Following mass temporary gym closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, some Americans have become accustomed to exercising at home, and Peloton is about to make the prospect more enticing with its slick new Apple TV (opens in new tab) app.
People who subscribe to Peloton’s digital fitness program can now access live and on-demand workout classes via Apple TV, in addition to other devices such as the best fitness trackers (opens in new tab) - many of which can be found among the best Amazon Prime Day Fitbit deals (opens in new tab).
Available workouts include yoga, strength training and bootcamp, as well as running - ideal if you own one of the best treadmills (opens in new tab) for walking and running indoors. While Peloton is famous for its world-class cardio bike, if you don’t own one you can still exercise along with the brand's indoor cycling classes using an alternative exercise bike (opens in new tab).
In March, Peloton announced a free 90-day trial of its digital fitness service to see people through the initial phase of lockdown, but the free trial period has now returned to a standard 30 days. In April, the global home workout brand also rolled out Android TV support, so with the addition of its new Apple TV app, you can now access Peloton digital on a variety of platforms and devices, including the best fitness trackers (opens in new tab).
Once your free trial period is over, a Peloton subscription costs $12.99 a month. There are 10 workout 'types' and thousands of classes to choose from on any given day, whether you want to lean up all over with a full body workout, or focus on more specific exercises (eg, abs workout, leg workout) on different days.
The workout types covered include running (plus coaching for when you get out on the trail or sidewalk), cycling (indoor and outdoor), yoga, bootcamp (including H.I.I.T.), strength training, and restorative stretching. Peloton also offers meditation classes, though if you’re interested in deepening your practice, we’d recommend downloading the best meditation apps (opens in new tab), many of which now offer free seven-day trials.
Widespread temporary gym closures have led to spikes in the sale of home gym equipment, with a run on everything from resistance bands to kettlebells, as people continue their existing exercise routine or start a new one during lockdown. It will be interesting to see whether the enhanced availability of online fitness programs (opens in new tab) like Peloton and its rival, Fitbit, will actually encourage people to continue exercising at home once fitness centers reopen, or whether people will prefer to return to the gym.
