Get The Most Out Of Your New Peloton With These Easy Tips

So, you've finally bit the bullet and bought yourself a Peloton bike. Get ready to join a highly active community of other riders! Whether you're an experienced cyclist, a spin class aficionado, or a total newbie, Peloton is a unique exercise tool that presents an equally unique exercise experience. Crowned with mounted HD touchscreens, Peloton bikes marry old-school workouts with cutting-edge tech and networking. In fact, some have gone so far as to suggest that, despite the brand's successful exercise bikes, Peloton is less of a manufacturer and more of a content company (via Forbes). The brand curates an interactive fitness lifestyle, with the goal of providing something for everyone. So it's no wonder that the Peloton brand has grown from humble beginnings to attract an almost cult-like following of diehard fans.

While Peloton also has a treadmill in its catalog, its bikes continue to rule the roost. The company currently sells two models of its fan-favorite exercise equipment: the Bike and the Bike+. Both are packed with the features that Peloton has built its reputation around, and while the Bike+ has a notably higher price tag, some users may prefer its extra versatility. But whichever Peloton you've elected, it's a big investment that you'll want to get the most out of. So, while you're giddily counting down the days to your bike delivery, here are a few tips to help you set your Peloton up for success.

If you have a new Peloton on the way, the first thing to figure out is where you plan to put it. Both Peloton models have a sleek footprint of 4 feet by 2 feet, which is pretty low-profile for a piece of exercise equipment. But you also need to ensure that there's plenty of room around the bike. For both the Bike and Bike+, Peloton recommends choosing a space that's at least 8 feet tall (for generous headroom) and can spare a minimum of 24 inches around all sides of the bike. So, in an ideal world, your Peloton's new home would actually be a clear space of 8 feet by 4 feet.

There are also personal considerations when choosing your bike's perfect locale. If you're shy about working out in front of people, for instance, you'll probably do better placing your Peloton in an area with some privacy, rather than stuffing it into the corner of your often-inhabited living room. And if you're the type who thrives with a vista, it may be nice for you to place the bike facing a window or in a space with ample natural light. This can help make your workout doubly rewarding, as sunlight provides health benefits that pair nicely with your new exercise regimen (via Healthline).

Peloton has a lot to offer in the adjustability of its equipment, but ultimately, its biggest claim to fame is the software that complements its bikes. Boasting 4.9 stars on the Apple app store and over a million downloads on Google Play, the Peloton app has earned its place at the center of the brand's fitness experience. So, when you're ready to embark on your Peloton adventure, it's important to make sure your apps and accounts are also ready to go. Syncable between your bike and other devices, the app can be used not only with your cell phone, but also with smartwatches, tablets, smart TVs, and through a good old-fashioned internet browser (via Peloton).

For households with more than one rider, Peloton also includes the ability to create different usernames for each person. This helps ensure that your stats and goals are tailored specifically to you and aren't skewed by interference from your spouse or roommate. But if your kids want to get involved, bear in mind that Peloton requires they be at least 14 or older to participate in classes.

One of the biggest perks of having a Peloton over any other drab workout bike is the brand's range of inspiring classes and content. With both an on-demand library and live sessions to enjoy, Peloton has cornered the market on diversified fitness content from aerobics and weight lifting to meditation (via Insider). With so much to explore, the Peloton app has even gained popularity among users who don't own any of the company's equipment (via Mashable).

Of course, there is also plenty of bike-specific content. So, to reap the full benefits of your new purchase, investigate the available programming and identify some options that resonate with your exercise style. Need accountability? Competitive leaderboards and group classes for any fitness level can help gamify your wellness journey and keep you engaged. Find music motivating? Peloton doesn't just offer run-of-the-mill workouts. Its app also features classes built around music genres, so you can tune into the beat that gets you moving. Wish you had more time for the great outdoors? Join scenic rides that display a first-person view of beautiful countryside as you bike from the comfort of your own home. And Peloton is releasing new ways to upgrade your ride all the time, such as the recent Lanebreak feature, which introduces challenges that make your workout feel more like a video game (via Wired).

Life is busy and full of unexpected interruptions. It's all too easy for our priorities to rearrange themselves without permission, or for one-time compromises to completely derail our momentum until we haven't exercised in weeks. That's why it's helpful to have a structured schedule to guide your workouts. "Making time for your workout is just like scheduling a meeting with yourself. It lets you, your boss, your friends, and your trainer know that you have prioritized this part of your day. It's important," personal trainer and nutritionist Roger E. Adams, Ph.D., tells Aaptiv. "The more ingrained your workout routine becomes in your normal day, the more consistent you will be."

And if you're trying to incorporate multiple fitness goals into your regimen, keeping a regular schedule can help you balance your workouts appropriately. For example, you may want to focus on cardio one day and strength training the next. With a regular schedule, you can quickly know which classes to cue up on your Peloton app to stick to your goals. If you haven't been accustomed to exercise before getting your new Peloton, remember that it's also okay to start small. If you overdo it early, you run the risk of hurting yourself or getting discouraged by the difficulty level (via WebMD). Instead, try leveling up your workout gradually over time.

Unless you're a dyed-in-the-wool exercise junkie, there are probably days that your workout feels more like a chore than a joy. But letting these negative associations stick can ruin the fun and motivation behind your Peloton experience. To overcome such a hurdle, try to practice positive reframing techniques. Reframing is a way to organically adjust your thoughts or feelings by considering a situation from another angle or point of view (via Talkspace). When it comes to dragging your feet on a task like exercising, instead of focusing on the tough parts — say, how sore your legs might feel later — try reframing your thought patterns by envisioning the high you feel after a workout, how much you like a certain instructor, or how satisfied you'll be when your fitness goals start to manifest.

Also, remove any unnecessary mental friction from your workout process. If you tend to be grumpy and unmotivated in the morning, try exercising at night or laying out your gear for the next day. It may even help to get cuter, more inspiring workout gear. A survey conducted by Barbell Apparel found that 69% of gym bunnies feel more motivated once they're dressed in their athletic clothes, and 79% believe that getting the right outfit is the first step toward achieving workout goals (via SWNS Digital). And if you find yourself dreading a certain type of class, try switching to something more your speed. After all, Peloton has more than enough content to choose from! By taking the time to find something you love, riding your bike will become something you truly look forward to.