Best peloton beginner rides?

[fluffycookie]

Can anyone recommend good beginner rides for the Peloton?  Ours is coming this weekend and I would like to have some rides in mind so I am not overwhelmed.  MH has ridden before and I used to to spin before we were married (16 years ago..lol) and neither of us have been consistently working out over the last year and a half/2 years.

TIA!

[ste]

Depending on your fitness level, I’d probably do the Welcome to Peloton Cycling collection (an assortment of beginner classes) or the Mastering the Basics program (an actual scheduled training program). I wish I’d done something like that when I started, the structure is really nice.

[morecoffeeplease]

In the on demand section there are rides labeled as beginner rides. That’s what I did. I think I did a 30 minute ride with Ben for my first one. It was good! In the beginner section you can get a feel for instructors that you enjoy.

[dontlook]

I picked my first ride based on music. It was a 2000s hip hop ride. It was tough because I was out of shape and practice but so much fun and the music kept me going.

If you want structure I would start with one of the beginner programs. If you just want to pick something they have classes labeled beginner and they have a rating from 1-10 to help you determine how tough it will be. If you pick a live class you might get a mention.

Enjoy!

[fluffycookie]

Jul 22, 2021 16:03:18 GMT -5 ste said:

Depending on your fitness level, I’d probably do the Welcome to Peloton Cycling collection (an assortment of beginner classes) or the Mastering the Basics program (an actual scheduled training program). I wish I’d done something like that when I started, the structure is really nice.

Thank you!  I just looked this up and it looks perfect - I like the structure of it.  I always go all in and then burn out so this having a schedule and mixing up the classes is perfect.  

[devonpow]

Low impact classes can also be a good choice - low impact means you don’t stand, and resistance and speed tend not to go above a certain level. I also agree with PP who mentioned picking based on music. There’s an artist series that you can check and see if any favorite groups are there etc.

[lemoncupcake]

Definitely check out the beginner classes - especially the first few in the program since they cover how to clip in/out, proper form and how to efficiently pedal.

Beyond that, if you are bored by the content in that program you can choose any low impact ride or even any other ride that you're interested in the music for and just do your best. There's no need to follow the instructed cadence/resistance/out of saddle callouts if they're beyond your abilities at first.

I'd personally much rather do a class with music and an instructor that I enjoy at 75% than do a class at 100% where the music or instructor is boring or not my style.

[orangello]

Also, if you’re just getting back into fitness after a long break, start slooooow. I am serious - start with the 15 minute classes to get comfortable, work your way up to 20 minutes the next week or so, etc. Coming out of the gate too hard can lead to quitting.

Also - the boot camp, yoga, and weight classes are all great. Don’t miss checking those out.

[lemoncupcake]

Jul 22, 2021 18:24:26 GMT -5 orangello said:

Also, if you’re just getting back into fitness after a long break, start slooooow. I am serious - start with the 15 minute classes to get comfortable, work your way up to 20 minutes the next week or so, etc. Coming out of the gate too hard can lead to quitting.

Also - the boot camp, yoga, and weight classes are all great. Don’t miss checking those out.

Another good point - if you're new to a bike (or haven't ridden in a long time) your butt/crotch will HURT at first. Work your way up with the length of rides and it will get better. I don't like padded shorts for rides shorter than an hour, but a lot of people think they make a big difference. You can get a seat pad also.

[ste]

Jul 22, 2021 18:30:50 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

Jul 22, 2021 18:24:26 GMT -5 orangello said:

Also, if you’re just getting back into fitness after a long break, start slooooow. I am serious - start with the 15 minute classes to get comfortable, work your way up to 20 minutes the next week or so, etc. Coming out of the gate too hard can lead to quitting.

Also - the boot camp, yoga, and weight classes are all great. Don’t miss checking those out.

Another good point - if you're new to a bike (or haven't ridden in a long time) your butt/crotch will HURT at first. Work your way up with the length of rides and it will get better. I don't like padded shorts for rides shorter than an hour, but a lot of people think they make a big difference. You can get a seat pad also.

My butt adjusted quickly, but I had really uncomfortable tightness in my upper back, like between my shoulder blades, for a LONG time in the beginning. I definitely was not prepared for that at ALL.

[beerlover]

I just picked the rides that looked fun to me based on music (for me its 80s, 90s, classic rock), and modify those as needed by going lighter on resistance or not going as fast as they say, etc.

[formerlyak]

Sam Yo has some good low impact and beginner rides. I think of all the instructors, his are the “easiest” in that category.

[iheartbanjos]

Jul 22, 2021 20:38:47 GMT -5 beerlover said:

I just picked the rides that looked fun to me based on music (for me its 80s, 90s, classic rock), and modify those as needed by going lighter on resistance or not going as fast as they say, etc.

Yep, same! Cody Rigsby’s rides are all generally pretty easy. You can make any ride as easy or as difficult as you need it by adjusting your cadence and resistance.

[foundmylazybum]

Personally...id be careful about picking classes based solely on music.

Some instructors are hard. Alex runs hard classes and he pairs them with music like "new tracks" and hip hop. His classes regularly are high RPMs and high resistance. If you just picked the class as a new person bc of the music and weren't physically prepared for the call outs...you could easily get buried.

Olivia is also a hard teacher. I PR with her often. Earlier this week I picked a 30 min pop class with her bc of the music and it was a tough ride.

I did the Beyonce ride with Ally, and while I liked the music and was loving her costume and enthusiasm, there were elements of the ride that were challenging and at some points I couldn't actually enjoy the music bc the class structure was over my depth.



When you go into the class, whatever class it is, it's really wise to look at the class metrics and breakdown. It tells you what the average RPMs and average resistance is going to be and it gives you a graph of what the class structure will look like.

I use those all the time to get an idea of what type of ride it's going to be and find it helpful.

[Nonny]

As Denis Morton says, he makes suggestions you make decisions.

The instructors will make their call outs - giving a range - but you are not obligated to follow them. I'm still rehabilitating my back right now so I'm riding, but I'm always staying in the saddle, I'm at a resistance that's comfortable and not necessarily challenging for the called cadence, or vice versa. Even when my back is ok, I'm probably at a lower cadence because my knees and hips just won't ever think of 100 cadence as a "flat road" - that's stupid fast for my body and won't ever be realistic for my personal health and safety.

The same with yoga, the instructors might not be using props, but I am. And I enjoy all the outdoor content for the music and banter but completely ignore the calls (I'm not a runner, but I'm still going to take that '90s run if I like the playlist).

Basically, instructor hop to find who you mesh with, but hold yourself back a bit until you get a feel for your capabilities on the bike.

[lemoncupcake]

Jul 23, 2021 12:12:14 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

Personally...id be careful about picking classes based solely on music.

Some instructors are hard. Alex runs hard classes and he pairs them with music like "new tracks" and hip hop. His classes regularly are high RPMs and high resistance. If you just picked the class as a new person bc of the music and weren't physically prepared for the call outs...you could easily get buried.

Olivia is also a hard teacher. I PR with her often. Earlier this week I picked a 30 min pop class with her bc of the music and it was a tough ride.

I did the Beyonce ride with Ally, and while I liked the music and was loving her costume and enthusiasm, there were elements of the ride that were challenging and at some points I couldn't actually enjoy the music bc the class structure was over my depth.



When you go into the class, whatever class it is, it's really wise to look at the class metrics and breakdown. It tells you what the average RPMs and average resistance is going to be and it gives you a graph of what the class structure will look like.

I use those all the time to get an idea of what type of ride it's going to be and find it helpful.

Maybe I’m a lazy exerciser, but in those circumstances I just ignore the call outs if it’s not what I’m able to or interested in doing that day. The other day I completely gassed myself on a 30 minute and hit a PR I’ve been chasing for months, then did a 20 minute class as as extended cool down where I played a game on my phone.

[dontlook]

Jul 23, 2021 13:40:17 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

Jul 23, 2021 12:12:14 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

Personally...id be careful about picking classes based solely on music.

Some instructors are hard. Alex runs hard classes and he pairs them with music like "new tracks" and hip hop. His classes regularly are high RPMs and high resistance. If you just picked the class as a new person bc of the music and weren't physically prepared for the call outs...you could easily get buried.

Olivia is also a hard teacher. I PR with her often. Earlier this week I picked a 30 min pop class with her bc of the music and it was a tough ride.

I did the Beyonce ride with Ally, and while I liked the music and was loving her costume and enthusiasm, there were elements of the ride that were challenging and at some points I couldn't actually enjoy the music bc the class structure was over my depth.



When you go into the class, whatever class it is, it's really wise to look at the class metrics and breakdown. It tells you what the average RPMs and average resistance is going to be and it gives you a graph of what the class structure will look like.

I use those all the time to get an idea of what type of ride it's going to be and find it helpful.

Maybe I’m a lazy exerciser, but in those circumstances I just ignore the call outs if it’s not what I’m able to or interested in doing that day. The other day I completely gassed myself on a 30 minute and hit a PR I’ve been chasing for months, then did a 20 minute class as as extended cool down where I played a game on my phone.

I’m here. I often ignore the call outs or go to the minimum if it’s a tough ride and that’s a-ok.

[beerlover]

Jul 23, 2021 13:40:17 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

Jul 23, 2021 12:12:14 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

Personally...id be careful about picking classes based solely on music.

Some instructors are hard. Alex runs hard classes and he pairs them with music like "new tracks" and hip hop. His classes regularly are high RPMs and high resistance. If you just picked the class as a new person bc of the music and weren't physically prepared for the call outs...you could easily get buried.

Olivia is also a hard teacher. I PR with her often. Earlier this week I picked a 30 min pop class with her bc of the music and it was a tough ride.

I did the Beyonce ride with Ally, and while I liked the music and was loving her costume and enthusiasm, there were elements of the ride that were challenging and at some points I couldn't actually enjoy the music bc the class structure was over my depth.



When you go into the class, whatever class it is, it's really wise to look at the class metrics and breakdown. It tells you what the average RPMs and average resistance is going to be and it gives you a graph of what the class structure will look like.

I use those all the time to get an idea of what type of ride it's going to be and find it helpful.

Maybe I’m a lazy exerciser, but in those circumstances I just ignore the call outs if it’s not what I’m able to or interested in doing that day. The other day I completely gassed myself on a 30 minute and hit a PR I’ve been chasing for months, then did a 20 minute class as as extended cool down where I played a game on my phone.

Same. I still do the hard classes with Alex and Olivia and just don’t sweat it if I can’t go that fast. Usually I can keep up with resistance call outs, but sometimes not cadence.

[foundmylazybum]

Jul 23, 2021 14:00:03 GMT -5 beerlover said:

Jul 23, 2021 13:40:17 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

Maybe I’m a lazy exerciser, but in those circumstances I just ignore the call outs if it’s not what I’m able to or interested in doing that day. The other day I completely gassed myself on a 30 minute and hit a PR I’ve been chasing for months, then did a 20 minute class as as extended cool down where I played a game on my phone.

Same. I still do the hard classes with Alex and Olivia and just don’t sweat it if I can’t go that fast. Usually I can keep up with resistance call outs, but sometimes not cadence.

Thats fine if YOU can make that adjustment, zone l abut you guys are explaining your reaction to this type of ride/situation from the perspective an experienced rider who knows how to respond and personalize it if the ride is too hard, but that's making an assumption that new people know how to adjust as well. 🤷‍♀️

Also, however you respond or ride is fine, and I'm not saying you need to do rides exactly as called or that you can't adjust..im a huge PZP person so it's not like I'm not for personalized adjustments..but if you get into a ride are choosing it for music only and not based at all on content or physiological outcomes and you are modifying it to do whatever you want..

Then there is a "just ride" option and you can make your own Playlist.

The rides have a purpose and intent, the music just helps you get there.

Suggesting to pick off music alone isn't really directing a new person to learn all the different types of rides or exercise outcomes.

[kate1482]

I really liked the 6 week Mastering the basics program. It was nice having a plan and taking classes with a variety of instructors.

[dontlook]

Jul 23, 2021 20:35:52 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

Jul 23, 2021 14:00:03 GMT -5 beerlover said:

Same. I still do the hard classes with Alex and Olivia and just don’t sweat it if I can’t go that fast. Usually I can keep up with resistance call outs, but sometimes not cadence.

Thats fine if YOU can make that adjustment, zone l abut you guys are explaining your reaction to this type of ride/situation from the perspective an experienced rider who knows how to respond and personalize it if the ride is too hard, but that's making an assumption that new people know how to adjust as well. 🤷‍♀️

Also, however you respond or ride is fine, and I'm not saying you need to do rides exactly as called or that you can't adjust..im a huge PZP person so it's not like I'm not for personalized adjustments..but if you get into a ride are choosing it for music only and not based at all on content or physiological outcomes and you are modifying it to do whatever you want..

Then there is a "just ride" option and you can make your own Playlist.

The rides have a purpose and intent, the music just helps you get there.

Suggesting to pick off music alone isn't really directing a new person to learn all the different types of rides or exercise outcomes.

I’ve only been riding since March of this year. I don’t know what camp the OP falls in but reading stuff like the above kept me away from peloton for a long time. I read that and feel like I have to do peloton right vs what I ended up doing which was just getting on and enjoying it. Maybe the OP needs guidance and enjoys structure. Maybe you get more out of it if you do it the right way but something the instructors always say that sticks with me is to remember my why. Why did I get on the bike today and for me it’s to move my body and have fun. I’m not trying to optimize or PR or anything like that. This isn’t to say that isn’t someone else’s why. And if it is, do that. I was the first to say enjoy the music bc that’s a big part of my why. It is literally the only thing that gets me on the bike 75% of the time.

Anyways, I just wanted to point out there is no wrong way to do this. So many people have great suggestions. There are so many different instructors/programs/different types of exercise within peloton. Happy riding!

[formerlyak]

I’ll add that in addition to Sam Yo, Emma, Jenn, Dennis and Christine will often remind you that if you aren’t able to keep up with whatever that day, lower the cadence or resistance to something that allows you to breathe a little harder. Christine always says ignore the leaderboard - it’s not important where you are on it, just that you are on it. That messaging helps me a ton. They are all the “older” instructors (all in their 40s I believe), so they may be catering to my middle aged demographic.

[pandora89]

I find Hannah Corbin great for beginners, her call outs are quite wide and tend to be on the longer end compared to other instructors, she gives lots of recovery time and give great reminders/queues on form.

[cuadrado]

I really liked going through the different instructors and taking their beginner classes. You can filter classes based off of difficulty level. You can get a feel for who you like and they also talk you through how to use the bike (and the Peloton app). I personally like starting out with an easier class as I get used to things vs. taking a class that's a little bit harder and having to make modifications. It's better for me mentally, lol. Cody is my favorite instructor.

[fluffycookie]

Thanks everyone! I have decided to start with the masters class - I like that it has a bunch of different instructors.