Way back in December 2020, I decided to jump on the Peloton bandwagon. I started with using the Peloton app with a non-Peloton bike and then in May I upgraded to an actual Peloton bike. You can find all my previous check-in posts here:
Now that it has been a full year since I joined the ‘Peloton Cult’ I figured it is the perfect time for another update. For this update, I’m revisiting each of the questions I’ve answered over the past year with my updated responses.
Do I still like the equipment I bought?
In December 2020, I started out with a non-Peloton bike. Here is exactly what I bought:
I was happy with the non-Peloton bike for the first 6 months and it is still working just fine. However, I upgraded to an actual Peloton Bike in May 2021.
Why did I upgrade? Well, after 6 months of consistently using the app and guesstimating the cadence and resistance call-outs, I found that I was no longer challenging myself. Also, after trying a friend’s Peloton, I was shocked at the cadence and resistance monitor’s ACTUAL feedback. When Peloton reached out with a Memorial Day deal, I jumped on it and I have no regrets at all. The Peloton bike is super sturdy and I’ve gotten the hang of the clip-in shoes as well. I like the leaderboard option mostly because I like to compete against my own previous records. I also enjoy the live rides and encore rides, because other people riding with me and hi-fiving is super fun!
As for the CHAOKE bike, I still currently have it set up next to my Peloton. My husband has ridden it a couple times but honestly, it’s just not love for him. So, I think I’ll be listing it on Facebook Marketplace once we start our bathroom/closet renovation project and need the space.
Who are my favorite instructors?
- Favorite for Cycling: Bradley Rose or Cody Rigsby
- Favorite for Strength: Adrian Williams or Emma Lovewell (core)
- Favorite for Yoga: Kristin McGee
- Favorite for Mediation: Anna Greenberg or Ross Rayburn
- Favorite for Stretching: Ben Alldis or Adrian Williams
Am I keeping motivated?
You guys. I have consistently exercised for an entire year. AN ENTIRE YEAR. I am the person who has started and then stopped a bazillion exercise programs and gym memberships and I’ve actually stuck with Peloton for A YEAR!
How I’ve kept motivated: I gave myself a goal to do something on the Peloton app each day. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cycling class with a strength class, or just a 5-minute meditation. Every single day, I take a little bit of time just to myself.
And it works! As of today, I have a 53-week streak and I’ve done something EVERY SINGLE DAY.
While I usually just pick a workout based on how I’m feeling that day, I also gave myself a challenge back in October to do Crush Your Core with Emma, a series of core workouts for 4 weeks. The workouts ranged from 5 – 10 minutes each day (some days were ‘off days’ or stretch days) and I did every single one and could really feel my core growing stronger. I plan to do this series again soon!
Do I still use the Peloton app, or just use the bike?
I actually use both the Peloton app and the Peloton bike (which has the app built in to the screen). I have the app on my phone and my kindle, so it’s super easy to grab it and settle down anywhere (even a hotel room) for a nice stretch. I’ve even enjoyed an uplifting mediation on a stressful drive home from work – I just make sure not to get TOO relaxed while driving!
How much weight have I lost?
As for weight, I’m not exactly sure. I’m not sure exactly how much I weighed in December 2020 but I think I’m 2-3 pounds down. As for measurements, I first measured myself at the end of January 2021.
Here are my measurement changes:
- Bust: – 1/2 inch
- Belly: – 1 inch
- Butt: – 1/2 inch
- Thighs: – 1 inch each
While I am much more active, I didn’t drastically change my diet so I wasn’t really expecting any crazy before/after change. However, I’m currently dealing with some food allergy stuff, so I may have to restrict and/or limit my diet in the near future once I figure out what I’m allergic to.
Overall Thoughts
I’m super happy that I made the choice to first buy the Peloton app and then purchase the Peloton bike. This is the first time I’ve ever stuck with a fitness goal for so long and I’m really proud of myself. I can certainly tell that my endurance has improved over the last year and I really do enjoy jumping on the bike to cycle along and sweat it out to a fun instructor. I’ve also really grown to enjoy the off-bike classes like Yoga and Meditation. Initially, I was thinking I’d end my streak at 1 year and just workout when I felt like it… but I’ve decided to keep it up with doing something every day for year two as well.
If you’re a Peloton rider, you can find me on the leaderboard at JoulesGetsFit.
If you are looking to purchase a Peloton, shoot me an email at pocketfulofjoules@gmail.com and I can send you a special referral code to get you money off your purchase!
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