Nike hoodie – fitBallet tank c/o – Outdoor Voices leggings – Peloton shoes
My dad (lovingly) says that I’ve only been consistent about being inconsistent my whole life.
Reading, cooking, and my Philadelphia Eagles fandom being the exceptions.
‘Consistently inconsistent’ sums up my relationship with fitness. I just didn’t like to work out.
That ended when I discovered indoor cycling classes.
FALLING IN LOVE…WITH CYCLING
It started with a Cyc class that my friend Megan hosted. I had just received the green light from my doctor to start exercising again after Rho’s birth, and I was excited to start working out again.
I’d gone to a few Flywheel classes years before (pre-pregnancy), but fell of the proverbial wagon after a few months.
Cyc was different. Instead of trying to maintain certain numbers, I focused on staying on beat (but felt comfortable when I needed to slow down or lower my resistance). I loved the multiple arm sequences. I loved the energy in the studio, boosted by the live DJ.
“I love this,†I thought.
I started with 1 class a week (a mix of Cyc and Hallie’s SoulCycle classes before she moved), and slowly ramped up to 2-3 weekly classes.
Then Cyc opened up its Hell’s Kitchen location – just a 10 minute walk from our old apartment.
I promptly signed up for an unlimited membership, and was in the studio 3-5 times a week for a solid 3 months. I finally found a workout that I WANTED to do, and do often.
FALLING OFF THE WAGON
Come fall, life got in the way. I was writing my book, about to launch Bridge2Act, and generally swamped.
What I really needed to do was maintain my workouts. Sadly, I didn’t. Exercising was the first thing to go, followed by cooking for myself and eating well.
It wasn’t pretty – on the outside, or the inside. It took 6 months before I was able to re-establish any kind of healthy routine. I started small – green smoothies for breakfast, walks with Rho every morning – and focused on maintaining the routine.
I did make it back into the Cyc studio (or hit up SoulCycle with Samira) every couple of weeks. And while I missed the endorphin rush and the way I fully checked out during a class, I didn’t beat myself up about not riding as often as I was.
Chasing after a newly walking Rho, preparing to move, and traveling was a workout itself.
WHAT’S A PELOTON?
One of the best parts of our new home was building out a home gym.
I let my husband do the (literal) heavy lifting there, after we agreed on the equipment we wanted.
There was the typical strength training equipment (weights, a bench, a captain’s chair). We agreed on a rower and an elliptical. He asked if there was anything else missing.
“I’d really love a Peloton bike.â€
I had seen the bikes online and read plenty of glowing reviews. But it was one person’s account that sold me – on the bike and on adapting a healthier lifestyle.
Ali Maffucci, the brilliant woman behind Inspiralized, had documented her health journey over several posts (here and here). I loved her honesty and her inspirational message.
I also really love her recipes and Inspiralizer (more about that here).
Seeing her journey with the Peloton (on her site and on Snapchat) was the clincher. I already loved to ride. I happily rode to multiple instructors (though Hunter at Cyc was a favorite).
If I had the bike + instructors in my own home, I know I would use it. Consistently.
RIDING WITH THE PACK
The bike was one of the first purchases we made for the gym, and it’s been the best (in my opinion).
I typically ride 3 days a week, first thing in the morning. I’ll do a 30 or 45 minute class, with a quick stretch before and a few sun salutations afterwards.
I have four favorite instructors that I ride with, depending on how I’m feeling or what I’m craving. Cody Rigsby’s groove rides are perfect the day after an intense strength workout. I love Robin Arzon and Hannah Marie Cohen when I want to pump myself up or push for a personal record. Christine D’Ercole’s rhythm rides are like therapy – calming, energizing, and infinitely healthier than a glass of wine and a plate of cheese.
One concern I had was about feeling lonely riding alone. Would I still feel the sense of community that I felt in an actual class, with the instructor right there?
I definitely feel that way when I ride a live class, and the shoutouts from the instructors give you that extra boost to keep pushing and going. You don’t get the same feeling of community in a pre-recorded class, but the instructor’s energy is still infectious. And the convenience of riding whenever I want always wins out.
I’ve kept up this schedule for 5 months now (longer than any other fitness routine in my adult life). The physical benefits are obvious (I’m stronger and healthier, for sure). I’m also infinitely calmer and more even-tempered, especially having been through postpartum depression. Working out regularly has been the best thing for my emotional strength, and I credit the Peloton for giving me my favorite workout in the comfort of my own home.
IS IT WORTH IT?
If you love indoor cycling, have the space, and can afford it – absolutely. The Peloton bike investment (starts at $2,000), but one that has been well worth it. If you spend $30 a class and ride 3 times a week, you’ll spend the $2,000 that the bike costs. After the first year, there is a $34 recurring fee for unlimited classes (the cost of a SoulCycle class).
Our Peloton cycle was the best purchase we made last year (second only to our home). It has made me healthier, stronger, more calm, and an all-around better person.
It’s made me consistently consistent about working out. Working out has been a linchpin habit, making it easier to adopt additional healthy habits (like finally flossing every day, eating more vegetables, and spending more time offline).
It’s changed my life. And it’s only been 5 months.
This post contains a referral link, which gives both the purchaser and myself 2 free months on our Peloton membership. We purchased the bike and all accessories (as well as everything in our home gym) ourselves.Â
P.S – if you’re looking to make a life change (without breaking a sweat), here’s how I established my morning routine and my meditation practice.
