Peloton is best known for its high-quality, tech-forward cardio machines like the Original Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread, and Row, but beyond the connected fitness equipment, this massively popular company is also generating a community of followers who use the Peloton App.
The Peloton App is a more affordable version of the All Access Membership that comes with a Peloton Bike, Tread, or Row. In addition to a lower price point, this standalone app does not require a Peloton machine. Instead, you'll stream live and on-demand classes with a compatible device, like a smartphone or tablet, while using cardio equipment at the gym or exercising at home. And the best part? There are tons of high-energy instructors and upbeat classes to fit your mood, goals, fitness level, music preference, and schedule.
Here, the ACTIVE Reviews Team breaks down what we liked and didn't like, the features, how it works, and who it's best for. Plus, we answer the most pressing questions about this ever-popular app. Check out our Peloton App review to see if it's right for you.
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A Quick Look at the Peloton App
SPECS
- Types of classes offered: Strength, boxing, running, cycling, yoga, meditation, rowing, row bootcamp, bike bootcamp, tread bootcamp, Pilates, barre, cardio, stretching, waking, and hiking
- Number of classes: Thousands of live and on-demand classes, with new ones added daily
- Membership types: Peloton App $12.99 per month (available to anyone), All-Access Membership $44 per month (available to Bike, Bike+, Tread, and Row users)
While not the only player in the connected fitness industry, Peloton is one of the leading companies providing at-home workouts to millions of people.
Peloton founder, John Foley, introduced the Bike in 2012 to the at-home fitness scene. Shortly after, Peloton started producing and selling its trademark product to millions of households. After creating a massive fan base with the Bike, Peloton decided to test the waters with runners and released the Tread in 2018, with safety updates in 2021.
Fast forward to 2020, and this tech-forward fitness company hit the scene again with the Bike+, an updated version of the Bike with new features. Yet throughout these advances and new releases, one thing stayed constant: The workouts, classes, and programming on the Peloton App.
What We Like About the Peloton App
- Affordable $12.99 monthly fee after the 30-day trial
- Can use it without owning a Bike, Bike+, Tread, or Row
- Works with Apple Watch
- Access to thousands of classes with new ones added daily
- Train from various devices including, mobile, tablet, computer, or TV (Android, Fire, Apple, Roku)
- Explicit music warning notifications and filter
- Expert instructors and motivating music
- Personalized recommendations
- Guided training programs and challenges
What We Don't Like About the Peloton App
- Some instructors make reference to Peloton equipment
- Not as interactive as the All Access Membership
- Some classes require equipment like dumbbells, mats, or bands
- Can only stream one device/profile
What We Like About the All Access Membership
- Monthly fee allows you to create five user profiles
- Filter feature is easy to navigate
- Tracks metrics like number of workouts, time, calories, cadence, resistance, distance, workout types, heart rate, and total output
- Interactive leaderboard and community feature is motivating for many people
- Tracks progress over time
- Explicit music warning notification and filter
- Expert instructors and motivating music
- Access to the Peloton App is included with All Access Membership
What We Don't Like About the All Access Membership
- Pricey monthly fee
- Requires ownership of a Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread, or Row
- Some classes require equipment like dumbbells, mats, or bands
A Closer Look at the Peloton App
Peloton App Features
There's no doubt that the Peloton App is a worthwhile monthly investment. Beyond the affordable monthly fee, this fitness app is loaded with premium features and expert instructors. In fact, Peloton is best known for having a lineup of enthusiastic, highly skilled instructors and coaches. Many, like Jenn Sherman, have been with the company since it started, and the instructors create a loyal following, both with app users and Peloton Bike, Tread, and Row users.
Beyond the talented instructors, we really like the interactive tools like achievements, which track your workouts and awards badges when you meet specific criteria like attending events, monthly streaks, and completing a specific number of classes. Monthly group and individual challenges are another perk of this app. And, if you have the iOS version, you can see how many of your friends have taken a specific class.
Speaking of classes, the Peloton App is packed with thousands of workouts focusing on cardio, strength, stretching, and meditation. The app also has guided runs that keep track of pace, elevation, and other metrics with a GPS-supported iOS device. Additionally, it tracks heart rate while you're wearing an Apple Watch.
And when it comes to searching for classes, we really appreciate the filter tool that allows you to search for a class by time, type, difficulty, instructor, and music. This is in addition to the personal recommendations you'll get when you download the app and are prompted to take a five-question quiz. Questions include favorite workout types, experience level, preferred music, the average length of current workouts, and accessories (dumbbells, resistance bands, mat, etc.) you have available to use. After completing the quiz, you'll receive a list of classes that match your answers.
How Does the Peloton App Work?
You can use the Peloton App on a tablet, smartphone, TV (Android, Fire, Apple, Roku), or computer. The app costs $12.99 per month after the initial 30-day free trial, which is only available to new users. This monthly fee covers unlimited classes to live and on-demand workouts, achievement tracking, and basic metric tracking if you have an Apple Watch.
That said, the $12.99 monthly fee only allows one user or profile to access the app. So if you have multiple users, each person needs to create their own profile and pay $12.99 per month. Another thing to note is the well-known live leaderboard feature included with the All Access Membership is not part of the Peloton App.
You can start the Peloton journey by taking the quick quiz to get class recommendations or jump right in. You'll see specific class types based on the activity you select, which quickens the search process and allows you to choose workouts based on your goal. Classes are searchable by live offerings through the schedule feature or you can sort through previous workouts that are now on-demand. You can also filter classes by length, instructor, language, duration, difficulty, type, and music.
Each class snippet shows duration, class type, instructor, and level. Once you click on it, you'll go to the class page and be able to see more specifics like the class plan, body activity, featured music, and rating. Some even have a preview feature that allows you to see a short clip of the class before trying it. Classes range in length from 5 to 90 minutes, with cycling and treadmill being the longest workouts.
If you schedule a class ahead of time, Peloton will send you a notification about 10 minutes prior, reminding you to join. There's not much difference between taking a live class and a previously recorded one. You'll still see who is active in the class at the time you take it and get the full workout. Of course, if you opt for an outdoor class, it will be audio-only—no watching while moving. Instead, you'll listen to a playlist with the instructor cueing the activity. Your profile has a calendar with your active days, milestones, and exercise streaks.
The All Access Membership is only available to Bike, Bike+, Tread, and Row owners. It comes with the cardio machine, and you pay $44 per month to keep it active. Plus, it allows you to access the Peloton App for free. That said, you can cancel this membership and use the Peloton App instead. However, you will lose access to certain features unique to the All Access Membership, and you cannot stream classes to the built-in touchscreen. Plus, you'll need to pay $12.99 per month.
Who Should Try the Peloton App?
If you don't have a Peloton Bike, Tread, or Row, the Peloton App is an excellent way to try the workout programs for a reasonable price point. That said, the Peloton App subscription only covers a single user profile, so if you have multiple people wanting to use the app, you'll need to pay $12.99 for each person. If you have a gym membership but want to diversify your workouts, consider trying the Peloton App.
Since you can stream classes on a mobile device, using the app in conjunction with cardio equipment at a gym is a great way to add variety to your routine. You can also do several strength, stretching, yoga, and Pilates classes in a gym setting, especially if the facility has private rooms or areas you can spread out.
People who need individualized direct instruction, hands-on adjustments, or extra supervision during exercise may want to think twice about trying the Peloton App. When in doubt, ask your doctor, physical therapist, or another healthcare provider if they think a workout app is appropriate for your needs.
Our Verdict
The Peloton App is worth considering if you're curious about the Peloton experience but not ready to invest in a Bike, Tread, or Row. Because it offers so many workout programs, it's a great way to spice up your current fitness routine. In addition, the Peloton App features top-notch trainers and instructors, diverse music, and a wide range of class types. Plus, it's one of the more affordable fitness apps available.
We also like the achievements, challenges, and programs that help motivate and inspire you to stay on track. Overall, the Peloton App is a fantastic tool appropriate for all fitness levels. And it comes with a free, 30-day trial for new members, so you have nothing to lose.
FAQs About the Peloton App
Is the Peloton App good for beginners?
The Peloton App is designed for all fitness levels, from beginners to hard-core athletes. Each class is categorized as beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Plus, you can use the filter tool to search for classes specific to beginners. The class level is under the "difficulty" tab. Most workouts have a preview option that allows you to see a short snippet of the exercises you'll perform. Another helpful feature is to read the reviews and difficulty ratings at the bottom of the screen. Users will rate the difficulty level out of 10.
Can I use the Peloton App without a Peloton?
Yes, you can use the Peloton App without a Peloton. In fact, the Peloton App is made for people without a Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread, or Row. You can stream on-demand and live classes with a tablet, smartphone, TV (Android, Fire, Apple, Roku), or computer.
Is the Peloton app free?
Peloton offers a free 30-day trial for new users. After the free trial, the Peloton App is $12.99 per month plus tax. The Peloton App is free to use if you pay for the All Access Membership with the Peloton Bike, Tread, or Row.
What kind of workouts are on the Peloton App?
The Peloton App features several workout types and thousands of classes. It also has comprehensive programs that offer users a more in-depth experience. For example, a four-week Pilates program that has three weekly classes. Overall, the Peloton App includes a diverse selection of cycling, treadmill, rowing, strength, bootcamp, yoga, stretching, Pilates, barre, meditation, outdoor running, walking, and hiking classes.
About the Author
Sara is a writer who focuses on health, wellness, and fitness. She holds a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a master's degree in counseling. Her work has been featured in SELF, Healthline.com, ACTIVE.com, Verywell, LIVESTRONG, Headspace, Health, INSIDER, Men's Health, Runner's World, Bicycling Magazine, SheKnows, and Everyday Health among others.
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