For cyclists there is little that can replace the feel of a heart-pumping, sweat-inducing outdoor ride. Unfortunately, due to weather conditions and time constraints, this isn't always possible. On the days that you can't hit the open road, or if you just prefer the intensity, fun, and community of indoor cycling classes, there are a variety of indoor cycling apps that you can utilize.
Not long ago, cyclists dreaded days that they were stuck staring at walls while getting their miles in on an indoor bike. However, by using one of the best indoor cycling apps, riders can enjoy programming personalized to their individual training needs, interactive competitions, large catalogs of varied workouts, and competitive leaderboards.
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The Best Indoor Cycling Apps - Our Top Picks
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Echelon Fit
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS, Android
- Features: Freestyle function allows you to use it without Echelon bike
- Best for: Indoor cyclist enthusiasts and those who enjoy scenic virtual rides
Considering that the Echelon Fit app is free to download, you can check it out before committing to a monthly subscription. A membership is required to access much of Echelon's curated content, but you will be able to try out some classes to see if it is the right fit for you. Thanks to the app's Freestyle function, you can use the Echelon app even if you don't have an Echelon bike.
In addition to cycle classes, the Echelon Fit app gives you access to on-demand kickboxing, yoga, HIIT, and others. The app will track your activity so that you can see your progress as you achieve your goals. If you're the competitive type, you will be able to check your performance against others on the leaderboard.
What We Like
- App links to Facebook, Fitbit, and Strava
- Leaderboards
- Availability of other fitness classes
- Free to download
What We Don't Like
- App can be glitchy
- Some users say the app is difficult to navigate
GET: Echelon Fit
Peloton
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Fire TV, Roku, AirPlay, Chromecast, LG
- Features: Live classes with others, trained instructors, fun and engaging workouts
- Best for: People who love engaging and challenging indoor cycling classes
Peloton led the charge for indoor cycling. Although there have been a few bumps along the way, the Peloton app is still a force to be reckoned with. With the Peloton app, you don't necessarily have to have the Peloton bike to participate in cycling workouts. The high cost of the bike has been a prohibitive factor for many people, but with the app, you can use any bike that you have to access Peloton's extensive catalog of pre-recorded indoor cycling classes (and other classes such as yoga that require little to no equipment at all).
If you use the Peloton app without the Peloton bike, you won't have access to the live leaderboard. Also, the app only allows for a single user profile, unlike the multiple ones you get when you own the bike. However, with a low monthly cost and an extensive catalog, the Peloton app has plenty to offer.
What We Like
- Fun and engaging workouts
- App can be used with any bike
- Inexpensive
- Live instruction and thousands of pre-recorded classes
- Offers other fitness classes
What We Don't Like
- Not ideal for seasoned road riders
- Must have the bike (not just app) for full class offerings
- Only single user profile
Sole Fitness STUDIO
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS, Google Play
- Features: Bluetooth connectivity to Apple Watch
- Best for: Apple users
A partnership between the STUDIO app and Sole Fitness has married an extensive workout library with premier cardio equipment, including the Studio Bike series that allows you to pedal through some challenging instructor-led cycling workouts. The STUDIO app is free to download and you will get a free 30-90 day trial period depending on the equipment. Once the trial is over, you will pay either an annual or monthly fee.
Although this app is offered on Google Play, it definitely performs better on Apple products. There are no built-in monitors for the Sole Fitness indoor bikes, but there is a place for your iPhone or iPad. The app connects via Bluetooth to the bike, as well as your Apple Watch or your heart rate monitor. Although you will need a Sole Fitness bike to participate in the indoor cycling workouts, there are other classes available that need no additional equipment.
What We Like
- Free trial period
- Thousands of available classes
- Affordable subscription
What We Don't Like
- App can only be used with Sole Fitness equipment
- Not available on many platforms
- Google Play app is pretty clunky
GET: Sole Fitness STUDIO
MYX Fitness
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Roku
- Features: Companion app with many features
- Best for: Those who are looking to purchase an indoor cycling bike
If you enjoy both scenic virtual rides through the Italian countryside and intense instructor-led sessions, the MYX Fitness subscription and companion app have you covered. The cycle classes are streamed through a large monitor that is attached to the MYX Fitness bike. You can also download the OpenFit app to get additional fitness classes as well as helpful nutrition and shopping programs. This app also allows you to use other bikes if you're traveling and an MYX isn't available.
Although the monitor is large and easy to navigate, it can only be used for the MYX Fitness programming; you're not able to stream movies or music through the app. However, the app has a lot of useful functionality that can be tapped into even if you decide to stop paying for the subscription.
What We Like
- App is packed with additional features
- Additional workouts available
- Variety of workout classes available
What We Don't Like
- Fairly expensive monthly subscription
- Bike tablet can only be used with subscription
GET: MYX Fitness
Sunny Health SunnyFit App
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS, Google Play
- Features: Free to download and use
- Best for: Those on a budget
Sunny Health is known for its budget-friendly fitness equipment. However, it is the SunnyFit app that really brings the equipment to life. This app offers more than 500 cardio, strength, and mobility workouts. In addition to energetic trainer-led cycle classes, the SunnyFit app also offers first-person perspective rides through a variety of locations.
What really sets the SunnyFit app apart from others is that not only is it free to download, there is not a monthly subscription cost. This is basically unheard of when it comes to fitness apps. Sunny Health states that the app isn't officially supported other than with the brand's equipment, but many of the features, including cycling workouts, are accessible even if you don't have a Sunny Health bike.
What We Like
- Free to download
- No monthly subscription costs
- Customized training plans
- Incredibly budget friendly
- Don't have to have Sunny Health equipment to use app
What We Don't Like
- App not officially supported if connected to other machines
- Not available for Android users
GET: Sunny Health SunnyFit App
How to Choose an Indoor Cycling App
When choosing an indoor cycling app, you should first decide on the type of workouts that you would like to do. Many of these indoor cycling apps offer a variety of cycling workouts, as well as several others that can be performed off of your bike.
However, these apps really shine in the intense but fun trainer-led programs that allow you to take part in some friendly competition without ever leaving your home. Ultimately, the indoor cycling app that you choose should be based on your personal goals. From there, it is wise to look at if you will need to purchase a specific bike or if you would be able to use any bike available. Additionally, the monthly price will need to be a factor. There aren't huge discrepancies when it comes to the cost that you'll pay monthly, but some are definitely more affordable than others.
FAQs About Indoor Cycling Apps
What is the most accurate cycling app?
The accuracy of cycling apps can vary depending on the quality of the GPS data that is used. Therefore, when choosing a cycling app, it is important to make sure that the app is using the most up-to-date GPS data so that you can assure accuracy.
How do I track my indoor cycling?
You can track your indoor cycling by using one of the several apps that collect and share your indoor cycling data.
How long should you indoor cycle per day?
Indoor cycling provides a high-intensity cardiovascular workout, but it is also low impact. You can improve your health by cycling for 15-60 minutes per day.
How many times a week should you indoor cycle?
Indoor cycling can be a very intense workout. If you commit to participating in indoor cycling three to six days a week for 15-60 minutes, you should be able to see a noticeable improvement in your health and fitness.
About the Author
Sosha is a staff writer for ACTIVE.com and a CrossFit enthusiast. Her work’s been featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
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