Anonymous wrote:After a year of curiosity, I bought a Peloton during the big Amazon sale. So far, I love it. But, I'm also quite out of shape and a total beginner. I would love recommendations for beginners. Am I best off in these 20 minute beginner classes (which are fine, but all end as if it were my 1st class) or is there more open to me that won't feel totally overwhelming? I did a nonguided scenic ride and thought it was a bit boring. I have liked the beginner classes - cheesy as the instructors can be.

How much was the Amazon discount? I want to know how low they reasonably can get. I have $2k in capital one rewards points can use at Amz too. This could’ve been just the thing to help me make the plunge.

Agree with powerzone. Even though all the bikes are wildly calibrated differently yours will give you the right zones. I trained for my first Olympic distance triathlon with about 65% power zone classes on my wife’s peloton. I think I ended up with ~30/150 on the bike leg. Power zone works and is totally approachable since the zones are personal.

I second the Powerzone Endurance suggestion for fat burning and stamina building. You could start with 30 minutes and go from there. I also find that Climb rides are great for this purpose too. Ben Alldis, Matt Wilpers and Denis Morton are all great for learning form on the bike. Make sure to stretch--it really helps. And your butt will be sore for a few days but it really does get better quickly!

I also do a lot of the strength classes. They are awesome. The Roll Call classes are available daily and give you a great work out. You could also do a 10 minute core class each day that you do a ride. Once you've built up some strength, there is so much to explore on the app. Congrats and good luck!

I think some instructors are less challenging than others. I would try Bradley Rose or Cody Rigsby as opposed to Kendall or Tunde. Also try low impact classes which are a bit easier.

And don’t forget about non-bike classes. Stretching and core strength are really good. A strong core is important for cycling (I’ve learned the hard way!)

Power zone has a “learn power zone” series that I think is easier. I did it and liked it.

Give yourself permission to try a bunch of different options. You may click with one instructor but not another. Some instructors may make the time pass faster. Or maybe try different types of music. Hip Hop vs Rock etc. You'll eventually find your natural niche!

Just try a bunch of things! Don't feel married to the call outs. I personally found doing more standard and more advanced classes after I got the basics down was helpful in pushing myself forward. I wasn't always able to jog or meet the cadance or resistance, but the face that they were calling those made it so I tried harder than I might have otherwise!

After the 20 minute beginner class there are 30 minute advanced beginner classes that are also good (and just a bit harder.). It’s also a good way to try out a bunch of different instructors and see who you like.

For regular classes, you can sort by difficulty so you can pick one that isn’t too hard.

Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:Just try a normal 20 min class! I bet you'll surprise yourself. Try a few different instructors and music styles.

Also, if one doesn't work out, don't give up immediately. They can all vary a lot. For example, I am absolutely terrible at "jogging" on the bike (higher cadence) but I can handle pretty tough climbs (higher resistance). So if you try one and it's too hard, give another few classes a shot.

And at the end of the day, you're not required to meet their cadence and resistance. So really, every class is available to you and you can adapt it to your own needs. Good luck!

Just try a normal 20 min class! I bet you'll surprise yourself. Try a few different instructors and music styles.

Power zone endurance rides are great for getting in shape, but you need to complete the 45 minute rides to see gains in your endurance.

I usually do 2 rides a week that are 20-30 min HIIT and 2 45-60 min power zone endurance classes.

Anonymous wrote:I believe there is a beginner series called You Can Ride or something like that. Check under Collections or Programs. It might be a good place to start. Otherwise just stick with beginner classes, try out different instructors, and just do your best. The cadence and resistance are just guidelines—it’s ok if you can’t hit them at first.

Thank you! I can keep up with the cadence and resistance in the beginner rides, but they also aren't easy for me. I will check out that series.

I believe there is a beginner series called You Can Ride or something like that. Check under Collections or Programs. It might be a good place to start. Otherwise just stick with beginner classes, try out different instructors, and just do your best. The cadence and resistance are just guidelines—it’s ok if you can’t hit them at first.

After a year of curiosity, I bought a Peloton during the big Amazon sale. So far, I love it. But, I'm also quite out of shape and a total beginner. I would love recommendations for beginners. Am I best off in these 20 minute beginner classes (which are fine, but all end as if it were my 1st class) or is there more open to me that won't feel totally overwhelming? I did a nonguided scenic ride and thought it was a bit boring. I have liked the beginner classes - cheesy as the instructors can be.