I have had my Peloton since 2019. Seven years and hundreds of rides later I can tell you exactly what I wish someone had told me before I unboxed it.
Not the stuff Peloton tells you in their welcome materials. The real stuff — the Peloton advice you only learn from actually riding consistently for years and figuring things out along the way.
If you just got a Peloton or are thinking about getting one this post is for you.
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Table of Contents
It Is Going to Be Harder Than You Think
Let me be upfront about this — spin classes are genuinely challenging. I was surprised by how hard my first few rides were and I was already an active woman with a solid fitness base.
Do not be discouraged when the first few rides feel brutal. Your body is adapting to a new movement pattern, your legs are building cycling specific strength, and your cardiovascular system is learning what a Peloton instructor means when she says “turn up that resistance.” It gets better — significantly better — after about ten rides. Stick with it through that initial adjustment period and you will start to find your rhythm.
The Seat Will Be Uncomfortable at First — That Is Normal
Almost every new Peloton rider asks the same question after their first few rides — is the seat supposed to feel like this?
Yes. At first. Your body needs time to adjust to the saddle and that adjustment takes about ten rides for most people. After that the discomfort fades significantly for most riders. If it does not consider padded cycling shorts or a seat cover as a temporary solution while you build up your tolerance.
Do not give up on the bike because of early seat discomfort. It is a rite of passage that almost every rider goes through.
Get Clip In Shoes — Do Not Mess Around With Cages
This is non-negotiable advice. Get cycling shoes that clip into the Peloton pedals from the very beginning.
The difference between riding in sneakers with toe cages versus clipping in is significant. Clip in shoes engage your entire pedal stroke — not just the push down but the pull up as well — which means more power, more efficiency, and a better workout. You will get meaningfully better output with clip in shoes and your rides will feel smoother and more controlled.
I ride in Kyedoo cycling shoes and they deliver everything you need at a very reasonable price point. Do not wait to make this upgrade — do it from the start.
No — The Instructor Cannot See You
Every new Peloton rider wonders this at some point. The instructor is looking into a camera and delivering a class that will be ridden by thousands of people — they cannot see you in your living room.
What they can see is the leaderboard. And if you hit a milestone — your 100th ride, your 200th ride, your 2,000th (!) ride — they can see that and they will shout it out during class. That moment feels genuinely special and is one of the things that makes the Peloton community so unique.
Set up your profile, put in your real ride milestones, and enjoy the moment when your name gets called.
The Variety Will Blow Your Mind
I was not prepared for how much content Peloton actually has. I expected cycling classes. What I found was an entire universe of workout options.
Power Zone training for data driven riders who want to train in specific heart rate and output zones. Music themed rides built around artists and genres — there is something for every taste. Jess King’s Sweat Steady series which is one of my personal favorites — long steady state rides that are deeply satisfying in a way that is hard to describe. Pro cyclist rides from Christian Vande Velde who is back and delivering incredible content. HIIT rides, climb rides, scenic rides, live classes, on demand classes.
My advice to every new rider — try at least three new class types every week for your first month. You will discover what you love and what keeps you coming back and that discovery process is genuinely fun.
Find Your Community
The Peloton community is one of the most genuinely warm and supportive fitness communities I have encountered and it is worth plugging into early.
After a few rides start looking for a small group of people with similar interests. There are regional groups — Upstate NY riders, New England riders — and groups built around life stages like Working Moms of Peloton. There are music groups like Grateful Dead Legs for Deadheads who love to ride, and groups built around favorite instructors like the Jess King Collective.
These communities make the Peloton experience richer and more connected. Find your people and join them.
Make Sure Your Bike Does Not Rock
This is the practical tip I wish someone had told me before I set up my bike.
Peloton bikes are heavy and the feet need to sit completely level and stable on your floor. If your floor is not perfectly even your bike may rock side to side during rides which affects your form and your safety.
My solution — I got a small piece of plywood from Lowe’s and asked them to cut it to 2 feet by 4 feet. I put it under my mat and the bike sits perfectly square and steady on top of it. Problem solved for a few dollars. Lowe’s will cut it for you right in the store — just ask.
If your bike rocks even slightly do not ignore it. Fix it before you start riding seriously.
The Accessories Make a Real Difference
The right accessories make every ride more comfortable and more effective. The ones I consider essential after seven years of riding:
- Cycling shoes — clip in, do not compromise on this
- A good fan — you will sweat more than you expect
- A water bottle that fits the cup holder — I use the CamelBak Podium
- Microfiber towels — keep one on the handlebars every ride
- A mat — protects your floor and keeps the bike stable
Check out my full guide to best Peloton accessories you actually need for everything I recommend.
The Bottom Line
The Peloton is one of the best fitness investments I have ever made. Seven years in I still genuinely look forward to getting on the bike and that feeling has not diminished at all.
Give yourself time to adjust. Get the right shoes. Explore the content. Find your community. And get a piece of plywood from Lowe’s if your bike rocks.
Welcome to the best club you never knew you needed.
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