Peloton revamps loads of its fitness equipment, introduces an AI-powered coaching features – and of course, hikes prices

• Peloton has revamped its portfolio, redesigning almost its entire range of connected fitness kit with a swiveling screen
• Bike+, Tread+ and Row+ now pack improved Sonos speakers 
• The 'Plus' range also offers a movement-tracking camera for real-time feedback

Peloton has revamped almost its entire range of connected fitness equipment, with what it's calling a new Cross Training Series consisting of the Peloton Bike, Bike+, Peloton Tread, Tread+ and Peloton Row+. As well as new speakers and a built-in Peloton Guide camera for the premium 'Plus' line of machines, all of the above are getting a swiveling screen, along with AI-powered personal recommendations and realtime feedback that the company hopes will supports members’ "total wellbeing".

Peloton knows that a growing number of its users are taking advantage of more than just spin and running classes, with a staggering two million members actively engaged in strength training programs as of Q4 last year.

However, only a select number of the more expensive Plus products traditionally featured a swiveling screen that made it easier for home gym enthusiasts to perform strength training movements as part of their Peloton workouts while still being able to view the instructor’s prompts.

Peloton CEO Peter Stern claims the company is "doubling the value" of its hardware by making a swiveling screen standard across the new Cross Training Series, which encompasses five products in the US and Canada, or just three in the UK.

Further updates to the products include improved front-facing speakers on the standard Bike, an upgraded seat and faster, more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.

Bike+ takes things further with a larger 23.8-inch swivel screen and speakers developed by Sonos.

There’s also a fan to keep users cool and a new movement-tracking camera that can give real-time form correction, rep tracking, and weight suggestions thanks to the company’s new AI-enabled fitness coaching.

This builds on Peloton’s experimental Guide product, which was an early add-on camera that aimed to offer similar real-time feedback and AI-enabled coaching. Now, these smarts are built in to the Plus line.

Peloton has also harnessed the power of voice assistants with the ability to control key functionality with vocal prompts. "Ok Peloton" can confirm a selection, while commands like "make the instructor louder" can do just that.

As you would expect, Peloton prices have gradually been creeping up since a hike at the tail end of last year, with a standard Peloton Bike now costing $1,659 / £1,599 / AU$2,699, the more advanced Bike+ commanding $2,695 / £2,299 / AU$3,899, and Tread coming in at a whopping $3,295 / £3,499 / AU$4,999.

Peloton also offers the Tread+ which costs $6,695 and Row+ ($3,495) in North America and Canada, which hasn't been a runaway success for the brand.

The monthly price to access the full suite of on-demand workouts and training tools has also spiked across the board.

In the US and Canada, the monthly membership of Pelotonl, one of the best fitness apps, has been bumped up for the first time in three years, jumping by $5 to $49.99. Costs jump from £39 per month in the UK to £45 for the All-Access membership. App+ Membership also increases from £24 to £28.99 as of this month. In the AU, costs are also increasing, although we don't yet have those figures.

Meet your new virtual training partner

Peloton’s new IQ feature will come as standard for any paid up member, but it offers the most for those with the built-n movement-tracking camera, as here it can deliver real-time form feedback, rep counting and advice on weight and progressive overload.

What’s more, there AI-powered fitness coach will analyze previous workout history, class performance and vacuum up data from third-party wearables from Garmin Connect, Fitbit, and Apple Health to deliver tailored insights and workout recommendations.

Users then get a personalized training plan that can help them achieve preset goals, such as losing weight, getting stronger or living longer. The system is described as taking the guesswork out of long term fitness planning.

Performance Estimates and Personalized Recommendations will also suggest individual classes based on unique member data, or rank classes based on a projected output range, delivering insights such as “harder than your usual” before a session is selected, for example.

The AI-enabled system work in a similar way to recommendation algorithms found on Netflix or Spotify, where Peloton “learns” more about the user over time and can make educated suggestions based on a raft of parameters.

Peloton has also teamed up with HYROX to deliver a series of classes that support training for the popular and rapidly growing sport, while the recent purchase of Breathwrk adds new breathing exercises that can reduce stress, improve sleep and boost focus.

Members willing to swallow the price hike will notice these showing up in the app this month, while older Peloton products will also benefit from the new features via a software update.

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