Peloton review: Everything you need to know

Peloton makes a range of home exercise machines and equipment, including bikes and treadmills. It also offers apps that host online fitness classes.
Share on Pinterest
This article provides information about the Peloton brand and its products. It also describes possible health benefits of Peloton’s equipment and services and lists some alternatives.
As of May 2021, Peloton announced a voluntary recall of the Peloton Tread and Tread+ treadmills due to safety concerns. The company recommends that customers who already own one of the treadmills stop using it and contact Peloton for a full refund.
voluntary recall
Overview
Peloton is an exercise media and equipment company founded in 2012.
Its best-known products include stationary exercise bikes, treadmills, and an app for online fitness classes. Peloton also sells sports apparel and accessories designed to complement its flagship products.
exercise bikes
treadmills
Customer reviews and reputation
Peloton has a mixed reputation.
The user review website Trustpilot gives Peloton an average of 1.6 stars out of 5. Most of the negative reviews focus on poor customer service and long delivery times.
Trustpilot
However, Peloton UK has a Trustpilot score of 4.1 stars. Many positive reviews focus on the quality of the equipment, and users also describe the classes as motivating and helpful.
Trustpilot
Reviews are more positive on the Peloton website. It is important to note that many companies filter these reviews. Customers may also be more likely to leave feedback if they have a positive experience.
Peloton
Peloton products
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and was correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here
Peloton sells two bikes and one treadmill. Below, we compare these products:
Peloton Bike
Peloton’s flagship products are their stationary exercise bikes — the Peloton Bike and the Peloton Bike+. Both include:
access to the Peloton app and Peloton classes
a 12-month limited warranty
delivery and assembly included
a 30-day free home trial
The Peloton Bike has the following features:
an adjustable 22-inch HD touchscreen
a built-in sound system
a resistance knob to adjust workout intensity
SHOP NOW
Peloton Bike+
The Peloton Bike+ expands on the original model by including:
a rotating 24-in HD touchscreen
an enhanced built-in sound system with quad speakers
a resistance knob that automatically adjusts to match the intensity in the Peloton classes
Apple GymKit integration

SHOP NOW
Some people may wish to wear a heart monitor while working out on an exercise bike.
Learn about the best heart monitors to use with the Peloton bike here.
Learn about the best heart monitors to use with the Peloton bike here.
Peloton also sells this treadmill as part of its Tread range. The model comes with:
access to the Peloton app and Peloton classes
a 12-month limited warranty
delivery and assembly included
a 30-day free home trial
Additionally, the Peloton Tread features:
a 59-in running space on a traditional running belt
a 23.8-in HD touchscreen
speeds of up to 12 km per hour
up to 12.5% inclination
adjustable control knobs
App and classes
The Peloton App provides a wide range of live exercise classes. These include:
indoor and outdoor running classes
running
cycling classes
yoga and meditation classes
yoga
meditation
coaching for strength and stretching
Professional coaches and trainers host these classes throughout the week.
The Peloton App also allows people to track their progress and work out with other users.
The app comes free with the purchase of a Peloton Tread or Bike product. A person can also buy it, without any equipment, for a monthly subscription fee.
LEARN MORE
Accessories and apparel
Peloton sells accessories and sports apparel, including:
a range of workout clothes
earbuds
a heart rate monitor
cycling shoes with cleats
free weights
resistance bands
water bottles
a workout mat
SHOP NOW
Health benefits and risks
A 2018 review observes that a lack of physical activity may worsen certain health conditions. These include:
2018 review
bone fractures
osteoporosis
osteoporosis
ovarian, breast, and colon cancer
ovarian
breast
colon cancer
cognitive dysfunction
heart failure
heart failure
hypertension
hypertension
stroke
stroke
prediabetes
prediabetes
erectile dysfunction
erectile dysfunction
On the other hand, exercising too often or with too much intensity can also have negative health effects. For example, research shows that about 15–33% of people who cycle long distances experience knee pain or knee injuries.
15–33%
Running can also lead to injuries. One study reports that running has a higher risk of injury than walking, cycling, or swimming. Most of these injuries affect the knees, shins, and feet.
study
It is important do do warmup and cool-down stretches before and after exercise to help reduce the risk of injury.
warmup
Peloton vs. competitors
Many other brands make home exercise equipment and offer online classes. Some alternatives to Peloton include:
NordicTrack: It sells a wide variety of home gym equipment, including bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, and touch screen fitness mirrors. Learn more about NordicTrack here.
Learn more about NordicTrack here.
Bowflex: It sells all-in-one home gyms that allow people do many types of exercise with one piece of equipment. Learn more about Bowflex here.
Learn more about Bowflex here.
Echelon: It sells bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, and touchscreen fitness mirrors with dedicated classes. Learn more about Echelon here.
Learn more about Echelon here.
The following table compares these brands, based on a range of features.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about Peloton.
A person may find Peloton equipment worth purchasing if they use it regularly. Opting for a home exercise bike or a treadmill may cost less than a gym membership in the long term.
Different Peloton bikes may suit different people. For example, people interested in trainer-led classes might prefer the Peloton Bike+, which automatically adjusts its resistance to the setting that the trainer suggests.
A person looking for more standard equipment may prefer the Peloton Bike.
Any form of exercise can help a person lose weight.
Exercise and a healthy, balanced diet can help a person reach their fitness and health goals.
Fitness equipment is generally safe if a person follows the manufacturer’s instructions.
However, Peloton recalled its Tread and Tread+ treadmills in May 2021 due to risks of injury. It had not announced a recall of any other equipment at the time of publishing.
May 2021
Summary
Peloton sells a small range of exercise bikes and treadmills, a dedicated app with online fitness classes, and various sports clothes and accessories.
Many similar brands sell home exercise equipment and classes. Before making a decision, it can help to check customer reviews from a range of sources.