With people around the world needing to get their workout fix at home due to the coronavirus, the Peloton spin bike is a great way to break a sweat in your own home. With a variety of instructors, as well as live and on-demand spin and floor classes, Peloton has become a tremendous success over the past few years. However, this year they have truly stepped up their game. Here are three ways Peloton has proven to stay innovative and exciting in 2020.
Rides "Live From Home"
To comply with social distancing requirements, Peloton has had to pause a key element of their business: in-studio classes at their studios in NYC and the UK. These in-studio riders added to the environment and energy of live and on-demand Peloton classes, so it was an interesting adjustment to see instructors in the studio alone with empty bikes behind them. Later in the progression of quarantine, some instructors began to teach classes from their make-shift home studios, which brought a fresh, new feel to the rides. For example, in Jess King's at-home classes, you can see the beautiful skyline of NYC behind her, along with her vibrant home interior. While these at-home rides are a huge change from full studio classes with riders from all around the world, they bring a new comfortable feeling to the rides; they remind riders that even though the world is changing, we are still grinding together.
"Pride Rides" Throughout Pride Month
Peloton has a diverse group of instructors and riders, many being a part of the LGBTQ+ community. As Peloton has coined the term "One Peloton," they are focused on releasing rides that honor and celebrate different groups, the LGBTQ+ community being one of them. In these "Pride Rides" throughout June, many instructors craft their playlists with music by solely LGBTQ+ artists, while some merge these songs with other empowering anthems. They also celebrate by wearing rainbow workout gear, talking about the themes of acceptance and sharing their personal stories about pride (some instructors of "Pride Rides" are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, while others are strong allies to the community). Overall, these rides are an amazing celebration of individuality, love and Pride.
Rides Addressing The Black Lives Matter Movement
With the recent death of George Floyd due to police brutality sparking important conversations and protests worldwide, many companies are addressing their policies on racism and how they are standing with the Black community. Peloton has posted on their social media platforms emphasizing their commitment to diversity and solidarity with the Black community, but they truly showed their support by amplifying the voice of Instructor Tunde Oyeneyin and releasing her "Speak Up" ride. The purpose of the 30-minute ride, Oyeneyin said, was to get riders "uncomfortable" physically and mentally, because from uncomfort comes change. Oyeneyin also instructed a "Juneteenth ride" on June 19 which honored and brought awareness to the holiday that commemorates the ultimate emancipation of enslaved black people in 1865.
\
