I Tried Peloton For 30 Days — Is It Really Worth The Hype?

As a new mama, finding time to work out seemed like a losing battle. Trying to coordinate a good time and place was an exhausting task that always resulted in me doing absolutely nothing. I needed something convenient, challenging and exciting to keep me focused. Enter Peloton.

With a little convincing, I sold my husband on investing in the purchase. In exchange, I promised myself that I would consistently use the Peloton bike and app for 30 days. Turns out, it was worth every red cent.

I immediately bought into the energy of the instructors. Each of them has their own flavor mixed with the same encouraging message of discipline and perseverance. I finished one class excited about the next opportunity to hop back on my bike. Even from the comfort of my home, I felt a part of a community – a special club of overachievers who worked daily towards becoming better.

"Come on baby! Let discipline carry you when motivation won't!"

These were cornerstone words from my instructor Alex as I jammed out in a 30-minute Hip Hop Spin class. Through my breathlessness, I found the wherewithal to type his words in my phone as a steady reminder when I wanted to skip a workout. I've had Peloton Church about 76 times since then. Nearly each time, I've thought of Alex screaming that phrase as I put on my shoes to take a ride.

Thankfully, Peloton has a way of enticing me to come back time after time. There's something about the fire playlists and the way each class burns so good that keeps me engaged. Users around the world send virtual high-fives across my screen to acknowledge milestones as the leaderboard encourages me to beat my personal record.

Metrics calculate everything from distance to heart rate, giving me the stats I need to feel like a superstar. Badges acknowledge my accomplishments, giving me reminders to be proud of my progress while the calendar of active days encourages me not to break my streak.

On days when I'd like a change in pace, I head over to the Peloton app for strength, cardio or guided outdoor audio classes. Filters help me pick workouts according to length so I can squeeze in 15 minutes on days when being mama makes it tough to carve out more time. Turns out, even small spurts of effort add up.

At the end of my first 30 days, I had 26 active days and dropped nearly 10 pounds. Yet these perks aren't the tip of the iceberg.

What no one tells you when you purchase your bike is that you'll gain access to thousands of black women who will motivate, inspire, and cheer for you daily.

Luckily for me, my cousin saw my post about getting a Peloton bike. She immediately messaged me an invite to join Black Girl Magic Peloton Edition on Facebook (affectionately called BGM for short). Joining has literally changed my life.

Black women from all walks of life are there with daily inspo that motivates me to step it up. The group includes #BGM challenges, a mentorship program, and dialogue among like-minded women. We follow each other on Peloton taking classes together as a sign of solidarity, celebration, or praise depending on the occasion.

Pre-COVID-19, BGM members participated in meet ups and travel groups to places all around the world. Doctors, lawyers, financial advisors and stay-at-home moms have a space of solitude – somewhere we go for that extra push to keep going both on and off the bike.

Each time I enter the group, I imagine the roar of cheers from my team. The energy is magnetic and powerful. In fact, BGM is more than a group, it is a sisterhood.

Every black woman who has the Peloton App, Bike, or Tread should get in on this serendipitous treat.

It's worth it.

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Featured image by Kandice Guice