Trainer or Peloton?

[Anonymous]

Be kind you guys. I am in my 60's and overweight. I have never had an exercise routine. I do enjoy walking and hiking, but only when the weather is nice...which in DC is only in the spring and fall, by my standards. How can I get into a routine of some type year round?

I was thinking of getting an exercise bike (that I could use watching TV or cool videos) OR perhaps hiring my first trainer. How do you think they compare, in terms of cost? Results? Adherence?

I live in a condo, to top things off. Any advice you might have is much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

So peloton is different than the type of exercise bike you are describing. The peloton has classes and isn’t like a low impact cardio machine where you watch tv. Or at least the sticker tag on the peloton is not worth it for that.

That said if I were you I would start with a trainer. A trainer I think is a really good place to start because they will work with you to find your strengths and they will teach you the right ways to do exercises. I think at home machines require some real iron clad will in the beginning to make useful, so if you do go that route try to make a plan every Saturday about the following week. Schedule your workouts and go to them like you would a doctors appointment or something, consider them non negotiable, part of the day and not something you do when there is time. I think you really only have to be so rigid for the first three months or so but you have to create and sustain a real habit and your body will start wanting it and then it will be easier.

But really a trainer is a great place to start because you will get a strong foundation in overall fitness and tons of information and exposure to different machines and exercises to help you decide what the next step will be when your time with the trainer ends.

And I say all this as a totally crazy peloton cult member myself who did self start last year. But honestly I think if it hadn’t been for the election I wouldn’t have been able to have done it. I was so stressed out I was having trouble like functioning and the peloton gave me an outlet and I had motivation to get on it every day for a couple months almost just to get my jitters out! I rode for like something crazy like 9 hours at my maximum intensity m, on the floor dripping every day, the week leading up to the election. Which I only bring up to say that that beginning and creating of the habit intensely is crucial and how you ensure it doesn’t turn into a coat hanger.

[Anonymous]

Agree; we are Peloton fan dorks. We have both the Tread+ (my device) and the Bike (her device). I would start with the trainer. Then, decide once you get into the groove if you want to get the bike or some of other device for at home work. At your age (not trying to be pejorative), you strength and cardio training is going to be pretty easy to attain at home.

Also, don't discount just going outside and brisk walking. Every morning for 1.5-2 miles. Get a fitbit and track your steps. I would start with that before going to the trainer. Fitbit Charge 4 is $150 and has a GPS for tracking how far you went and where on an overlaid map on your phone app.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for those thoughtful and well reasoned posts!

Recommendations for a trainer who would help someone easing into exercise would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Cheers for new beginnings!

So much data out there about the benefits of weight training especially as we age. It helps with slowing metaboslism.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

If you're looking for an exercise plan where you can also multitask (watch TV, listen to music/books, etc) you might want to get the FitBod app. It provides really great workouts that you can customize to whatever equipment you have at home, including if you have zero equipment at home. I've been using it for 3 months and I'm absolutely hooked. You can find coupon codes on the web to get it for $45 per year, which is way more cost effective than a trainer or peloton.

[Anonymous]

Trainer. They can help you avoid injury as you get started - form is critical if you are just starting out.

[Anonymous]

I love my Peloton but would start you with a trainer to get some baseline knowledge and see if you can find an exercise that interests you specifically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Trainer. They can help you avoid injury as you get started - form is critical if you are just starting out.

I agree with this, also that walking is a great place to start. I despise summers here, OP, but if you get out early morning before work it’s not bad most days, and is usually pleasant.

[Anonymous]

Agreed on Fitbit and walking. Tracking your miles/steps per day can be really addictive. It makes you want to keep it up. Definitely get up and get out early and get it done. Start now before the bad winter months come. And you can start this first thing tomorrow morning. Added bonus that it's a Saturday. Get an old fashioned calendar and write down what you do every day. Seeing your progress on paper can really help with motivation as well.

As you feel more comfortable with that, I'd add the personal trainer to teach you form, etc. You also generally pay in advance, and I don't like losing money by not showing up.

Then look at the Peloton. I think right now they have a try for 30 days for free special going. I'm an early adopter on the Peloton and love it. But I think getting into the exercise habit first will help you.

Good luck and congrats on wanting to take the dive into health!

[Anonymous]

People are being so nice!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Agree, trainer first! I did the opposite and don’t recommend. My trainer helped me fall in love with resistance training. Sure, both are great, but if you have to choose, trainer is much better value, IMO. Helped me figure out a lot of things that were tripping me up in terms of fitness and nutrition. Mine is virtual and it’s still unbelievably helpful. I pay $100/session, which includes a weekly workout plan to do on my own, plus an initial nutrition consult (spoiler,
I wasn’t eating protein) And good for you!!! Wishing yoy the best.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for a trainer. I started it after I went into sudden menopause, out of concern for bone loss and metabolism. Now I can’t wait to get to the gym and do resistance training. I love my trainer and have no plans to quit working with one, ever. I would drop so many other expenses before my trainer. They’re great for accountability and personalizing your workouts to what you need and enjoy.

That said, my previously-completely-sedentary husband has a peloton and is suddenly exercising regularly. So they’re both great options!

[Anonymous]

Neither, but here me out.

Do both. Get a much cheaper stationary bike - Schwinn and sunny are popular name brands - and download the peloton app. Use it to do rides, but also use it for other at home classes. Yoga, Pilates, running, walking etc.

Hire a trainer who can teach you how to properly do different exercises. Form is key.

Then, start doing as many classes with peloton that you wish to.

I use peloton, soul cycle, and apple fitness plus for biking. I like variety. You can choose any of these or all of them.