App+ unlocks cardio classes. These new tiers also separate app-only users from the $44/month All-Access membership required for Peloton Bike, Peloton Tread and Peloton Row. 

With the recent Bike recall in mind, it seems like a natural move for Peloton to invest in workouts that aren’t tied to machines. Ahead of the app announcements, I spoke with Peloton execs about the recall, new programming, content adaptations, and the company’s journey ahead.

Peloton strays further from the home

Unlike with its Tread and Tread+ recall, which the company initially resisted, Peloton moved much more quickly when it was discovered that the seat posts of its bike could detach while exercising.

“In terms of the recall, we’re talking about 36 out of 2.5 million seat posts,” said Tom Cortese, Chief Product Officer for Peloton. “We’re taking it very seriously and responding very quickly with our members. This is how we’re always going to make sure we put safety first when it comes to hardware. And we’re going to invest a ton in new pathways into Peloton.”

The foremost of these pathways is Peloton Gym. Different from timed video and audio classes, Gym is more like a catalog of guided strength programs that users can follow at their own pace and desired location. You could certainly follow the programs with equipment you have at home, but the intention is that you’d use them outside or at a real gym.

“We’re moving from the value and convenience of home, which is what you get with the Peloton subscription and from premium Peloton hardware, to the value and convenience of anywhere,” said Cortese. “Turn the park in your town into your gym. Or use your ‘gym’ gym and take Peloton with you.”

Workouts can be filtered by length, muscle group, instructor. When you launch a Gym workout, you’re taken through a number of circuits curated by a Peloton coach. Once you complete the recommended number of sets of a circuit, you swipe to move on to the next one.

“This feature is like taking a whiteboard workout from a Crossfit gym and bringing it into the Peloton experience, meaning it’s built from what we’re amazing at, which is our instructor-developed content,” said Brent Tworetzky, VP of Product Management for Peloton. “What we’ve seen is that, especially post-Covid, people are going back out into the world, and they want to bring Peloton with them.”

Entering the free frontier

For the first time, the Peloton App is becoming a destination for free workouts. Previously, Peloton offered promotions for trying content at no cost. But when the trial period ended, you’d have to pay to continue using the app. This certainly deterred people who need free workout programs, whether it was about cost or their exercise locales.

“We believe that what we do to change people’s lives and the expertise of our instructors is pretty much something no competitor can touch,” said Jen Cotter, Chief Content Officer for Peloton. “We want to continue to extrapolate that in more ways to widen the funnel and super-serve the members we have already.”

In addition to Peloton Gym, the free tier of the Peloton App will have 50 video classes and Peloton’s “Just Workout” open-goal format. No matter which way you engage, you’ll be able to review your metrics, track workout history and explore community features.

“We want to make sure every tier is amazing,” said Cotter. “No matter where a member ends up, once you settle into a routine, you stay with Peloton. This new model is supposed to help you find that balance of where is right for you, and then keep you at Peloton.”

“It's okay if they want to stay in the free tier forever,” said Tworetzky. “But we also imagine that some users are going to use our free tier as a complement to the other types of workouts that they do. Over time, some of those users will decide if they want to get more serious in the areas where we can really support them.”

A less cult-like Peloton

By opening Peloton up to a larger audience, the company loses some of the exclusivity that, depending on who you asked, crafted a cult-like bubble around the content. With programming like Peloton Gym, Peloton might be able to convince more people that the brand is about more than expensive exercise machines. 

Now, with a free tier and workouts that let you follow your own pace, perhaps there’s a place for everyone in Peloton. (Though Cotter joked that Peloton still needs to find a way into swimming pools.)

“It’s an intentional way to help people who are new to fitness and new to fitness apps to give us a try and see if we can fit into their lives,” said Cortese. “And it's okay if they want to stay in the free tier forever. But we also imagine that some users are going to use our free tier as a complement to the other types of workouts that they do.”

“We’re hoping our new message will explain to people who think that Peloton is not for them that it’s more than they think,” said Cotter. 

More from Tom's Guide

• I hate to exercise, so I bought a Peloton — here’s what happened
• Best women’s running shoes
• I used this running app for 16 weeks — and I broke my personal record

Making the trek to the gym can be hard, especially when you have a busy schedule which is why I and many others have a home gym instead. While I have a weight rack and a pull-up bar in my garage, I also have a Peloton Bike Plus in my game room since the heat out there can be brutal while doing cardio.

Getting a Peloton wasn’t actually my idea; it was my wife’s. Before we moved, she had started doing spin classes and really enjoyed them. However, when she couldn’t find a spin class near our new house, she decided to go with a Peloton — after checking out a few of the best Peloton alternatives first. 

Although my wife loved the on-demand classes and Peloton’s charismatic instructors, we got pregnant shortly thereafter and as can happen with home exercise equipment, our Peloton Bike Plus sat in a corner and started gathering dust. I tried riding it myself and while the classes were pretty fun, they just weren’t for me as I’ve always preferred to go at my own pace. 

The Peloton Bike Plus also wasn’t my first exercise bike as I had a folding one I loved back in our apartment. I really liked riding it while catching up on TV shows or even playing video games — something you just can’t do with a Peloton unless you hack or jailbreak it. Since this was my wife’s bike and hacking was off the table, I knew I had to come up with a creative workaround — and that's exactly what I did.

Designing the monitor mount

Adding a laptop tray on top of the handlebars of the Peloton Bike Plus or even hanging a tablet holder from its screen would have been the easiest solution to my problem. However, despite not being the biggest fan of Peloton’s classes, I love its user interface and the fact that it runs on top of Android.

I didn’t want to cover the screen with another one or block it with one of the best laptops. After a lot of brainstorming, I came up with a solution: I would mount another monitor on top of the Bike Plus’ screen. A dual-monitor setup made perfect sense as I would still have access to the Peloton UI while also being able to watch TV or play games. Now, I just had to figure out a way to make it work.

I initially thought of using a monitor arm to attach an old, 15.6-inch portable monitor to the monitor mount at the back of the Bike Plus. However, while testing this out, I realized that a metal monitor arm was actually heavier than my portable monitor. I saw a few videos online of DIY monitor arms made out of 1-inch PVC pipe and decided to go this route instead.

Not only is PVC pipe lighter but it’s also easy to cut to size and drill holes into. I took the VESA mount off a metal monitor stand and attached it to the PVC pipe using two screws. Since my portable monitor didn’t have VESA mounting holes, I used a VIVO Universal VESA Mount Adapter ($25, Amazon) to attach it to the pipe. This adapter also works with the best tablets.

In order to attach the PVC pipe to the back of the Peloton Bike Plus, I drilled holes on either side of the PVC and ran some cable ties through. I had to use two 10-inch cable ties attached together to have enough length to wrap them around both the PVC pipe and the Bike Plus’ monitor mount. Another reason why I used cable ties as opposed to something more permanent is that the whole setup can actually be taken down in just a few minutes 

With just two sets of holes and my cable ties pushed through them, I managed to attach my DIY PVC monitor mount to the back of the Bike Plus and to my surprise — it stayed in place. During this prototype phase, I used an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max to test and make sure everything was working. But I wasn’t done there.

Besides the classes and features available on the Bike Plus, what makes it one of the best exercise bikes in my opinion is its design. I didn’t want my DIY monitor arm to detract from the beauty of its black, powder-coated, carbon steel frame, which is why I took everything down and painted the PVC pipe.

I used nail polish remover to take off the red writing on the PVC pipe and then sanded it down so that the paint would stick. With a box from one of the best office chairs, I carefully painted the PVC pipe after drilling a few extra holes so that it would attach firmly to my Bike Plus.

Putting it all together

Besides painting and adding more holes for additional cable ties, I also added an elbow joint along with another piece of PVC pipe. This way my DIY monitor arm would be connected to the Bike Plus’ monitor mount at more points. However, this also allowed me to run an HDMI cable along with the portable monitor’s power adapter up to the top of the Bike Plus from its water bottle holder.

I also ran a micro USB cable through the pipe to power a Chromecast connected to the portable monitor. However, after doing so, I realized I didn’t have enough power outlets on the extension cord I was using. Fortunately, with a USB-C to USB-A adapter, I was able to power the Chromecast from the USB-C port at the back of the Peloton.

As I was already using the monitor mount at the back for my DIY monitor arm, I used a DoublePlus Phone Holder ($11, Amazon) designed to attach under the handlebars of the Bike Plus for my Nintendo Switch. Instead of using an official dock, I actually tried using a third-party dock for the first time. Unlike other ‘unofficial’ docks that have been known to fry the Nintendo Switch, the Genki Covert Dock Mini ($50, Amazon) uses the correct voltage. It’s also absolutely tiny and 20 times smaller than the original Switch dock.

The power adapter for the portable monitor along with the Genki Covert Dock Mini are plugged into an extension cord that sits on the Bike Plus’ water bottle holder on the left side. Their cables then run through the PVC pipe which goes horizontally before going vertically up to the portable monitor.

Tackling my backlog one ride at a time

I know die-hard Peloton fans will probably scoff at my DIY monitor arm and the fact that I now have a portable monitor mounted above the Bike Plus’ main display. However, I’m loving the setup so far and my Peloton hasn’t seen this much usage since it was first delivered.

With a one-year-old son, I just don’t have the time to exercise and play video games anymore. I have to choose between one of the two with the little time I have left each day. However, thanks to my new setup, I can do both simultaneously. Sure, my rides may not be as intensive as those of the Tom’s Guide fitness team but with exercise, what works for one person may not work for another.

Still, gaming while riding a stationary bike is a bit different. Though you might have a difficult time playing fast-paced games, I love grinding my way through lengthy JRPGs like Persona 5 Royal and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 while on my bike. I also enjoy playing first-party Nintendo games like Yoshi’s Crafted World which are a bit slower during my rides.

I had concerns about the stability of my DIY monitor arm while riding my Peloton Bike Plus but I’m happy to report that it hasn't fallen down yet, even when unclipping the Peloton shoes. In fact, I’ve had so much fun with my new setup that I’m even considering picking up some pedal converters for my Peloton so that my friends can try it out without having to pick up a pair of the best Peloton shoes.

Unlike when I turned an old monitor into a digital dashboard or used smart lights to decorate for the holidays, this project actually took over a month to come to fruition and I even took my son to the hardware store for the first time to help me pick out the PVC pipe. 

I’ve now been using my upgraded Peloton Bike Plus for the past week and hopefully with a backlog full of the best Nintendo Switch games and a Chromecast to watch new TV shows and movies from the best streaming services, I’ll keep up with it this time around. Even if I don’t though, I did manage to fix one of my biggest gripes with the Peloton without having to hack my Bike Plus.

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“I feel like I already know you,” I said to, arguably, Peloton’s most famous trainer as we sat down to chat in the Peloton Studios in London.

“I mean, I’m used to that at this point”, Cody Rigsby laughs. He’s warm, charming (“do you do hugs?” he asks as we say hello), and has a calm presence we don’t often see in his rides. He’s also jet-lagged but, ever the professional, he doesn’t mention this until we say goodbye, after talking for 40 minutes about everything from his proudest moments as a Peloton instructor, to the rules of netball (kind of like basketball, but you don’t move your feet). 

Listening to Cody reminds me why Peloton just works — users come for the exercise, and leave feeling like they’ve hung out with a friend. It’s why so many of us came to and clung to Peloton during the pandemic. “I still hear a lot of incredible stories about that time,” Cody says, “and how myself and my colleagues were able to help people. I think the pandemic just gave me a much bigger sense of gratitude for fitness being in my life.” 

A former professional dancer, Cody’s classes are grounded in having fun. Read on to learn more about the instructor, his go-to mental health practices, and his advice for beginners. Looking to read more about Peloton’s products? Check out our Bike Plus, Bike, Tread, Guide, and Row reviews on Tom’s Guide.

Self-motivation

How do you motivate yourself when you don’t want to get out of bed?

Cody Rigsby: Here's my rule with that. There are days that you really can't be bothered and you don’t want to do it. Don't do it. Give yourself a day. If it's really not on the cards for that day, give up, and pack it up. No, we can't do that every day, but sometimes you just need to acknowledge and accept it's not your day and you might need the rest. Give yourself a fresh start tomorrow. Just don’t let it become a habit.

Sometimes, all you need is to show up to the place where the workout is — maybe it's a Peloton bike, maybe it's the gym, maybe it's meeting with a friend. I think once you get there, you start going into the motions. Just show up and you'll figure out the rest. It might not be perfect, it might not be the best workout, but at least you're getting through it.

The right mindset

So how do you get the right mindset to push through?

CR: I was running a lot during the summer, I haven't been running as much in the fall and winter, because I hate it so much. But I really have to be in the right mindset of just like, "Okay, you're going to be uncomfortable for 20 minutes." And that's okay. And you've made it through a bunch of 20-minute runs.

So just sit in the discomfort and get through it. I don’t try to bullshit myself and pretend. I know I’m going to be uncomfortable for 20 minutes, but I know I'll make it through, just like I've made it through the majority of the things life has thrown at me.

Exercise and mental health

How important is exercise to your mental health?

CR: Oh, goodness, it's essential to my mental health. I know when I take too much time away I start feeling the effects physically and mentally. Of course, there’s the science — the hormones that your body releases after a workout just make you feel good. But I also think creating a habit keeps you motivated in other aspects of your life. I think when it comes to mental health, a lot of the time it stems from feeling uncomfortable. When we are uncomfortable with thoughts we're having, with emotions that we're feeling, we can easily jump into things that are toxic.

I think part of my mental health journey is learning how to sit with it and be uncomfortable. And I think workouts and fitness are part of this practice — when you're climbing on the bike for five minutes, it's going to get uncomfortable, it's going to start to burn, you're going to start to think that you can't do it. Yet, when you get through that five-minute climb you're reminded that you absolutely can get through the discomfort and that it's not going to control you.

The Pandemic

What do you think the pandemic taught you about exercise?

CR: In a way, exercise was a release for me, because I got to keep going to work. I got to be there for people during a really challenging time, and I'll never forget that. I still hear a lot of incredible stories about how myself and my colleagues were able to help people through that time. I think the pandemic just gave me a much bigger sense of gratitude for fitness being in my life. I’ve tried to keep that attitude now the pandemic is over. I wake up and think wow, I get to go to work. I get to teach a class. I get to go to the gym. A lot of things were taken away from us in that period of time, and it’s left me with so much gratitude.

Proudest moments

What are you proudest of as a Peloton instructor?

CR: I'm proudest of being a positive representation of the Queer community. Even though I bring a lot of levity and inappropriate banter to my classes, I think what people are attracted to most about my content is my authenticity, and in a way, my vulnerability. I'm really proud that I get to show up, I get to be as authentic as possible, I get to tell my stories, unfiltered, and that motivates Queer people to live their lives authentically.

It has also changed the minds and the mindsets of people who had the bike but might have had a different attitude toward the LGBTQIA+ community. It's almost like a little bit of a Trojan horse — people bought the bike, they were just here for a workout, they fell in love with my classes, then they felt like they knew a Queer person, then they might have had a better relationship with their gay son or daughter.

The little change that one person makes can have a domino effect within their community, whether that’s standing up for homophobia or transphobia when they spot it. Or I've had a lot of friends in New York who have come up to me on the dance floor and said thank you, because their mom took my class and it has, in a way, been a bridge between their relationship. It's really cool to see.

Favorite workout song

What’s the one song on your Spotify playlist that gets you out the door for a workout?

CR: This one is hard! I really like Trustfall by Pink, I really like that song. I think I’d say I’m Your Baby Tonight by Whitney Houston. It always gets me in the mood — I love a song that makes me want to sway my hips. 

Advice for beginners

Finally, what’s your advice for complete beginners? 

CR: I think start small. Don't overwhelm yourself. Start with just 10 or 20 minutes a day, three times a week and build up from there. I think if you bite off more than you can chew, you're going to get overwhelmed, and you're going to quit. But also speaking of quitting, when you have those bad days, give yourself a little grace. If you don't do it that day, it's fine. If you don't do it perfectly, it's okay. Allow yourself to fail, allow yourself to not do it right and get back up and keep going.

Then I think like find the joy — maybe it's an instructor, maybe it’s music, maybe it's finding a movement style that you love. Once you've found something that makes you happy, start to challenge yourself, but don’t fall out of love with it.

Looking for more workout inspiration? You'll need one of the best exercise bikes, but you'll be impressed what 30 minutes on an exercise bike can do for your body, plus, here's more on how to lose weight using an exercise bike. 

In the darkest days of the pandemic, I learned possibly my biggest lesson when it came to fitness — it wasn’t the marathon training I missed, it was the lining up with thousands of runners on the start line. It wasn’t setting my alarm at 6 a.m. to get to Barry’s Bootcamp before work, it was exercising with my friends. 

It’s this feeling of community that led us, in our millions, to companies like Peloton. It’s why we did virtual fitness classes on Instagram and Zoom, and virtual step count challenges with our friends. It's why, as soon as we possibly could, we worried about gyms reopening and going on socially distanced walks. 

And it’s not just a feeling of connecting with others — research has shown that exercising in groups can motivate people to reach their goals. One study found that 95% of those who started a weight loss program with friends completed it, compared to a rate of 76% when alone. Another study that looked at five years of data from more than a million runners found that exercise is “socially contagious” — the more runners you know, the more likely you are to go for a run. Plus, you’re more likely to work harder — another study from Michigan State University found that doing aerobic exercise with a partner motivated people to work harder, and for longer. The motivation was also improved when the partner was a virtual one.

With this in mind, it’s baffling that, since taking over Fitbit in November 2019, Google has decided to strip Fitbit of one of the things that make it Fitbit — its community. During the Covid lockdowns, when I was living 15.2 miles away from my mum, who I speak to at least once a day and see most weekends, competing on silly step count challenges on our trackers helped us feel connected. Yet after March 27, Fitbit will be removing all adventures, challenges, and open groups from its app.

The challenges between Fitbit users have been a USP for the brand for the past 10 years. Fitbit often talks about its social community and challenges, and it’s a feature that’s been copied and incorporated into most of the best fitness trackers on the market. So why now? In an email to The Verge, Fitbit said these features were “of limited use." 

Sure, not everyone who buys one of the best Fitbits wants to use the Adventures tool, which allows you to take virtual tours of Yosemite National Park. Not everyone wanted to join one of the huge community groups, where you’d chat about a shared interest. Heck, not everyone cared about virtual trophies. Yet I’d argue that the people that did use these features were, and are, Fitbit’s core demographic.

Following the cull on March 27, Fitbit users can still create private, closed groups with friends, but they won’t be able to join challenges, and any trophies earned will be lost. And from the looks of things, it’s not just me that’s confused by this move. One user tweeted, “I guess me and my 30+ friends and family can throw these trackers away and leave the ecosystem considering we only have them to do multiple challenges every week and weekend. It’s literally the only thing keeping us around.”

Another wrote, “This is very niche but @fitbit just sent me an email saying they are getting rid of their challenges March 27 and I am devastated??? I have been part of a recurring workweek hustle for the last 5+ years and it’s legitimately the only reason I never switched to an apple watch.”

Fitbit has promised big and better things will be coming to keep its users motivated, but this feels like a confusing move from the brand. The aim of any fitness tracker, after all, is to help you get healthier — a survey following the pandemic found that higher levels of depression and anxiety may have affected people’s motivation to exercise, so let’s not remove things that do just that thanks, Google.

The world of connected home gym equipment is vast and expensive, but one little gadget breaking the mould is the Peloton Guide. Unlike the Peloton Bike Plus, Peloton Tread, or Tempo Studio, the Guide won’t make you feel like you’re turning your living room into a gym, or take up much space if you’re not blessed with space (welcome to my world). The Peloton Guide is Peloton’s strength offering — designed to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help you reach your strength training goals. You plug it into your TV, and the device uses machine learning and smart camera technology to provide that in-person coaching experience, from the comfort of your living room.

But how does it compare to the other products in Peloton’s repertoire, and is it worth its $300 price tag and ongoing monthly subscription? To find out more, I installed the little box in my living room for three months, using it for my weekly strength classes. Read my full Peloton Guide review to find out more. 

Peloton Guide review: Price and availability 

Unlike the rest of the Peloton range, the Guide probably won’t cost more than your month’s rent — it’s $295/£275 to buy, then you’ll need a subscription to the classes, which costs $24/£24 per month. (That's cheaper than the subscription for the Peloton Bike and Tread, which runs $39/month).

Things can get a little more expensive if you buy Peloton’s exercise mat and dumbbells, but as the dumbbells aren’t connected in any way, you could just grab a cheaper pair of the best adjustable dumbbells and use them.

The membership can be shared with five different members of your household, and if you already own a Peloton Bike or Peloton Tread, your all-access membership covers Peloton Guide classes. 

Peloton Guide review: Design and set-up 

The Peloton Guide looks like a small webcam, which connects to your TV. The camera has a resolution of 12 megapixels and can stream 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. It didn’t look out of place set up in my living room and probably took me around five minutes to get it all plugged in (I’m not the techiest individual), and then around fifteen minutes to get it all set up. 

The Guide uses machine learning and smart camera technology to track your movements and offer suggestions as you're working out. You’ll be able to see your own image on the TV, alongside the instructors, to compare your form and technique. In order for the Guide to do this, you need to go through a few setup screens — the Guide will ask you to raise your arms above your head and to the side, to ensure it’s capturing you.

Once you’re set up, you can choose your class. The Guide tells you which muscles you’ve worked — something Peloton calls "Body Activity." You can choose a class based on a body part, but after you’ve done a few classes, based on your Body Activity, the Guide will suggest which workouts to do next, so you target different areas of the body and avoid overtraining one muscle group. 

There’s also the option to choose a class from the Rep Tracker series — this is Peloton’s newest feature, which counts each rep for you, giving you credit for every weight lifted. You can also program the weight you’ll be using for light, medium, and heavy sets, and the Guide will measure the total weight lifted, allowing you to see your progress over time. 

Peloton Guide review: Classes 

Like with all Peloton products, the magic of the Guide lies in its classes, and there’s a huge number to choose from. I loved how each workout gave you an overview of the exercises involved, so there weren’t any unpleasant surprises and told you which weights you’d need to grab before you got started. Classes range from 10-45 minutes and have all of the enthusiasm you’d expect from a Peloton class, as well as the soundtracks. 

Like all other Peloton classes, new Guide-specific workouts are added each week, as well as a series of live classes. You can, of course, take non-Guide workouts on the Guide, although they don’t have Guide-specific features like rep tracking and movement tracking.

During workouts, I appreciated the flexibility of the guide. I was impressed at how easy it was to adjust my view on the screen — I could easily switch between self mode, seeing my own form above the instructor’s as we rowed and did press-ups. When this got distracting, I could easily move to the minimized zone, where I saw myself in a smaller window on the left of the screen, above the heart rate monitor. (I was able to use my Apple Watch as a heart rate monitor — here’s how to connect the two). 

Another clever little feature was the ability to use voice commands to pause workouts — no more scrabbling to place my dumbbells down and press pause on the remote when someone rang my doorbell. I was able to pause a workout by saying, “OK, Peloton, pause workout." You can find a full list of voice commands on Peloton's website.

Peloton Guide review: Performance

I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting to love the Guide. After testing a number of Peloton’s other products, I kind of felt that the Guide was a bit redundant — all of the other products in the Peloton range have strength training classes, as does the Peloton app, which allows you to do strength classes from your phone or tablet. It didn’t take long for me to realize I’d been wrong. Closing the Movement Tracker (a little logo that changes color as you move through your reps) was motivating, and the rep tracker feature in my second class was fantastic.

Compared to the strength workouts I took using the rotating screen on my Peloton Bike+, I found that I worked harder to close the Movement Tracker or reach the required number of reps. Where I’m often guilty of giving up on an exercise a few seconds early, the Guide helped me stay engaged, and working until the last few seconds.

Like many, I’ve always been a little resistant to the idea of having a workout camera in my living room. On the Guide, however, there’s a privacy slider, which covers the camera when it’s not in use. What’s more, according to Peloton, no video or images of you working out are ever uploaded to the cloud. The data the device collects is to analyze your workout performance and make recommendations. It really is only my dog judging me when I’m working out in my living room. 

Peloton Guide review: Verdict 

I was surprised by how much I loved strength training with the Peloton Guide. For beginners, or those returning to strength training, being able to see your form and correct your technique is extremely important, and something you won’t get from a lot of the best workout apps on the market. This really is like having a personal trainer in your living room. That said, I did wish the screen alerted me when I was arching my back or flaring my ribs — a visual graphic that your form was off would be helpful, especially when you’re lost in a workout. 

I also appreciated the Body Activity tracker, which helps visually show you how much you’re working on one muscle group. As a runner, I have a tendency to overload my legs, and I liked how the Guide clocked this and reminded me to focus on other areas. Giving your muscles time to recover is essential for growth and repair, so it’s a nice feature. 

If you already have a Bike or Tread, you won’t get as much out of the Guide as Peloton–newbies, however. But if you’re looking to get stronger from your living room, the Guide is a great tool to install, especially for the design-conscious fitness fanatics, who don’t want their home to feel like a gym.

It doesn’t matter if you’re working out from your living room or your local gym, training for a marathon, or doing your first 5K, here at Tom’s Guide, we believe in helping you find the products that’ll help you reach your goals.

The Tom’s Guide Fitness Awards 2023 is a chance to celebrate these products — from the running shoes that might get you across the finish line with a shiny new personal record, the fitness tracker that might give you a better understanding of your body, to the new fitness app that’ll transform your home workouts if you’ve finally canceled your expensive gym membership.

Our Fitness Awards recognize innovation, admirable efforts in safety, and those making waves in terms of sustainability in the fitness world. We’re excited to highlight the products that are the best of the best — the ones worth buying this January to help you reach your fitness goals, whatever your budget. 

The awards are judged by us, the Tom’s Guide fitness team. Together, we have years of expertise in the sector and we know what we’re looking for when it comes to the latest gear. From marathon runners to personal trainers, our team has put all of the winning products to the test to ensure they’re worth recommending. We’ve tracked down the best products on the market. During testing, we’ve looked at how easy the products were to set up and use, how enjoyable they made working out, and whether or not they’d actually make a difference in the busy lives of our readers. 

After hours of running, lifting, squatting, and sweating, we present the winners of the 2023 Tom’s Guide Fitness Awards.

Best Innovation Award: Peloton Guide

We’re always looking for the most innovative products on the market, and one of the coolest bits of home workout equipment we’ve installed in our homes is the Peloton Guide. The Guide is Peloton’s strength offering — designed to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help you reach your strength training goals. You plug it into your TV, and the device uses machine learning and smart camera technology to provide that in-person coaching experience, from the comfort of your living room. For a much cheaper price than most of Peloton’s other products, you get all of the magic and motivation of Peloton’s instructors and its classes. This is a clever upgrade your home workouts. 

Best Safety Feature Award: Apple Watch

It’s a sad problem for tech companies to face, but more than ever, keeping lone runners and walkers safe is a priority. One brand that seems to be leading the way is Apple. The Apple Watch Series 8 has fall detection and crash detection — in the event of a fall, or crash, the watch will automatically call the emergency services and provide them with your location, as well as alert your emergency contacts.

The newly released Apple Watch Ultra goes one step further, with an onboard Siren, designed to draw attention if you’re lost or injured out on the trails. These safety features are, hopefully, additions you’ll never have to use, but it’s nice to know they are there.

Sustainability award: Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat

From gyms going ‘green' to brands using more recycled products in their manufacturing, sustainability is, as ever, important in 2023. When it comes to making small decisions that’ll have a positive impact on the planet, a few brands stood out from the crowd, one being Manduka. The Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat is one of the best yoga mats on the market; from a sustainability perspective, it’s built to last forever, and is manufactured using a process that ensures no toxic emissions are released into the atmosphere. As a yoga mat, it’s super comfortable to use — the 4.7mm thickness ensures you can still feel the ground during practice, and the mat is available in three different sizes, standard, long, and long and wide, to suit every yogi. You'll feel good using this mat in more ways than one.

Best Running Watch Award: Garmin Forerunner 255

The award for the best running watch was a hotly contested one, but one watch that came out on top was the Garmin Forerunner 255. Along with an accurate GPS, a long-lasting battery, and the ability to track many types of workouts, the watch features the same fitness metrics as Garmin’s latest higher-end GPS watches: Training Status to track progress, Training Load to see workouts over a seven-day period, and Training Effect to measure anaerobic and aerobic performance. It also supports sleep, stress, blood oxygen saturation, and menstrual cycle tracking, plus the ability to track triathlon and multisport activities. And, it's pretty affordable, too. Read our Garmin Forerunner 255 review to find out more about why this is our favorite model. 

Best Fitness Tracker Award: Fitbit Inspire 3

The Fitbit Inspire 3 proves that tracking your steps, sleep, calories, and more doesn’t have to cost the earth. At just $99, this little fitness tracker blew us away with its bright AMOLED display, lightweight feel on the wrist, and excellent battery life. For a third of the cost of the company’s smartwatches, the Inspire 3 gets basic health metrics, automatic workout-tracking, and accurate sleep insights. It also comes with a free year of Fitbit Premium. Read our Fitbit Inspire 3 review to find out more. 

Best Workout App Award: Nike Training Club

Whether you’re back to working out in the gym, or you’re still exercising in your living room, the best workout apps are like having a personal trainer in your pocket. Our winner? The Nike Training Club app, is engaging, motivating, and completely free. With nearly 500 different workouts to choose from — and now the option to take classes on your TV thanks to a collaboration with Netflix — getting fit doesn’t have to be expensive with this app. Read our Nike Training Club review here to find out more about what this app can do. 

Best Running App Award: Runna

Runna stormed its way to the top of the best running apps thanks to its personalized running plans — whether you’re training for your fastest 5K, or your first marathon, there’s something for everyone on this app. The app itself is easy to use and extremely motivating, with the sessions clearly marked each week along with helpful pointers from coaches Ben Parker and Steph Davies. There’s the option to switch between kilometers, miles, and treadmill paces at a glance, to change your goal at any point, and add strength training to the plan at the click of a button. Plus, the plan can sync to your watch seamlessly — all you need to remember to do is the sessions themselves. Check out our Runna app review to find out more. 

Best Meditation App Award: TRIPP

The Tripp app wins this award hands down thanks to its immersive VR meditation experience. Whether you’re a pro meditator or struggling to find your zen, Tripp has you covered with incredible graphics and plenty of customizable personalized experiences based on your mood. The app is available on various platforms like Meta Quest 2 and PlayStation VR2, making meditation accessible for all lifestyles and experiences through one handy headset. Guided meditations and interactive gameplay elevate this meditation app levels above competitors by allowing users to choose their next adventure and log progression. Fancy floating above the ocean, visiting space, or flying around a giant glowing flower? Now you can take a Tripp, no problem. Check out our Tripp review here. 

Best Treadmill Award: Peloton Tread

When it comes to the best home workout equipment, Peloton still delivers one of the best connected home workout experiences and after miles of testing, the Peloton Tread is still worthy of the top spot. The company might have gone through a bit of a rough patch, but this doesn’t have anything to do with the build quality of its products — the Tread is expertly designed, with a neat footprint and handy speed and incline wheels on the arms. On top of that, the magic of Peloton lies in its classes, and there are hundreds of live or on-demand workouts to choose from. There’s no question about it — it’s an expensive investment, but if you use the treadmill regularly, we’d argue that it’s still cheaper than most gym memberships. Read our Peloton Tread review here to see if it's worth the price for you. 

Best Exercise Bike Award: Wattbike Atom

We won’t sugar-coat it: the second-generation Wattbike Atom is an expensive piece of equipment, but it’s one of the best exercise bikes around if you’re looking to up your training. Designed for elite athletes, this is like having an Equinox gym in your living room. It’ll track your performance, power, and technique with every pedal stroke, and we were blown away by how realistic the riding experience was. Unlike Peloton, there’s no built-in screen or additional ongoing cost, so you can use the app of your choice on the bike. We used Zwift to race friends, and Apple Fitness Plus on days we wanted to spin to Taylor Swift. Read our Wattbike Atom review here. 

Best Workout Mirror Award: Lululemon Studio Mirror

The world of workout mirrors is relatively new, but we’ve been impressed by the Lululemon Studio Mirror. Unlike some of the other connected home gym equipment, the Studio Mirror looks like, well, a mirror, meaning it’ll slot unobtrusively into most homes. Once installed, the Mirror allows you to access thousands of workouts, as well as classes from popular partner studios. Last year saw Lululemon take this partnership further, and Studio members can now book discounted classes at AARMY, Y7 Studio, DOGPOUND, FORWARD_Space, Pure Barre, AKT, Rumble and YogaSix. Home workout equipment is only worth its price tag if you use it, but since installing the Lululemon Studio Mirror, it’s transformed our home workouts. Read our Lululemon Studio Mirror review here. 

Best Recovery Tool Award: Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2

This quiet little massage gun surprised us with its power. Weighing in at just 1.5 pounds, this little everyday massage gun packs a punch on tired muscles — the gun has three speeds, the top speed going up to 3200 pulsations per minute. That’s more than bigger, and more expensive massage guns on the market. We were impressed with how powerful, quiet, and portage this massage gun is, making it a brilliant recovery tool to carry with you on the go. Plus, the battery life lasts three hours, meaning you can take it with you to a race or competition, and probably won’t have to worry about packing your charger. Read our Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 review to find out more.  

Best Walking Sneaker Award: Skecher Go Walk workout walker

We’re the first to admit, we weren’t blown away by these shoes at first glance, but after walking 50 miles in them, our fitness editor wrote "sure, they might not look as cute as my Veja’s, but I’m never going back." These shoes were seriously comfortable — the arch support was second to none, and right out of the box they were a joy to float around in. During testing, the midsole cushioning was super plush, and the rocker-style Hyper Arc design of the midsole helps your foot roll forward, for a comfortable toe-off, whatever speed you’re walking. The result is a bouncy, cushioned walk. Read our full Skecher Go Walk Workout Walker review to read why these scooped the top spot. 

Best Long Distance Running Shoe Award: Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 2

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that’ll help you up your distance, it doesn’t get more cushioned or comfortable than the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 2. Nike originally designed this shoe for marathon runners, looking for a super-cushioned, protective shoe for easy miles on tired legs. Since then, it’s become popular with long-distance runners looking for a bouncy, fun shoe for long miles. While faster runners probably wouldn’t want to race in this shoe, it’s definitely the one we reach for on most of our long runs. The third iteration of this shoe is dropping soon, so keep an eye out on Tom's Guide for a full review once we have it. 

Best Speed Running Shoe Award: Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

We’ve tested some of the best carbon fiber running shoes on the market, but the ones that surprised and impressed us the most was the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. A huge improvement on the Endorphin Pro 2’s, the third iteration of Saucony’s super shoe has one of the most breathable uppers on the market, and more PWRRUN PB foam underfoot to completely change the ride of the shoe — it’s extremely fast, yet comfortable. It allows you to pick up the pace and hold it without trying as hard. Read our Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 review here to find out what else we loved about it. 

Best Running Accessory Award: Lululemon fast and free running belt

The best running accessories make heading out of the door that little bit easier, and if you’re a runner who doesn’t travel light, the Lululemon fast and free running belt will soon become your go-to. Unlike other running belts, this one won’t bounce against your hips as you move, or have to be re-fastened every time you reach a stop light. The Lululemon Fast and Free Belt might be more expensive than its competitors, but you get what you pay for here — this belt does not budge, even when you’re picking up the pace. It’s big enough for your phone, gels, keys and lip balm, and allows you to run unrestricted. 

Best Women’s Health App Award: Flo

Of course, health is about far more than just tracking your activity. Our best women’s health app of the year goes to Flo, which tracks ovulation and periods, as well as giving women reassuring advice, written by experts. The app has a new anonymous mode, recognized as the best privacy innovation in the 2022 IAPP Privacy Innovation Awards, designed to keep your personal information safe. It’s an excellent, easy-to-use app, that allows you to really get to know your body.

Whether you’ve just added one of the best exercise bikes to your home, or you’re kick-starting a new workout routine, get ready to reap the rewards. Exercise bikes are a popular piece of home gym equipment — they don’t need to be replaced constantly, and even if you opt for the likes of the Peloton Bike or the Peloton Bike Plus, the monthly subscription is cheaper than most gym memberships. Plus, you can even pedal whilst watching television. But what are the benefits of regular cycling, and are exercise bikes good for weight loss? 

For those who are looking to lose weight, you should aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio activity at least five days per week, or at least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity three days per week. If you’re looking to increase muscle, you should keep to around three days of HIIT a week, but focus on shorter and even more high-intensity sessions.

The bike will help to work particular muscles and can be beneficial for several parts of your body and health system. But, there are also things to keep an eye out for. We spoke with Physical Therapist Anthony Maritato, of Choose PT 1st, to find out exactly what 30 minutes on an exercise bike does to your body.

What muscles do you work on an exercise bike?

“When it comes to riding an exercise bike the main muscle groups you are working include the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteals,” says Maritato.

The quadriceps are the four main muscles on the front of your upper leg. This group includes the rectus femoris, the vastus lateralis, the vastus intermedius, and the vastus medialis muscles. 

The hamstrings are the muscles behind the upper leg and include the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris muscles.

The gluteals are the powerhouse muscle group of the hip. This is often referred to as the buttock and includes gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus.

When cycling with the correct form, you can also work the abs. Plus, a recent study found that “stationary cycling exercise relieves pain and improves sport function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis,” so it might even be a safer choice than other forms of cardio for those suffering from knee pain. 

Is an exercise bike good for weight loss?

Maritato explains that weight loss may be achieved in many ways from reducing caloric intake to increasing caloric expenditure and many variations in between.

A common recipe for weight loss includes burning 250 calories more per day while you consume 250 calories less per day to create a 500 calories per day deficit. After seven days this equals 3,500 calories which equate to approximately 1lbs of fat loss per week.

Riding an exercise bike is a wonderful method of weight loss for several reasons:

• It is a form of non-impact cardiovascular exercise that may be performed indoors 
• It is easy to adjust the intensity of exercise and duration of exercise with each exercise session 
• It is reasonably affordable 
• Exercise bikes come in a variety of models and sizes allowing exercises with various body types to easily adjust the exercise bike to fit your body 

Here’s more on how to lose weight using an exercise bike. 

What can 30 minutes on an exercise bike do to your body?

There are a number of different benefits to jumping on a stationary bike regularly, these include: 

Reduce Chronic Low Back Pain: Low-intensity continuous exercise like riding an exercise bike may reduce chronic low back pain. Studies have found that riding an exercise bike for 30 minutes may improve the cardiovascular system, desensitize lumbar structures, increase circulation, and reduce stiffness.

Improved Mood and Brain Function: While we don’t fully understand the exact mechanism for how regular exercise improves mood and cognition, there is a growing body of evidence to support this hypothesis. Several studies suggest that exercise may have a beneficial effect on hormone regulation. Other studies look at how exercise may help a person to feel healthier, stronger, and empowered.

Improved Sleep: In a 2012 study, sleep data across 305 total participants was analyzed and the research suggested that participation in an exercise training program has moderately positive effects on sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults.

Who should avoid riding an exercise bike?

The most common injuries sustained using an exercise bike are either overuse injuries like tendinitis or bursitis, or mechanical injuries related to improper fitting of the bike to the rider.

Tendinitis and bursitis are acute inflammatory conditions in which the tendon or bursae become inflamed. This could happen when you increase intensity or duration too quickly, or when an exerciser neglects recovery time between workouts.

It is often hard to know how much is too much, but one rule of thumb is to look for signs of acute inflammation and overtraining. These signs may include pain with palpation, decreased range of motion, increased stiffness, and declining performance.

The common causes of injuries on an exercise bike are: 

• Low back pain attributed to the seat being too close to the pedals and the lumbar spine experiencing too much lumbar flexion 
• Knee pain attributed to the seat being too low and experiencing excessive knee flexion 
• Neck and shoulder pain attributed to too much strain on the upper body 
• Wrist pain attributed to ill-fitting handlebars 

If you are adding an exercise bike to your home, it’s a good idea to invest in a pair of the best indoor cycling shoes. It’s also important to point out that the best exercise is what’s right for you and your body. If you don’t enjoy cycling, there are other forms of cardio that might be better suited to you. Take a look at our treadmill vs exercise bike face-off here. 

Looking for more inspiration? Read what happened when one TG staffer went from not exercising to one month on a Peloton. 

So you’re thinking of adding one of the best exercise bikes to your home, and you have your heart set on a Peloton. Good decision, but do you go for the Bike or the Bike Plus? Having painstakingly cycled for miles on both bikes, we’re here to talk you through the similarities and differences between the two popular exercise bikes. 

Both exercise bikes allow you to take Peloton’s plethora of live and on-demand classes, from its range of instructors. Both bikes are also available to rent as part of Peloton’s new rental scheme in the U.S. If you think you’ve already made your mind up, you can skip to our Peloton Bike review and our Peloton Bike Plus review to find out more. 

If you're not in the market for an exercise bike, you can still use Peloton's app to access its wide range of classes. In May 2023, Peloton announced three new Peloton app membership options, including one that is completely free. Read more about the memberships, and the Peloton Gym feature here. 

Peloton Bike vs Peloton Bike Plus: Price and availability

The Peloton Bike Plus costs $2,495/£1,995, which is $1,050/£650 more than Peloton’s cheaper Bike option, which retails for $1,445/£1,345. 

For both bikes, there are plenty of financing options available, as well as bundles that combine the bike with accessories for a cheaper price. The cheapest bundle for the Peloton Bike is the Starter bundle, which includes the Bike, a pair of cycling shoes, a set of light dumbbells, and a bike mat for $1,645/£1,530. The same bundle for the Bike Plus costs $2,695/£2,180. 

Right now the cost of both bikes includes the delivery and the set-up of the bike. Both bikes are available from Peloton directly. In the U.S., the Peloton Bike is now available on Amazon. 

Winner: Peloton Bike — if you’re on a budget, and considering the fact you’ll have to pay for the monthly classes, the Peloton Bike is undoubtedly the cheaper option.

Peloton Bike vs Peloton Bike Plus: Design 

At a glance, both of the bikes look pretty similar — they both have large screens that allow you to take the classes, they both only come in black, with red accents and they both have the same neat footprint, which is about the same size as a yoga mat at four feet long and two feet wide. The Bike has a metal cage at the back for two lightweight dumbbells, which can be used in abs and arms classes on the bike, whereas on the Bike Plus, this is plastic. The handlebar design differs slightly between the two bikes as well. 

The most notable difference between the two bikes from a design standpoint is in the screens. On the cheaper Peloton Bike, the screen is slightly smaller, at 21.1 inches compared to the Bike Plus’ 23.8 inches. Both screens are HD, offering similar picture quality, but the Bike Plus has an anti-reflective coating — handy if you’re planning on positioning your bike right next to a window. The screen on the Bike Plus has a 360-degree swiveling mount, allowing you to tilt it up and down for a better view while cycling or 180 degrees left and right for floor workouts. The screen on the Bike doesn’t rotate from side to side. 

From a technical standpoint, the resistance is slightly different on the Bike Plus, which has the advantage of an auto resistance option. This automatically changes your resistance on instructor cues, meaning you don’t have to worry about it during class. 

Winner: Peloton Bike Plus — it might not sound that significant, but the rotating screen really does make a difference, especially if you plan on taking strength, HIIT or yoga classes and don’t want to have to do so behind your bike. 

Peloton Bike vs Peloton Bike Plus: Features 

As well as the screen and the resistance, the Peloton Bike sound system is slightly less powerful than that of the Bike Plus. The Peloton Bike has a 2-Channel rear-facing stereo speaker system with 16 watts of total power, whereas the Bike Plus has 2.2 Channel front-facing stereo speakers with 26 watts of total power and 2.2 rear-facing woofers. Both bikes connect to Bluetooth headphones, however, so if you’re not worried about playing the classes out loud through the bikes speakers, don’t let this bother you. 

Talking of Bluetooth, the Peloton Bike has Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, and the Peloton Bike Plus has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, although this mainly refers to the distance you have to be from the bike. As you’re unlikely to be connecting your headphones in a different room to the bike, the range shouldn’t be an issue. 

The Peloton Bike has a microUSB port for charging your tech as you pedal, whereas the Peloton Bike Plus has a USB-C charging port. The camera on the higher spec model is also, as you’d expect, slightly higher spec — on the Peloton Bike the front facing camera, which you’d use if you were taking a class with a friend, is 5 megapixels, whereas on the Peloton Bike Plus it’s 8 MP. 

Winner: Peloton Bike Plus — this one is slightly more difficult to call, as it’s unlikely most users will notice the differences between the two in terms of Bluetooth and the megapixels of the camera, but the Bike Plus is a higher spec device. 

Peloton Bike vs Peloton Bike Plus: Classes and app 

Both bikes have exactly the same classes, and the ability to take live and on-demand classes. For both, you’ll be able to see in-class metrics like power, cadence, resistance and heart rate, as well as the leaderboard. You can do scenic rides on both, complete training programmes and challenges (read what happened when our fitness editor tried the four-week ab challenge here), and see your workout history. 

The only real difference between the two bikes from a class perspective is that the Peloton Bike does not allow you to connect your Apple Watch to the bike to use it as a heart rate monitor, whereas the Peloton Bike Plus does. Here’s how to use your Apple Watch as a heart rate monitor on Peloton. 

Winner: It’s a tie. For Apple Watch users, the ability to pair your watch to the bike is a plus, but you can still use a heart rate monitor on both bikes.

Peloton Bike vs Peloton Bike Plus: Verdict 

Which bike is best for you really depends on your budget, and whether you’re bothered by the little extras that come with the Peloton Bike Plus. The main selling point in our eyes is the rotating screen, which really is a plus when doing strength classes, but if you don’t mind standing behind your bike, or doing strength classes on a tablet or your phone via the Peloton app, don’t let this put you off. 

If you are an avid Apple Watch user, being able to hold your best Apple Watch up to the camera to seamlessly connect to the Peloton Bike Plus is a cool feature, but whether it’s worth the higher price point is a personal preference. 

Either way, the magic of Peloton is in its classes, and both bikes offer access to them. We liked both bikes enough to rate them highly on our best exercise bikes page and found both to be brilliant home workout tools to help you reach your goals. See you in the saddle! 

The best Roku channels make it easy so stream popular movies and popular TV shows. Even better, many of them are free! Not only that, Roku is constantly adding more options.

With one of the best Roku devices, you can check out a ton of Roku channels, both free and paid (some of the latter will offer a free trial for new members). That includes power players like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock and Max. 

But the list of best Roku channels doesn't stop with the big-name streaming services. Try PBS Kids or Kids Room TV for children's programming, CuriosityStream for science content or Twitch for free streaming of video gamers playing games. There's even a Peloton channel on Roku.

The best Roku channels to add right now

Tubi (free)

Tubi offers a cornucopia of new and old programming, much of which you may never have even considered watching. From drama to reality and everything in between, there's something for every type of viewer available, all for free and supported by ads. There's even a dedicated selection of kids' programming as well as a wide range of anime and niche entertainment to sift through. Tubi Originals also offers great true crime series, animation and much more. If you're tired of tuning in to the same content over and over, Tubi is one channel you should check out on Roku. 

FitOn (free)

Don't have time to head to the gym? Work out at home and get in shape with FitOn, a free selection of exercise videos and workout plans. It offers unlimited access to cardio, strength training, yoga videos and more to help you get into the best form you've ever been in. Celebrity trainers like Cassey Ho and Katie Dunlop lead each course, and their clients occasionally drop in as well. You can reach your fitness goals without dropping a dime on another subscription service. 

Peacock (subscription)

Peacock offers thousands of hours of movies and television shows drawn from NBCUniversal's iconic brands, including NBC, Bravo and Syfy. Watch "The Office," "Real Housewives," "Law and Order" and "Saturday Night Live," as well as blockbuster theatrical films such as "Oppenheimer" and "Fast and Furious." Plus, Peacock has live sports like Premier League and WWE.

Amazon Video (subscription and a la carte)

Whether or not you subscribe to Amazon Prime, the Amazon Video channel is a worthwhile addition to your Roku. Those who dish out the $99-per-year membership fee for Prime can stream a large selection of movies and TV shows. Amazon Video also offers a la carte purchases and rentals, as well as a growing number of original programs, including the acclaimed Transparent and Mozart in the Jungle. For those who don't want a full Amazon Prime subscription, you can subscribe to Amazon Video only for $9 per month. Tom's Guide has also compiled an updated list of what to watch on Amazon Video, in case you're looking for recommendations.

Crackle (free)

Crackle is one of the best Roku channels for watching free big-budget movies, provided you don't mind sitting through a few commercials. If you cut the cord on your cable subscription but still miss zoning out in front of cheesy action comedies, this app is for you. The selection at Crackle rotates frequently, but there are usually some memorable films, like Gattaca.

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Netflix (subscription)

Netflix pioneered the art of the marathon TV watching session, which earns it an easy inclusion in our list of best Roku channels. Whether you want to watch newer hits like Black Mirror, or classics like The A-Team, Netflix has something to suit your tastes. Netflix also boasts some of the best-made and well-received original programming, from Marvel tie-ins Daredevil and Jessica Jones, to revivals of popular nostalgic shows like Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life and Fuller House. Check out our guide to the best Netflix shows for a comprehensive view on the best of big red.

Disney Plus (subscription)

Disney Plus brings Disney's massive library of content to the streaming scene. You've got animated princess movies, original Star Wars series, a good chunk of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a whole lot of weird mid-budget live-action movies that you half-remember from your childhood. The service costs only $7 per month, which makes it a fair bit cheaper than other streaming services, too. Of course, if you prefer not to give Disney any more of your money or attention, that's fair, too; it's become a bit hegemonic in recent years.

YouTube (free and a la carte)

YouTube is not a TV or movie channel in the strictest sense, but in terms of the raw amount of video it offers, this service is unsurpassed. You'll find a little bit of everything: original web shows, small clips from popular movies and TV shows, music videos, narrated playthroughs of popular video games and just about everything else, from paid movie rentals to much racier fare.

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HBO Max (subscription)

HBO Max, the new version of HBO Go and HBO Now, has been great for more than just streaming past and current seasons of popular HBO shows, such as Succession, Euphoria and Game of Thrones. On top of those series, and comedy specials and hit movies, HBO Max spent 2021 streaming big movies on their first day in theaters. Unfortunately, that's gone, but HBO Max keeps adding big titles such as the Harry Potter Reunion to make up for it.

Hulu (subscription)

Hulu is one of the best Roku channels thanks to deals with major networks, including Fox, NBC, The CW and ABC, and it uploads new episodes shortly after they air. The service has past seasons of popular shows on tap, and even hosts the entire runs of nostalgic series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Daria. A handful of decent Hulu originals, like Difficult People and Casual, sweeten the deal. Check out our guide to the best Hulu movies and our Hulu promo codes for more on the service.

FandangoNOW (a la carte)

At first blush, FandangoNOW is extremely similar to Amazon Video. Roku's default movie and TV show streaming service is exactly what it claims to be: a way to buy and rent movies that's pre-installed on every Roku device. While the selection isn't drastically different from competing services, there's no reason not to try it, especially since it now provides a small selection of 4K films.

Apple TV

Apple TV Plus brings a bevy of original content for $5 per month — even if it's not all that good. Viewers will be able to tune into shows like Dickinson, See and The Morning Show, starring actors such as Hailee Steinfeld, Jason Momoa and Jennifer Aniston, respectively. And if the shows aren't to your taste (they very well may not be), the Apple TV app also lets you access TV shows and movies they've purchased through iTunes.

Showtime (subscription)

Showtime has produced some of the most unusual and beloved shows on TV, including Shameless, Homeland, Billions and The Affair. If you get the channel as part of your cable or satellite package, Showtime Anytime allows you to watch the channel's TV shows, comedy specials, sports events and movies. Alternatively, you can subscribe to Showtime as a stand-alone service, with access to all of the same content.

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Peloton

Peloton fanatics don't need an actual Peloton bike to access the popular instructor-led classes; they can just download the app to their mobile device. Now, they can also fire up the Peloton Roku channel and select one of the cycling workouts to stream on a big-screen TV. There are also floor-based workouts available, including strength, yoga, HIIT, dance, and meditation. 

If you already have a Peloton account, you can sign into the channel with your credentials. New users can take advantage of a 30-day free trial; after that, the app-only membership is $12.99 per month. (You can sign up on your TV with Roku Pay.)

Sky News (free)

Sky News provides live broadcasts for the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. Although the organization originated in the U.K., it shares news that the whole English-speaking world can use, and it doesn't cost a dime. In addition to live reports, Sky News also offers cached feeds, allowing users to watch news highlights when it best suits their schedules. The channel provides live, 24/7 coverage.

CBS All Access (subscription)

CBS All Access gives users access to CBS programming in real time, as well as an on-demand library of more than 2,000 titles, from NCIS to Supergirl to The Twilight Zone. The main draw of the service, however, is Star Trek: Discovery, which is the first new serial adventure in the series since 2005. It's an excellent show, and at present, there's no other way to watch it in the United States. Thanks to the new Twilight Zone reboot also available on the service, CBS All Access merits a mention as one of the best Roku channels.

Sling TV (subscription)

Sling TV provides more than 20 beloved broadcast and cable channels, including ESPN, Cartoon Network, TBS and CNN. For those who want additional packages, from Spanish-language channels to additional kids' programming, Sling TV offers supplements a la carte. Sling TV is cheaper than a cable subscription and easy to access on a variety of devices, letting you watch your favorite shows in real time. You can also save on plans with our Sling TV promo codes.

MLB.TV (subscription)

With games almost every night and 30 teams to follow, baseball is not a sport for the noncommittal. If you want to watch recorded home games, live away games, live broadcasts, replays and more stats than you can shake a bat at, MLB.TV delivers. MLB.TV is Major League Baseball's official streaming app, and will allow you to watch almost every regular season game from every team.

NBA (subscription)

NBA Game Time for the NBA app streams live basketball games for subscribers, but also has a little something for more casual courtside warriors. Through this app, fans can access live scores, team and player stats, game recaps, video highlights and up-to-the-minute information on league standings. However, be warned that the app generally can't stream local games, due to media company broadcasting restrictions.

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WatchESPN (subscription)

If you can't pick just one sport to follow, WatchESPN has you covered. Although WatchESPN requires a cable or satellite subscription, you'll get plenty of bang for your buck. The channel allows you to access ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNU, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes live, 24/7. You'll also be able to stream recorded games from professional football, baseball, basketball, tennis and more.

NFL (subscription)

If you have both a Roku device and an obsession with American football, the NFL app is one of the best Roku channels for you. By default, the channel can play a number of free game highlights. With a Game Pass subscription and the NFL app, sports fans can watch every game from every team, all season long, right on their Rokus, from the opening skirmishes right up to the Super Bowl.

Nosey (free)

If you're a big fan of daytime TV and talk shows, you can check them all out 24/7 by way of Nosey. From "The Jerry Springer Show" to "Maury Povich", it's got all the drama you can handle, all day long. Choose from a variety of daytime talk and dramalicious series and indulge in paternity tests and cheating scandals. Sometimes you need to relax and let your brain rest, and take in some good ol' trashy TV. It's all right here. 

Pandora (free or subscription)

You've almost certainly used Pandora before. Whether you want background music for your household tasks or the soundtrack for a party, Pandora delivers. The concept is simple: enter a bunch of artists or songs that you like, then Pandora will analyze their commonalities and create a radio channel that suits your taste. You can even create multiple stations to suit various moods, tastes and events.

Spotify (subscription)

Spotify is fun way to listen to songs or entire albums from almost every major musical act of the last 100 years, from Mississippi John Hurt to the Rolling Stones to Katy Perry. Whether your tastes skew to classical, blues, rock, pop, punk, techno or show tunes, Spotify probably has what you're looking for. You can even supplement it with music from your own collection.

Disney Channel (subscription)

Roku's Disney Channel won't do you much good unless you already have a cable or satellite subscription, but if you do, it's one of the best Roku channels for kids. Disney Channel offers both live programming and prerecorded shows, ranging from Elena of Avalor to Girl Meets World. The channel also provides original made-for-TV movies, such as Descendants. There's not much for adults, though.

PBS Kids (free)

PBS has always prided itself on supplying quality programming without advertisements or cable subscriptions, and PBS Kids is no exception. The shows on the PBS Kids Roku app definitely skew toward a younger audience, with titles like Curious George and Sesame Street. Parents may be pleased to discover that classic shows they grew up with, such as Arthur and The Electric Company, are also present and accounted for.

PlayOn (subscription)

PlayOn uses your computer as a media server, and lets your Roku access more than 60 channels through it, including broadcast TV websites, such as ABC, Fox and CBS. This allows you to watch free primetime shows on your TV just a few days after they first air. PlayOn also lets you record videos online for later. Follow the link to install; it's a private channel.

Plex (subscription)

If you'd rather watch your own content than the highly curated fare on the other best Roku channels, Plex is one of the simplest and prettiest ways to do it. Plex will organize all of your content and stream it to your Roku, complete with seasons, cover art, episode descriptions and even a snippet of the theme song for TV shows. The app makes watching your own content just as visually appealing as watching Netflix.

Twitch (free)

If you prefer watching video games to playing them, Twitch is the channel for you. The popular network is the Internet’s first stop for live streams of video games, and you’ll see everything from Overwatch to Dark Souls to Pokémon. Whether you want Let's Plays, tips and tricks or competitive play, Twitch has a streamer to appeal to both your skill level and your taste in personality.

Starz (subscription)

While perhaps not as popular as HBO or Showtime, Starz still has a lot to offer. Whether you subscribe to it as a stand-alone service or activate it through your cable or subscription, you can access hit shows like Blunt Talk and Ash vs. Evil Dead. The biggest advantage of Starz, though, is that it's often the first service to get hit movies like Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

CuriosityStream (subscription)

Imagine the informative, scientific entertainment of the Discovery Channel or National Geographic in their heydays; now imagine it in 4K. That's what CuriosityStream is, and it's absolutely worth the subscription cost. Whether you want to learn about nature, chemistry, geology or astrophysics, CuriosityStream has something to expand your mind. Deep Time History, which combines astronomy with world history, is particularly worth checking out.

The Weather Network (free)

While you're probably not going to get immersed in The Weather Network and watch it for hours on end, it's still pretty useful to know exactly what the weather is in your neighborhood, and how it's going to change over the course of the next few hours or days. The Weather Network is a free channel that shows you local weather, as well as conditions all around the world. You can check in with numerical information displayed up top, or watch full videos from meteorologists.

Vudu (a la carte)

Vudu may seem like just another a-la-carte service, selling you movies and TV shows that you can either rent or keep at premium prices. However, Vudu has a few major advantages that makes it one of the best channels on Roku. First of all, if you've bought any Blu-rays within the past few years, you may have redeemed your digital copies on Vudu, giving you a pretty respectable library to start with. Furthermore, the service offers 4K HDR content — something that not many other video streaming services do just yet.

The Roku Channel (free)

No discussion of the best Roku channels would be complete without the titular one. The Roku Channel may not have the largest selection of movies and TV shows — but said movies and TV shows won't cost you a penny, which seems like a fair trade-off. This channel offers a rotating selection of media, including popular films like Legally Blonde and Drunken Master, supported by periodic ads, as though you were watching a movie on basic cable. Roku has also added a Kids and Family section to the channel, providing friendlier fare for a younger crowd.

Oh, and a new Roku upgrade directed at cord-cutters is all about promoting The Roku Channel's free live linear TV content (as well as some of the best cable TV alternatives).

Google Play TV and Movies (a la carte)

If you have an Android phone or tablet, there's a good chance that you've bought some media on Google Play TV and Movies. (Even if you haven't, Google may have given you a few titles for free; it's worth checking out.) Google Play TV and Movies lets you buy or rent a la carte films and TV episodes, and in that respect, it's a lot like Amazon, Vudu and some other entries on this list. However, Google Play's big advantage is that it syncs extremely well with the Movies Anywhere program. This lets you access titles you've purchased from a variety of sources, including iTunes — which, of course, does not have a Roku app, and probably never will. You can also access titles you purchase here on any Android device, which is helpful if you want to take your content with you.

DC Universe (subscription)

DC Universe is worth checking out, if only because it offers something unique. At first blush, DC's streaming service is simply a way to showcase a few original video titles, such as Titans and Harley Quinn. Dig a little deeper, though, and you'll find that it's also a grand repository of beloved DC movies and TV shows, from Christopher Reeve's Superman to Batman: The Animated Series. What really sets DC Universe apart, though, is that it doesn't restrict itself to video; it also offers comic books. From nostalgic single issues of Wonder Woman to postmodern deconstructions like The Dark Knight Returns, DC Universe offers fans a way to see what inspired its new shows firsthand.

Pluto TV (free)

Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service on Roku that offers live TV and on-demand content. You can access thousands of movies and TV shows across various genres, including news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. The news channels has names such as CNN, NBC News, CBS News, and more, but mostly, they play pre-recorded clips instead of a proper live stream. Some free movies include "Titanic", "The Wolf of Wall Street", and "Arrival".

All you need to do is download the Pluto TV app on the Roku channel store. Then, find the menu options and look for the "Sign In" or "Activate" option. Pluto TV will give you a unique code on the screen, which you can use to activate your account on the Roku channel. 

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If you're new to working out on an indoor bike, you may be wondering if clipping in is worth it. Clipping in helps maximize efficiency and power output, improves lower-body alignment, and reduces impact on your knees. By using the best shoes for Peloton, you'll be more efficient on the pedals, whether you clip into a Peloton bike or another model.

On that basis, we've chosen our top three models that clip into the best exercise bikes. Each model below gets the final nod from our fitness desk.

During our rigorous testing, we evaluated comfort, support, breathability, and clip systems across brands such as Peloton, Shimano, Rapha, and Nike to evaluate which are the best shoes for Peloton.

Our top pick is the Shimano RC1 spin shoe; we found it breathable, comfortable, and easy to wear. However, they are not the only option — read on to discover the most comfortable Peloton shoes and the ones best for use with a Peloton bike.

Best shoes for Peloton overall

After riding for a few months with a number of models, we think the best indoor cycling shoes overall are the Shimano RC1. It's a reasonably priced spin shoe that comes in both men's and women's models.

These shoes are lightweight and feature synthetic leather uppers with mesh texture to promote a comfortable fit. They also have three durable hook-and-loop straps across the top of the feet for easy wear and removal.

During our time, we found them to be breathable, comfortable, and easy to wear. They were light but not overly stiff, and three Velcro straps made it easy to get the fit we wanted.

Unlike Peloton’s shoes, Shimano’s shoes don’t include clips, which must be purchased separately. The RC1s are designed for Delta cleats, but you can also purchase an adapter so they'll work with SPD cleats, too.

Read our full Shimano RC1 spin shoe review.

Best shoes for Peloton for comfort

If you're looking for a comfortable indoor cycling shoe, the Venzo cycling shoes are an excellent option.

Both the men’s and women's shoes feature quick-drying, highly breathable mesh and synthetic upper and have a low-cut construction for a light, fast fit and feel. We wore these shoes for a month, and they fit perfectly; it felt like my feet were molded to the shoe.

These shoes come with three velcro straps; the shoes’ tongue is attached to the middle strap, which helps keep it from sliding down while riding, an issue we had with the Tommasos.

The Venzo cycling shoes are compatible with both Delta and SPD clips. However, you should keep in mind that they only come bundled with Delta — if you want SPD cleats, you’ll have to purchase them separately.

Read our full Venzo cycling shoe review.

Best shoes for Peloton

Not surprisingly, the best Peloton shoes overall are those made by Peloton itself, but these spin shoes can be used on other exercise bikes, too.

These lightweight, breathable upper and mesh vent Peloton shoes feature a ratchet clip and velcro straps. If you plan on purchasing these shoes with your new bike, Peloton will deliver your shoes with your bike so you’ll have them in time for that first ride.

Peloton shoes tend to run true to size; we like that they come with the clips, but you'll have to attach them yourself. We found these shoes to be very well made — they felt like they were built to last.

We also liked that the tongue stayed in place while riding. However, they're a bit on the pricey side. But if you're buying them with your Peloton, you can't beat the convenience.

Peloton has released a different model of cycling shoes, the Peloton Altos, which have a single velcro strap to make it easier to get the shoes on and off. They are, however, more expensive than the Peloton cycling shoe.

Read our full Peloton cycling shoe review.

Also tested

FAQs

If you thought the Peloton Row was the only news to drop this fall for the home workout giant, you’d be wrong. Runners, listen up — the Peloton Tread is also getting some new features, and they are designed to make the Tread a better training tool for performance runners. 

I’ve run more than 100 miles on the Peloton Tread (read my Peloton Tread review for more on that experience) and was excited to hear more about the upgrades. So I sat down to chat with Peloton instructor and Tread training specialist Becs Gentry and Tread senior product manager Madeline Kruger to find out more. 

Looking for more Peloton insight? Here’s what happened when we went hands-on with the new Peloton Row to see what it’s like working out on the $3,200 rowing machine. 

What’s changing on the Peloton Tread?

The Peloton Tread will get a series of new features today (September 22). Here’s what runners can expect: 

Just With Goals

Peloton has recognized that for users training for a specific event or following a specific training plan, being able to program in a time or distance goal is beneficial. The new goals element will sit under the "Just Run" feature. 

“Essentially, it was built with runners in mind,” Peloton’s Tread senior product manager Madeline Kruger tells Tom’s Guide. “We know that our users' training plans don't always match with what our on-demand tread classes offer. Sometimes people have to run eight miles one day, and you have to essentially stack classes to get there. But now, you'll be able to go and set a time-based goal, a distance-based goal, or even a pace-based goal.”

“Once you're in a training program, you need to have a clear-cut vision of what each and every one of your training days looks like”, Peloton instructor and Tread training specialist Becs Gentry added. “Because otherwise, you might waste one. So we want runners to be able to get on and follow their own marathon training program, or do the session set by their coach. I think it's really, really important to keep people on track in terms of what they're training for, why they're training, and how to do it effectively because that's the biggest thing.” 

Auto-Incline 

The new auto-incline feature on the Tread mimics the auto-resistance features that have previously been available on the Bike Plus. When enabled, the Tread will automatically adjust the incline based on instructor cues. This is to offer a more seamless training experience, and to force you to push yourself a little harder, Gentry said. 

“As humans, we take the easiest option all the time, the road most traveled is our best bet," she said. "A lot of people don't understand that hills are a part of speed training — they just think that they're annoying and hard. When you break it down for people that actually, running uphill is going to help make you faster and make you stronger, it changes something in people's minds. But I think just being able to switch off from worrying about the incline, and not having to move your arms, or adjust something — it's just going to happen. It's also going to feel more like an outdoor experience as well, which is brilliant for people training those more endurance sides of things because it does just happen outside unless you are really stubbornly hating hills. You're not going to get to an undulating area and turn it around and be like screw that. You’re going to suck it up. Because now you're not going to have to think about clicking that button four times, you can just zone out to it and the trend just rises up and comes down. I think it removes the barrier.” 

“It also is pretty exciting for folks who take hiking or walking workouts that have steep incline changes, because it gives them the chance to have a much more immersive experience,” Kruger added.

Strava Integration 

Most runners will agree — if it’s not on Strava, it didn’t happen. As part of the Tread update, Peloton will allow users to automatically sync their Tread workouts to the Strava platform upon completion of a workout. (Read our Strava app review, and check out some of the best workout apps to download). 

“That’s been something that I've been nagging Peloton about for a while”, Gentry laughed. “Strava is social media for runners. But also, going back to marathon training, we have a Peloton outdoor marathon training program, but we know users follow their own training programs, either with a coach or on another platform. So now the fact you can integrate your training program, send it to your coach, feel good about it. It's phenomenal.” 

Splits  

Runners will now be able to view their mile or kilometer splits in class and for the entire workout post-completion. 

“I think that's one thing to me that I spoke to the team about”, says Gentry. “The overall pace of a run can be really frustrating when you're training. To be able to see a progressive split is going to help people see where they're at on a daily basis, and help them understand what their coach means when they say easy run versus a tempo run. From somebody who's trained for marathons on the Tread, I know how easy it is to get carried away. I used to take a fun run, and I'd get so carried away, but that was supposed to be my warm-up miles. If I’d been able to see my progressive splits as I was going through that class. I'd have been able to turn it back a level. It allows you to really monitor yourself whilst having fun, which is certainly cool for runners.”

Peloton Tread updates: Are they aimed at athletes?

Is Peloton targeting the more advanced runner with these metrics and moving away from its USP — fun, accessible workouts? In a word, no. 

“I think it's important for everybody,” Kruger told Tom’s Guide. “I think while the data is definitely geared towards somebody who is super metrics focused, it's really impactful, I think, for folks that maybe don't really know much about running, or who are wanting to improve their running experience. And for completely new runners to actually be able to track that progress from the start. Plus, when you look at auto-incline, you can think about one less thing while you're working out and maybe even push yourself harder than you normally would. Because your Trend is taking care of it for you. It's kind of a good feeling.”

Gentry agreed: “I think it's honestly a two-sided answer. Because yes, it's initially from the get-go going to appeal to more experienced runners. But on the other side, everyone's an athlete, everybody who moves their body in that chosen way is an athlete. And so I think this is going to help people maybe take that extra step in their journey that they hadn't thought of before because maybe they thought it was too complicated, or they didn't want to get a coach or they weren't that bothered. To take that next step and see themselves in a more confident light.” 

Should Peloton users be excited? I haven’t had a chance to jump on the Tread and give the new features a go yet, but I’ll leave you with the ever-positive words of one of my all-time favorite instructors:  “I think these changes are going really help everybody either feel more like an athlete or feel maybe like an athlete for the first time," Gentry said.

Peloton’s long-awaited rowing machine official: The Peloton Row can be purchased starting September 20 with availability promised by the end of this year. But the machine’s price might give you pause, checking out at $3,195 as the most expensive piece of Peloton hardware you can buy right now.

So how is Peloton Row prepared to justify the cost? For starters, it feels more full-featured than Peloton’s other machines based on my brief hands-on experience. Live form feedback and in-class drills eased the intimidation during my beginner’s class, while post-class insights offered highly specific stroke data indicating which elements of my technique needed work (and which parts, surprisingly, weren’t so bad.)

Peloton says with routine use, the assessments from Peloton Row could help a rowing newbie master proper form in just six weeks. In the meantime, the display will swivel so you can leverage Peloton’s non-rowing exercises, and the machine as a whole will store upright to save you space. 

A piece of equipment like Peloton Row is something we’d test over several weeks before sharing a rated review or adding it to our list of the best home gym equipment. But for now, here are our first impressions, as well as information about availability, design, storage, class selection and more.

Peloton Row price and release date

Peloton Row costs $3,195 including delivery and setup, making it Peloton’s priciest workout machine currently offered from the company. For comparison, the Peloton Bike starts at $1,895 and the Peloton Tread starts at $2,495. Only the Peloton Tread Plus was more expensive (starting at $4,295,) but it was recalled in May 2021 and shows no signs of return.

As of September 20, Peloton Row is available for preorder. Peloton has not stated an exact Peloton Row release date, but has promised units will begin shipping in December 2022.

Peloton Row hands-on: Design

Peloton Row definitely follows the design language of Peloton’s hardware collection, coming in a mostly matte-black finish with red accents. It looks more modern and minimalistic than the rowing machines I remember from the gym, with the flywheel entirely concealed in the compartment at the front of the unit. 

While some rowing machines might attempt to recreate a realistic rowing experience at the expense of comfort, Peloton Row features a cushioned seat that’s contoured in a way that’s supposed to release pressure points of proper rowing form. The handle is also curved, unlike the grip of a boat oar, to encourage proper form that targets all the upper body muscles activated in a well-executed stroke.

The slanted foot platforms are adjustable to ensure the Velcro strap crosses the widest part of your foot while your heel sits in a cup. I was wearing my Hoka Bondi 8’s, and even with the thick cushions, my sneakers tucked securely into the foot plates. 

As other Peloton machines, the display is central to the experience. The Peloton Row features a 24-inch HD screen, that’s large enough to see even from the finish (or the most extended part of a rowing stroke). But the best part of the screen is that it swivels, so you can conveniently follow along with floor workouts. Only the Peloton Bike Plus has the same versatility.

Peloton Row hands-on: Storage

Storage is a common concern of home rowing machines, with the beam extending out quite farther than the seat of any of the best exercise bikes, for example. Luckily, Peloton Row can be stowed upright to stand 7’10” tall. It’s recommended to mount the included wall plate and strap that secures around a handle beneath the beam to prevent the 150-pound machine from possibly tipping over.

Moving Peloton Row between the vertical and horizontal positions was surprisingly simple. I tried it a few times during my demo, first bending the display arm down to tuck the screen away. The wheels at the front of the frame then helped me find leverage to stand the rower upright.

Peloton Row hands-on: Classes and membership

Peloton Row is adding rowing workouts to Peloton’s existing and extensive catalog of workout classes. Current Peloton instructors Matt Wilpers and Adrian Williams are part of the 5-coach rowing team, along with new instructors Ash Pryor, Alex Karwoski and Katie Wang. 

The classes range in duration and music playlists, though most are between 20 to 30 minutes. At launch, there will be traditional rowing classes for all levels, as well as bootcamp classes that combine rowing and floor workouts in one session. Guided Scenic and Live classes coming early next year.

In order to use these classes, you’ll need a Peloton All-Access Membership, which costs $44/month. The Peloton app membership alone costs $12.99/month, but if you have a machine you’ll need the All-Access membership tier. Though as with most subscription-based workout platforms, multiple household members can share the membership while maintaining individual profiles.

Peloton Row hands-on: Performance

Rowing is occasionally part of my gym warm-up or OrangeTheory class, so I’m still classified as a beginner. Before taking my first class on the Peloton Row, a form calibration process walked me through each part of a rowing stroke — the catch, drive, finish and recovery — to create an outline of my movement.

During class, the sensors in the handle and beam power formed an animated side profile that tracked my movement. The avatar flashed red on the parts of my body where I didn't exhibit proper form, which happened a lot at the start of class. Proper rowing technique is important not just for targeting the appropriate muscle groups, but for preventing injury, too.

Keeping an eye on the guide as class progressed, my form seemed to improve. That’s when I could start checking my in-class metrics, pace and stroke rate. These numbers show power and how fast I would row 500 meters. The instructors call out pace targets during class, but they’re adjusted based on six levels, so you could personalize targets based on your experience.

These metrics and the Peloton leaderboard went dark during the drill portions of class. I liked how this let me focus on training different parts of my rowing form without concerns of my metrics or competition between other Peloton members. Drills also slowed down the class, offering some recovery without getting off the machine.

Despite music playing during class, the machine didn't make all that much noise. The electronically controlled resistance allowed for near-silent movement. As long as I paired Bluetooth headphones to the machine, I think I'd be able to workout in my apartment without disrupting my family members.

Finally, after I finished the 20-minute class, I reviewed my form insights and form rating. This data analyzed my form throughout the entire class, offering more feedback than I assumed could possibly be available from just one workout. The goal over time would be to work on the form elements I struggled with more than others to improve my form rating.

Peloton Row outlook

As someone who doesn't do rowing workouts, I didn't think I'd like Peloton Row. But it has the premium bells and whistles I'd want to see if I were to pay nearly $3,200. I was most surprised by the amount of feedback, feeling that I could become a proficient rower if I acted on the data for several weeks. 

Rowing is a highly technical workout, but when done right, you can work 80 percent of your muscles in a 15-minute workout. As such, a machine like Peloton Row is a full-body workout solution. I think the swiveling screen and vertical storage make it all the more viable.

Hopefully as units ship out later this year, we'll be able to conduct an in-depth review  to gauge if it's truly worth the high price tag. 

Next: We asked Peloton if you can do the Peloton rowing workouts on your own rowing machine — here's what they said.

As a fitness editor, I’ve tried a number of weird and wonderful challenges to help build the core of my dreams — from 100 dead bugs a day for a week, to JLo’s ab workout. Think of me as your fitness guinea pig (if your guinea pig wore lululemon leggings and could hold a plank).

With that in mind, when I installed the Peloton Bike+ in my living room, the four-week Peloton core challenge with instructor Emma Lovewell caught my eye. 

One of the huge selling points of the Bike+ is the large, rotating touchscreen that allows you to take classes next to the bike. I was able to position the Peloton behind the sofa and take the classes on my yoga mat in the middle of the room, as well as tune into the classes from the Peloton app on my phone when traveling.

The four-week challenge consisted of five classes for the first and second weeks, and then six for the final two weeks to really blast the core. The instructor, former professional dancer Emma Lovewell, guides you through all of the workouts.

Read on to find out what happened. 

I did the Peloton core challenge — here’s what happened to my abs

The best part about the entire challenge was that the workouts were short and sweet — most of them were five to ten minutes long, meaning I could easily pair them with a 20-minute ride, and still have time to eat some food on my lunch break. That said, the sessions were long enough to really torch my core, and were a good way to fit some core workouts into my day. 

The core-focused sessions had a Pilates-based feel, but Lovewell gives modifications for those who are new to the exercises. Most of the workouts followed a similar pattern — plank exercises, followed by various crunches on your back. Each week the workouts progressed so you were holding the plank for longer, or trying more advanced crunch exercises, such as single-leg raises, working into the oblique muscles along the side of the stomach. 

Like all Peloton classes, there’s a leaderboard where you can see other users taking the class, a time bar across the top of the screen to see how long you have left, and the chance to save various tracks to your music library. When you’re signed up for the challenge, it appears across the screen each time you log in, reminding you to take your class. 

Of course, nobody is perfect, and I didn’t make every single session — I completed 17 out of the 22 classes, because some days life got in the way, making it impossible to unroll my yoga mat and work my core. That said, did 17 ab classes leave me with the six-pack of my dreams? 

Sadly not. If the human body worked that way, I’d be The Rock, but visible abdominals are a reflection of your overall body fat percentage, not how long you spend in the plank position. Here’s how to calculate your body fat percentage, and why it matters.

That said, my core felt a lot stronger, and looked a lot more toned. The four-week challenge reminded me that you don’t have to spend hours in the gym to see results, but you do have to do little and often to shape a routine. It also reminded me that even with the best intentions, things don’t go to plan — something I’ve had to accept following an ankle injury during my current marathon training cycle (here’s how the Peloton has helped reduce my anxiety).

Marathon training or not, I’ll definitely be adding more ten-minute core workouts to my schedule over the next few months. 

Looking for more workout inspiration? Here’s the exact resistance band workout Chris Hemsworth used on the set of Thor: Love and Thunder, plus what happened when one fitness writer did 50 bird dogs a day for a week. 

Also see our hands-on with the new Peloton Row machine.

Peloton’s high-end fitness products will finally be available to buy on Amazon, breaking the company's previous approach of only selling products through its own channels.

The fitness darling of the pandemic will now sell its Bike, Guide, accessories, and apparel on Amazon U.S., and all with free delivery and assembly, too. Peloton’s stock duly shot up 20% yesterday — its biggest one-day jump in more than six months.

At the time of writing, the products available on Amazon include the original Peloton Bike, the Peloton Guide and Peloton cycling shoes, plus the Peloton Bike mat, heart rate band, yoga mat, Peloton-branded weights, and an assortment of Peloton-branded workout kit, including sports bras, tanks, leggings, shorts, and accessories. 

Peloton’s Amazon store will sell the Bike for $1,445, and the Guide for $295. Both of these products are currently available for the same price from Peloton directly, but on Amazon they come with guaranteed in-home delivery at no additional cost to consumers — whereas in January, Peloton added an extra $250-$350 to the price of all of its products for home delivery. 

No word as to whether the new Peloton Row will eventually become available on Amazon when it's available later this year.

On Amazon, you’re also likely to receive the product faster (right now I can get next-day delivery on a Bike to Brooklyn), and you’ll be able to buy, say, a pair of Bike shoes and some shorts with no delivery fee. That's another benefit of the change, as Peloton’s products and apparel sites are separate, meaning you’d pay delivery on both if ordering directly.

“Expanding our distribution channels through Amazon is a natural extension of our business and an organic way to increase access to our brand,” Kevin Cornils, Peloton Chief Commercial Officer, said in a statement. “We want to meet consumers where they are, and they are shopping on Amazon. Providing additional opportunities to expose people to Peloton is a clear next step, as we continue to generate excitement for our unparalleled connected fitness experience.”   

At the moment, there’s no word on whether the Peloton Bike+, the Peloton Tread, or the new Peloton Rower, rumored to launch later in the year, will be available on Amazon. 

Closing your rings and keeping an eye on your heart rate during a Peloton class just got even easier for Apple Watch wearers. For a while, Peloton’s Apple Watch integration has been reserved for Bike+ users, but it’s now available on the original Bike, Bike+, Guide, and the Tread. Read on to find out how to use your Apple Watch as a heart rate monitor on your Peloton. 

Unlike a traditional heart rate monitor that might require you to connect via Bluetooth, you can simply wave your Apple Watch in front of the camera on your Bike+, or click connect on your watch once you start an activity to seamlessly connect the two. Your watch will then record the workout on your wrist, helping towards your ring’s progress, and the Peloton will use your heart rate to calculate your strive score — a metric that measures how much time you spend in each heart rate zone. 

Ready to get started? Here’s how to connect your Apple Watch to your Peloton. 

Something to point out — the Peloton app requires you to have WatchOS 6 and later, and iOS 13 and later on your phone. 

1. Before you can start syncing your Peloton and your Watch, you need to set up your Watch. Start by making sure you have the Peloton app downloaded on your phone and your Apple Watch. Open the Peloton App on your phone, click more, Apple Watch, Set Up, and Connect to Health App. 

2. In the Health App, you need to tap Turn On All to let the Peloton App access your health data and read your heart rate. Once you’ve done this, click Done.

3. The final step is to open the Peloton App on your Watch and Allow Notifications. This will let the Peloton remind you to connect the two if you start cycling, running, or squatting without it.

If you are cycling on the Bike+ you can also connect your Apple Watch to your Peloton by holding the watch up to the camera before you start a ride. Your watch will vibrate, and you’ll see an on-screen prompt for connecting. Click OK to pair up on your Watch, then Start the activity on your Peloton screen. 

If you’re using this method to connect your Apple Watch on a live ride, be sure not to connect the two with more than a minute to go before the ride starts; if you pair too early, the watch will time out and won’t record. 

While it’s not designed to give you live feedback during the class, your stats will be stored on the Apple Watch, although you’ll get a far more detailed breakdown in the Peloton app. 

If you're looking for more fitness guides, we have you covered. Check out how to do a box jump, how to do a reverse plank and how to build a home gym for under $500.

The treadmill often gets a bad rap with runners, who dread the sessions spent staring at that ticking clock. Yet there are a number of benefits to running indoors on one of the best treadmills — the surface is kinder on your joints, plus, you can completely control your environment and, most importantly, the weather. (Here are all the pros and cons of running on the treadmill compared to running outside). 

Like a lot of fitness tech, treadmill running has also gotten an upgrade in the past few years, with a number of best running apps designed to make those indoor miles more enjoyable. Zwift is one such app, where you can race and train against others from your treadmill in a virtual world. But how does it compare to the likes of Peloton? Read our Zwift review below to find out more.  

Zwift app review: Price and availability 

A Zwift subscription costs $14.99 per month, but you can pause or cancel the subscription at any time. Zwift also has a free seven-day trial, which lets you run 15.5 miles (or 25 kilometers) before signing up. 

If you don’t own your own treadmill, you’ll probably need to invest in a foot pod to track your runs in the gym. This device attaches to your running shoes and provides speed and cadence in the game on Zwift. Finding a pod is easy — there are a few to choose from on the market. For this test, I went for the $46.50 option that is recommended by Zwift on their website, but there are cheaper pods available. Once attached, you’ll then need to pair the Run Pod via Bluetooth to the app and you’re ready to go.

Alternatively, if you have a Bluetooth-enabled treadmill, you can simply connect the treadmill to the Zwift app without the need for a foot pod. 

Zwift app review: Interface

Once you launch the app and create an account, you’ll be asked to pair either your foot pod or your Bluetooth-enabled Treadmill to the app. You’ll need to do this each time you start up Zwift, which is slightly irritating. Once you have the foot pod paired, you’ll also need to calibrate it so that it properly reads your speed. Again, you’ll need to do this each time you join a session. The same is true if you’re using the app on a bike — you’ll need to manually connect it to your turbo trainer and calibrate it each time you jump on your bike. If you’re quick though, this whole set-up can be done in a few minutes. 

Once you’re set-up, you’re directed to the main menu where you can select which run you want to do and where. After a quick first-timer tutorial and a practice run, I went straight to customizing my character and chose my shirt color, shorts, and hair design. Your avatar starts out pretty plain and simple, but as you run farther and gain levels, you’ll unlock more equipment and can go on to customize your running, running sunglasses (check out the best running sunglasses for running IRL here), hairstyle, socks, and headgear — a great incentive to get those miles in. Completing runs also earns you badges and achievements, which is helpful if you’re a competitive runner. 

The interface also has a lot of content to digest. On the top left, you’ll find a widget illustrating your heart rate, speed, and calories, as well as metrics about the run itself. On the top right, you’ll find a map of your immediate surroundings. You can also view a list of your splits for each mile/km and a list of all your running buddies that have joined you on the run on the sides of the screens. These runners are from all over the world, and you can chat with each other via the little speech bubbles next to the competitor list. 

There's a lot going on on each page, which is why Zwift recommends you use a tablet to help get the most out of the app. The first time I used my phone, I found it really hard to view all of the information as I ran. 

Zwift keeps things fresh by changing the scenery as you run in the virtual worlds, which also include a real day/night setting, depending on what time you log on. There are also real weather conditions like rain, wind, and snow; running in the rain without getting wet, is just great!

Zwift app review: Smartwatch apps

Apple Watch users can install the Zwift app directly onto the watch, and use it as a heart rate monitor. You can also link your Zwift activity to Strava. After every run, it exports the data to the app (it also works with Training Peaks) and even presents a map of your virtual run. 

Zwift also supports all heart rate monitors on the market that connect via ANT+ or Bluetooth and, when connected, these will display your heart rate throughout your run on your home screen. It was easy to pair an external heartrate monitor by tapping Menu in the bottom left corner of your screen and then the Bluetooth Icon on the right. This brought up all the paired Devices which are available to connect, including a heart rate box. Click on that, tap "Let's Go" and your monitor should connect to the game and display your Heart Rate and "IN-GAME" in green.

Zwift app review: Group runs and community

To join a group run, you simply hit the “join” button on the bottom left of the screen, where you’ll be whisked to the starting line, where you’ll wait alongside other virtual runners. Once ready, you press start, and you’re off. As you run, you’re instructed by the app to set the treadmill to certain speeds. I could see in the interface on the right that there were other people in the group run. There was also a widget on the top left of the interface that outlines how much longer is left on the run. The run itself consisted of a 0.40km warm-up and then a route around a Central Park with a nice winding road and the New York skyline. As we ran we had to slowly increase the pace at each kilometre — starting at 7.5 mph and peaking at 8.8 mph. There was then a five minute cool down at the end before we stopped and were given all our stats like distance, duration, and pace. You are then given the option to save and share to Strava.

While it was enjoyable to be surrounded by other virtual runners from all over the globe, you can also train alone thanks to the built-in interval sessions, tempo runs, 400m repeats, and some hill workouts. Zwift has also added training plans including a fast 5K plan (six to eight weeks), a10K plan, and a 3-days-a-week half marathon plan (eight to sixteen weeks). The plans can also help to train to a time goal.  To do this, you’ll need to run a mile at the fastest pace possible, so that Zwift can automatically calculate your 5K, 10K, half, and full marathon pace.

Zwift app review: Verdict

Overall, the app is an engaging tool to help spice up your indoor training sessions. It includes a lot of features to help you train for your goals, keep you motivated and make you feel like you’re a part of a larger community. 

That said, if you’re looking for more traditional coaching, you can get the same community feel on the Peloton app, which also benefits from some really excellent coaching.

Overall though, it's a good running app to try if you find indoor running dull. That said, the video-game-style running platform won’t be for everyone. 

Download Zwift: Android, iOS

If you want to feel inspired, just look at Logan Aldridge’s CV — after losing his arm in an accident at the age of 13, Aldridge has gone on to compete as a para-athlete in the CrossFit Games, deadlift 500 pounds, set up the Adaptive Training Academy, and now, he’s Peloton’s latest instructor. He’s also one of the most positive people I’ve ever met.

“I've had such a such a wildly profound exposure to what fitness can do for people”, Aldridge tells me when I ask him what exercise means to him. His adaptive training classes are designed to make fitness available and accessible by offering personalized movements and exercises for those who are differently abled. 

Launching on the Peloton platform earlier this June, the classes fall under two categories — seated and standing and span across the HIIT, Cardio, Strength, and Stretching genres. They’re intended for all adaptive athletes, and they are only the start of Aldridge’s journey as a Peloton instructor. 

Aldridge is living proof that the secret to overcoming a challenge is to adapt. “I'm here, I believe, for something far bigger than myself,” he says. Read on to find out what happened when we sat down to talk about his journey, his training, and his plans for Peloton. 

When I dove deep into the fitness space, I tried to better understand the issues that exist that mean someone in a wheelchair someone, or someone missing an arm such as myself, doesn’t feel comfortable entering the gym. That was the start of the journey about eight years ago, where I then created the Adaptive Training Academy which is an organization I set up with a fellow friend of mine here in the United States. 

We started that organization as an educational organization to recognize the real barrier to entry was the knowledge and experience that trainers and therapists [had]. We created the Adaptive Inclusive Certification to help trainers and gym owners feel comfortable and have the knowledge to welcome anyone through their doors and give them a safe and effective training program. And that's been kind of my role at Peloton — on top of being an able-bodied, typical instructor in the strength category, I'm also leading the adaptive training specialist role and helping develop this content on a platform.

For people living with varying abilities in environmental conditions that typically aren't suited for them, when they're constantly reminded that they are different, giving them the space and power to move has been the coolest experience of my life. I have recognized that people are far greater than they know or believe. And I believe that through movement, we are training our bodies and sharpening our minds. Let's pursue our potential together, and I think we'll both be surprised and empowered by how capable we really are.

Logan's adaptive training classes are live on the Peloton app now. Read our Peloton app review here, and if you're thinking of adding a Peloton to your home gym, be sure to read our Peloton Bike review and our Peloton Tread review first.  

I haven’t been a believer in Peloton. Though I took a few rides on the communal Peloton Bike in my apartment building’s gym, and even reviewed the standalone Peloton App thanks to the famous 3-months-free promotion, I never quite understood the hype. 

But it turns out Peloton might not be the culty workout fad I thought it to be. Ahead of the new Peloton Studios opening in New York City, I took an in-person class in a space that will soon be available to and abuzz with Peloton members. While Peloton’s live class schedule and extensive class backlog will remain available to members at home, Peloton Studios revives the option to ride, run and more in a group class format.

Upon arriving at the studio, I found a locker to stow my gym bag and set out to explore the new space. The best way I can describe the Hudson Yards building is if an Apple Store turned into a spa, complete with high ceilings, lots of light and modern fixtures. The more I explored, the more luxurious the studios felt, right down to the Dyson hair dryers in the locker rooms. 

Peloton Studios created a space to just not workout, but to prep, recover, clean-up, shop and connect. It’s these pre- and post-workout nuances that make me love belonging to a gym or signing up for studio classes. I miss these small moments when working out with the best home gym equipment in my living room. But perhaps I didn’t know just how much they elevate exercising until I was there, strapping on cycling cleats, filling up water bottles and making introductions with fellow class-goers.

The Peloton Studios preview schedule included several times and workout styles to choose from, but when I saw a live ride with Cody Rigsby among them, my decision was made. I might not be an active Peloton member but even I know about Rigsby’s spunky dance moves and comedic mid-ride quips. Peloton’s cycling director happens to be a bit of a celebrity on TikTok.

With the countdown to Cody Rigsby’s 30-minute Live DJ Pride Ride on, I was ushered into the cycling studio (which is one of four total studios in the space) and assisted in setting up a bike for class. I usually have a sense for my ideal seat and handlebar height, but it was nice to have someone else to check and be available if needed.

Unlike the Peloton Bike or many of the best exercise bikes these days, the studio bike didn’t have a large screen. Instead a small monitor for cadence and resistance could be used for class cues. It also doesn’t pair to my Apple Watch like the at-home bike, so I had to start the indoor cycling workout manually on my wrist. This wasn’t really a complaint, more of a further observation that taking an in-person Peloton class isn’t like taking one at home.

In fact, I got to see a bit of behind-the-scenes of how the classes are produced for those at home. Cody Rigsby took starting cues from a producer, while an array of spotlights turned on and off around the studio. As a bonus this Pride Month-themed class had a live DJ, DJ John Michael, which cultivated a energic, party-like atmosphere.

Despite burning quads and sweat dripping from what felt like every pore of my body, this was one of the most enjoyable cycling classes I’ve ever experienced. Observing and engaging with a Peloton class in-person showed me the company is ready to cater to members craving social connections. While Peloton Guide is the company’s latest piece of equipment encouraging virtual training, Peloton Studios is prepared to serve those sick of working out solo. 

Of course, Peloton Studios has its caveats. For one, it’s in New York City, and I can’t imagine people will travel far with any sort of regularity to take in-person classes. But as a city dweller, I could imagine bringing a friend from out of town there as an activity. 

Also, in-person classes come at an expense, though it’s not yet known what the fee will look like now compared to the Peloton All-Access Membership, which costs $39/month. As a reminder, Peloton did have in-person classes back before the pandemic. At the time, the first class cost $20 and single classes cost $32. Class packs brought the price per session down slightly, while an unlimited membership cost $400 per month. As I learned, you do not need an active Peloton membership to take classes, just an account to sign into the equipment.

And that’s why I might be a believer in Peloton after all. Though the company has faced very public ups and downs, it did give swaths of people a way to stay in shape while stuck at home. It didn’t click for me in this format, but the in-person class provided a different way to bond with the brand that better suited my exercise preferences. I’m not sure how many other home gym equipment companies have comparable solutions (or the resources) for people who are ready to return to communal work outs.

If you're looking for a new exercise bike for your home, you may be comparing Peloton vs NordicTrack — two of the top smart bike brands. Peloton is the more famous of the two, with it's motivational instructors becoming celebrities in their own right. 

But NordicTrack has a larger selection of bikes (Peloton only has two), so there's more diversity in the range if you're after a small or large machine, or are looking for one of the best exercise bikes you can use without a subscription, as most of Peloton's features are locked behind the brand's membership. 

But that's not to say NordicTrack is a better choice. It depends how you like to train, and if you enjoy the community side of Peloton's virtual classes. That's the main reason to invest in a Peloton Bike or the Bike Plus, but not the only reason. That's why we're comparing Peloton vs NordicTrack to help you decide between them. 

Peloton vs NordicTrack: the exercise bikes compared

Peloton's exercise bike line up is pretty straightforward — the Peloton Bike is the entry-level smart exercise bike, and there's the Peloton Bike Plus, an upgraded model with a larger display, more speakers, and an auto-adjusting resistance system.

Peloton launched with the standard Bike, before releasing the Bike Plus in late 2020. Meanwhile, NordicTrack currently has four smart exercise bikes in its range; the S27i Studio Bike, S22i Studio Bike, Commercial R35, and the Commercial VU 25. 

The names represent the type of bike on offer; the Studio series are spin bikes (with a dipped handlebar to encourage you to lean forward and ride out of your seat), while the Commercial bikes more closely match what you'd find at the gym. 

Both Peloton bikes and all the NordicTrack models come with integrated touchscreen displays for you to access digital content, like classes, workouts, metrics, and third-party apps, the main difference between them all is the size.

All six bikes (two Peloton, four NordicTrack) have a magnetic resistance system. This is generally the most quiet, and most customizable, offering more incremental levels than mechanical or friction-based systems, so it's ideal if you work out in a shared home or apartment.

And, because it can be controlled digitally, the Peloton Bike Plus and all NordicTrack models have a smart adjustment feature, where the resistance changes based on the trainer's instructions or the virtual workout's environment or terrain to simulate the experience of an outdoor ride.

Hardware-wise, there's not a lot between Peloton and NordicTrack, meaning that your decision will likely come down to other factors like price, whether you want to take out a membership for virtual classes, and if the Peloton aesthetic is right for you.

Peloton vs. NordicTrack: classes

Peloton operates more like a media company than an equipment manufacturer. The brand has a roster of star trainers for its virtual classes, and even films them with a room full of live exercisers at the Peloton Studios in London and New York. 

The company inspires a lot of passionate fans, who are willing to join multiple classes a week, follow their favorite trainers on social media, and buy branded Peloton apparel. Of course, you don't have to be into this to get a Peloton bike. 

And many people aren't, they just want a sleek bike that'll sit in their home for intense cardio workouts. You can still use Peloton for that, but a large part of the attraction is this shared experience with other Peloton members and the trainers. 

NordicTrack still offers live classes and on-demand workouts, but there's less hype around the offering. That doesn't make it bad, its just not Peloton. And the way NordicTrack implements its offering is slightly different too.

The company uses a platform called iFit — a workout app that integrates with many NordicTrack machines (including treadmills), and there are many traditional exercise bike classes, where you use the display to follow a trainer riding in a studio.

But there are also some interesting features, like iFit's global training, where the classes are in different parts of the world and you get to virtually ride through various scenery, while the resistance adjusts to the "outdoor" terrain.

If you prefer the spin classes, Peloton and NordicTrack have a leaderboard for when you're feeling competitive. However, you can turn this feature off if you're not a fan, but, you'll find that the leaderboard ranking is a big part of the Peloton experience.

Peloton vs. NordicTrack: subscription costs

For Peloton and NordicTrack bikes, it's not a pay once, use forever scenario. Each brand produces smart bikes, where the value is in the digital content you can access through the bike's large, immersive display. 

To access these virtual classes, workouts, and other digital services, you need to take out a brand-specific membership. For Peloton, the Peloton All Access membership; for NordicTrack, the iFit PRO membership. 

You can take out the Peloton All Access membership for $44/month, costing $528 annually. This includes all the off-equipment content available in the Peloton One app (which anyone can use), plus real time cycling metrics and access to all of Peloton's live and on-demand virtual classes. 

Meanwhile, to get the most from NordicTrack's smart features, you'll need an annual iFit PRO membership for $396. Unlike Peloton's digital offering, there are no tiers, so you either take out iFit Pro or use the machine in free training mode without classes and some features (like auto-adjusting resistance levels). 

Although the cost will depend on which bike you buy and the membership option (monthly or annual) you choose, but as an example, the first year cost of the Peloton Bike Plus would be $2,023, with $528 for the membership and $1,495 for the bike.

Meanwhile, the first year cost of the NordicTrack S22i Studio (the closest equivalent to the Peloton Bike Plus) would be $2,395, with $396 for the membership and $1,999 for the bike. So, although the bike is more expensive, the subscription cost is less.

If you still want the Peloton bike, but can't drop almost $2,500 upfront, Peloton does have a rental service, where you pay $199 per month for the bike rental, shoes, and membership. You can cancel at anytime too, so the first year cost drops to $2,388, although, of course, you don't own the bike.

Peloton vs. NordicTrack: which should you buy?

Whether you choose a Peloton or NordicTrack exercise bike will largely depend on how you like to train and what you enjoy. Peloton's classes are its main selling point, but the package (bike and subscription) is more expensive than the equivalent NordicTrack offering. 

And NordicTrack also comes with virtual workouts and classes, they're just not led by the bombastic Peloton instructors who inspire a passionate fanbase and a dedicated social media following. If you're not fussed by that, NordicTrack might be best. 

If you choose to do down the Peloton route, there are still two bikes to choose from, so you may want to compare the Peloton Bike and the Bike Plus before you decide. Or, if you're not sold on Peloton or NordicTrack, it might be worth looking at how Echelon compares against Peloton's offering too. 

I’ve owned my Peloton Bike+ for about half a year now, and though I actually doubted my dedication at first, I still use it regularly. In fact, I’ve settled into a nice routine using one of the best exercise bikes. However, even with new classes being added daily, and the range of exercises on offer — from yoga to strength classes to meditation — it has somehow started to feel a little same-y. 

That’s why I was pleased to stumble across some hidden features on my Peloton bike, which can really break up the monotony. Even if you take advantage of these options just once, it can really refresh your experience and remind you of the versatility of this bike. Here are 8 things you never knew you could do with a Peloton.

1. Lanebreak 

For those who love to game, Peloton recently introduced Lanebreak — a game where you race to the music and need to stay in the best lane using the resistance dial. You gain a score based on your tempo, speed and direction (based on the dial). There’s a selection of genres and playlists to suit different tastes, and varying levels of difficulty too. The lengths of these sessions range as well, starting from as little as 5 minutes. 

Admittedly, this game left me exhausted, but I can see why others would enjoy it. To access it, you just need to select 'More Rides' on your home screen, and then select 'Peloton Lanebreak'. 

2. FTP test 

An FTP, or Functional Threshold Power, test measures the average power you can exert over an hour. It essentially helps you monitor your fitness on the bike and is a good indication of your progress. Doing one of these tests can also help you understand how to best pace yourself as you ride, including when to push. 

If you complete an FTP test on a Peloton bike, you will also have access to the Power Zones feature. With this, you can essentially add a bar to the bottom of the display during your classes. This can help you understand just how hard you’re pushing yourself, so you get the most out of your class and don’t prematurely exhaust yourself. 

You can find FTP test rides on your Peloton in your classes by searching for ‘FTP’. Once you’ve taken a 20 minute class, you can add the Power Zone bar by clicking on your username, then selecting the red cog settings logo at the top left corner. Next, select ‘Preferences’, then scroll down and click ‘Display Power Zones’ or ‘Edit Power Zones’ and finally ‘Custom Value’. You can now fill in the output from your 20 minute FTP test. For full details on this, check out how to do an FTP test on Peloton. 

3. Link up your Apple Watch 

It’s not exactly a hidden feature, but few realize the benefits of linking up an Apple Watch to their Peloton equipment. By doing this, you can monitor your heart rate and keep track of your performance. All you need to do is set up the Peloton app on your Apple Watch and tap it to the screen when you see the Apple Watch notification at the start of a class.

The app will then use your heart rate to create a ‘Strive Score,’ which essentially measures how long your heart remains in different bands during the workout. A bit like the Power Zones bar, this can help track how hard you’re pushing yourself during workouts. The Strive Score is useful because you can compare it across non-cycle classes too, such as strength and bootcamp.  

If you’re interested in buying an Apple Watch, check out our picks for the best Apple Watch. 

4. Run with Peloton 

If you sign up for a Peloton membership, you also get access to the classes on your phone via the Peloton app. That means you can ditch the bike altogether and take a walk or run with Peloton. There’s a huge selection of outdoor classes to peruse including dedicated hiking classes if you’re climbing a hill. 

By having the Peloton app on your phone, you can also activate ‘Outdoor Route Tracking’, which can be found under the 'More' tab. This tracks your pace and distance as well as route, so you can better monitor your outdoor sessions.

5. Hide the metrics 

The stats scattered across the screen during a class can be quite intimidating at first. While the instructors in the beginner classes will break down what each metric means, it’s still too much to keep track of sometimes, even if you’re a seasoned Peloton cyclist. Some will also find it disheartening to see they’re at the back of the pack during a class. 

That’s why it’s nice that you can hide the metrics altogether if you want to — so it’s just you, the instructor and the music. All you need to do is double tap anywhere on the screen and voila, a clear display. 

6. Charge your phone 

Depending on whether you’ve got the Peloton Bike or Bike+, you should notice a spare port on the back of the screen (Micro USB for Bike and USB-C for the Bike+). This acts as a network port, but you can use a power adaptor to charge your phone, headphones, heart rate monitor or whatever you need. 

However, just bear in mind that whatever you need to charge will need to sit somewhere while you cycle — it’s unlikely to balance on the handlebars. This can somewhat limit its use unless you have a particularly long cable. Using this port for anything other than a direct network connection may also invalidate the warranty. 

7. Swap out to a toe cage 

When I first tried out the Peloton Bike, I really struggled with clipping the cycling shoes in and out before and after classes. Once I even had to remove my shoes while still attached to the pedals and pry them free manually. That’s why I was relieved to find out you can attach dedicated toe cages and use your regular sneakers instead.

What’s more, toe cages start from as little as $40, while the Peloton cycling shoes start at $125. We recommend Venzo Compatible with Peloton Bike and Bike+ Pedal Toe Clips Cage ($49.99, Amazon). These are a great alternative to cycling shoes if you struggle with your ankles in general.  

8. Check out your personal records 

You’d think you could easily see your personal records on a Peloton bike, but it’s not as apparent as all that. To access your personal records, you need to click on your username and scroll down in 'overview'. On the lower-right side, you will see a section for personal records which you can swipe through. For further detail, click "manage personal records." This will display your records in a format which is easier to read. 

From here, you can also click Manage and calculate your records based on a specific date. This is useful if you want to check your progress over a single year or if you’ve taken a break from the bike and don’t want to count previous workouts.

If you're lucky enough to have a Peloton Bike or a Peloton Bike Plus in your living room, you’ve probably been clocking up hours of rides. But even if you're part of the Century Club, you might not know — or may have forgotten — about this cool hidden. No, unfortunately, it’s not a way to fast forward the hilly sections of your next Jess Sims ride, but doing an FTP test on your bike can make a big difference to your daily classes. 

What is an FTP test? 

Whether you’re using a Pelton or one of the other best exercise bikes on the market, an FTP test is a brilliant way to keep track of your cycling progress. FTP stands for Functional Threshold Power and is a measure of the best average power you could put out over an hour. To do an FTP test, you’ll need an exercise bike with a power meter, but if you’re on a Peloton, you can do the 20-minute fitness test on the bike. 

A good FTP for an average cyclist is thought to be around 250 to 300 watts, while professional cyclists usually average around 400 watts. The higher the FTP, the fitter you are, and an FTP test is often a good marker of cycling efficiency and fitness. 

For Peloton users, doing an FTP test allows you to utilize the bike’s Power Zones during your day-to-day classes, allowing you to visibly see on the screen how hard you’re pushing yourself. Once you’ve completed an FTP test, you’ll be able to add a bar to the bottom of your screen, displaying your Power Zones. There are also specific Power Zone classes that’ll encourage you to remain in different zones at different times throughout the class. 

To add the bar, click your username in the left-hand corner of your Peloton, click the red gear symbol in the top left corner, and click on Preferences. Under “Power Zones”, click “Edit Power Zones” and “Custom Value.” Here, you enter the average output from your 20-minute FTP Test ride, then click “OK.” Make sure “Display Power Zones” is selected. 

As you get fitter, you might find certain power zones easier to reach. You can then re-take your FTP test, and adjust the zones. Find out more about Power Zone training on the Peloton here. 

What are the benefits of knowing your FTP zones? 

If you were cycling in a race, you wouldn’t start at your max effort. Doing an FTP test, or knowing your FTP zones will help you better understand your cycling abilities, so you can better push and pace yourself in workouts. 

What’s more, an FTP test is a brilliant marker to see how you’re progressing in your cycling training. The fitter you get, the higher your FTP will be. Cycling trainers recommend doing your FTP every six weeks or so if you’re putting out serious training.

Finally, knowing your training zones is super important when it comes to not overtraining. It’s tempting to jump on your bike and put out a max effort every session, but this is a sure-fire way to overtrain, which often results in injury. Knowing when you’re in recovery mode and when you’re in tempo mode is important if you’re cycling regularly.

How do you find the FTP test on the Peloton? 

You’ll find the FTP test where you find your classes on the Peloton Bike. It’s a 20-minute test, and it’s a good idea to do a warm-up beforehand. Unlike other rides, the test is designed to leave you exhausted — it’s a test of your endurance and fitness, and shouldn’t be taken lightly! Peloton has a blog post on how to ace the FTP test, but our main advice is to do this one on fresh legs and to have a towel to hand. 

To improve your FTP, try adding more hill rides or faster sprints to your workouts rather than opting for slow, steady rides. 

For more fitness-related guides, ensure you read our tutorials on how to hide your address details in Strava and how to run with your dog.

Say what you want about Peloton, I’m obsessed with the Peloton Tread. In fact, I’ve gone as far to say it’s one of the best treadmills I’ve ever run on, and reader, I’ve run on a lot of treadmills. However, up until now, there’s been one huge flaw — unlike when riding on the Bike+, on the Tread and Bike, you couldn’t connect your Apple Watch to the machine. 

Of course, this didn’t stop me recording an indoor run on my watch in an attempt to close my activity rings, but I’d often find the two runs didn’t quite sync up, and every runner will feel my pain at having to decide which to upload to Strava. So imagine my delight when I heard that from today, Peloton has expanded its Apple Watch capabilities across its platform, meaning you can now track metrics on your Apple Watch on the Bike, Bike+, Tread, and App. 

Even if you’re not as obsessed with those damn rings, this move also means you can use your watch as a heart rate monitor during your Peloton workouts. Heart rate training has huge benefits for athletes, and until now, the only way to monitor your heart rate is to use a separate heart rate strap on the Peloton to use the brand’s Strive Score feature. Strive Score is a metric that tells users how much time users spend in a specific heart rate zone.

Once you’ve connected your Apple Watch to your Peloton (more on that below), syncing your Watch to your Bike or Tread is a simple process. Once you start an activity on your Peloton, you’ll see a notification pop up on your watch, reminding you to begin monitoring.

How to connect your Apple Watch to Peloton 

Ready to get started? To connect your Apple Watch to your Peloton, you’ll need to start by downloading the Peloton Apple Watch app, and ensuring you’ve got the Peloton app on your iPhone or tablet. 

From the Peloton app on your phone, tap ‘more’, then ‘apple watch’, ‘set up’, ‘connect to health app’. In the Health app, tap ‘turn on all’ to let the Peloton app access your health data, then press ‘done’. 

Open the Peloton app on your Apple Watch, where it’ll ask for your permission to send notifications, tap ‘allow’ and you’re ready to run or ride. 

This move is a long time coming, but it’s one that will undoubtedly help runners or riders stay more connected, and track their heart rate better. Read more about your resting heart rate and how to monitor it here. Plus, if you're in the market for an Apple Watch, take a look at the best Apple Watch to buy in 2022.  

If you’ve been thinking about adding one of the best treadmills, or best exercise bikes to your home gym, one name that comes up time and time again is Peloton. Despite some recent bad news, Peloton is still regarded as one of the best in the business when it comes to engaging classes and enthusiastic instructors. 

Peloton’s latest offer allows you to try a Peloton Bike, Bike+, or Tread at home for 100 days before committing. Interested? Read on to find out more. 

What is the Peloton home trial?

Peloton has announced it is extending its home trial from 30 days to 100 from March 3 until 2:59 AM ET on March 22. This means you can ride or run at home for 100 days, and get a full refund if you realize it’s not for you. 

Of course, the catch is that you’ll actually have to buy the product, which doesn’t come cheap. In January, Peloton raised the prices of its Bike and Tread, as users now have to pay for the delivery and installation of the products, which costs $250 and $350 respectively. Customers who pay by credit card will have to pay the full cost at the time of purchase. Those who qualify for financing will have to pay their first installment.

However, if new members find that the home classes aren’t for them, they will receive a full refund after the 100-day trial. Returns will get free pickups, and Peloton says it’ll also cover shipping fees. While the trial starts once the machine is delivered, once the order has been placed, Peloton says users will have immediate access to the Peloton app, where they can start trying classes (take a look at the best Peloton classes here). 

This isn’t the first time Peloton has extended its free trial — Peloton extended its 30-day app trial to 90 days at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. That said, the company is in a very different position nowadays, as the demand for its Bikes and Treads died off since the pandemic home exercise boom, and production halted due to an excess of products.

Extending the home trial is the company’s latest attempt to attract new users to the platform, and it’s a clever one. From experience, once you start taking regular classes, you see the appeal in the products — it has, and always will be, the instructors and engaging content that make them worth paying for. 

New users can find full details about the extended home trial on the Peloton website.  

Not for you? Here's everything you need to know about buying a used Peloton, plus the best Peloton alternatives to add to your home gym. 

When someone asks which Peloton classes are the “best,” it is hard to choose, especially when new classes are uploaded on a weekly basis. One of the best things about Peloton is that classes are not limited to the Peloton Bike or Peloton Tread, but include areas such as yoga, strength training, cardio, outdoor running, walking and meditation. 

I've been a Peloton user for three years — way before it boomed in popularity during the pandemic, so below, I've hand-picked some of the best Peloton classes across the board to inspire you to get moving. 

Looking for more workout inspiration? We've found the best exercise bikes and the best Peloton alternatives to add to your home, as well as some of the best ab workouts to try, and the best exercises to add to your routine if you sit down all day.

Best Peloton classes — cycling

Cycling classes are my favorite to browse and bookmark as I have the Peloton Bike (starting at $1,495) in my home. Classes range from five minutes to 90-minutes long. Along with the abundance of different class lengths, there are many types of classes including warm-ups and cool-downs, beginner, power zone, live DJ, heart rate zone, music, pro cyclist, groove, theme, intervals, climb, and low impact classes.

Robin Arzón’s 30-Minute Red (Taylor’s Version) Ride on December 25th, 2021: My favorite type of class to take is when Peloton releases a new “Artist Series” ride which is usually a 30-minute class with just the artist's songs. I am a huge Swiftie and Robin blessed us all with the ten-minute version of All to Well in this ride.

Kendall Toole’s 30-Minute Disney Ride on November 8th, 2021: I am a big Disney fan and if you are like me and grew up in the 00’s era, you'll love this one. There are classic songs from High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Freaky Friday, and The Princess Diaries. 

Kendall Toole’s 20-Minute 90s Pop Ride on December 7th, 2021: Talking of Kendall, we have the same taste in music. This fun Pop ride has songs from Spice Girls, *NSYNC, TLC, Cher, and Whitney Houston.

Oliva Amato 45-Minute HIIT & Hills Ride on December 13th, 2021: When I am looking for a tough cycling workout to test my endurance and strength, I opt for a HIIT and Hills rides, preferably taught by Olivia Amato. This is one of the hardest classes I’ve taken and rightfully so, it has a 9/10 difficulty rating on the app. The class consists of intervals that will test your cadence, complimented with hills that will make your quads burn. 

Olivia Amato’s 45-Minute Intervals & Arms Ride on March 8th, 2021: Lastly, if you are looking for an arms workout incorporated within your bike ride, opt for the 30 or 45 minute Arms & Interval classes. Again, Olivia Amato tests my capabilities, and is known for her Monday morning killer bike classes with her “Roosters.” Opt for this class if you want a challenge and an arm workout.

Check out my roundup of the best Peloton cycling shoes here. 

Best Peloton classes — bootcamp

The bike Bootcamp classes are a newer category that Peloton first offered in Fall 2020. The bike bootcamp classes have part of the workout on the bike and the other half on the floor using weights and bodyweight. 

There are three lengths of classes to choose from — 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes based on your preference. Classes are offered in English, German, and Spanish. The types of classes include bodyweight, core, upper body, lower body, and full body. Instructors to choose from include Callie, Cody, Jess, Robin, and Tunde. 

Jess Sim’s 30-Minute Bootcamp Core on October 19th, 2020: I’ve taken this 30-minute core class over ten times and always leave this class with a sweaty angel on my yoga mat along with an aching core.

Jess Sim’s 60-Minute Pop Bootcamp on December 7th, 2020: When I have a lot of time set aside for a full-body workout, I like to Opt for a 60-minute class which leaves my body aching. I have taken this class numerous times because I know it will leave me feeling like I've had a great workout. It has an 8.3/10 difficulty and 99.8% of people gave it a thumbs-up rating. This well-rounded workout consists of 31 minutes of cycling and 29 minutes of a strength workout on the floor. 

Tunde Oyeneyin’s 45-Minute Pop Bootcamp on December 10th, 2021: Lastly, when I am looking for a longer class to stack with a short cycling class, I opt to take the 45-minute Bootcamp. This way I will get some strength incorporated into my workout for the day, not just cardio. Pop is my favorite genre of music and Tunde always tests my strength ability when it comes to her Bike Bootcamp classes.

Best Peloton classes — cardio 

Peloton also offers cardio classes which are great for when you are on the go and do not have access to a bike or treadmill. Users are able to access these classes on the Peloton app, and these classes range from 5 minutes up to 30 minutes. Classes are offered in English, German, and Spanish. 

Jess Sim’s 10-Minute HIIT Cardio on October 28th, 2020: Add this class to your stack after you’ve done a 30 or 45-minute cycling ride to work your entire body. 

Olivia Amato’s 20-Minute HIIT Cardio on November 4th, 2020: Take this class if you are limited with time but want a full-body workout.

Andy Speer’s 30-Minute HIIT Cardio on December 30th, 2020: Pair this weighted class with a short cycling workout to leave your body feeling like you’ve done a great combination workout for the day. 

Best Peloton classes — stretching 

Stretching is a great class to incorporate into your workout routine whether it is a part of your warmup or your cool down. The stretching classes Peloton has to offer include full body stretches, upper body stretches, lower body stretches, pre and post-ride stretches for the bike, and pre and post-run stretches for the Tread or running outdoors. 

Ben Alldis’ 10-Minute Red (Taylor’s Version) Stretch on December 25th, 2021: Did I mention I love Taylor? It is no surprise that this is one of my go-to stretch classes. 

Hannah Corbin’s 5-Minute Post-Ride Stretch on January 15th, 2022: I enjoy taking post-ride stretches, and this one is super-relaxing on tired legs.

Jess Sim’s 10-Minute Arms & Shoulders Stretch on October 23rd, 2019: Strength classes, specifically ones involving my upper body, can leave me feeling fatigued so I enjoy really taking the time to focus on one area.

Best Peloton classes — meditation 

Meditation classes are offered from five minutes up to 30 minutes. The purpose of meditation is to help calm your mind and body. There are many different classes to choose from including mindfulness, relax and sleep, meditation basics, zen in ten, breathwork, fitness focus, and audio only. For someone new to meditation, I recommend the meditation basics classes.

Aditi Shah’s 10-Minute Relaxing Meditation on December 22nd, 2021: I often turn to this class to calm my body after a stressful day. 

Aditi Shah’s 10-Minute Basics: Breath on August 13th, 2020: I found this class to be extremely helpful as I learnt to meditate and recommend it to beginners. 

Best Peloton classes — running

As well as it's treadmill classes, Peloton offers audio versions of their run and walk classes to take outside. Some class types included within this category include walking, endurance, intervals, speed, theme and music. Class lengths vary from 10 minutes up to an hour. 

I enjoy taking the pop run classes since they have great playlists. I also like the HIIT and interval runs, as the instructor offers guidance on  when to speed up and slow down. 

Robin Arzón’s 20-Minute Pop Run on March 26th, 2021: Take this class to listen to artists like Dua Lipa, Britney Spears, and Justin Bieber. 20 min Pop Run

Jess Sim’s 20-Minute HIIT Run on May 29th, 2020: When looking for a class that will get my heart rate up in a short amount of time, I opt for a HIIT run. Even though this class is only 20 minutes, it still incorporates a 3.5 minute warmup, 15 minutes of interval running, and a 1.5 minute cool down.

Becs Gentry's 45-minute The Beatles Run on December 25th, 2020: If you are on the Tread, Becs Gentry is a brilliant trainer. She's super-motivating, and has a series of artist runs worth taking including The Beatles, Britney Spears, Coldplay, and Sam Smith. 

Best Peloton classes — yoga 

Peloton has a host of excellent yoga instructors, including Aditi Shah, Anna Greenberg, Kristin McGee, and Denis Morton. There are classes ranging from five minutes up to 75 minutes, with ten types of classes to choose from — flow, music, power, restorative, yoga anywhere, focus flow, theme, slow flow, family and pre/postnatal, and yoga basics. Another great filter you can choose from is the difficulty of the class including beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

Kristin McGee’s 5-Minute Basics: Half Splits on January 26th, 2022: You do not have to be a beginner to take this class, as it focuses on mastering one move — the half splits. 

Aditi Shah’s 10-Minute Yoga Flow on March 15th, 2020: When looking for dynamic cool-down to add to my bike workouts, this is my go-to. It's only 10 minutes long, but it forces you to stop and take a breath before getting on with your day. 

Best Peloton classes — strength

Strength training is important for runners and riders alike, and there's a whole range of strength classes on the Peloton platform, ranging from five minutes up to a full hour. There are twelve types of classes within this category — warm up, body weight, full body, upper body, lower body, core, arms & light weights, strength for runners, resistance bands, barre, Pilates, and pre/postnatal. The bodyweight and classes that do not require weights are great options for anyone on the go or with limited access to equipment. 

Olivia Amato’s 15-Minute Core Strength on February 16th, 2021: This class has a 99.6% rating and will leave your core feeling fatigued. 

Callie Gullickson’s 20-Minute Bodyweight Strength on September 2nd, 2021: Callie’s classes are my go-to and the bodyweight strength sessions are handy when I am traveling and have no access to a gym.

Callie Gullickson’s 20-Minute Disney Full Body Strength on November 17th, 2021: With a 99.1% rating, I highly recommend this class as it has a great playlist and will get your entire body moving.

Slack wasn’t the only platform to be down yesterday, as Peloton users everywhere experienced a 2-hour outage that prevented users from streaming classes on the Bike, Tread or app. 

Peloton tweeted, “We are currently investigating an issue with Peloton services. This may impact your ability to take classes or access pages on the web. We apologize for any impact this may have on your workout and appreciate your patience. Please check http://status.onepeloton.com for updates.”

The outage was fixed within a couple of hours, but users say the issues flagged one major issue with the platform — the fact you cannot download classes to take offline. 

While some users took to social media to share their concern that they’d lose their streaks if they had to take a day off the platform, others questioned why Peloton had not yet developed the functionality to take classes offline.

One user tweeted, “If we could just download workouts that didn’t require server connectivity this would be so much smoother”. Another user responded, “There should a few bits of content that’s accessible without internet for times like these, storms, etc. Please consider adding some basic content we can store on our bikes, phones…”

At the time of writing, you can download, or ‘preload’ classes on the Peloton app on iOS to take them without being connected to WiFi, but this isn’t an option on the Bike or Tread. 

Of course, the outage isn’t necessarily Peloton’s fault. This does highlight a huge pitfall of connected fitness, as like Peloton’s new CEO, Barry McCarthy, emphasized a few days ago, Peloton’s content and on-screen experience are what makes the platform special. While users were still able to use the “Just Run” or the “Just Ride” option during the outage, without the classes and instructors, the hardware isn’t as useful. 

It goes without saying, 2022 hasn’t been the best year for the home fitness brand that boomed during the pandemic. Earlier this year the company announced it was pausing the production of it’s Bike and Tread, and started making users pay for the installation of the products, raising the prices. Peloton also suffered a major decline in its stock following the death of Sex and The City’s Mr Big using the exercise Bike, and it has cut 2,800 jobs.

What’s next for the brand remains to be seen. However, there are rumors of a Peloton rower, and a potential Amazon buy could be on the horizon.  

I’ve had my Peloton Bike+ for about three months now, and I’ve loved every second of it. I’ve used it for cycling, boxing, yoga, and meditation to name a few classes. So I was excited to hear that another addition was coming to the Peloton — Lanebreak. 

Lanebreak is designed to combine gaming with cycling on the Peloton, encouraging you to change your resistance and tempo on demand to achieve a high score. I’m naturally competitive and an avid gamer, so I had to give it a go. Here’s what happened.  

How Peloton's Lanebreak works 

Lanebreak can be found under the "More Rides" option in the Peloton menu. It’s currently only available on the Peloton Bike and Bike+. After selecting Lanebreak,  you'll go through a trial run to get an understanding of how the game works. You’re essentially pedaling a wheel avatar along a track, a bit like Guitar Hero, with music playing in the background. You maneuver the wheel from left to right using the resistance dial to hit target areas and earn more points. 

There’s a range of things you’re asked to do to increase your score — for example, there are sections of the course that require you to pedal as fast as you can within a time limit, as well as areas where you need to sustain your cadence. Having a higher resistance will naturally give you a higher score too, so if you’ve got the choice of two lanes, you pick the harder one if you want to be further up the leaderboard.

There’s a range of experience levels including beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert. Plus, there’s a wide variety of background music to choose from, ranging from Pop Essentials to David Bowie Remixes. Sessions can last from 5-20 minutes,  and once the session is over your stats and position are revealed at the end, so you can see where you rank amongst the Peloton community.  

I tried Peloton's Lanebreak — here's what I enjoyed

At first, I found Lanebreak quite refreshing — it was nice to do something different on the Peloton, a bit like a Scenic Ride. It’s a very easy game to pick up once you understand the rules, and if you’re as competitive as I am, it can be quite motivating. It’s also nice that this game is not just about pedalling fast, it’s just as much about control; at times you need to maintain cadence targets, so if you pedal too fast, you will lose out on points. It’s not overly demanding as a game either. You have the option to choose an easier lane at times if you’re running out of energy.  

I was also impressed by the wide selection of music and experience levels. There’s a good mix of genres and playlists to suit your preference, and it’s not a one-size fits all in terms of difficulty. Plus, your session will show up in your workout history after, so you can compare the stats with your standard Peloton classes. 

I tried Peloton's Lanebreak — here's what I didn't like

While it was nice to do something different at first, the layout of this game did get monotonous quite quickly. As there was no human interaction — no instructor and no others I could see live on the game — it feels less like a community, and more like you are just pedalling an exercise bike in your spare room. I do think Peloton missed a trick here by not displaying fellow riders’ live scores, as that’s what partly drives me in the classes. It feels like it’s more repetitive without the human element of the instructor as well, so I found I was getting bored soon into the session. 

That’s not to say the session was easy. I chose a beginner 20-minute workout and by the end, I was covered in sweat. I was running out of energy within 10 minutes and had to resort to the easier path options until the end of the game. I wasn’t imagining it though — when I went back to look over my stats, that 20-minute beginner ride had a similar output to what I’d achieve in a regular 30-minute advanced beginner class. So, rest assured, this quick game will push you.

Because of the constant resistance adjustments and targets, it’s pretty impossible to grab a water break during this game without losing points. I also found there was no real warm up to start and little time to cool down at the end. Without an instructor, there’s a lack of empathy and guidance for stretches etc. 

I can appreciate that adjusting the resistance dial to maneuver the wheel is part of the game, but I also found this a bit tedious over time. One of the reasons I purchased the Bike+ was for the auto-resistance and I love this feature. Having to manually adjust the dial is fine, but doing it so often feels annoying. Lastly, for myself, the track layout was difficult to look at by the end as well; because of the ongoing winding, I could tell it was bringing on a headache.

I tried Peloton's Lanebreak — here's why I won't be using it in future 

I likely won’t be playing Lanebreak again, unless I really need a break from the standard classes. It has its plus points — it pushes you hard, it’s pretty personable and it would perhaps suit those who love to game. But for me, Peloton had things right the first time. The community and personalities behind the instructors are what sets this brand apart from many of the other best exercise bikes, and you shouldn’t steer away from that.    

I'm not completely new to the Nike Training Club app — I’ve used the app on and off since my first job after college in 2013. Since then, the app has always been a fun and easy tool to fall back on when I’m looking for some new strength workouts to do from home. At the start of the pandemic, the Nike Training Club app scrapped its premium membership, making all of the workouts free, but how does it compare to some of the best workout apps on the market? Read our full Nike Training Club app review to find out more.  

Nike Training Club app review: Price

The Nike Training Club app is free to download for both Android and iOS. At the time of this writing, it has 487 classes, including cardio, mobility, and yoga.

Similar to the Peloton app, the Nike Training Club App used to charge $14.95 for its Premium membership, which gave users access to more workouts, training programs, health tips, and guides. Although Nike made all of its Premium features free during the pandemic, in a bid to help people stay healthy from home, they removed some of its features. There are now fewer training plans to follow, which some long-term users found frustrating (if you are looking for a workout app with training plans the Sweat App is our Fitness Editor’s go-to). 

Nike Training Club app review: Interface  

The Nike Training Club App interface is extremely easy to use. When you first log in on the app, it asks you a few questions to determine your workout goals. Based on your answers, it will suggest a few workouts to get you started.

The first time I logged onto the app, I found it a bit overwhelming. There are so many classes to take and articles to read, it’s hard to know where to start. I spent the first 15 minutes checking out workouts and found the ‘Save’ functionality extremely useful, as I was able to bookmark workouts I thought I might like to do at a later date.  

Most of the workouts are set to music, but you can elect to turn it off if you’d prefer. You also have the ability to link Apple Music to the app and listen to your own music. I found the instructors are all so high-energy that I rarely needed extra music. You're never in silence for more than a few seconds because the instructors are frequently giving directions and pointers on form.

Nike Training Club app review: Training plans  

Like most workout apps, the Nike Training Club app is like having a personal trainer in your pocket, but if you’re looking for a trainer-style training plan, which tells you what exercises to do each day, you might be a little disappointed. There are 14 different training programs on the app and you can only do one training plan at a time. In addition to following a program, you can do as many on-demand workouts as you want. 

The training plans include yoga, zero equipment, cardio, and strength training. Once you choose a training plan, your instructor introduces you to the plan and provides relevant information.The plans don't just include workouts. They also have information, tips, and recipes to help you better yourself.

Nike Training Club app review: On-demand classes 

What makes the Nike Training Club app shine is the wide range of on-demand classes. On the first page of the app, it shows the newest workouts. I like that the algorithm suggests new workouts, not just sessions similar to those you’ve tried before — most recently, I tried a hip-hop class and enjoyed how fast-paced it was. It’s not a workout I would usually gravitate towards, but I enjoyed it. You do have to download the workouts to your phone before following them, but after weeks of trailing the app, I’d only used 1GB of data on my iPhone, so this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. 

Some workouts are guided and others are not. Here’s a breakdown of the different classes on the app: 

Trainer-led classes: The Nike Training Club app trainer-led classes are between 5-60 minutes in length. They are fully guided, and have an instructor to follow along with, like watching a video or joining a group exercise class. There are all types of classes, from yoga to strength, cardio, and HIIT. I've used the Trainer-Led classes to learn new strength movements and to try yoga for the first time, as I find it easier to follow along with the instructor, 

Live streams: Does anyone remember those Instagram Live workouts that became super popular during the pandemic? This is similar. An instructor will live-stream a workout that you can join from anywhere in the world. You can also set reminders on your phone to alert you nearer the live stream.

Whiteboard workouts: With Whiteboard Workouts, instead of following an instructor, you’ll see the whole workout, with the sets and the number of reps you need to complete. There are instructional videos to show you each move, and you can take your time on each rep without the app moving on to a next workout.

Short workouts: As the name says, each workout is short and snappy — the longest is just 22 minutes. If you struggle with not having enough time to fit workouts in, there are plenty of five-minute options.

Athlete workouts: You don't need to be a high-performance athlete to do these. There are options, including "runner’s strength and balance," "goal-getter," and "perfect alignment."  As a runner, I have found doing these helps me improve my strength and mobility.

Finally, you can sort workouts by basic equipment (easily done at home), complete equipment (need to be done at the gym), or no equipment.  I have a set of adjustable dumbells, a yoga mat, and a medicine ball, which is enough to enable me to do the at-home, basic equipment workouts.

There are also collections of workouts, which give you collated workouts based on a theme, or goal. As a runner, I liked the ‘upgrade your run’ collections, which suggested workouts based on the benefits for runners, like building a strong core, or workouts to try for active recovery.

Nike Training Club app review: Extras 

In addition to all of the Nike Training Club app's workouts, there are links to podcasts, blogs, and nutrition advice. You can browse the Tips section for advice on training, nutrition, recovery, mindset, and sleep. I find the app’s articles to be a huge plus and they have led me to discover a lot of new podcasts to listen to while running too. 

Recipes and nutrition: During testing, I tried some of the app’s recipes, including the tofu and rice meal and the date treats. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how delicious the recipes are. 

Recovery articles: Taking a deep dive into the recovery section of the app, I learned a lot about my own recovery needs. The article "how to recover the right way for you" taught me that recovery isn't always just sitting on the couch all day. 

Mindset: We know that workouts require a great deal of mental strength, and having the right mindset will help you adapt and grow in your fitness journey. There are articles like "self-care solutions for every situation" and "learn to set micro-goals." I firmly believe the mindset section of the Nike Training Club app is one of its most valuable assets, especially for beginners.

Sleep: Another important tool for recovery, the sleep section of the app teaches you about the importance of sleep and gives valuable tips on how to improve your sleep.

Nike Training Club app review: Verdict

The Nike Training Club app shines because it's free and there are nearly 500 on-demand workouts to choose from. If you're looking for new workouts to try in the comfort of your own home, or in the gym, this app is a great option.

The main drawbacks of the Nike Training Club app are its lack of structured workout plans, and the need to download the workouts to your phone. These are minor inconveniences, however, and wouldn’t put me off downloading the app and giving it a go — it’s free, after all. 

All in all, this app is by far one of the greatest workout apps I've tried. I would pay for it if it weren’t free. 

As Peloton hikes the prices of its popular home workout equipment, searches — and sales — for used Pelotons are on the rise. But are there risks when it comes to buying second hand? To help you work out whether or not a sale is worth it, here’s everything you need to know before buying a used Peloton bike or treadmill. 

Peloton has also just released a new game on the Bike and Bike+. Check out our full review of Peloton’s new Lanebreak game. 

Should you buy a used Peloton bike or Tread? 

At the beginning of February, Peloton increased the price of its Peloton Bike from $1,495 to $1,745, and the price of the Peloton Tread from $2,495 to $2,845. The cost of the Bike+ remains the same — $2,495. The brand cited rising inflation and heightened supply chain costs for the rise in price, but it’s definitely been a rocky start to the year for the at-home fitness giant, following the death of Mr. Big, the halt in production, and the chief executive stepping down amid job cuts.

With all that in mind, buying a used Peloton can save you a hell of a lot of money, if you find a good deal. The good news is that there are a lot of sales out there, as many people sell their lockdown purchases. Used Peloton Bikes seem to be more widely available than the Peloton Tread, although this is perhaps due to the mass recall last year. 

There are some things to consider beforehand, however, namely the warranty. Peloton confirms on its website that a product's warranty is not transferable, so even if you buy a relatively new bike or treadmill, you won’t be covered in case it breaks. 

How much should you pay for a used Peloton? 

This depends on the age and condition of the equipment, but either way, you should be paying significantly less than you would if you bought the product new. It’s a good idea to ask the buyer for proof of purchase and for an idea of how many rides or runs they’ve done to get a better idea of the wear and tear the product has been through. 

When it comes to the Peloton bikes, there are three different generations of Peloton display screens and you'd expect to pay less for the older model. The newer screens are thinner, have a faster processor, more RAM, and better quality speakers. The first generation will have a model number ending in “xxxx-QUARTZ” or “001;” the second generation screens will have “RB1V1,” and third-generation bikes will have “RB1VQ.” 

Remember, unless you're planning to move it yourself, you’ll also need to work out the cost of shipping the Peloton to you on top of the price, so it’s a good idea to look into this before agreeing to the sale. 

Where should you shop for a used Peloton? 

Peloton actually offers a few suggestions of where to shop for a used product on its website (before reminding you that you’re shopping at your own risk, of course). Local online marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Letgo are a good place to start, especially as buyers are more likely to be local to you, meaning you can physically go and view the Peloton before buying, and you can pay less to get it home. 

You can also look on other online marketplaces, such as eBay or Gumtree, but you’re likely to get nationwide results. Obviously, there’s more risk involved when buying a product you can’t see beforehand. 

Another safe option is to ask around with neighbors and friends to see if anyone they know is selling their Bike or Tread.

Questions to ask the buyer before agreeing to the sale

So you think you’ve found a bargain, but is it too good to be true? Here’s what to ask the seller before buying. 

Are you including any subscription credits? 

Although the warranty cannot be transferred, Peloton does allow subscription credits to be switched between users. New or used, you’ll need to pay $40 per month to do the classes on your new bike or treadmill, so if your buyer is happy to switch their remaining membership to you, this could make the deal even better. 

To switch subscription credits, your seller will need to email Peloton support (support@onepeloton.com), with both parties’ Peloton profile names or email addresses. 

Are there any issues with the bike, and why are you selling it? 

When buying any used gym equipment, remember that photos can lie. It’s always recommended that you go and try the product yourself, so you can feel, hear, or see if there are any issues with how it’s working, but if this isn’t an option, ask more questions. It’s also a good idea to ask for a photo or video of the screen turned on so you can be sure everything is in working order, and if it's the Bike+, ask for a video of the screen being rotated. If it all seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

Are you the original owner? 

It’s a good idea to ask when the product was purchased, and for any proof of purchase, to help you get a better understanding of how old the product might be. Don’t be afraid to ask your seller for more information in regards to how much they’ve used the Bike or Tread in regards to the wear and tear of the product. Personally, I’d rather buy a bike that’s been used as a clothes horse than one that’s been pummeled every day in lockdown. 

Does it come with any accessories?

Unsurprisingly, Peloton accessories are expensive. If your seller is chucking in some Peloton dumbbells, a workout mat, or even some bike shoes, it makes the deal much sweeter. If they’re not, however, don’t panic, we’ve found the best Peloton shoes and the best yoga mats for home workouts here. 

Of course, if you decide it's not for you, there are still plenty of other alternatives on the market, that are often much more affordable. When it comes to bikes, we've found the best exercise bikes and the best Peloton alternatives on the market. If you're shopping for a treadmill, we've also found the best treadmills and the best under-desk treadmills for upping your steps indoors.