I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I love my Peloton! As a runner, it's a great way to incorporate a low impact, but at times high-intensity workout into my overall fitness routine. With a few months of classes under my belt with my new bike, I feel it's time to discuss how I've been using it and how it has impacted my running.
PELOTON FOR RUNNERS - EVEN DOPEY ONES
I love using my Peloton as cross-training for my running. It's a great way to add a low-impact exercise to my routine and with so many classes, I can customize my workout to how my body is feeling that day. I use the cycling classes as an opportunity for cardio gains to support my running and overall fitness. The climb & HIIT classes are a great way to build quad & gluteal (booty!) strength to help me power up San Francisco hills. And the low impact classes are great for recovery post-run or as part of light exercise during a rest day (if you're feeling up to it!).
In 2019 I had access to open/public Peloton bikes in my apartment buildings gym, which is where I first discovered the bikes. After taking my first class, I quickly begin to incorporate it into my training for the 2020 Dopey Challenge. During this time I almost exclusively took classes that were 45+ mins long and higher intensity (HIIT classes and others). My goal was to get my heart rate to a similar level it would be if I were running and to keep it that high for a similar amount of time as my run. As I started to enter the longer distances (running for 1hr+) I leaned more on the HIIT classes rather than trying to find super long Peloton classes. I also took low impact classes (15min classes mostly) during my recovery days or immediately after a long run. This helped jump start my recovery and flush out the lactic acid building up in my legs.
MY FAVES
I have 3 favorite instructions that I struggle to break away from lol! Pretty much any of the classes from Alex Toussaint, Cody Rigsby, and Aly Love are on my list! I love their energy, positive and fun messages during class, and their interaction on social media (I almost passed out when Aly Love liked a few of my photos on insta). Once COVID is in our rear-view mirror, I hope to attend one of their live classes in NYC!
GETTING OFF THE BIKE
In addition to the cycling classes, there are so many other classes to take that can benefit your running. While I need to make more of an effort to incorporate all class types into my routine, I have been loving the yoga content (Metallica Power Yoga? Sign me up!). They even have guided outdoor running content, which, again, I need to utilize more but only have good things to say about it.
PEDALS & TIARAS <3
I’m so glad that I made the (steep) investment of getting a Peloton. I can imagine myself utilizing the bike and Peloton’s content for many years to come, especially as a running supplement. Feel free to add me on Peloton if you take the classes, I’m @MedalsandTiaras. I've also started a group/hashtag called Pedals & Tiaras! One of my goals for this year is to create suggested classes/stacks of classes so be sure we're connected so you don't miss out! See you on the leaderboard!