• Spotify and Peloton have announced a new partnership and Fitness hub
• It brings over 1,400 Peloton video workouts to the Spotify app
• It's rolling out globally today (April 27) to Premium subscribers

First it was music, then podcasts and audiobooks, and now Spotify is entering a new era — fitness.

The music streaming giant is joining forces with one of the biggest names in fitness, Peloton, to bring Peloton's extensive range of video workouts to a new Fitness hub in the Spotify app.

As of today, over 1,400 curated classes will be rolled out to Spotify Premium subscribers, spanning strength, pilates, barre, yoga, stretching, meditation, floor cardio, and outdoor run and walk.

Peloton has said these classes will be accessible "in most countries where Spotify is available".

The collaboration is part of Peloton’s wider plans to expand its reach globally and improve the accessibility of its experience. “We’ve always believed that the best workout is the one you actually do, which is why accessing world-class fitness content should be as easy as tuning into your favorite Spotify playlist”, said Dion Camp Sanders, Chief Commercial Officer at Peloton.

“As we continue to forge a path deeper into wellness, our work with Spotify is just our latest move to expand our reach and capture new revenue streams through Peloton’s unmatched experience, content and instruction.”

Last week Spotify celebrated 20 years of being one of the best music streaming services, and as part of our coverage I spoke to Sten Garmark, the company's Global Head of Consumer Experience, who reflected on Spotify's influence and teased plans for it to expand into more formats — and this new partnership suggests it's wasting no time in doing so.

“For nearly two decades, Spotify has been the soundtrack to the world’s workouts,” said Roman Wasenmüller, VP Global Head of Podcasts. “Today, we are expanding Spotify to become a true daily wellness companion. By bringing Peloton directly into our video and audio ecosystem, we are investing in a future where Spotify isn’t just where you spend your time — it’s where you go to build momentum, improve your wellbeing, and get more out of every day.”

Although Spotify and Peloton haven’t gone into great detail about how the new Fitness hub will work, we can get a good idea from some first-look images the brands shared. For starters, the Fitness hub looks like one of Spotify’s existing family of categories, such as its Made For You and genre hubs, so I’m guessing it will appear in the app’s Search tab alongside the rest of these.

Instead of simply putting all of Peloton’s video workouts into one space, Spotify is implementing an onboarding system to match you to Peloton workouts based on your fitness goals and in-the-moment mood. This consists of a series of questions such as ‘what movement are you in the mood for?’ and ‘how do you want to push yourself?’, as well as asking you for your fitness and experience levels.

Once the questionnaire is complete, Spotify will present you with a workout starter pack for you to explore. Alternatively, there’s an option to browse all the workouts on offer.

I’ll be testing out Spotify’s Fitness hub when it drops, and when I've tried it I'll share my experience and early impressions — I'm eager to see if Spotify has the qualifications to be my new personal trainer.

• Peloton activities can now be synced with the Garmin app
• For months, you could only sync data the other way
• That should give you a better understanding of your health and fitness

If you use both Garmin and Peloton devices during your fitness activities, we’ve got some good news: the two companies’ products now sync together in both directions. And this makes it far easier to log your workouts and keep track of your pursuits than before.

That means if you record a workout with one of the best Garmin watches, it’ll sync to the Peloton app. And if you log a session on a Peloton device, it’ll arrive in your Garmin app too. Whatever your equipment setup, the two systems should now communicate properly.

That wasn’t always the case. When Garmin and Peloton first announced their partnership last year, you could only send Garmin activities to the Peloton app — syncing did not work the other way around. That left some users frustrated that the devices seemed to line up only in one direction. That’s now all changed.

Although syncing can be done automatically, you are also given some control over which activities are included. You can choose from bike bootcamp, cardio, cycling, meditation, rowing, rowing bootcamp, running, strength, stretching, tread bootcamp, walking, and yoga. The system allows you to pass information in one direction or in both directions, too.

Several stats are integrated into the synced data, such as cadence, calories burned, distance, power (measured in watts), and speed. The name of your class’s instructor is also included.

A better picture of your health

Thankfully, this change is not locked behind the controversial Garmin Connect+ subscription service. Garmin users have been increasingly anxious that the company is moving features over to its paywalled service, but you apparently won’t need to worry about that happening with Peloton syncing.

It also means that there’s no longer a need to use a third-party syncing service to ensure your Peloton data gets sent over to your Garmin app. Alternatives like SyncMyWorkout have sprung up to fill this gap, but they incur an ongoing fee. With proper syncing between Garmin and Peloton now in place, there’s no need for that extra outlay.

With Peloton data available in the Garmin app, you’ll be able to build up a more accurate picture of your health and fitness, especially if you regularly use Peloton workout products. And when you have more accurate well-being data, you have a better idea of where you stand and what you can change going forward.

New year, new you – and the same challenge of sticking with your workout goals once the January (or February) buzz wears off. The good news is that in 2026 you don't have to rely on willpower alone.

A growing body of research suggests that the best fitness apps, in conjunction with the best smartwatches like the Apple Watch, can nudge people into moving more by combining tracking, gentle prompts, and smart reward loops.

Some apps focus on turning your runs or rides into a social game, while others quietly build streaks and routines in the background as you get on with your day. Across all of them, the aim is the same: to make looking after your health feel easier, more rewarding, and just a little bit more fun, keeping you in training once the New Year sparkle has faded away.

What does the science say?

Most fitness apps are built around the same core idea: if you can see what you are doing, get gentle nudges to keep going, and feel rewarded for your effort, you are more likely to stick with it.

Research backs that up; a large 2021 meta-analysis found that people who were given activity trackers or smartphone fitness apps increased their physical activity compared with those who weren't using the technology.

Under the hood, these tools use a handful of well-tested behavior-change tricks, including self-monitoring, goal-setting, timely prompts, streaks, and social support, but they package them in very different ways.

In this guide, we'll look at how five popular apps use those ingredients to help you move more in 2026.

1. Strava – social kudos to help you run more

Strava is equal parts social networking app and training log.starts to feel like a social network rather than a lonely spreadsheet or note in your phone.

Every run, ride, or hike is logged with GPS maps, pace charts, and – crucially – a stream of kudos and comments from your friends and other app users.

The app leans hard into that community angle: you can join local clubs, chase segments on your regular routes, and jump into monthly challenges that compare your effort with people training on the same roads and trails.

That social network-style layer matters.

When social scientists followed 329 runners from five Dutch clubs on Strava over 11 months, they saw a clear pattern: runners who attracted mor The kudos gradually started running more often, and the behaviour of their most interactive “kudos-friends” rubbed off on them over time.

If you thrive on friendly competition, shared routes, and the sense that someone will notice if you skip a session, Strava’s mix of detailed tracking and low-key peer pressure can be a powerful way to stay consistent in 2026.

2. Runna – personalised coaching

Runna is what you get if you crossed a human running coach with a very organised calendar app.

You plug in your goal – from a first 5K to a marathon personal best – plus your current fitness and how many days a week you can realistically train, and it builds a personalised plan that slots into your schedule.

The app adjusts sessions when life gets in the way, adds strength and cross-training where it makes sense, and now, under Strava ownership, even links to a new Races by Runna platform that helps you discover events.

If you like ticking off clear workouts, seeing your progress unfold towards race day, and letting the app worry about the numbers, Runna’s coach-in-your-pocket approach can make it much easier to stay on track in 2026.

3. PUSH – turning strength training into numbers

PUSH is aimed at people who love the numbers behind their training as much as the feeling of a good lift. In the app, you build or choose workouts, track sets and reps, and see how your performance changes over time, rather than just scribbling numbers in a note.

The onboard AI can guide you towards sensible progressions, nudge you to add weight when lifts are consistently moving well, and rein things in when you are clearly flagging. Underneath that friendly UI is a training philosophy built around velocity-based training, where the speed of a lift is used as a stand-in for intensity and fatigue.

Studies on this approach – including research using PUSH-compatible sensors – suggest that tracking bar speed is a reliable way to judge how heavy a set really was, and when you should stop before your form falls apart.

If you are motivated by seeing trends, graphs, and numbers creep in the right direction, PUSH can make it much easier to stay engaged with your gym plan right through 2026.

4. Apple Fitness & Activity rings

Apple’s Activity rings on Apple Watch boil your day down into three simple circles – Move, Exercise, and Stand – that you are nudged to close, one by one, as you go about your life.

Add in Apple Fitness+ classes, sharing your rings with friends, and regular weekly summaries on iPhone, and you get a steady drip of reminders, streaks, and tiny wins that keep your goals in sight rather than buried in a settings menu.

Behind the scenes, Apple has been studying how people actually respond to all this, offering us a perspective from an extremely widely used app.

The Apple Heart and Movement Study – an ongoing collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital – has reported that people who regularly close their rings tend to show better patterns in cardio fitness, sleep, and other health markers than those who rarely do.

5. Peloton – group-class motivation

Peloton has shaken off its “just for spin bikes” image – the Peloton App now stands on its own as a full training platform you can use at home, in the gym, or outdoors, with or without any Peloton hardware.

You get live and on-demand classes across strength, running, walking, yoga, meditation, rowing, and more, all fronted by instructors who are as much coaches as they are entertainers.

Over the last couple of years Peloton has also leaned into smarter guidance, with structured multi-week programmes, revamped badges, and, more recently, its Peloton IQ system. For you, that means less faffing and more doing.

If you know you respond well to upbeat instructors, a visible timetable, and the gentle pressure of seeing other people in class with you, the Peloton App can turn repeated sessions into a routine.

• 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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When it comes to fitness, there are all kinds of gadgets designed to optimize our workouts, improve our health, and shoehorn technology into our otherwise-offline physical pursuits. From the best smartwatches and running watches to the best fitness apps and connected kit like Peloton, right down to the wacky stuff like continuous glucose monitors, technology has woven its way into our exercise and diets.

However, one area where technology hasn't so far been able to gain a foothold is strength training. Sure, there have been attempts – Technogym’s AI-powered dumbbells spring to mind – but while running and outdoor cycling got Strava, hiking got AllTrails and spin classes got Peloton, the barbell has yet to see any real tech-based innovation.

That’s because, by its nature, strength training is a primal, offline, natural activity, one with little scope for enhancement beyond having a device to count your reps for you with mild inaccuracy, or to plan your next workout. You can’t measure muscle growth with a sensor. There are plenty of apps that help with programming, but in hardware terms, there’s nothing that can really enhance strength training beyond perhaps a rest timer.

That may all be about to change, however. Showcased at this year’s CES 2025 conference and available to pre-order now, amp takes the old-school gym-based cable machine and jazzes it up with a futuristic design and AI smarts. It’s a machine that might just be strength training’s 'Peloton moment'.

It’s essentially a slick-looking, highly adjustable cable machine with a camera and a companion app that you attach to a wall in your house. You can choose multiple kinds of resistance electronically, from a start-to-finish static mode to 'band', mode which starts out slack and becomes more resistant as you reach the peak of your movement, aping the use of resistance bands. You can control the level of resistance with a simple dial.

It’s got challenges and leaderboards to get those gamified Peloton addicts onboard, and follow-along workouts and programming produced in partnership with popular fitness influencers, such as YouTube star Chris Heria. A press release states the device “features an AI system that adapts workouts in real-time, ensuring users are always challenged and supported on their fitness journey”.

It’s endorsed by bodybuilders like Larry Wheels, and Brooklyn 99 actor Terry Crews has also thrown his (considerable) weight behind it.

There’s no denying it looks good, like a Hydrow (another connected fitness success story) mounted on the wall. It seems incredibly simple to use, and while I was initially skeptical about the benefits an AI-powered machine could bring to strength training, I can certainly see amp at least being a mild success, in an arena where other post-COVID home workout strength tech has failed dismally to generate any excitement. If it had been released in 2019, it probably would have been a roaring triumph.

We can’t wait to put it through its paces with a proper strength workout. amp will cost $1,795 in the US (around £1,450 / AU$2,900) – not cheap, but cheaper than a Peloton. It's available for pre-order now, and will release in the US initially in early January.

The Zwift Ride wants to take the effort out of going for a virtual ride using Zwift’s massively popular virtual training platform. Zwift is a gaming platform that connects to a turbo trainer (for cyclists) or a smart treadmill (for runners) and simulates real-life races using your own speed. It was primarily made for those who love to be on two wheels but is reliant on disconnecting a wheel from your outdoor bike and hooking it up to a turbo trainer, which people might not want to do due to all the extra work, or they may not want to drag a dirty bike into their living rooms.

The Ride indoor cycling setup is a smart bike that gives you everything you need to get the best out of Zwift. It puts controls at your fingertips so you can navigate menus and change gears without moving from the bike frame, which is connected to a Wahoo Kickr Core smart trainer to deliver that more authentic riding feel.

At $1,299.99 / £1,199.99 / AU$2,299.95, the Ride is by no means cheap but does offer a simpler, indoor-friendly way to build a Zwift-friendly setup than tinkering with your regular bike. I spent some virtual riding time with the Zwift Ride to see if it’s going to upgrade your indoor cycling life.

Design and getting set up

The Zwift Ride is essentially made up of three main parts. There’s a pretty sleek-looking, white metal bike frame, which connects to handlebars that host the built-in app controls. Lastly, there’s Wahoo’s Kickr Core smart trainer, which needs to be connected to the chain on the bike frame. The Kickr Core can automatically adjust resistance to replicate changes in terrain on your virtual riding routes.

Those three components come in three individual boxes, with the one housing the Kickr Core the heaviest of the three. All the tools you’ll need are provided here, with an orange frame key taking care of most of the tightening and positioning jobs and can then be concealed in the underside of the bike frame. This makes it easier to grab if you need to adjust the seat or handlebars for another user in your household.

As an indoor bike novice, I put aside an hour to put everything together and that was the right amount of time, with most of the setup here pretty straightforward and well explained in the instructions. The slightly tricky part was engaging the chain with the smart trainer and adjusting the handlebars, but other than that it wasn’t hard work to do this solo.

All set up, the footprint of the Ride is 58cm (23 inches), wide and 136cm (53.5 inches) long, and didn’t take up as much floor space as anticipated. The Kickr Core provides most of the weight here and while relatively easy to shift around, you’re generally going to want to leave this in its place once you decide where you want it. You’ll need it near a plug socket to plug in the Kickr Core and the handlebar-based controllers are chargeable ( they offer up to 20 hours of battery life), another reason to position it closer to a set of plug sockets.

The riding experience

While it looks like a relatively small setup, the Ride is designed to fit riders measuring from 152cm up to 198cm. It’s also suitable for users with a maximum weight of 120kg. I’ve got a pretty slim build and had no problems getting comfortable on the Ride frame or felt the need to make too many adjustments. Those adjustments include setting the handlebar distance from the frame and adjusting the seat height, with a height scale range here of 61cm up to 87cm. While it comes with more beginner-friendly flat pedals, those can be swapped out for road or mountain pedals.

In terms of getting up and riding, you will of course need a Zwift subscription, which does kick you off with some free riding time, but then will cost you an additional $19.99 / £17.99 / AU$29.99 a month to make the most of Zwift Ride. While some of the Ride functionality will work with other virtual training platforms, all of the features available are optimized to work with Zwift’s app.

Once everything is connected, it’s a case of launching the Zwift app, and when you get to the pairing sensor screen you can start connecting the turbo trainer over Bluetooth or ANT+, while the handlebar controllers use Bluetooth. If you also want to add a Bluetooth heart rate monitor into the mix, you just need to make sure you’ve got a device running Zwift that can handle those connections all at once, such as one of the best tablets or the best smart TVs.

I was running Zwift on an Android tablet. While there’s a space on the bike frame to drop your phone onto, you need to pay an additional £39.99 for the tablet holder, which adds more cost.

Thankfully, pairing and setup are pretty painless and then it’s time to ride. The first thing to get accustomed to is having those controls baked into the handlebars. First and foremost, they’re well-positioned to make them easy to reach. There are two sets of buttons on either side, which feel like a game controller. The ones on the left handle menus and the ones on the right are for selecting things on-screen, and going back a screen. There’s even a dedicated button to launch power-ups during rides.

In addition to those controls, some more discreet ones let you change gears virtually. There are two buttons on either side of the handlebars to take care of that with some customization available to tinker with the gear-changing setup. You also have controls at your disposal that let you steer left or right or brake, these sit slightly larger on the bars. It sounds like a lot to get used to, but once you’ve got a few rides in, you start to get pretty quickly accustomed to everything available at your fingertips.

As mentioned, the handlebar controllers are chargeable. There’s a port on both sides and an accompanying cable that connects via USB, but you’ll need to have your own power supply to plug it into.

In terms of the riding experience, I’m happy to say it’s a pretty smooth one in general. Elements like gear shifting don't feel labored, and it’s nice to be able to control steering and not have to reach over to a touchscreen to move through menus either. The overall noise of riding, while not whisper-quiet, isn’t so excruciatingly loud that you’re going to annoy your neighbors when you’re pedaling hard. I had some concerns about having to connect multiple devices at once to one device running the Zwift software, but thankfully that wasn't an issue and I didn’t experience any irritating dropouts from the Ride’s components. No, the controls don’t scream authentic bike controls, but for someone who’s not a seasoned Zwift user, I understand the approach and it helps to make it a much less daunting setup to ride with.

So, is it good?

As someone whose main sporting love doesn’t lie with cycling (running is my discipline of choice), but does like to throw in some indoor cycling time to mix things up, I enjoyed my time on the Zwift Ride. It takes the effort of trying to piece a similar setup together that might end up costing more in the process and makes it much easier to want to jump into that Zwift world and go for a ride.

In my eyes, it’s absolutely an indoor cycling setup that has beginners and newcomers in mind and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. I do still think more experienced indoor riders will enjoy the experience too, appreciate the price point, and be largely happy on the performance and accuracy front. The lack of full support for virtual cycling training platforms outside of Zwift may be a stumbling block for some, you will need to commit to that Zwift subscription and I’d suggest grabbing a tablet holder as well.

The Zwift software is slick and if you’re trying to get into indoor riding, whether to get fit or to join other riders for a more social riding experience, the Ride can definitely make the decision of going for a virtual ride a much easier one.

If you've run out of fitness inspiration on your video streaming app of choice to use with your favorite cardio machine, then the new Peloton update might be well worth a look.

The company has announced a partnership with Amazon's Kindle library to let users read through their books while they exercise. If you're using the Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread or Tread+, you'll have access to the new feature. 

Peloton Guide users, and those who exercise without connected kit using the Peloton app are unable to access or make use of their Kindle libraries, and will have to switch between apps.

In a new Amazon blog post, the announcement says "No more awkwardly holding a book or Kindle e-reader while trying to maintain proper form. No more rushing through a workout to get back to your cozy reading corner."

"With the Kindle reading experience on Peloton, members can simply tap to turn the page, fully immersing themselves in their favorite stories while enjoying their favorite workout."

How to read eBooks on your Peloton

You can log in here to see your full Amazon Kindle library, and then accessing them is as simple as heading into the navigation bar on your Peloton device and logging into your Amazon account on Peloton's platform.

Books will open to where you last left off for seamless switching from your best Kindle to your Peloton machine, and you'll find Kindle features like adjusting font sizes, bookmarking, and more.

At the time of writing, the feature is only available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Austria, and Germany.

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Hot on the heels of the debut of the Google Pixel Watch 3 during August 13’s Made by Google event, Google Fitbit and Peloton have announced a “multi-year partnership” with benefits to subscribers of either platforms. 

Starting in early September, Fitbit users will get access to a limited number of fitness classes from Peloton. Fitbit Premium subscribers will get access to classes from 10 different “modalities” (read: fitness disciplines), including Peloton’s iconic cycling classes. 

There’s no word how interactive these classes will be, or whether these classes will be live: many of the leaderboard metrics on the live classes generally depend on owning a Peloton Tread or Peloton Bike. TechRadar has reached out to Peloton for comment. 

Otherwise, Strength, Pilates, Running, Boxing, Barre, and more will be included, and new content will be added to the app “incrementally”. Even users of Fitbit’s free tier will get access to some limited Peloton content. 

Peloton owners who don’t yet subscribe to Fitbit Premium or use Fitbit devices aren’t left out, as they will have access to “special Google Pixel Watch and Fitbit Charge 6 device offers”. 

The Peloton classes will be available to Fitbit Premium members in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. 

Analysis: Can two slumping services make for a great partnership? 

It’s always good to see more stuff get added to a service you pay for. As we found out during a deep dive into the company, Peloton is less of a hardware company these days than a content company. 

Its chief focus is its workout classes, and despite the slumping sales, device recalls and negative press it’s had since Covid, its workout classes are always incredibly well-produced from Peloton Studios and slickly presented by a bevy of glamorous instructors. You won’t find better live classes anywhere. 

Fitbit has also had its fair share of woes over the years, from features being removed to its own devices being recalled, even to accusations of leaking confidential health data. 

But Fitbit Premium is a great service, and adding Peloton content to this platform (and throwing free users a bone) is only going to make it even better. Time will tell whether this partnership will revive either service, although they’ll be hard-pressed to regain the stations they once held. 

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My iPhone beeps. I slide the screen and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s face stares back at me.  But this isn’t my dream interview; the fake phone call is part of the intro sequence for his new fitness app.

“The Pump” is the bodybuilder-turned-movie-star, turned-politician’s next big project; a new contender for the best fitness app, designed to share his considerable training expertise with the masses. And as both a strength training fan and long-time Arnie-admirer, I’m excited to give it a go. 

I’m not usually the type for classic fitness apps like Peloton—quick HIIT workouts and the like seldom serve my goals of building muscle, growing stronger and developing an enviable engine. I’m more likely to use my Notes app as a training log, instead of a dedicated app focused around tracking strength training. But can Schwarzenegger change my mind? 

The Pump app: at a glance

• What is it? The Pump is a fitness app from Arnold Schwarzenegger and his team. On it, you’ll find a series of workout plans to follow, as well as blog posts, Q&A opportunities with Arnold, and even a goal-setting section for life both in and out of the gym.
• Who is it for? In Arnold’s (marketing team’s) words, this app is for “anyone with access to a phone”. In mine, it’s for anyone interested in strength training, with plans to suit beginner, intermediate and advanced lifters. There are also bodyweight, dumbbell-only and gym-based plans available.
• How much does it cost? The Pump app is available via a monthly $9.99 subscription, or you can pay $99.99 for a full year. There is also a seven-day free trial for newcomers.

The Pump app: why try it?

I’ve tried a lot of workout apps in my time as a fitness writer. The first thing I noticed about The Pump is that it’s not trying to go toe-to-toe with big hitters like Peloton, Apple Fitness+ and Chris Hemsworth’s Centr app.

These rivals boast a plethora of plans and workouts to choose from. But when I signed up to The Pump, I was asked to provide my training goal (get shredded or get big), available equipment (bodyweight or gym) and experience level (beginner, intermediate or advanced). Then I was served a solitary 90-day, three days per week program to follow: ”The Foundation: Advanced Muscle Gain”.

You need to complete the workouts in order to unlock the next one, and there’s a one workout a day limit to keep you from overtraining. In every session, you’re asked to input the amount of weight you lift and the number of reps you complete for each exercise, then certain moves are repeated later down the line so you can build on your performance from previous weeks. 

This is progressive overload in action—the principle behind any successful muscle-building training plan, and something that’s missing if you’re just selecting random workouts from the thousands on offer from another fitness app’s stable of videos. 

A few other workout plans are unlocked once you complete the initial 90-day program—among them, Schwarzenegger’s current training schedule and “The Classic Arnold Throwback”, which is a six-day split reminiscent of his Mr Olympia-winning routines. However, by limiting your choice, The Pump aims to keep you consistent for continued results. 

That’s why I personally prefer this app to others like Peloton, and it’s also why I feel The Pump would better-serve the strength and muscle-based goals of intermediate-to-advanced lifters.

Another element of this app I like is the focus on community. Peloton users will tell you this isn’t unique, with the platform’s live classes curating impressively authentic camaraderie through shoutouts, leaderboards and strategy to serve you up content it knows will keep you coming back. Arnold’s team again does things differently. 

There are educational yet colloquial blog posts, comments sections for members and the opportunity to participate in Q&As—submit questions via the comments section, and roughly once a fortnight Schwarzenegger will answer a selection in a blog post. And if there’s one thing that’s going to keep a lifting fan motivated, it’s personalized advice or a pat on the back from the Austrian Oak. 

What happened when I tried Arnold Schwarzenegger’s workout from The Pump

The (very enjoyable) Arnold Netflix documentary claims that, as a beginner lifter, Schwarzenegger gained a staggering 15.2kg (33.5lb) in just 12 months. The Austrian village of Thal where he grew up didn’t have high-tech fitness equipment; simple barbells, dumbbells and bodyweight moves dominated.

This reinforces my view that bodybuilding staples are staples for a reason: they’re effective. And when I tackled my first workout on The Pump app, I found a routine that was chock-full of them. 

I started proceedings with pyramid sets—a favorite training technique in bodybuilding’s golden age—of the barbell bench press, T-bar row and barbell back squat. 

Pyramid sets involve lowering the number of reps and raising the weight you use with each set of an exercise. In the case of the bench press here, I tackled sets of 15, 12, eight and six reps, while adding plates to the bar after each round. This approach encouraged me to lift heavier loads than I might have otherwise, providing the challenging stimulus needed for strength gains and muscle growth. 

By the time this first phase of the session was finished, I had already completed a full-body workout of sorts, hitting every major muscle group with a compound push, pull and leg exercise. Next came three rounds of a superset containing dumbbell flys and chin-ups, followed by a few straight sets of cable crunches and leg extensions to finish. All in all, it took me about 60 minutes. 

I’ve found an hour is the sweet spot for a strength training session; long enough to deliver a comprehensive full-body workout without being such a slog that I’d need to wake up super early to fit it in before work. This isn’t something I can say for Arnold’s twice-a-day, two-hour routines of old; I tried it once and barely lived to tell the tale. 

As you might expect from a Schwarzenegger routine, there was an enjoyable “pump” in the aftermath, inflating my muscles, ego and spirit simultaneously. But because the session was kept to roughly 60 minutes, I didn’t feel ruined for the rest of the day. Lightly aching? Yes, but ready to go again for my next workout in two days’ time. 

Would I use Arnold Schwarzenegger’s The Pump app again?

Arnold’s team says this app is for “anyone with a phone”, but I can’t help but feel the target market is a little more niche than that. I’d instead say it’s aimed at existing fans of Arnie with an interest (old, new, or burgeoning) in lifting weights. Fortunately for him and his vast appeal, that still casts a very wide net. 

What I saw of the app was old-school bodybuilding at its best, so if you’re in the market to build muscle and become stronger, I would definitely recommend it. I was buoyed by the community aspect, and the blog posts were genuinely interesting, providing training and nutritional resources to help users hit their fitness goals. 

As someone who likes to keep their gym sessions a largely tech-free oasis (I’ve been known to take a pen and paper into the gym to record my results), the app was a fairly innocuous addition to my training arsenal. It only took a couple of seconds to type in my weights and reps for each set, and the rest timer was a handy addition for helping me stick to the task at hand. That’s why, if I was to use any of the mainstream fitness apps, it would be this one. 

The only reason I won’t be subscribing to The Pump long-term is because I have wider training goals. My regular training is tailored to preparing me for CrossFit and functional fitness competitions, where I need to develop my athleticism, cardiovascular capacity, gymnastic skill and Olympic lifting technique alongside my ever-stubborn muscles. 

For this, I’ve found the best platforms for training are apps like Fitr and Beyond The Whiteboard, which offer third-party programming companies the option to share specific training plans to fit your needs. A little like TrainingPeaks for functional fitness.

But rest assured, The Pump, next time I’m on the hunt for some pure bodybuilding fun, I’ll be back. 

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Peloton announced in an email on Monday that it'll be ditching support for Apple Watch's GymKit from February 27: instead, it'll be tracking your health and well-being metrics within its own Peloton app.

Peloton One-Tap tracking, as its replacement is called, doesn't mean your Peloton workouts will need additional manual tracking to register in Apple Health. GymKit is the Apple Watch's protocol allowing the Watch to connect directly to large gym equipment like exercise bikes and treadmills: instead, the device will connect via the Peloton app, and collect your workout data through the app. 

Peloton users who originally purchased a Peloton Bike Plus for the advertised Apple Watch GymKit integration might be feeling a little blue, but despite GymKit integration being a key focus of the more affordable Bike+ on launch, there's a good chance it won't make much of a difference to your day-to-day.

It's not the first time the Peloton Bike Plus has lost a feature, with the in-class video calling functionality for friends being removed in 2022 for the Bike Plus, Bike, and Peloton Tread models. 

Peloton also famously removed the Just Run feature on its treadmill for users without a Peloton subscription but replaced it after an outcry.  

Analysis: What does this mean for Peloton / Apple Watch users?

Aside from potentially being a little sore about the removal of a feature, your day-to-day usage is unlikely to change much.

Some users have complained about GymKit being a little unreliable on forums like Reddit, while others say the same about One-Tap. However, moving away from Apple's API shouldn't have any adverse effect on transferring data to Peloton for Apple Watch users.

You may find Apple Health, Apple's place for all of your fitness and health data, only receives a subset of data, but all your stats will still live in your Peloton account.

In many ways, it's difficult to judge just how successful GymKit has been since it arrived in October 2017. The API has often felt underused, and while Peloton made a big deal out of its inclusion with the Bike Plus, many other manufacturers, and many gyms, seemingly chose not to upgrade their hardware or software to take advantage of it.

The Peloton app was redesigned last year to be used on and off the company's own-branded machine, including three new paid subscription tiers of various levels. 

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Peloton, best known for its exercise bikes, is undergoing a major rebrand and doubling its software efforts by launching three membership tiers to its mobile app.

The fitness brand now wants to focus more on providing "fitness offerings" that anybody can do at their home or at the gym without having to purchase the company's expensive hardware. Looking at the official trailer, it appears all you need is yourself, a mobile device, and maybe some weights. The app's three new tiers are Peloton App Free, App One, and App Plus; all of which vary in terms of price and what they offer.

As the name suggests, Peloton App Free won’t cost you anything to use. It offers access to over “50 classes curated across 12 of Peloton’s” exercise types. This includes strength training, cardio workouts, and meditation plans. Some classes will be part of a rotating set that’ll change on an “ongoing basis” to keep things interesting. It's unknown, though, how often they will update. A company representative told us “an update cadence has yet to be fully decided”.

Premium tiers

Peloton App One is the first of the paid tiers. For $12.99 a month (about £10 and $20 AUD) or $129 annually (about £100 and $200 AUD), you get “unlimited access to thousands of classes across” all sixteen of the brand’s exercise types. This includes everything under the Free tier as well as exclusive content like Yoga classes. Members “can also take up to three equipment-based [classes]” covering indoor bikes, treadmills, and rowers. And to top it all off, App One offers on-demand, live classes nearly every day of the week.

App Plus, as you probably already guessed, is the highest tier. For $24 a month (about £20 and $36 AUD) or $240 annually (about £200 and $360 AUD), users gain unlimited access to everything in “Peloton’s vast library”; except for two: Lanebreak and Scenic classes, both of which require specific equipment. App Plus even has exclusive “specialty content” in the form of Challenges, Programs, and Collections.

Beyond the app update, the company is also rolling out Peloton Gym to all five of its exercise tiers. This feature consists of written workout plans aimed at helping you build your strength with an accompanying video to help guide you. According to the post, you can perform those workouts at your own pace so no need to rush through them.

Availability

In a recent report by The Verge, Peloton spokesperson Ben Boyd states current Peloton subscribers will be “automatically upgraded to App Plus Membership without a change in price until December 5th, 2023.” After that day, users can choose to pay an “increased price or move [down] to a cheaper tier.” The representative from earlier confirmed this with TechRadar.

The three tiers are currently rolling out to the Peloton app in “all of the brand’s five global markets.” The other two tiers, Peloton Guide and Peloton All-Access, will stay at their current price points.

It'll be interesting to see if Peloton’s gamble pays off. Moving away from the indoor bikes that made them famous is certainly a risky move. However, considering the fact Peloton recently recalled over two million exercise bikes over safety concerns, maybe it’s a good idea to begin diversifying a bit.

Whether you’re planning on exercising more or are already exercising frequently, we recommend buying a fitness tracker to keep tabs on your progress. Be sure to check out TechRadar’s list of the best fitness tracker for 2023. 

Workout app Fiit has launched new workouts that can be completed on indoor bikes including the Concept2 BikeErg and indoor Keiser M3i bike. This comes after interactive rowing and treadmill workouts were added to the app earlier this year.

The best fitness apps have variety - and this is what both Fiit and Peloton are offering, but with the addition of these hybrid workouts, which can be done at home or in the gym, means Fiit could be giving Peloton a run for its money – with Fiit’s subscription set at £9.99 a month, it’s £30 ($33) a month cheaper than Peloton's. The best fitness apps have variety - and this is what both Fiit and Peloton are offering, but with

Fiit subscribers can use any stationary bike for these workouts, but if you want to record your workout, connecting to the Concept2 BikeErg or indoor Keiser M3i bike, whether you’re at home or in the gym, means you’ll be able to enjoy a more interactive workout and record stats like RPM, calories, and distance traveled. However, one of the best fitness trackers can also give you these stats.

Hybrid working out is becoming more popular as people have realized they don’t need to be limited to just working out at home or in the gym. Fiit's 11 bike workouts allow its members to take their workouts to the gym too when they want to change up their fitness routine. 

Fiit will also launch numerous other bike workouts on December 12th, alongside its Bike Academy – a two-week indoor cycling masterclass that will give cycling novices a chance to speed ahead of their competitors.

In March the company launched Fiit Tread, again competing with Peloton’s treadmill offerings – and just like the bike workouts, the interactive classes can be taken on any manual or electric tread, although members will need to run on an AssaultRunner to experience the fully connected experience with the Fiit Tracker.

Fiit demonstrated its commitment to hybrid workouts by partnering with the Gym Group in 2020 and now offers its members access to Fiit Pods in the company’s gyms, allowing them to do these workouts on a big screen.

Could this be a big step for Fiit?

Let's be realistic: Peloton’s app is expensive – especially when you’ve already paid for an expensive bike or treadmill, and then you have to pay another £39.99 / $44 / AU$59 for their workouts every month. I love my Peloton bike, and its on-demand workouts keep me motivated, but that comes at a cost of nearly £500 a year – and I haven’t even stepped outside my flat. 

That’s why I’ve always loved the Fiit app, it’s cheap, it has great workouts, and the company keeps innovating – it knows that not everyone wants to only work out in the confines of their home. And with the fitness industry moving as quickly as it does, companies that can stay two steps ahead of their competitors and spot future trends first will keep on succeeding. 

Fiit isn't new to the industry – it launched in 2017 with hundreds of live and on-demand workouts, which mainly consisted of HIIT, strength, and yoga-based workouts. With gyms closing in lockdown and working out at home becoming the norm, the app became a firm favorite with fitness enthusiasts. 

Many of us have adapted to a hybrid way of working, and there’s no reason why we can’t do the same with our workouts. I love working from home, but it’s also nice to get out of the house and interact with people – it shouldn’t have to be one or the other, and it’s good to see Fiit embracing that philosophy. 

Google is one step closer to establishing a fitness empire as its Health Connect platform enters public beta.

A collaboration between Google and Samsung, Health Connect first appeared in May with the aim of, according to the developer team, offering better insight into a person’s health via a platform that aggregates health data from multiple sources into one location. To facilitate this, Google is also standardizing data sharing so fitness apps can talk to one another more easily. In this way, third-party developers are no longer forced to establish and maintain multiple API connections for their apps.

For now, Health Connect only works with 10 health and fitness apps including Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, Peloton, Oura, and Tonal. You can download the beta app right now from the Google Play Store, but there won’t be an app icon on the home screen. To open it, you’ll have to locate Health Connect in your Android phone’s Settings menu. 

Interconnectivity

Upon launching the platform, you'll be asked to allow the supported third-party apps to open their fitness data to Health Connect. There are also granular controls for fine-tuning what each health app shares. In our tests, we connected the Peloton app and saw that you can offer data on your heart rate, but not give up information on total calories burned. You can revoke data sharing or delete everything accumulated at any time. And select features found on other apps will work with each other through Health Connect. For example, you can sync MyFitnessPal to Peloton and get "credit” for the latter’s workout plans.

Google states its platform supports over 40 different data types, which it displays across six categories: Activity, Body Measurement, Cycle Tracking, Nutrition, Sleep, and Vitals. Through these, you can check how much consistent sleep you get and even your basal metabolic rate, based on the information you enter.

We reached out to Google to see if the company could tell us when Health Connect will launch in an official capacity. So far, nothing, not even a rogue leak, has hinted at a release date. When Health Connect does release, we believe the platform will be a game changer. Health and fitness apps often require people to hop from app to app, just to get a full picture. Under a Google-colored banner, we could see this clunky process fade away.

Missing support

Considering that Fitbit is one of the initial 10 supported apps, we were surprised to see no support for either fitness trackers or smartwatches. This is especially odd considering that Google recently launched a new Pixel Watch (which has been discovered to be a little too generous with reporting how many calories people burn). Device support may come in a future update, but nothing is official right now.

We do, however, recommend getting ahead of the curve in case the platform does support something like the Pixel Watch or Oura ring. Be sure to check out our list of the best fitness trackers of the year to find the right rightness gear for you.

LG has recently announced its intention to move into the home workout space, with a new app called Fitness Candy to run on LG TVs. Backed by K-Pop stars and set to feature companion equipment such as an AI camera and exercise bike (just like Peloton with its Peloton Guide camera hardware) The South Korean company plans on disrupting the home fitness space. Which, in my opinion, would have been great… two years ago. 

The Peloton Guide, which launched earlier this year, was an excellent piece of fitness kit. With a Peloton subscription, its AI camera tracked your attempts to copy the movements shown onscreen, and if you completed the reps properly, it filled a little progress gauge. The workouts challenged you to fill the gauge in time with the instructor, and provided you a completion rate at the end, like a video game. 

It’s heinously addictive stuff, and I firmly believe if it had been launched during the height of the pandemic, it would have sold like proverbial hot cakes.

Instead, it launched as the global pandemic receded from a world-shaking event into something we now live with day-to-day. Some people have already invested in home exercise equipment like connected Peloton bikes, rowing machines, or their own weights, and won’t want to spend upwards of $300 or £280 on a smart camera to stick on their TVs. Others are sick of working out in front of a screen and have returned to the gym, where you can get access a wide range of equipment, often for less than the price of an expensive Peloton subscription.

It feels as though Peloton, and now LG, saw the home fitness boom during the pandemic and reacted rather than strategized, sinking money into developing these products and betting big home exercise in front of your TV is here to stay. And I believe connected HIIT will carve out its own niche as a fitness product, but YouTube-style workouts will never enjoy the captive audience they once held. The narrow window to make these products an enormous success has well and truly been missed.

The exception could be Apple Fitness Plus, which at least has the advantage of an in-built userbase. Apple also offers a more complete experience with Fitness Plus by centering it around the Apple Watch rather than a TV screen: doing HIIT in your front room is one way to exercise, and it’s great to see the stats from your Watch on-screen, but you can also choose to try guided audio workouts, or copy the movements shown on your Watch to fill your rings. You can even (gasp!) exercise outside.

However, when it comes to success, Apple is very coy on numbers for its paid Fitness subscribers. It shared its impressive total of 750 million paid subscribers in January, but that figure is across all its services such as Apple TV, Apple Fitness, Wallet, Arcade and more, keeping tight-lipped about how that number is spread out in any more detail. 

Perhaps I'm biased, or maybe I'm underestimating the amount of LG TV owners that will want this new subscription service. But for me, at least, I don’t think any connected HIIT workout will ever replace a set of the best workout headphones and the lure of the open road.

Peloton is raising the price of its All-Access membership for the first time, while also applying significant cuts to the cost of its Bike and Tread fitness equipment. For now the price changes affect only customers in North America.

From June 1, membership will cost $44 (rather than $39) for Peloton subscribers in the US, and CA$55 (rather than CA$49) for those in Canada, Peloton announced in a blog post  and emailed its subscribers. The digital-only subscription prices are remaining the same.

Now the good news: the up-front cost of the Peloton Bike goes down $300 from $1,745 to $1,445, the Bike+ drops $500 from $2,495 to $1,995, and the Tread is getting cut by $150, going down from $2,845 to $2,695.

Value for money

Peloton is at pains to point out how much more a subscription includes today than when the prices were first set in 2014: many more class types, many more instructors, more fitness programs, more supported languages, and so on.

"There's a cost to creating exceptional content and an engaging platform, and this price increase will help us continue to deliver for our Members," says Peloton. "The price of hardware relative to the subscription is one of many levers by which we are looking to reduce barriers to entry."

Peloton recently introduced a One Peloton Club scheme in certain parts of the US, where the cost of the equipment is bundled in with a higher subscription fee. Earlier this month we also saw the Peloton Guide launch, which tracks your home workouts.

Analysis: tough times for Peloton

It's no secret that it's been a tough year or two for Peloton, with pauses in bike and treadmill production in response to slower demand, issues with faulty equipment, leadership changes, and even some unfavorable cameos in television shows.

With so many exercise and fitness options now available, including fitness subscription services from the likes of Apple and Fitbit, it would seem that there's a dwindling number of people willing to pay thousands of dollars for their at-home equipment.

By reducing the cost of its bikes and treadmills, Peloton is making it cheaper for new users to get started with the service – while the modest increase in monthly subscription fees balances out the income stream from those users over the longer term.

We'll have to wait and see if it works. According to Peloton, the changes are "part of our new CEO Barry McCarthy's vision to grow our community as we continue to deliver for our Members and shareholders as the leading global connected fitness platform".

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When Peloton announced its new strength training tool, Peloton Guide, in November last year, skeptics were quick to criticize its surprising lack of innovation and (less surprising) high price. 

A motion-tracking camera that costs more than a PS5? From the company whose bikes and treadmills have revolutionized the way we think about home fitness, the negative reception was understandable. 

But the brand’s first foray into dedicated strength training employs this admittedly simple technology to genuinely useful effect, where similar AI-enabled workouts have not. That refreshing competence, coupled with a dramatic (and welcome) price cut, means Peloton Guide could become the gateway product the company clearly hopes it will, after all. 

So, what does Peloton Guide actually do? Well, for $295 / £275 / AU$445 plus a monthly subscription fee (which we’ll detail below), users get a webcam-sized unit that, after being hooked up to a TV via HDMI, provides interactive on-screen workouts dedicated to non-cardio activity. 

A movement tracker adds some much-needed self-discipline to the Guide’s library of strength-based activities, a body activity monitor recommends the best route to a well-rounded routine schedule, and Peloton’s near-celebrity-level trainers make the whole experience extremely, well, Peloton. 

As with every Peloton product, you’ll need to fork out a monthly fee – $24 / £24 / AU$35 for the brand’s All-Access Membership (an introductory offer running until the end of the year, before prices increase to £39 / $39 / AU$59 in January) – but these figures have become much more digestible (even if not quite affordable) after the brand slashed $200 / £175 / AU$305 off the price of the main camera unit just days before release.

Peloton Guide ships with a remote control to navigate its menus, though the company is currently beta testing voice-activated commands for selecting, skipping, and pausing mid-workout. The camera also has both a physical mute switch and a lens cover to ensure privacy when not in use.

That’s the basic information out of the way – but is Peloton’s latest invention any good? In our short time spent with the device, we can confidently say that, yes, Peloton Guide offers users a well-rounded and genuinely enjoyable workout experience, even if it isn’t anywhere near as revolutionary as the brand’s existing hardware-software combinations. 

All things to all people

For starters, Peloton Guide is suitable for all experience levels. There are no parameters built into its strength workouts regarding specific dumbbell weights (beyond small, medium, and large), so users are encouraged to self-select weights as part of universal workout plans.

That, in itself, is a virtue given how difficult it can be to wade into strength training for the first time. Those unfamiliar with the correct technique for lunges, squats, bicep curls, and the like will find plenty of guidance here from Peloton’s award-winning instructors – who also drop regular nuggets of wisdom for more advanced users – and as that familiarity grows, you're free to adjust the weights you’re using to make progress at your own pace. 

What's more, those imagining Peloton Guide’s movement tracker to be a glorified Xbox Kinect sensor or Wii Fit remote should rest assured: this is a camera that works consistently. During our brief time spent testing the small TV unit, the camera (a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens streaming 4K video at up to 60fps) never once lost track of our movements nor reacted angrily to our deliberate attempts to disorientate it. Again, this is a supposedly simple technology, but it’s one Peloton has fine-tuned to work effectively as the centerpiece of its latest offering.

Find your own form

There is room for improvement. As effective as self-correction can be when you see yourself performing a move differently from the on-screen instructor, Peloton Guide doesn’t offer specific form feedback – it really is up to the individual to better their own technique. You'll get calorie and heart rate metrics in real-time (if you opt to use the brand's associated heart rate monitor), but nothing to tell you whether you're actually stretching in the right places (beyond coincidental trainer remarks). 

That being said, as with every other Peloton product out there, there’s already a lot of data on-screen at any given time. Sure, you’re entirely at liberty to ignore the myriad stats and partially-colored illustrations of your anatomy – there’s even an optional HUD-free mode to exercise in peace – but having all this information at your disposal can be overwhelming. We can imagine it being hard for the uninitiated user, for instance, to know where to look and what data to consider important before, during, and after a workout. 

But such is the nature of fitness technology in 2022. It’s not really fair to criticize Peloton’s latest offering for giving its users too much information. Everything is, as always, presented smartly – though there’s a learning curve to be experienced here for anyone new to the service, even if the process of performing the workouts themselves is a simple one. 

All in all, then, Peloton Guide does what it says on the box – and that’s a good thing. Before testing the device and software, we expected the brand’s newest product to be a largely inessential entry into the established Peloton canon. But, to our surprise, it provided a challenging, enjoyable, and ultimately seamless workout experience. 

Peloton Guide’s still-expensive price tag will, of course, be a determining factor in whether new and existing customers flock to yet another fitness-based subscription service. Even so, we think it’s a great option for those keen to integrate quick and engaging at-home strength workouts into their lifestyle routine. 

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Did you struggle to connect to Peloton services earlier today? It wasn't just you as there was a major outage of the company's online platform on February 22, 2022.

Amid numerous other outages such as Slack and AWS, Peloton's bike, treadmill and app services were down for many from 7am PT / 10am ET / 3pm GMT. 

Services are now returning to normal, but you may still experience some problems when connecting to the company's platforms.

The brand said, "We are seeing widespread recovery of Peloton services. We are still working to confirm all services are back and operational. We apologize for any impact this may have had on your workout."

Peloton hasn't confirmed what the issues were, but it's believed it may have been connected to an ongoing AWS outage. That's Amazon Web Services, which Peloton uses to power its online services such as classes and live workouts.

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Peloton is the latest online service that we've seen begin to struggle today (February 22). We've seen outages from Slack and some other platforms, but this is the first one that is preventing you from getting in your daily work out.

Reports of the outage began around 7am PT / 10am ET / 3pm GMT with hundreds of users citing a problem. An hour later, the company commented with the below admitting there is an issue.

So far, Peloton has yet to say when we should expect services back online. We'll be updating you with more information as we have it.

We're not near any Peloton equipment today, but we are able to log into the service on an iPhone. So far, we haven't had any issues in connecting to workouts in the mobile app.

That said, many are still reporting issues and the company's own status updates are saying that it's experiencing "intermittent issues with services".

Here's how the brand's website reads right now, and you can check that for yourself to see if it has changed by heading to the company's own status updates. Right now, it's reporting major outages for login pages, live classes, on demand classes, leaderboards, activations and workout history.

Are you still experiencing issues? Let us know in the tweet thread below.

It seems the service may be recovering. DownDetector seems to suggest that the issues are fewer and fewer, but Peloton's own website says there are still major outages.

We spoke too soon, Peloton's website has now been updated. The latest statement says, "We are seeing widespread recovery of Peloton services. 

"We are still working to confirm all services are back and operational. We apologize for any impact this may have had on your workout."

It seems to be a gradual process for the recovery of services, so you may want to wait a little while longer until you attempt to start a workout. Hopefully, this is a sign you'll soon be able to log back in.

If you continue to experience issues, we recommend checking out the Peloton's own status page. Some users are still reporting issues, but the brand is assuring people that the bigger problems are over and services should soon return to normal for all.

Peloton’s latest new mode is a combination of rhythm action games like Guitar Hero or Beat Saber mixed with some of the most intense workouts you’ll get from an indoor cycling experience.

It’s called Lanebreak, and it’s designed as an alternative to traditional Peloton classes. If you have a Peloton Bike product, and you subscribe to the service, you’ll find it’ll start appearing on your bike from February 17 for those in the US, Canada, UK, Germany and Australia.

The game itself loses the Peloton instructors you’re likely used to, and instead has you riding on a virtual road that feels like it comes directly from the movie Tron. The aim is to hit certain elements along the track, which requires changes in effort, and increase your high score.

David Packles, Director of Product at Peloton Interactive, told TechRadar, “There’s always been strong gamified elements within our ecosystem, whether it's badges or leaderboards. And there's always kind of been an appetite to continue pushing in that direction.

“A couple years ago, we ran a small test. We basically built a bunch of mini experiences where we tried out different mechanics and we saw it worked. We built 12 different mini experiences within a few weeks.

“We landed on this idea that between rhythm, following the beat and the compliance of different challenges is something that really resonated. It kind of capitalized on things that Peloton already did well, which is coaching and music.”

Lanebreak sees you pick a workout from a musical genre, a difficulty level, a duration (some even start at five minutes) or a workout type. Then you’ll be straight onto the virtual road where the experience begins.

As you ride, you’ll be able to change between five lanes using the resistance knob. If you turn your resistance up, you’ll move to the right hand lane; if you turn your resistance down, you move to the left hand lane.

Along the way, you’ll find a variety of challenges that allow you to rack up points. For example, one element called Breakers means you have to increase your effort for a small period of time to ensure you can hit maximum points.

Other elements on the track include markers that you need to hit in certain lanes, which may mean increasing your effort for a short amount of time.

The aim here is to get the highest score. You’ll be ranked compared to other competitors, or you can just try to beat your own high score. We’ve tried out Lanebreak for around two weeks, and it’s an interesting new addition to the service.

Lanebreak isn’t a direct reason to buy a Peloton bike, but it’s useful for when you want something a little different to a traditional workout. The game mechanics may make you more competitive than your average Peloton leaderboard as well.

Sometimes we want to be able to have a short game of Lanebreak, rather than a full workout with an instructor. The gamified elements meant we were more competitive than we were in a class with a leaderboard, and that led to more intense workouts overall.

Expect the company to continue experimenting here, too. Packles told TechRadar, “We intend to continue experimenting in this space. So we're excited to use some of the ideas that we did experiment with.”

Lanebreak is currently limited to the company’s indoor bike products, but that may change at a later date. Packles said, “Right now, Lanebreak is bike only. However, this space is right for innovation and we're committed to continue pushing this direction and you could imagine where that could take us.”

If you own a Peloton Bike, you’ll be able to play this new game from February 17 with it rolling out to users around the world.

• Peloton Bike vs Peloton Bike Plus: choose the right smart bike for you

It’s been a rough few months for Peloton, and we’re starting to hear rumors that Apple might be interested in buying the ailing company and working its on-demand workouts into Apple Fitness Plus. I don’t see that happening any time soon, though – it’s just not the right fit.

First, there’s the brand itself. Although its reputation has taken a beating in recent months, Peloton has always been aspirational. While the digital-only membership costs around the same as most workout subscription plans, the bike has always been the main draw – and it’s a pricey status symbol. The Peloton Bike starts at $1,895 / £1,750, while the flashier Bike Plus starts at $2,495 / £2,295 – and that’s before you add in the monthly payment necessary to access the fun live workout classes led by bright-eyed, bushy-tailed instructors.

You could get a great workout on a regular spin bike in front of your TV, but you wouldn’t catch Miley Cyrus or Venus Williams showing off their Sunny studio cycle on Instagram. Peloton is a name synonymous with stylish young people working out in open-plan suburban homes and chic loft apartments.

Apple, by contrast, isn’t quite so exclusive. Yes, a 1TB iPhone 13 Pro Max costs as much as a Peloton Bike, but there are also much more affordable devices like the iPhone SE for those of us on a modest budget. The Apple Watch 7 is moderately priced as well; you don’t have to be Mr Big to join the club.

Bike building

Then there’s the hardware. Apple Gymkit allows you to connect an Apple Watch to a compatible treadmill, bike or rower so you can get more accurate workout stats, but so far the company has avoided manufacturing its own machines – and that makes sense. Apple Fitness Plus includes workouts that you can follow on treadmills and exercise bikes, but that’s only a small part of its overall offering. The company is putting much more emphasis on activities like walking, running, and yoga that have a lower barrier to entry.

Building exercise equipment would be a huge step for Apple, even with Peloton’s supply chains and manufacturing facilities, and Apple would likely want to start afresh rather than simply re-badging Peloton’s existing machines. Everything would likely need to be fully redesigned to fit in with Apple’s infamously stringent industrial design process, and there would almost certainly need to be a more accessible, more affordable bike available for anyone who’s interested in spinning but can’t drop almost $2,000 on the equipment.

That’s before we get into the matter of the Tread and Tread+, which were recalled in May 2021 after reports of accidents and injuries – including one fatality. Peloton has now developed a fix for the Tread to prevent its screen coming loose during workouts, but Apple may not want its name associated with it at all.

Peloton personalities

Finally, there are the Peloton instructors who make the live classes so appealing – what would become of them? Apple has its own carefully curated pack of Fitness Plus trainers, but the whole experience isn’t quite so personality-focused. Would Apple be happy to throw in Peloton’s team of 55 leaders as well, or would it prune the ranks and risk losing subscribers?

Although Apple and Peloton might seem to have a lot of commonalities at first glance, they don’t overlap in the right places, and I can’t see Tim Cook revealing a spin bike as ‘one more thing’ any time soon.

• The best under-desk treadmills

Spoilers follow for Billions season 6 

Yet another unfavorable TV cameo is causing headaches for Peloton and its PR team.

Only a month after the fitness brand took issue with the use of a Peloton exercise bike in HBO’s Sex and the City reboot, And Just Like That, a similarly unfortunate situation has arisen after the season 6 premiere of Billions.

In the latest episode of the Showtime series, David Costabile’s character, Wags, suffers a heart attack while riding a Peloton bike – a fate that also befell Sex and the City’s Mr Big.

Unlike Mr Big though, Wags’ heart attack isn’t fatal – the Billions character even goes so far as to announce: “I’m not going out like Mr Big!” – but suffice to say, Peloton is rightfully peeved to see another potentially damaging portrayal of its fitness tech appear on screen. 

“We get TV shows want to include [Peloton bikes] to get people talking, but to be clear, we did *not* agree for our brand or IP to be used [in Billions] or provide any equipment,” the company wrote in a statement posted to Twitter. “As the show itself points out, cardio-vascular exercise helps people lead long, happy lives.”

With good reason, then, Peloton isn’t happy about the context in which its bikes were used in both Sex and the City and Billions – and this latest gaffe will come as an unwelcome side note in an already turbulent period for the company. 

Taking stock

Peloton suffered another blow last week, when CNBC published a report claiming that the company was planning to pause production of treadmills and exercise bikes. The report was based on leaked internal documents, and Peloton’s CEO and co-founder John Foley was quick to refute claims that the brand was under stress.

“The information the media has obtained is incomplete, out of context, and not reflective of Peloton’s strategy,” Foley wrote in a blog post on the company website.

“Rumors that we are halting all production of bikes and Treads are false,” he added, explaining that the company was instead adjusting production to suit demand and “resetting our production levels for sustainable growth.”

We’ve contacted Peloton for comment and will update this article when we receive a reply, but it looks like customers will be unaffected, and if you’ve been thinking of picking up a Peloton machine for your home gym, you shouldn’t need to worry about them being out of stock.

• Tempo Move is a fitness service that fixes Peloton’s biggest problem

Two-minute review

If you’re interested in fitness, it’s likely you’ve heard of Peloton. It’s a relatively recent addition to the home fitness market that aims to give you a boutique spin class-like experience in your own home.

Cycling and spinning enthusiasts are the main target demographic for Peloton, but the company is also aiming its fitness service at newbies who want to get fit and enjoy a full workout experience without having to sweat it out in a room full of people.

The Peloton service provides you with the bike itself and all the equipment you need to get started including a large 21.5-inch HD display just in front of the handlebars. Rather than this being used to binge boxsets it’ll be your window to instructors on the Peloton service.

You’ll get those instructors onto your display by subscribing to an All Access membership that costs $39 / £39 / AU$59 a month. The subscription gives you access to thousands of classes providing workouts with different genres of music, different levels of expertise and different presenting styles from the instructors.

This service is fantastically well put together and each instructor offers a unique take on spin classes. That’s not all. The company has started providing extra workouts such as yoga, strength training and even boxing.

Onto the equipment. The Peloton Bike is a premium piece of equipment that offers an optimum workout experience without taking up a huge place in your living space – though it is large.

The bike is easy to alter to your liking. It’s comfortable to ride for long periods of time and during our three-month testing period we found it durable with no quality issues of the equipment as a whole.

The Peloton Bike experience is fantastic if you’re looking to get fit from the comfort of your own  home or if you’ve tried the odd spin class before and want to dive deeper into the activity. It’s also built for those who are adept at spin classes already.

The big problem is the price of the Peloton service overall. The cheapest bike option comes in at $1,495 / £1,350 / AU$ 2,295. That is then paired with a monthly subscription of $39 / £39 / AU$59, which makes the experience particularly costly.

If you’re going to be on your Peloton several times a week it’ll be worth the investment. However, this isn’t a service you should consider if you’re not committed to embracing spinning on a regular basis.

Peloton Bike price and availability 

The Peloton Bike has been available since 2014, and you can buy it now either online or through one of the brand’s brick-and-mortar stores. It’s an incredibly expensive piece of equipment, and we’ll break down the costs below.

Before we talk through the equipment itself, it’s important to note there is a monthly fee for access to Peloton’s workout service. That costs $39 / £39 / AU$59 a month. 

Don’t ignore this when considering the price. It’s a must-have element of the Peloton experience, as you won’t be able to use the bike to anywhere near its full potential without subscribing.

The standard Peloton Bike (which we reviewed) starts at $1,495 / £1,350 / AU$ 2,295 for the most basic package. For that you get the bike, a 12-month limited warranty and delivery of the product.

If you want accessories, you can buy them separately or purchase bike packages that include them. For example, the Bike Essentials package adds a pair of cycling shoes, two bike weights and a pair of headphones to the basic bike package for $1,645 / £1,495 / AU$2,525.

For those who need more, the Bike Works package also includes a Heart Rate Monitor and a Bike Mat for $1,745 / £1,595 / AU$2,595. The Bike Family is built for two people sharing and comes with two pairs of shoes, two pairs of headphones, two heart rate monitors and two Peloton water bottles for $1,945 / £1,795 / AU$2,845.

That’s a lot of money, so Peloton does offer payment schemes. For example, you can pay $39 / £35 / AU$59 a month for the standard Peloton Bike package over a period of 39 months. That’s just over three years.

An additional complication to your Peloton decision is whether you need the Peloton Bike Plus. This product launched in 2020 and it’s designed to be an even more premium experience. We’ll dig into exactly what the differences are in the section below, but the price begins at $2,495 / £2,295 / AU$3,695 for the basic package rising to $2,945 / £2,745 / AU$4,395 for the Bike Plus Family package.

Peloton knows how expensive its product is as it dropped the price of its equipment in mid-2021: the bike had originally cost $1,895 for the standard package. That’s a $400 price drop, and we saw similar discounts around the rest of the world as well.

Design and setup 

The bike itself is a high-end piece of equipment. In fact, it’s not dissimilar to what you’d expect to see in a dedicated spin class. 

It’ll be set up for you when it’s delivered to your home, and the delivery specialists will be able to talk you through how you can ensure it’s set up just right. If multiple people in your household are using it, it’s easy to change the positioning of the seat, handlebars and screen.

Our tester is a 6ft 2 adult, and it was a comfortable experience… or as comfortable as you can imagine for a spinning bike. 

So far, so similar to a regular spinning bike, but then there’s the 21.5-inch HD display on the front where you’ll select your workouts and watch trainers, see your stats or take scenic rides.

The display runs on Android software, but it’s locked into Peloton’s software so you won’t be able to access any other programs from it. There’s no sneakily watching Netflix here rather than tuning into your trainer.

Once connected to the internet and set up with your accounts, you’ll be able to try your first workout.

The design of the Peloton bike is sleek, and it’s clear the company has tried to keep this as trim as possible so it’s more likely to fit into your home. However, it is still a large piece of equipment that many with smaller floor space won’t be able to fit in.

Peloton’s marketing refers to the size of the bike as “smaller than your average yoga mat”, and that’s believable. The screen at the front of the bike is what takes up the most space, and then the bike becomes slimmer as you look back from there.

When you find a dedicated space it’s a good idea to keep it there, we wouldn’t recommend moving the bike on a regular basis. It’s a particularly heavy piece of equipment at 61kg (135lb). There are wheels at the front to move it, but it’s clear those are designed for rare occasions rather than shifting it around a living room a couple of times a week.

The dimensions are 149 cm length x 135 cm height x 58 cm width (at its widest part). Peloton recommends an extra 60 cm on all four sides of the bike, and that’s something we’d recommend following as well to ensure you don’t hit things during a workout.

Performance 

Throughout our trial period, the Peloton bike has worked flawlessly giving us top-end workouts and pushing our spinning further than we’ve done in the past. It’s designed to push you harder, and we found the whole Peloton experience would do just that.

In our three-month usage of the bike, we’ve found that the design works smoothly with minimal technical issues. It’s easy to clip in and out of the pedals, plus the pedaling action has always felt smooth. 

There’s a knob below the handlebars that is used to change the resistance during workouts, and that’s perfectly placed for you to edit it in tougher moments during workouts.

Unlike some rival gym equipment, there’s a clear premium look to this device and it’s likely something you’ll want to show off in your home rather than hide away in a closed room.

The tablet-like screen works well, too. You’re easily able to find your workouts on the big screen, and while the resolution could be a touch crisper (it’s only HD) it’s unlikely you’ll notice when you’re concentrating on the workout.

The included speakers sound good but aren’t going to give you the best sound quality when you’re blasting out some of your favorite tunes in the middle of a ride. If you’re not able to turn up the volume, you can connect Bluetooth headphones to the bike.

We found the connection to work well, and you’d also be able to connect a Bluetooth speaker if you see fit. There are easy-to-reach buttons on the right-hand side of the monitor so you can change the volume at any stage during your ride.

One neat touch is that the software allows you to increase or decrease the instructor’s dialogue. If you like the music you’re listening to, you can decrease the instructor’s volume to get more of the music playing from the speakers.

The software is where Peloton’s experience really shines. Peloton All Access is an expensive service, but it offers arguably the best personal trainer-like experience we’ve tested on any piece of gym equipment or apps.

There’s a wide variety of different workouts. At the time of writing, there are 27 workout instructors who provide regular classes for the bike. You’re able to access all of these at any time, plus new workouts are often scheduled live so you can ride alongside hundreds of other people.

Programs give you specific plans to work through over a period of a few days, and we found Mastering the Basics was a great introduction to the bike. There are programs for building strength, improving your riding and even other activities such as core strength or yoga.

There isn’t a huge variety of programs that specifically focus on riding, so you may find you’ll be joining individual classes more regularly than fitting into a specific program. That does help with your variety, though, and means you can experiment with different instructor styles and music.

Should you buy the Peloton Bike?

Buy it if… 

You want premium exercise equipment

The Peloton Bike is a premium experience that offers everything you need from day one to get into spinning. It is easy to get started and it provides a top-end experience that not all other home gym equipment can offer.

You need equipment that encourages you to work out

The Peloton Bike is designed to be a piece of equipment that you enjoy using and encourages you to get into a regular fitness routine. If you’re looking for something like that, this could be a strong investment that will encourage you to keep working out.

You want a community experience at home

One of the core elements of Peloton is a sense of community with the instructors becoming friendly faces after a significant time using the equipment. Social elements such as high-fiving other riders or following friends are nice touches if you want to feel a little more connected at home.

Don’t buy it if… 

You need something cheap

The word Peloton has become synonymous with excess, and it remains remarkably expensive despite changes to the pricing structure. If you’re looking for a way to work out without spending lots of money you should look toward the alternatives.

You want lots of pre-set programs

Programs are an integral part of the Peloton experience, but there isn’t a huge variety of these. At the time of writing, there were 12 programs available and we’d like to see further options for different levels of expertise in the future.

You want a vast array of workouts

The Peloton All Access membership is no longer limited to just bike workouts with access to yoga and boxing classes among the other elements, but you don’t need the equipment to be able to access these. It may seem obvious, but don’t buy this unless you intend to use the spin bike elements a lot.

First reviewed: January 2022 

Warning: major spoilers follow for episode 1 of And Just Like That. 

Sex and the City has returned after a break of 11 years, and the first episode of the new TV show And Just Like That features a prominent production placement of a Peloton bike.

Peloton is a fitness brand that offers home gym equipment with virtual workouts run by instructors via a tablet at the end of an exercise bike or treadmill. The brand is famous for offering expensive high-end workout equipment, so it'd make sense that the characters of And Just Like That would use the exercise bike.

This product placement has a twist though, as it seems the brand was unaware of the context it would be used in the new HBO TV show. Below we'll explain the whole story of the Peloton bike in the show, and what has happened since the episode was initially broadcast.

How does a Peloton bike fit into the plot?

Now we're onto the spoilers: at the end of episode 1 of the new show, long term love interest of the show's lead Carrie Bradshaw, Mr Big, dies. He has a heart attack, and it strikes moments after he finishes a workout on a Peloton bike.

That doesn't paint Peloton's exercise equipment in the best light, and it appears the brand was unaware of the context in which the bike would be used.

Peloton spokesperson Denise Kelly told Buzzfeed News that the brand had given the go-ahead to include the products in the series, but it wasn't clear on the situation surrounding its use.

"HBO procured the Peloton Bike on their own," Kelly said. "Peloton was aware that a Bike would be used in the episode and that Jess King would be portraying a fictional Peloton instructor.

"Due to confidentiality reasons, HBO did not disclose the larger context surrounding the scene to Peloton in advance."

Peloton didn't know that it'd be used in this way, and HBO had even provided its own bike for the scene itself. HBO did contact the brand to ensure it could use the trademark in the episode, though.

The workout instructor featured in the show is called Allegra (it's a plotpoint in the episode), and is played by popular Peloton leader Jess King.

The day after the episode aired, Peloton's share price dipped by $5. It's not clear if this plotline was entirely to blame for that, but it seems to have had a significant impact on the brand.

Now, a new ad from Peloton

Peloton's new Christmas ad is themed around the storyline from And Just Like That. You can watch the advert above, and the short clip resurrects the character of Mr Big for "another ride".

Chris Noth, the actor who played Mr Big, features in the advert in character alongside Jess King who is playing the instructor Allegra. Mr Big, says, "To new beginnings" and looks toward a pair of Peloton bikes.

He then says, “Should we take another ride? Life’s too short not to.”

Actor Ryan Reynolds then has a voiceover part immediately after. The advert was made by Reynolds and his marketing company, Maxmium Effort.

Reynolds says, "And just like that… the world is reminded that regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, resting pulse and reduces blood-fat levels."

It finishes with Reynolds saying, "He’s alive.”

It appears that Peloton turned this ad around in record time; the episode in which Mr Big dies was first broadcast in the US on December 9, and the commercial debuted on December 12.

In fact, a representative for Peloton told TechRadar that the advert was made in less than 48 hours.

If Peloton was unaware of the plot lines in the series, this is a remarkable turnaround to build a Christmas marketing campaign, with the ad appearing around 72 hours after the initial broadcast of the show.

Peloton has declined to say whether there was a formal product placement agreement for the show, but the company's statements make it clear it wasn't aware of the context the bike would be featured.

Whether Peloton will take this storyline any further in its marketing materials remains to be seen, but it's one of the most fascinating stories of how product placement can impact real life brands.

• Peloton Bike vs Peloton Bike Plus: choose the right smart bike for you

Peloton has released a new strength-training tool, Peloton Guide, which uses motion-tracking and AI to help monitor your movements and progress. It's also surprisingly cheap at $495 / £450 / AU$750 for the device itself, plus a monthly membership fee of For $12.99 / £12.99 / AU$16.99 for classes.

Peloton's bikes and treadmills are enormously popular, but also famously expensive. The Guide (a voice-controlled camera equipped with motion sensors that connects to your TV) is far more affordable, and comes bundled with the new Peloton Heart Rate Band – a device that we've been expecting since Peloton acquired sports wearables company Atlas back in March this year.

As you follow a workout on-screen, the Guide's Smart Camera Technology will allow you to directly compare your form with that of the instructor in real time, allowing you to make changes and corrections on the fly. There's also a Body Activity tool that will show which muscles you've worked recently, and suggest workouts to try based on the groups that need training.

The system is voice activated, so there's no need to reach for the device's remote to control the service, and the camera has both a physical mute switch and a lens cover so you can be assured of privacy between workouts.

Peloton Guide will launch in the US and Canada in early 2022, and UK, Australia, and Germany in 2022. The subscription fee covers up to five people, and if you already have a Peloton All-Access membership, you'll get it thrown in for free.

Analysis: why you need a virtual PT

Home strength training can be tricky for beginners, due to the risk of injury. Using improper form can be dangerous, and without a trainer to guide you (as you'd have in a gym) it's possible to lift in a way that's ineffective or outright dangerous.

Although not a complete replacement for an experienced personal trainer, Peloton Guide appears to be a useful starting point, with the Smart Camera helping you spot if your form is starting to weaken.

It's not the only smart strength training tool around, though. Just a few days ago, Tempo (the company behind the AI-powered Mirror) revealed its own home strength training system, which took direct aim at Peloton with a price tag of $395 (about £280 / AU$520) for the hardware, plus a subscription fee of $39 (about £28 / AU$50) per month.

Rather than giving you a camera and asking you to provide the weights, the Tempo Move includes a set of dumbells and plates, and uses your phone's camera and depth sensors to capture images of your form. As with Peloton Guide, you'll get real-time feedback on your performance on your TV screen as you work out, though we're not sure yet whether you'll be able to see an image of yourself that you can compare directly with an instructor.

We'll be putting the two devices and services to the test as soon as we're able, and will bring you a full comparison so you can make the best choice.

• We've tested and ranked the best fitness trackers

Apple has announced a huge update for Apple Fitness Plus that aims to win over Fitbit Premium and Peloton subscribers. Fitness Plus now offers guided Pilates classes, mindfulness sessions, and group workouts so you can take part in a virtual class with friends and family members.

On-demand workout services really came into their own during the pandemic, with gyms around the world closing their doors and people looking for ways to exercise from home. Apple joined the fray in December 2020 with Fitness Plus – a service that aimed to win over Fitbit Premium and Peloton users with a cheaper subscription price and new classes added every week.

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When it launched, Fitness Plus offered HIIT (high-intensity interval training), yoga, cycling, treadmill running, treadmill walking, dance, core, strength, and rowing classes. Now Apple has added guided Pilates sessions as well, with new classes added every month – an option you won’t find in Fitbit Premium.

There are also new mindfulness classes in Fitness Plus, with guided meditation sessions for subscribers. Fitbit has been putting real emphasis on mental wellbeing in recent months, with sessions on mindful eating and body positivity, plus classes led by meditation guru Deepak Chopra, but Apple could well use its clout to deliver many more classes and enlist the help of other big names in future updates.

Apple is also taking aim at Peloton with a new group workout option. In April 2020, Peloton launched a new ‘Sessions’ feature that let small groups of friends work out together in a virtual class. Each Session has its own small leaderboard, and participants can encourage and compete with one another via the webcams on their Peloton bikes or treadmills.

Now Apple Fitness Plus offers a very similar feature, which lets up to 32 people take part in a class together, and chat using the camera on their iPhone or iPad. It may be enough to tempt some Peloton users to make the switch, particularly if their regular workout buddies have an Apple Watch.

Workouts with Apple Watch 7

There were far fewer new fitness updates for the Apple Watch. Rumors that the Apple Watch 7 might feature advanced new health tracking hardware, including blood pressure and blood glucose sensors, proved to be unfounded.

The biggest updates to the watch’s health features all related to cycling – the Apple Watch 7 can start tracking bike rides automatically, and pause them when you take a break. That’s a convenient feature, but one already present in even entry-level sports watches from the likes of Garmin.

Apple has also extended its fall detection feature to cycling, calling emergency services automatically if you take a tumble and don’t act quickly to cancel the alarm.

If you do fall, the watch should be unscathed thanks to its more crack-resistant lens. The watch also has IPX6 water resistance, allowing it to survive high-pressure water jets, so you can give it a good wash to remove any mud.

There’s an update for e-bike riders as well – the Watch 7 can track battery-assisted rides, and calculate calories more accurately. The company has yet to explain exactly how this will work, but it seems likely that it will use a combination of heart rate data plus speed to determine how much assistance you’re receiving from the bike’s battery, and how much effort you’re putting in.

Analysis: could we soon see an Apple bike?

Apple Fitness Plus is rapidly becoming one of the biggest names in home workouts, but Peloton still has one big advantage: live, interactive classes that better replicate the experience of sweating it out in a real studio.

All of the workouts on Fitness Plus are pre-recorded, so the experience isn’t quite as intense – and because there’s no branded Apple gym equipment, you can’t take part in a spin class that will adjust the resistance of your bike on the fly. That might change soon, though.

Since 2017, it’s been possible to use a service called Apple Gymkit to pair an Apple Watch with compatible gym equipment for more accurate workout data. The Peloton Bike+ is one of those compatible machines, but earlier this year Apple disabled Gymkit for some Peloton workout types, to the annoyance of many owners.

The problem lay with Peloton’s Bike Bootcamp classes, which include both strength and cardio cycling. Apple explained that Gymkit wasn’t designed for that sort of exercise, and rather than adapt its app, it pulled support for Bike Bootcamp.

One way for Apple to avoid such problems in future, and keep a firmer hold on users’ data, would be to begin manufacturing its own spin bikes and treadmills. It would be a big departure for the company, but no more so than an Apple Car – and since Peloton appears to have its own fitness tracker in the works to rival the Apple Watch, it might be necessary.

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Everyone knows it’s easier to stay motivated when working out alongside a friend or trainer. Running, for instance, is more challenging when a pacemaker leads the pack, while for the cyclists, an eternally-enthusiastic Peloton instructor might encourage you to put that little bit of extra effort into a spin class.

In a swimming pool, though, it can be tricky to stay focused on clocking in the laps at the intensity you’re capable of – especially when stopping and checking the fitness tracker on your wrist is the only way to monitor progress.

In 2019, Canadian tech company FORM developed the Smart Swim goggles, a pair of AR-enhanced goggles that provide swimmers with real-time performance information in the glass of the goggles themselves. We tested them way back when, and were impressed with their sleek design and genuinely useful, hands-free performance metrics which did away with the need to stop and check a watch mid-swim.

Now FORM has updated its goggles to put a virtual personal trainer in the corner of your eye – and they really have become like Peloton for the pool.

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With the introduction of its subscription-based Workouts feature, FORM’s Smart Swim Goggles can now provide swimmers with challenging exercise sessions – from endurance sets to interval training – delivered using their intuitive heads-up-display (HUD). 

Through the FORM mobile app, subscribers can choose from hundreds of workouts to be uploaded straight to their goggles, and once a session is completed, progress is saved and synced automatically, allowing swimmers to track their progress and identify areas of improvement.

We gave the new feature a spin (or swim?) ahead of its global launch on August 24, and were impressed with the goggles’ ability to push us further than they did when equipped only with tracking metrics.

Spoilt for choice

For starters, the selection of workouts on offer is overwhelming. Available sessions are split into short, medium and long distances, categories like speed and technique, and the desired level of intensity: low, moderate or high.

There’s plenty of choice on offer here, and it helps that each workout is given a little more personality than simple number-based titles. For instance, there are welcoming sets like Swim Yoga or Growth Mindset, not-so-welcoming ones like Rise and Grind or Non-Stop, then downright scary workouts like The Boss or Freestyle Monster. 

Each workout has a thorough explanation of the sets, drills (with tutorials), stroke types and intensities, too, along with a list of any equipment needed for each session. We tried a mixture of endurance and speed workouts, and found the variety to be a welcome addition to our weekly swim routines.

Workouts are also a great showcase for FORM’s neat in-goggle display. Rather than simply providing length, speed and calorie metrics, as before, the Smart Swim goggles are now able to tell you how far to swim, how hard to go, how long to rest, and when to put on and take off equipment (if the workout requires equipment). A handy progress bar also appears, too, which updates throughout the workout and proves an easy motivator when you’re tiring towards the end of a session.

Stay in your lane

Our only qualms with the goggles remain the same as those we had when first trying them out back in 2019. 

The size of the display attachment, for instance – though not obtrusive or unusual-looking – leads to a limited field of vision when swimming. That’s OK when lane swimming alone or with others of similar ability, but it can be tricky to look up and around you to avoid collisions if you’re stuck in a lane with slower swimmers. We didn’t get a chance to try the goggles in open water, but we’d imagine the issue is less apparent with so much more space to roam.

As for other niggling hiccups, sometimes the system can be tricked into registering a lap if you take off the goggles to empty excess water or re-adjust their fit, though this is true of any gyroscope-based fitness tracker. In fairness, the goggles are designed to be worn for the entirety of a workout, but it’s worth being careful about moving them around too much should you find yourself needing to give your eyes a break.

It’s also worth noting that swim progress won’t be saved and synced until after you’ve completed your workout. This might seem obvious, but we tried checking whether the goggles were paired and recording data mid-swim, which they weren’t, but found that workouts are registered after completion, appearing in the app once you’ve saved and exited a particular session. 

A worthy upgrade

All in all, then, FORM’s Workouts upgrade makes its Smart Swim goggles a different beast. 

The tracking metrics provided by the goggles in their basic, off-the-shelf mode already offered a useful and convenient way to measure pool performance without the need to stop and check a wrist-based tracker, but the addition of workouts adds a whole new level of usability. 

It’s amazing to see just how much further you can swim when a line of digital text is telling you to keep going (the use of exclamation points is particularly helpful in this regard), making FORM’s Workouts package a great option for those looking to push themselves even harder in the water.

Monthly and annual subscriptions are available to purchase now, costing $19.99 / £17.99 (around AU$27) and $179.99 / £154.99 (around AU$250), respectively.

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Peloton is building its own rowing machine according to snippets of info spotted in its Android app. It's no surprise, and would be a natural next step for Peloton, sitting alongside the company's existing spin bikes and treadmills – but it may be too late.

Back in April, we reviewed a smart rower called the Hydrow, which has already been dubbed 'the Peloton of rowing machines' by T3, Wired, Stuff, and many more. It's an impressive machine that gives you a full-body workout, and simulates the feeling of actually moving through water rather than simply pulling against resistance.

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Like Peloton, Hydrow has a monthly subscription plan that gives you access to on-demand workouts – both classes led by instructors and more leisurely cruises along virtual rivers. Peloton seems to be planning a similar offering, with scenic backdrops to accompany your workouts, but as far as hardware goes, the bar has been set very high.

Who needs a smart rower?

There's also the matter of demand. How many people actually want to invest in a rower right now?

When gyms closed their doors at the height of the coronavirus pandemic last year, treadmills, exercise bikes, cross trainers, and rowing machines flew off the shelves, and companies like Peloton received more orders than their suppliers could build.

Apple was quick to capitalize on the opportunity with the launch of Apple Fitness Plus – an on-demand workout service that challenged Peloton's digital-only subscription, but Peloton kept an edge thanks to its premium exercise machines.

That was until May 2021, when the company voluntarily recalled all its treadmills after reports of serious accidents. It was a real blow to Peloton's reputation (and put a serious dent in its share price) and although the company offered full refunds and is now sending out engineers to fix customers' machines, it may well undermine confidence in the new rower.

Now, Peloton may have missed the gun. Gyms are beginning to reopen in most countries, which is likely to see a drop in demand for expensive, heaving home gym equipment. Unless you're seriously into rowing as a sport, it may be an investment that's tough to justify. 

How Peloton could take the lead

That said, there's a chance that Peloton could still pull it off. A large part of its appeal comes not from its hardware itself, but from the personalities of its trainers. If classes for the new rower are led with the same gusto, it might be able to develop a similarly dedicated following.

The company could also undercut Hydrow's prices thanks to its established deals with suppliers, which could make its new rower cheaper to produce. Peloton appears to be working on two machines (codenamed Mazu and Caesar), one of which is likely to be a more budget-friendly machine.

We'll keep you updated as soon as we know more about both rowers, and will aim to bring you full reviews as soon as possible.

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It's long been rumored that a Peloton rower would be the next device in the series from the premium fitness brand – following the bike and the treadmill – and hidden code inside Peloton's Android app would seem to confirm that such a piece of equipment is indeed on the way.

As spotted by 9to5Google, the latest Peloton app for Android includes references to starting positions for rowing strokes, as well as scenic backdrops that could accompany your virtual trip down a virtual river.

It seems that two rowers are on the way, with the codenames Mazu and Caesar, and functionality in the app is being prepared to track stats for rowing sessions – these should include total strokes, max stroke rate, and average stroke rate.

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What we know so far

Talk of a Peloton rower has been swirling for years, and it's not difficult to understand why: a rowing machine is the obvious next choice for Peloton's range of equipment, given how popular they already are in terms of home and gym fitness.

One eagle-eyed visitor to Peloton's research labs has already spotted a rower being developed, and last month a job listing at Peloton specifically mentioned rowers alongside bikes and treadmills – even though no such device has been announced.

As for when the Peloton rower might become official, if the groundwork is being done in the Android app already then it can't be far away. An unveiling might happen before the end of the year – although of course company plans are always subject to change.

Analysis: the home fitness boom continues

You don't have to be an industry expert to work out why home fitness equipment remains phenomenally popular at the moment – for reasons that are obvious, we've all been spending more time stuck inside and less time outdoors (or down at the gym).

While the Peloton Bike and Treadmill models are on the very expensive end of the scale, most reviews agree that the high entry cost is worth it: the combination of livestreamed classes and excellent build quality on the equipment itself seem to win most people over.

Of course, other brands are available – we've got up-to-date deals on a range of exercise bikes and treadmills that you can check out – but Peloton seems keen to make the most of the home fitness boom before many of us head back to the local gyms or parks to make sure we're doing enough exercise.

It's unlikely that Peloton will stop with the rower, too: there are rumors that it's busy working on a device to turn your television into a connected fitness class streamer, a set of weight training equipment, and a wearable for monitoring your heart rate.

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Peloton has finally announced a fix for some of its treadmills, which were recalled earlier this year after reports of accidents and injuries to users, though they're not yet back on sale. It's news that will come as a huge relief to worried owners, but also a reminder that exercise equipment is a serious purchase, and not something that should be rushed into.

As The Verge reports, owners of Peloton Tread machines (the company's lower-end model) can now request a visit from an engineer, who will visit their home to make an adjustment to the treadmill's touchscreen, which should prevent it loosening or falling off while you run.

The company told TechRadar: "Peloton has a repair for the Peloton Tread that has been validated by an independent third party and approved by the US Consumer Safety Commission. At this stage, we do not have additional information about when the Peloton Tread will be back on sale in the UK."

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If you own a Peloton Tread, you should receive an email explaining how to book a free visit to fix your machine. Alternatively, you can contact the company through its support site – or request a full refund and arrange for your treadmill to be returned.

The company has yet to announce how it's going to tackle its Tread+ machines, which have a much more serious design problem: a slatted belt with no guard rail, which can to pull clothing and objects underneath. In one case, this resulted in the death of a six-year-old child. It was a tragic accident, and a reminder that treadmills aren't just a big cash investment; they're powerful machines that have the potential to be dangerous.

Staying safe

As gyms closed their doors during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, there was a huge surge in demand for home gym equipment, including exercise bikes, treadmills, cross trainers, and rowing machines. For example, sales of exercise bikes in the UK grew by over 2,000% between March and July 2020 according to market research company Statistica.

These aren't purchases that anyone should rush into, though. Not only are these machines expensive, they're also heavy (usually requiring two people to move safely), with powerful motors, and need to be chosen wisely and treated with great care.

Owners of Peloton's treadmills couldn't have foreseen the accidents that resulted from their design, but the product recall serves as a reminder of just how seriously home gym equipment should be taken.

It's possible to grab a treadmill very cheaply on Amazon, or snap one up second-hand, but that could be a false economy. A cheap treadmill may be made using low-quality parts, and the components in a used treadmill may be worn out.

It's important to make sure your home gym equipment comes with good after-sales service too, with good communication, knowledgeable engineers and replacement parts on hand. That can be tricky if you're buying a machine from an obscure company.

If you're picking a machine up second-hand, bear in mind that the warranty may have expired, and the original documentation might have been lost. That goes for the manual, as well. Always read this before you use a treadmill, exercise bike, or other machine for the first time – and if you can't find it, check the manufacturer's site for a PDF, or drop them an email to request one.

As Runner's World explains, it's important to minimize distractions when using home gym equipment, and make sure pets and children are well away. Good machines usually come with a safety key that has to be inserted before they will start, but it's also wise to keep the machine in a room that can be locked to make sure youngsters aren't able to turn it on.

Maintenance is important, too. The treadmills, exercise bikes and cross-trainers at your local gym will be regularly checked and serviced to ensure they're safe to use, and you should do the same for your home machine. Again, the manufacturer will be able to advise you on the specifics, but typical tasks include tightening the pedals of an exercise bike, lubricating the underside of a treadmill belt, and checking any machine for signs of wear.

You should also keep your equipment clean. Peloton recommends cleaning your machine after each workout by wiping the touchscreen with a microfiber cloth and approved electronic cleaner, and wiping all sweat off the frame with a damp cloth or gentle cleaners.

It all adds up to a big commitment, but when you're dealing with a machine weighing over 200lb that's capable of generating up to four horsepower, you really can't be too careful.

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Peloton is working on a new game that'll be played on its exercise bikes – and it looks both familiar and extremely strange. The game is currently known as Lanebreak (although that may change when it's released) and works on a similar premise to rhythm games like Guitar Hero and Beat Saber.

The difference is that instead of swinging a controller or tapping buttons, you move your avatar (a wheel with Tron-style glowing rims) from left to right by adjusting your bike's resistance level, and accelerate by increasing your cadence. The game's final look may differ, but so far is closely resembles indie music game Audiosurf.

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Cues on your bike's tablet will guide you as you switch resistance and speed, and – as with Audiosurf – you'll have to dodge obstacles and collect pickups that are synchronized with the music. 

You'll be awarded points for picking up objects, with those in higher-resistance lanes earning the most. 'Breakers' are objects that require you to achieve a certain power output, and 'streams' or 'veins' are spans that appear in one or more lanes, and give you points for maintaining a certain cadence.

It's a concept that should give a similar workout to a challenging interval session, with left-to-right movements providing the same challenge as shifting between intensity levels at the direction of an instructor.

The game is due to launch in 2022, and an open beta will be released to Peloton members later this year. It'll be available for the Peloton Bike and Bike+ in the US, UK, Canada, and Germany.

Analysis: Peloton needs this to stay ahead

Peloton is right to be thinking outside the box. It's is still the biggest name in home spinning (even US president Joe Biden starts every day with one of its classes), but more and more rivals are springing up, hoping to steal a bite of its lunch.

Echelon and Myx, for example, offer very similar setups, with spin bikes and instructor-led workouts on a subscription basis – while undercutting Peloton's prices. You can also get a similar experience with iFit, which offers include not just studio workouts, but also scenic virtual rides courtesy of a collaboration with Google Maps.

FIIT and iFit both provide alternatives to a Peloton Digital subscription, with pre-recorded workout sessions that can be carried out with or without exercise equipment, and in December 2020, Apple Fitness Plus arrived on the scene.

Lanebreak offers something different, providing something for anyone who enjoys working up a sweat, but doesn't appreciate the boundless enthusiasm of the typical spin instructor, and providing some escapism. We're looking forward to trying it, and seeing whether it can push us to raise our heart rates higher than a more conventional spin session.

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Peloton has removed a key feature from its Tread+ treadmills, meaning owners can no longer simply hop on and start running if they don't have a costly Peloton All Access subscription. 

Tread+ owners, including game developer Brianna Wu, have noticed that the Just Run feature is no longer available, leaving the premium machine unusable without an additional $39 / £39 monthly payment.

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To remedy the situation, Peloton is offering a free three-month All Access subscription to all Tread+ owners, and it intends to reactivate Just Run for non-subscribers very soon.

The Tread+ was only sold in the US, and any users who want to claim a free three-month subscription or have their fees waived can call the company's support hotline on 866-678-9129.

However, as PCMag reports, many treadmill owners on Twitter are unhappy that the company didn't clarify the situation earlier.

Safety steps

The change relates to a software update that requires users to enter a passcode before the treadmill's belt will begin moving. This new feature, Tread Lock, is one of several safety measures Peloton has taken in recent months.

Back in May, the company issued a voluntary recall of all its treadmills following reports of serious injuries. Some users were injured by the Tread's screen coming loose and falling off during use, and one child died after being pulled underneath a Tread+.

The company offered to refund all owners, but also provided some other options for anyone who wanted to keep their machine. Tread owners can request a visit from an engineer, who will repair the device's touchscreen so it's more tightly secured. Owners of either treadmill can also request a visit to help move the treadmill to another room in their home, away from pets and children.  Although they have wheels, the Peloton Tread weighs 290lb (131kg), and the Tread+ is 455lb (206kg), so moving them alone would be unwise.

Peloton is working on a mechanical safety update for the Tread+ as well. We don't yet know the details, but it could involve a barrier being fitted to the back of the machine to prevent anything becoming caught in the slats.

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Home fitness giant Peloton is reportedly developing a new wearable. 

As per a recent Bloomberg report, the device – which is referenced within the code of the company’s iPad and iPhone apps – looks likely to be a heart rate-monitoring armband that will connect to Peloton bikes and treadmills.

The report also claims the wearable will feature a small, battery-displaying screen, and arrive in two different sizes. Although the company already offers a low-budget heart-rate monitor in its accessories store, this would mark its first fully-fledged wearable product.

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As well as pairing with Peloton’s bikes and treadmills, rumors indicate the armband will also wirelessly connect with any device – phones, tablets, TVs etc. – running the company’s app.

These new reports arrive shortly after Peloton acquired Atlas Wearables, a Texas-based company whose devices use movement detection to identify different indoor exercises and count reps.

Whereas companies like Garmin and Polar specialize in GPS devices for use outdoors, Atlas is one of very few names focusing on indoor (read: gym) sessions, which suggests the partnership could be a great fit to establish Peloton in the fitness wearables game.

A Peloton-branded armband would face tough competition, though, from competing brands like Apple – which launched its own on-demand workout service, Apple Fitness Plus, last year. 

Still, if Peloton is able to produce a wearable that does more than simply display your heart rate on-screen, it may be able to pull consumers away from flashier competitor products with little functionality.

In vogue

As well as its low-budget heart-rate accessory and companion app, Peloton has previously ventured into wearables of a different sort, too.

Earlier this year, the company collaborated with apparel titan Adidas on a range of branded sportswear, including leggings, sports bras, t-shirts and shorts.

Unsurprisingly, though, those particularly-exclusive garments are no longer available to buy – so an all-new type of Peloton wearable can’t come soon enough.

Don’t expect this heart rate-monitoring armband to blow away products like the Fitbit and Apple Watch, mind, but it will certainly be intriguing to see how the home fitness behemoth fares in the wearables market. 

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Via The Verge 

Users of the popular Peloton indoor fitness kit have been urged to check and update their systems following the disclosure of a worrying security flaw in one of the company's most popular bike models. 

Researchers at McAfee discovered that the Peloton Bike Plus model contained a vulnerability, now fixed, that could have allowed hackers to gain complete control over the device.

This includes gaining control over the Peloton Bike Plus' video camera and microphone, potentially putting users at risk of having private information stolen.

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Standard Android

Peloton, which also offered treadmills until recently alongside its eponymous bikes, saw a huge surge in business following the initial global lockdowns last year, making it a potentially lucrative target for hackers.

McAfee noted that despite the high price tags for the company's products (with the Peloton Bike Plus starting at $2,495/£2,295) the connectivity and interactivity aspect of the bike is, "a standard Android tablet".

Having examined the device, McAfee revealed a security flaw within the Android ecosystem powering this tablet. The team found that the Peloton Bike+ system was not verifying that the device’s bootloader was unlocked before attempting to boot a custom image - which could allow hackers to load new programs on a user’s bike without their knowing.

McAfee says this meant that a hacker could insert a USB key with a boot image file containing malicious code that grants them remote root access to a bike, meaning they could install and run any programs, modify files, or set up remote backdoor access over the internet.

This could have included installing malicious apps disguised as Netflix and Spotify to the bike in the hopes that unsuspecting users would enter their login credentials or other personal information. 

Obtaining such levels of access also meant hackers could have enabled the bike’s camera and microphone to spy on the device and whoever is using it - and also decrypt its encrypted communications with the various cloud services and databases it accesses in order to intercept all kinds of sensitive information. 

McAfee says it disclosed the flaw to Peloton once it was discovered, with a patch developed and rolled out earlier this month. Peloton users are encouraged to update their device as soon as possible, and ensure they stay watchful when using any internet-connected product.

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If you're fond of your Peloton treadmill and don't want to return it after it was recalled, you're in luck – the company has introduced several other options to make it safer, including a software update that locks the belt if the treadmill isn't used for a period of time.

Earlier this month, Peloton issued voluntary recalls for all Peloton Tread and Tread Plus machines, after reports of injuries and an accident where a small child was pulled underneath a Tread Plus and killed.

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Owners of either treadmill were advised to stop using it immediately, and offered the opportunity to return it to Peloton for a refund (which you can do until November 6, 2022). However, if you'd prefer to keep your machine, there are a few other options.

The main problem with the Tread is its touchscreen, which could come loose and fall off. Peloton has offered to send an engineer to owners' homes to repair the problem free of charge if they'd rather not return the whole thing.

Peloton hasn't yet started sending out engineers, but you can sign up with the email address you used when ordering the treadmill and your order ID, and the company will be in touch once it's ready to start making repairs.

The issue with the Tread Plus (which was only ever sold in the US) is its slatted belt, which can pull children, pets and objects underneath. Again, Peloton is developing a mechanical solution, though we don't yet know the details. It's possible that it could involve a type of barrier that covers the belt at the rear of the machine, preventing anything getting caught as it rotates.

The company is also offering to move treadmills to a safer room in your house, well away from pets and children. Although they have wheels, the Peloton Tread weighs 290lb (131kg), and the Tread Plus is 455lb (206kg), so moving them alone would be unwise.

Update your firmware

The new software update applies to the Tread Plus, and locks the machine automatically when it's set to sleep, or is 'inactive' for 45 seconds.

This means that you're not in a class, the belt isn't moving, the screen hasn't been touched, and the incline hasn't been adjusted. It'll also lock if a class is ongoing, but the treadmill detects that nobody is running. To unlock it again, you'll need to enter a PIN on the touchscreen.

We've contacted Peloton to find out whether the update will need to be downloaded and installed manually (and if so, how), or if it will be downloaded automatically when the treadmill is online.

Via NBC News

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When you think of Peloton, you probably think of at-home spinning workouts – and there are certainly plenty of those – but there's also a lot more to the subscription exercise service.

Here, we've aimed to answer all the questions you're likely to have about Peloton, from pricing and availability, through to exercise bikes, free trials and mobile apps. 

Updates: in May 2021, Peloton announced that it was recalling both its Tread and Tread+ treadmills for safety reasons. The treadmills are no longer available to buy, and anyone who owns one has been advised to stop using it immediately and contact the company for a refund or (in the case of the Tread) a repair.

Where is Peloton available?

Right now, Peloton is available in the US, UK, Canada and Germany. There are plans to bring the workout service to other countries in the future, and you can register for updates to find out when it's expanding.

How much does Peloton cost?

Peloton Digital Membership is the cheaper option, costing $12.99 / £12.99 per month. It gives you access to the full range of classes and workouts on your phone, tablet or smart TV through the Peloton app.

Peloton All-Access Membership costs $ / £39 per month, and gives everyone in your household access to the full range of workouts and classes through any supported device. This is the membership you'll need if you decide to buy a Peloton bike.

Can I get a free trial of Peloton?

Yes, you can try Peloton Digital free for 30 days. You'll need to enter your payment details, but you won't be charged until the trial period is up, and you can cancel any time.

Do I need a bike or treadmill to use Peloton?

No, it's not essential. A Peloton Digital subscription gives you access to thousands of workouts that you can follow with just an exercise mat, hand weights, or no equipment at all. 

You can follow the exercise bike and treadmill workouts with a non-Peloton branded treadmill provided you can see a tablet or TV screen (Peloton's own treadmills are no longer available to buy having been recalled). There are also outdoor running programs that you can follow with the Peloton app for your Apple Watch.

Investing in Peloton's own hardware means there's an HD touchscreen right in front of you, plus a sound system, camera and microphone. The Peloton Bike Plus can also adjust the resistance automatically during workouts.

What are Peloton's bikes like?

There are two indoor cycles: the Peloton Bike and the Peloton Bike Plus. Both are high quality static exercise bikes with built-in HD screens and speakers so you can follow instructor-led workouts. They're also equipped with cameras and microphones so you can chat with friends while riding.

Both can be bought alone, or as part of a set with accessories like hand weights, floor mats, and chest-strap heart rate monitors.

We've put together a guide detailing all the differences between the two, but the key things to note are:

• The Bike starts at $1,895 / £1,750, while the Bike Plus starts at $2,495 / £2,295
• The Bike Plus has a larger screen, which can be rotated 360 degrees
• The Bike Plus also has auto-follow resistance
• The Bike Plus has a more powerful sound system and higher resolution camera

What about Peloton's treadmills?

In May 2021, Peloton issued recalls for both its treadmills following a fatal accident involving a child, as well as several other accidents leading to injuries. If you own either the Peloton Tread or Tread+, you are advised to stop using it immediately and contact the company.

If you own the Peloton Tread+ (the more advanced model, which was only ever available in the US) you can request a full refund.

If you own the Tread (which was affected by a less serious safety issue involving the screen), you can either return the treadmill for a refund, or request a repair from an engineer. Neither machine is now available to buy. 

The original Peloton Tread was launched in 2018 as a high-end running machine with a large screen and shock-absorbing slatted belt. In 2020 the company announced a new, more affordable treadmill, and the original machine was rebranded was the Peloton Tread+.

The new Peloton Tread was launched in 2020, and was available to buy in the US, UK and Germany.

What platforms is the Peloton app available on?

The Peloton app is available for Android. iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Tablet, and Roku.

What are the alternatives?

There's no shortage of home workout services available right now, but the one you're most likely to consider as an alternative is Apple Fitness Plus. To help you pick the right one for you, we've put together a full guide to Apple Fitness Plus vs Peloton. covering all the key differences between the two.

If cash is tight, Nike Training Club, is now free, and offers home workouts covering strength, cardio and flexibility.

If you have a Fitbit device, a subscription to Fitbit Coach will give you a wide range of personalized workouts that will fit neatly with your training goals.

Aaptiv is a particularly good option if you like the idea of audio-led workouts, and new classes are added every week.

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If you own a Peloton treadmill, you should stop using it immediately. The company is longer selling treadmills anywhere in the world after issuing a voluntary recall in the US.

The recall follows the death of a six-year-old child who became trapped underneath one of the exercise machines, plus 72 other reports of injuries, from grazes to broken bones.

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Peloton has two treadmills: the Tread and Tread+. They have both been recalled, but the Tread+ was the machine involved in the fatal accident. It has an unusual design that features rubberized slats rather than a conventional belt, which is intended to feel more like a real road underfoot. The way these slats separate and then close as they move over the rear roller, combined with the lack of any sort of safety bar, means it's possible for objects, hair or clothing to become trapped and pulled underneath.

Initially, Peloton rejected requests from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for the treadmills to be recalled. "CPSC staff believes the Peloton Tread+ poses serious risks to children for abrasions, fractures, and death. 

"In light of multiple reports of children becoming entrapped, pinned, and pulled under the rear roller of the product, CPSC urges consumers with children at home to stop using the product immediately" the agency said in a statement.

Peloton itself warned Tread+ owners to only use the machine in a room with no children or pets present, and no objects nearby. It also urged users to unplug the treadmill when not in use, and keep the key to unlock it out of reach so it can't be turned on. 

However, it denied that the treadmill's design made it unsafe to use, saying that the CPSC's press release was "inaccurate and misleading".

Now, the company's CEO John Foley has reversed his decision. “I want to be clear, Peloton made a mistake in our initial response to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s request that we recall the Tread+,” Foley said in a statement. 

“We should have engaged more productively with them from the outset. For that, I apologize.”

While the treadmills are still listed on the company's US and UK websites, with details of features and membership options, it's no longer possible to order one or sign up for a payment plan.

What to do next: in the US

There are two separate product recalls, one for the Peloton Tread and another for the Tread+. Users of both machines should stop using them straight away, but if you own a Tread, you can choose to have it repaired.

The problem with the Tread is its touchscreen, which can come loose and cause injury.  Since this is a less serious problem than the belt design of the Tread+, users in the US can either claim a refund, or stop using the machine for the time being and wait for a free inspection and repair to attach the screen more firmly.

Whichever machine you own, you can call Peloton to arrange a refund on 844-410-0141 from 9am to 7pm ET Monday through Friday, and 9am to 6:30 pm ET on weekends. 

What to do next: in the UK

While the Tread+ was only ever available in the US, and the company only sells exercise bikes in Germany, the Tread was also sold in the UK, where users have reported minor injuries such as cuts and bruises.

Since the CPSC only deals with consumer safety in the US, it will be down to the UK Office for Product and Safety Standards to talk with Peloton and decide what happens next. For the time being, it looks like the advice is to stop using your Tread and wait for a call. "The company will be in contact with UK customers that have purchased the product," a government spokesperson told Sky News.

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One of the best things about owning a Peloton Bike is the fact that your workouts are private but earlier this year a security researcher discovered that it was possible to make unauthenticated requests to the company's API to gain access to Peloton users' account data.

Security researcher Jan Masters at the UK-based security firm Pen Test Partners first began looking at the at-home fitness brand's security right around the time that President Biden was inaugurated and revealed that he planned to bring his Peloton Bike to the White House. However, at the time, cybersecurity experts warned that doing so could pose a risk to national security and now it appears that they may have been right.

During his investigation, Masters discovered that as a result of Peloton's exposed API, he could access the user IDs, instructor IDs, group membership, location, workout stats, gender and age of users of the company's online membership program from its servers even if they had their profile set to private.

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In mid-January, Masters reported his findings to the company and gave them a 90-day disclosure deadline, as is the industry standard, to patch the bug that allowed unauthenticated users to access the account data of Peloton users.

Exposed API

When the 90-day deadline had come and gone with just an email from Peloton acknowledging that it had seen the bug report, Masters then decided to reach out to TechCrunch which first broke the story.

While the company didn't fix the initial bug, it did restrict access to its API to its members. However, this meant that anyone could have signed up for a monthly digital membership for just $12.99 and accessed the API as well as Peloton user account data.

In the time since though, Peloton has confirmed with TechCrunch that the vulnerability is now fixed. TechRadar Pro also reached out to the company and a Peloton spokesperson explained how it plans to work more closely with security researchers through its Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure program going forward, saying:

“It’s a priority for Peloton to keep our platform secure and we’re always looking to improve our approach and process for working with the external security community. Through our Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure program, a security researcher informed us that he was able to access our API and see information that’s available on a Peloton profile. We took action, and addressed the issues based on his initial submissions, but we were slow to update the researcher about our remediation efforts. Going forward, we will do better to work collaboratively with the security research community and respond more promptly when vulnerabilities are reported. We want to thank Ken Munro for submitting his reports through our CVD program and for being open to working with us to resolve these issues.”

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Via TechCrunch

Peloton has launched a raft of new features for members, including refreshed scenic workouts, new training tools, and the ability to pause on-demand classes. 

The relaunched scenic workouts let you take a first-person trip through a virtual locale rather than sweating it out in a studio class. They were previously available to all Peloton members, including those with digital-only subscriptions, but are now only open to users with all-access membership.

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That change will no doubt come as a disappointment to users who don’t own Peloton hardware, but those who do will get a lot more from their virtual journeys.  Whereas scenic rides and runs were originally based on time alone, you can now take your pick from guided classes led by an instructor, as well as options based on time or distance.

The music has been upgraded too, with licensed tunes from Warner Music Group replacing the generic tracks that accompanied older scenic sessions.

The second new feature, Strive Score, is a metric based on your heart rate, measured with a compatible ANT+ heart rate monitor. This can be a chest-strap device like the Garmin HRM-Pro, or a fitness tracker from the likes of Polar, Garmin, Wahoo or Coros (unfortunately Fitbit devices don’t support ANT+ and therefore can’t be used for this).

Unlike Peloton’s leaderboards, which pit you against other runners and riders, Strive Score is non-competitive, and is personal to you. It measures how long you spend working in each heart rate zone during every class. Your heart rate zones are based on percentage of your maximum heart rate, and help you understand the intensity of your workout.

Right on target

If you own a Peloton Tread or Tread+, you can now follow on-demand classes with target ranges for speed and incline. This feature was previously only available to Peloton Bike users, and helps you ensure you’re sticking to the instructor’s session plan.

Peloton has also relaunched Programs, which are collections of classes from instructors designed to help you achieve a particular goal. You’ll be given a schedule of workouts and classes, with a progress bar so you can measure how close you are to achieving your goal and keep yourself accountable.

Finally, you can now stop an on-demand class and pick it up later using a new feature called ‘Pause’. It’s a handy tool that means you won’t miss a chunk of your workout if you have to attend to something important in the middle of your ride or run.

Peloton is facing increasing competition, so it’ll need updates like these to keep ahead of the curve. Companies like Echelon are aiming to take a bite out of its lunch, and subscription service iFit allows owners of compatible NordicTrack, ProForm and FreeMotion exercise equipment to take part in instructor-led classes and virtual scenic sessions as well.

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Peloton has bought a wearables company specializing in sports watches, suggesting that it may soon launch its own branded fitness tracker.

As reported by Wareable, Peloton has just confirmed the acquisition of Atlas Wearables, a Texas-based company whose devices use movement detection to identify different indoor exercises and count reps. 

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It's been a while since Atlas released a watch, with its most recent being the Atlas Multi-Trainer 3 back in 2019. The watch uses machine learning to track over a thousand different types of workout, including free weights, HIIT sessions, stretching and cardio.

The Multi-Trainer 3 can also guide you through workouts, with suggested plans that include set goals and rest periods. After each session, the smartphone companion app offers guidance on recovery, helping you plan your next session and make sure you're sufficiently well rested.

Why now?

The last 12 months have been an exceptionally busy time for Peloton, and the company's share price surged as gyms around the world closed their doors and people looked for ways to get a tough workout at home.

The company has already branched out into wearables of a different sort, having partnered with Adidas earlier this year to launch a range of branded sportswear including legging, sports bras, T-shirts and shots.

Atlas seems like a similarly good fit. Whereas companies like Garmin and Polar specialize in GPS devices for use outdoors, with a few options for gym training thrown in, Atlas is one of very few focusing on indoor sessions. 

Peloton will still have competition though – namely Apple, which launched its own on-demand workout service, Apple Fitness Plus, last year. Apple Fitness Plus incorporates data from your Apple Watch, displaying your heart rate on-screen during sessions, but if Peloton can release a wearable that does more, it may be able to steal an edge.

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Peloton now lets you schedule group runs or rides with a select group of friends – even if they don't have one of the company's branded treadmills or exercise bikes.

With gyms closed and sports clubs cancelled around the world, online workout services like Peloton, Fiit and Apple Fitness Plus have seen a surge in popularity, but while they're a good way to get an intense workout, they lack the social side of a regular running or cycling group.

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A typical Peloton class is huge, with enormous leaderboards that make it all but impossible to keep track of your usual workout buddies. Peloton Sessions changes that by letting you choose a class in the iOS app, then send an invitation to a small group of friends, who you can chat with and compete against.

You can set up running and cycling sessions, and anyone can take part provided they have some sort of treadmill or bike and a Peloton Digital subscription. If your friends aren't sure they want to invest in the monthly plan, they can try it free for 30 days first.

Hit the (virtual) road

Peloton Sessions proved very popular in beta-testing last year, but it isn't the only way to work out with your friends without leaving home, and Zwift is a good alternative if you prefer long group rides to intense spin classes.

Last year, Zwift hosted a Virtual Tour de France, with riders including Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal using competing for a digital yellow jersey, and you can do the same (with or without the gruelling mountain stages).

There are several ways to join a group workout on Zwift. You can load the same route as a buddy, select their name from the list of participants and select 'Join', take part in an organized event (such as a race), or create a Meetup for your club.

It's great to have more options for virtual group workouts, and we'll soon be putting together a guide to help you host an online cycling or running club. Stay tuned.

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Via Engadget

Peloton is one of the biggest names in home workout equipment, with fans including US president Joe Biden, but if you're thinking in investing in one of its spin bikes, it might be tough to decide which to choose.

Peloton currently has two indoor cycles: the Peloton Bike (first released in 2014) and the Peloton Bike Plus (released in 2020). As the names suggest, the latter is a more advanced machine, but also carries a higher price tag.

The cost of both machines is roughly in line with premium spin bikes from the likes of NordicTrack and Life Fitness. However, bear in mind that the initial price (which can be paid up-front or in monthly instalments) doesn't include the Peloton All-Access Membership necessary to access the company's  workout classes, which are the main appeal of its products.

Here, we'll run down the price of each bike, and sum up their key features so you can choose the right one for you.

Both bikes are available in the US, Canada, UK and Germany right now, with more countries coming soon (you can register for updates to find out when they'll be available in other regions).

Bear in mind that high demand means that there might be a wait of several weeks before your bike is delivered.

Price

• Peloton Bike starts at $1,895 / £1,750
• Peloton Bike Plus starts at $2,495 / £2,295
• Price doesn't include Peloton All Access subscription

The Peloton Bike is the less expensive of the two models. The regular asking price for the bike alone is $1,895 / £1,750.

There are also several accessory packs available. The Bike Essentials pack includes the Peloton Bike, plus a set of weights, a pair of bike shoes and headphones, and retails at $2,045 / £1,895. The Bike Works pack also throws in a bike mat to protect your floor, plus a chest strap heart rate monitor for $2,149 / £1,995.

If you're planning to share your Peloton Bike with another person, the Bike Family pack includes all that, plus an extra pair of shoes, an additional set of headphones, another heart rate monitor, and two water bottles for $2,345 / £2,195.

The Peloton Bike Plus is a little more expensive than the standard Peloton at Bike, at $2,495 / £2,295 for the machine alone.

The selection of accessory packs is slightly different, too. The Bike Plus Essentials pack comes with the cycle itself, plus a set of weights, a pair of shoes, and a reversible workout mat for $2,695 / £2,459. The Bike Plus Works pack gives you all of the above, plus a bike mat and a set of resistance bands for $2,795 / £2,595. Finally, the Bike Plus Family pack includes an extra pair of shoes, plus a set of yoga blocks and a yoga strap for $2,945 / £2,745.

Again, all prices include delivery, but you'll also need to sign up for a Peloton All-Access Membership for $39 / £39 per month.

Design and features

• Both bikes are ergonomically designed and adjustable
• Peloton Bike Plus has larger, more flexible screen
• Peloton Bike Plus has auto-follow resistance

Both bikes have a footprint of 4ft x 2ft, and Peloton advises having 2ft of space on all four sides for safe riding. The seat and handlebars of the two bikes are all adjustable for comfort (with the seat being configurable both vertically and horizontally).

The Peloton Bike has a 21.5in HD touchscreen that's fixed in place, whereas the Bike Plus has a larger 23.8in HD touchscreen, which can be rotated 360 degrees so you can easily see it when you're doing workouts off the bike. It also has an anti-smudge, anti-reflective coating, making it easier to see from different angles.

The original Peloton Bike has a 2 x 10 watt sound system, while the Peloton Bike Plus has 2.2 channel front-facing stereo speakers, and 2.2 rear-facing woofers. You can also use either bike with headphones to avoid disturbing your family and neighbors.

There's a 5MP front-facing camera on the Peloton Bike, and an 8MP camera on the Peloton Bike Plus, intended for video chats with friends and workout buddies.

Resistance for both bikes can be controlled using a knob below the handlebars, as on a typical studio spin bike. However, the resistance for the Peloton Bike Plus can also change automatically to follow the workout you're currently doing, leaving you free to concentrate on your cycling.

Connectivity

Both bikes can be connected to a smartwatch, fitness tracker or chest-strap heart rate monitor via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (the Peloton Bike supports Bluetooth 4.0, and the Peloton Bike Plus supports Bluetooth 5.0).

The Peloton Bike Plus also supports Apple Gymkit, so you can connect your Apple Watch directly to the cycle for more accurate tracking and stats.

Conclusion

Both bikes are solidly built, and let you take part in instructor-led workouts at home, but the Bike Plus offers the more immersive experience of the two, helping you get more out of the monthly subscription.

The option of automatic resistance control on the Peloton Bike Plus is a real advantage, making the instructor-led workouts much more dynamic as the difficulty is ramped up and down automatically. The improved sound system and larger screen will also make the experience more realistic, better simulating the effect of working out in the gym.

That's not the only consideration, though. If you intend to use Peloton's strength and flexibility workouts, the fold-out screen of the Bike Plus might make it a more appealing prospect, but you could just as easily use your smart TV for the same purpose.

There's a difference of several hundred dollars/pounds between the two bikes, so budget will certainly be a factor when you're making your choice, too. Whichever you opt for, make sure you factor the extra subscription fee into the price. $39 / £39 per month isn't a sum to be sniffed at.

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Peloton has long been the biggest name in instructor-led home workouts, but now Apple Fitness Plus is offering a very similar service for a similar fee. So what are the differences, and which one is best for you?

Gym memberships usually skyrocket at the start of a new year. Coronavirus has changed all that though, with many of us looking at other ways to rid ourselves of the extra weight we’ve gained due to all that festive excess.

If you want to bypass going to a gym and have been looking at alternative ways to get more exercise in or around your home then both Apple Fitness Plus and Peloton make obvious places to start.

Apple Fitness Plus launched back in September 2020, and if you’re keen to start working out in 2021 it’s definitely going to be of interest, although it’s got less of a track record compared to Peloton. With its high-profile image and many ‘live’ workouts where you pitch yourself against others Peloton enjoys a fervent following around the globe.

So which one to go for? In a nutshell Apple disciples will probably flock to the Apple Fitness+ option, but Peloton has a lot going for it. They’re actually both good for slightly different reasons. Let’s find out why.

Apple Fitness Plus

Subscription-based, Apple Fitness Plus is a service that costs $9.99 / £9.99 / AU$14.99 a month or $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$119.99 annually. If you’ve got the Apple One Premier bundle then it’s possible to use the service with Family Sharing for $29.95 a month. If you’ve bought an Apple Watch Series 3 or later since September 15 then you can explore it free for three months. Existing owners get the benefit of one month free.

In order to use Apple Fitness Plus you’ll need yourself, obviously, plus an Apple Watch and an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV in order to stream the classes. You might also want to invest in some weights to get the full benefit of the workouts where your trainer is using them.

Add in a sprinkle of enthusiasm and you’ll be good to go, although the lack of ‘live’ atmosphere you get compared to many of the Peloton workouts might prove offputting to some it has to be said.

The workout options for Apple Fitness+ currently consist of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) along with strength training, yoga, dance, core, cycling, running and walking workouts on a treadmill, plus rowing and cooldown options. Supplementary workouts will be added on a weekly basis according to Apple.

Peloton

Having been around for much longer than its new Apple Fitness+ counterpart, Peloton provides subscribers with a well-seasoned workout experience that benefits from some very cool hardware. Compared to Apple it’s got a much more complete package in that respect, with the high-tech bikes and treadmills it sells offering a much more immersive experience paring perfectly with the wealth of live workout events it offers.

Used on its own, Peloton’s app-only membership costs $12.99 per month, which allows you to access its extensive workout classes. Of course, if you’ve splurged or want to purchase Peloton hardware such as the Peloton Bike or Tread treadmill options then you’ll get it as part of the service. For many, being able to use a high-end cardio machine is what makes Peloton appealing as many of us sidestep conventional gyms, but the kit is expensive.

Indeed, Peloton is proving to be increasingly attractive to people who want to avoid the close contact of traditional gyms. This is especially so since the coronavirus pandemic has made many of us nervous about being in something like a spinning class.

Many gyms are also going through open/closed cycles due to evolving lockdown rules. Therefore, getting yourself armed with Peloton cardio kit removes all of that uncertainty, but you can still workout with others online. Of course, you’ll want to be pretty confident that you’re going to stick with it considering the sizeable outlay needed to buy a Peloton bike or treadmill.

Hardware or not, the core ingredient of a Peloton sweat session is the app, which if you subscribe to its digital services lets you enjoy a raft of different workout options. You can access Peloton digital services via mobile devices such as an iPad, iPhone or Android phones and tablets. Peloton is also available via Apple TV, Fire TV and Roku. Alternatively, tune in to exercise sessions online on a laptop.

Fitness fans of Peloton digital are well catered for too. You can get stuck into strength, yoga, cardio, meditation, running (both on a treadmill and outdoors), indoor cycling, stretching and walking. There are also Tread Bootcamp and Bike Bootcamp options, so there’s something for everyone.

Your workouts are driven by trained instructors with the supportive backdrop of music, which Apple also uses as a key feature in its own package. However, Peloton takes the edge in terms of motivation because of that live element and the fact that you’re working up a sweat with others. It’s more inclusive.

Family-friendly?

If you’re looking to workout, but also want to try and get other members of your family into the fitness groove then both Apple Fitness+ and Peloton will fit the bill. While joining online classes often involves watching content that is dominated by toned trainers the overall output is basically viewable by anyone 12 and over. Apple Fitness+ makes good sense in this respect as it can be trialled without too much hassle or financial outlay.

If you’ve got younger family members who want to get involved it’s important to be aware that the adult classes will, in many cases, feature instructors working themselves (and you) into a lather. The worst you’ll probably see is lots of sweat. But, in the case of both Apple Fitness+ and Peloton, there’s lots of super-animated coaching and, perhaps, some audio content that might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Generally speaking though either Apple Fitness+ and Peloton should be palatable for older children and upwards. Where there might be a question mark on content you’re about to watch then check your app for clarification.

General observations

It’s easy to see why Peloton enjoys such a fervent following with fitness fans that want to connect with others. Peloton looks and feels live, it’s got a cool vibe going on and for many that’s an essential part of any workout. It’s also got the hardware and tech to add to its overall muscle. Go the whole hog and buy the hardware though and you’ll be spending a sizeable chunk of money.

Apple Fitness Plus is pretty smart too it has to be said, with the dynamic edge of the software allowing you to get a better workout than you might think. Workouts evolve based on the data your Apple Watch records, so if you’re pushing hard to burn calories and boost your heart rate the Fitness+ technology should squeeze more from you. It’s requires much less financial commitment too, while some of the neat though not quite groundbreaking features will pique your interest.

For example, it’s useful that your live heart rate, calorie burn and movement ring output is shown live on screen during workouts with Apple Fitness+. There’s also the Burn Bar, which is a great idea that induces a little more of a competitive edge to proceedings as it gathers data from others who’ve done your workout. It gives you a bit of a virtual nudge if you opt to keep it switched on.

Equally, Apple Fitness Plus requires a little more self-discipline on your part to get the most from it as it’s basically down to you to get on with it.

Verdict

It’s early days for Apple Fitness Plus, whereas Peloton has been plying its workout wares for considerably longer. With its proven track record for firing people up and delivering plenty of fitness options using a variety of different classes Peloton therefore looks like a great option. It’s also got the potential to empty your wallet initially. A Peloton bike starts at just under $2,000 while the treadmill comes in at over $4,000. You’ll need space for the kit too.

However, factor in the savings if you’re going to do it instead of a gym membership and it starts looking like pretty good value.

If you’re keen on the look of the Apple Fitness Plus route then the major difference is you’ll need an Apple Watch in order to get the best from the classes. If you’re already an Apple convert, or thinking about buying the latest Apple Watch model then that may be perfect timing. A real bonus is the way that, save for any free weights you buy, there’s no bulky kit to worry about.

And another win with Apple Fitness Plus is that if you’re on the move then you’ll have access to all of your favourite workouts without the need for any hardware. Being able to set up and enjoy the type of workout that fits your surroundings at any given time makes Apple Fitness Plus a bonus, even more so if you’re well into Apple Music.

Ultimately, if you’re a bit fickle on the exercise front and don't quite trust yourself to keep on working out then, just like other fitness apps and services, both options require a decent level of commitment. Choosing Apple Fitness Plus or Peloton is one thing, but sticking with it is the real test. And money can’t buy that, no matter how smart the tech is.

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The way we work out has changed. As gyms around the world began closing their doors earlier this year, treadmills flew off the shelves, fitness instructors became household names, and downloads of home exercise apps surged. 

Although gyms in many countries are now re-opening their carefully sanitized doors, the biggest companies in tech are counting on sweating at home rather than a studio being part of the ‘new normal’ once we have a vaccine for Covid-19. 

Samsung has been hard at work on its fitness app for smart TVs, Samsung Health, and at its September launch event, Apple announced a new subscription service, Apple Fitness Plus. This will allow you to tune into instructor-led workouts on your TV, phone or tablet, with heart rate data from your Apple Watch displayed on the screen in real time.

Peloton, best known for its live spin sessions, seized the opportunity to release both a new bike and a treadmill, and saw its share price steadily climb throughout the year (only levelling off after Apple’s big debut).

Meanwhile, Peloton's rival Echelon Fitness tightened its grasp on the more affordable end of the market – its indoor spin bikes starts at $839.98 / £839.98 (about AU$1,200), compared to $1,895 / £1,750 (about AU$2,600) for Peloton’s entry-level machine).

We spoke to Lou Lentine, CEO of Echelon, about the move from the gym to the living room, what it means for people working out at home, and where he thinks home fitness is likely to go next.

“With the shut downs of gyms and other fitness studios at the start of the pandemic, users took to at-home workouts to stay fit and keep with their regime,” Lentine told TechRadar. “In 2020 the industry is merging technology and fitness like never before. Advanced technology has allowed users to bring fitness into the comfort of their own home and made working out attainable.

“The connected fitness Echelon offers lets people work out when and where is best for them. Moreover, technology allows our members to connect all over the country. Our members have created social media groups to discuss classes and their journey with Echelon. We love that people have welcomed us into their homes and technology has allowed us to be a part of their journey!”

The next steps

So how does Lentine see us working out at home in the future? “Over the next 12 months I think we’re going to see more competitors coming into the marketplace and we welcome that,” he told us. “We think we have something special here.”

“We’re really focused on using technology and AI to better understand our members and create rides that they love. In the US and soon after in Europe we’re launching two treadmills. We’re launching a new bike at the end of the year designed by Eric Villency, who designed the SoulCycle and Peloton bikes.

“For our rower we hired two of the best rowing instructors that we could find. Our head of content has a background in MTV, Peloton and Flywheel, so he’s got some great understanding of creating amazing content for workouts on and off the rower. You’re getting a full body workout. It really will kick your butt.”

Echelon is also building a new studio in Europe that is due to open by the end of the year, plus a bigger studio in the US that’s scheduled to start streaming classes in 2021.

Lentine isn't concerned about any threat from Apple, noting that it shows how connected fitness is booming, and a rising tide lifts all ships – and that Apple’s proposition doesn’t yet include hardware. 

“What we’re most excited for in the coming months is the launch of the Echelon Stride – an autofold smart treadmill and the newest addition to the brand’s current connected fitness portfolio,” he said.

"On the partnership and innovation side, we have also recently engaged in an exciting partnership with retail giant Dick’s Sporting Goods to offer our connected bikes, rowers, and fitness mirrors. Our products are available online and in all nearly 800 DSG brick-and-mortar stores.  Additionally, we are re-stocking our best-selling Connect Sport Indoor Bike with Walmart in the next month."

Back in the saddle

On the topic of hardware, we also had to address the elephant in the room: Echelon’s short-lived Amazon Prime bike, which was swiftly pulled from Amazon’s virtual shelves after the retail giant took exception to its branding and denied a connection with it.

“Echelon connected with Amazon in early January at the CES show,” Lentine explained. “They were set to sell our entire line of Echelon connected products plus to develop a bike to meet a $500 price point.  Even though all correspondence and the purchase orders call the bike the EX - Prime Bike, recently we learned that an internal Amazon team was not in full alignment. 

“We are in the process of rebranding the equipment available on Amazon and look forward to our next iteration selling out quickly, just as the current model did. Across the board, we are hyper-focused on zeroing in on the best technology and AI to best understand our member base and create unique fitness experiences that speak to a variety of abilities, price points, and customers.”

A wider range of bikes at lower prices would certainly be a step in the right direction, opening up home studio classes to people who'd find the current offering prohibitively expensive.

Hopefully the rebranded bike helps fill that niche, and - along with services like Apple Fitness Plus, Samsung Health and the raft of others - makes it possible for more of us to choose where we work up a sweat, whether that's at a re-opened gym or our own homes.

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If you're looking to get serious about getting in shape over the coming months, then premium fitness equipment purveyor might have something of interest for you: it's rumored to be launching a new exercise bike and a new treadmill very soon.

The treadmill will be cheaper and the bike will be more expensive, according to sources speaking to Bloomberg. That means both product lines will have a choice of two pricing levels for consumers to pick from.

Even the more affordable treadmill is still going to cost you quite a bit though, with Bloomberg's sources suggesting it's going to be available for just under $3,000 (that's about £2,255 with a straight currency conversion). The current Peloton treadmill will set you back a hefty $4,295.

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Changes coming with the lower-priced model include a simpler tread and a smaller overall form factor, apparently. If you don't quite have the floor space for the big version, maybe you'll be able to squeeze the smaller one in somewhere.

Get on your bike

The more expensive bike will up the price from $2,245 (£1,990 in the UK) by an unspecified amount, while the existing bike will drop down to a $1,990 (roughly £1,495) price, Bloomberg says. These devices will be branded as the Tread and the Tread Plus, and the Bike and the Bike Plus.

According to the report, the new gear will come with adjustable screens that enable you to do workouts beside the equipment, not just on it – that will expand the types of programs Peloton can run through its subscription service.

A separate story from The Clip Out suggests that Peloton will add improved support for the Apple Watch to the new bike and the new treadmill, so you'll be able to sync your exercises and your heart rate with whatever Peloton product you've got set up.

These new products are slated to appear in the next week or two, as per Bloomberg, with the bike arriving before the treadmill. If you're planning to invest in some expensive home fitness gear, maybe wait and see what the new range looks like before deciding what to spend your cash on.

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Via Pocket-lint

Peloton's home workout app is now available on Roku devices, so you can stream live studio classes at home. The app is rolling out in the US right now, and is due to arrive in the UK in mid-July.

Peloton is perhaps best known for its interactive studio cycling and treadmill classes, but its app also covers a huge range of other workouts, including yoga, strength training, outdoor running (via the mobile app) and even meditation, all led by professional coaches.

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The apps's arrival on Roku means it's now available on all major streaming platforms, including Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV.

How to try it

The Peloton app is available free for 30 days, so you can try it for a month before committing to it. To try it, you'll need to sign up for Peloton's digital membership and then download it.

This requires entering payment details, but you won't be charged if you cancel before the 30 days are up. After that, the app costs $12.99 / £12.99 a month (about the same as the average music streaming service).

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