Having always preferred cardio, from ballet as a child to running and spinning as an adult, I’ve found strength training to be tedious and have resorted to doing fewer reps with less weights (and I have the weak upper body and core to show for it).
Focusing on strength training
So when I was given the opportunity to test out the Peloton Guide, I was curious to see if this new gizmo might turn me into a strength-training enthusiast, the kind that never misses leg day and has a “do-you-even-lift-bro” mentality. Even though the Peloton Bike+ got the globe addicted to spinning at home, and the fitness company’s sales soared through the ceiling as a result, up until that moment on Sex and the City remake. When it comes to this year’s launch, can it get the same attention?
AI Powered training System
Introducing Guide, Peloton’s AI-powered strength training system, which is available today. Pre-recorded strength classes are tracked using machine learning by Guide’s camera (with live classes soon to come). Strength training programmes on Peloton’s platform have existed for some time, but Guide-specific classes use a Movement Tracker to keep track of your progress as you finish your reps.
Bike+ and Tread from Peloton piqued my interest when they launched. Because of my newfound love for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), I became an avid spinner. To ensure that I would achieve the same results as Guide, I made a promise to myself that I would complete at least one strength training session per day.
After effects of Strength training
When I’m only a few minutes in, I’m reminded right away of why I’ve never liked strength training: it’s tedious and boring, and even using 10 pounds as a heavy option makes my arms feel like noodles, especially when the instructor is using 15 pounds as their light option. Even the next day’s push-ups and planks are difficult.
One thing, though, I did not anticipate was that the Guide would appeal to my sense of competition. As the sweat metre on the Movement Tracker rises, the workouts become more enjoyable. In addition, I’m able to make required adjustments to my technique by viewing it on screen alongside the teacher in Self Mode, however I do wish the Guide could provide real-time input on improving my form..
Highly motivating guide
As a newbie, being able to track my progress on the Movement Tracker has motivated me to do my best on each set. A Peloton teacher, Matty Maggiacomo, agrees that Guide is an excellent product for people who are just starting out with strength training. When I first started working out, I had no idea what a “squat,” “lunge,” or “deadlift” was, and Guide’s routines will appeal to people who gravitate toward Peloton because they lack the self-confidence necessary to conduct strength training in a gym—and I feel visible.
No, I’m not a big fan of strength training yet, and I’m not excited to do a Guide strength class like I was with Peloton’s other offerings. But I’m beginning to see the appeal. My quadriceps and shoulders feel a little sore from the squats in my lower-body class, but it’s still too early to tell if they’re getting stronger or weaker, so I’m grateful for the little reminders that I’m working hard to get stronger. What about those seven classes you finished in strength training? More than I have ever accomplished in a long time
