Help me become a peleton fanatic. Please.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have one and I just don’t see why it is so great. I have a bad knee and doc says to use it. It hurts my butt even though I have a pad. Help me, I want to be a peleton person.

This was me. My spouse jumped right into it and was fine, but it really hurt my butt. Spouse bought me a seat cover, that didn't help. My solution was to do 5 minute cool down rides every day for a while. Then I migrated to 10 minutes. Currently at 15 minutes with no butt pain.

I also found that fixing how I was sitting (pusing my hips back, playing with seat height, angle and position) made a difference. Now that I have the bike adjusted right, I find it much more comfortable without the seat cover.

Also, doing really short bouts helps you find instructors you like. I assumed I'd prefer the "just ride" option (no instructor), but found it tedious. When I started doing short bouts with different instructors, I found some with music and an attitude that I liked and others who really annoyed me. The instructor makes a surprising amount of difference.

Finally -- listen when instructors talk about how to peddle. I had some knee pain, but focuing on using all my muscles to exert force through 360 degrees rather than just pushing down on peddles made it go away. If my knees twinge now, I focus on pulling on the up stroke and they stop.

[Anonymous]

Exercise bikes are the raisins of gym equipment. They are terrible no matter how you brand them.

[Anonymous]

For me, it is all about the music! Sometimes I completely tune out the directions and just enjoy the music while I exercise. But I love getting a sweat on, so that also helps.

'I agree with others about trying non-bike options. I love the outdoor run/walks, but with a bad knee, the walks would be perfect and get you outside (again, I love listening to the motivational words and music), try some of the stretching content, maybe yoga. Explore.

Finally, I love earning the badges. For me, they are very motivating. I want to hit 1000 minutes a month and reward myself for it. I always look at the new offerings each month and see which new badge I want to work for. Maybe goal setting could be motivating for you?

[Anonymous]

Matt Wilpers Low Impact rides go over pedal drills so that you can improve your form. He has classes that are between 5-20 minutes long. CDE and Denis have some pedal drill classes as well but they are harder to find. I think all of Matt's low impact rides focus on how to pedal properly.

Find a video about how to set your seat properly, it makes a huge difference. CDE has a video where she helps adjust the seat for 2-3 people on her facebook and instagram pages. And make sure your sit bones are all the way back on the seat. You need to make sure your weight is properly distributed and that means having your sit bones in the right location.

And if the bike isn't working for you, try the yoga or strength or cardio or outdoor walks.

[Anonymous]

I really like mine but I wouldn't say I'm a fanatic. I am definitely in better shape after using it for a few months. I think the trick is just getting into a routine, even if it is a short ride just 4-5 times a week. I also agree with PP that you have to find the right instructor. I have a hard time with the eye contact, dancing, and lip synching to the song that some of the instructors get into.