Spoiler Alert: I LOVE OUR PELOTON.
On the eve of 2020, I resolved to make this THE YEAR when I finally started working out regularly. Since having Nathan and Nora, I hadn’t really worked out at all. I was NOT on a mission to lose weight. More than anything, I was looking to tone and build muscle.
I had already planted the seed in E’s head that I REALLY wanted a Peloton bike. I had heard great things from friends, and I loved the convenience of being able to work out at home. I was never really big into spinning before but, because I have knee issues, a bike workout is the best workout for me. E really wanted an elliptical. Unfortunately, we don’t have room for two workout machines in our home, so we really needed to make a decision.
Two of our close friends RAVING about their bikes pushed E over the edge and into the “let’s buy a Peloton” camp! So we headed over to our local Peloton store at The Mall at Short Hills to test the bike out. We bought one on the spot, and then celebrated by treating the kiddos to gelato at Primo Mercato.
Our Peloton bike arrived on January 22nd, and I hopped on that night. IT WAS SO HARD. Much harder then I thought it was going to be. And I only did a 20 minute beginner ride!
I didn’t ride again for four days… My legs and butt were SORE. I needed to build up some courage to get back in the saddle. I also needed to wait for my bike seat cover to arrive from Amazon! Let me tell you. It has been the BEST $22 I have EVER SPENT.
For the first week or so, I only did beginner rides. I wanted to take it slow and introduce myself to all of the different instructors. I instantly fell in love with Cody, Emma, Jenn, Jess, and Robin’s rides. Their teaching style, music selections, personalities, and attitudes really motivated me to push myself.
I ignored the leaderboard for the first month. I didn’t really care where I landed on it, and I wasn’t too concerned with setting a personal record (PR) either. I was learning and finding a rhythm. In February, I rode 24 out of 29 days. Even I was impressed with myself. But could I keep up the pace? Well… I hit my 100th ride in May, and I am approaching my 200th ride this week, so YEAH. I am happy to report that I can, indeed, keep up the pace! Now I try to ride at least 4-5 days a week. I love live rides and riding with friends. It is fun to push each other and compete with one another. I find that my best competition though, is with myself. Now I am ALWAYS competing with myself to see if I can set a new PR.
When COVID-19 hit and the entire world shut down in mid-March, I was so incredibly thankful that we had bought the Peloton. Riding our Peloton is one of the only things that kept me (sort of) sane from March through June when I was working from home solo with both kiddos. Working from home while simultaneously occupying two small children is REALLY HARD and incredibly stressful. It was HELL. We couldn’t go anywhere or do anything. My only real outlet was the bike. After the kids went to sleep each night, I would hop on the bike to work out my frustration and anger with the state of the world. Sweating it ALL OUT. It was such a necessary release and so important for my mental health.
My Peloton workouts have continued to be that release for me throughout the pandemic. Would I have thrown myself into working out as much if not for COVID? We will never know! I am so incredibly thankful, though, that we took the plunge in January. I feel stronger every single day because of my Peloton.
If you want to follow along or throw out some high fives, my Peloton profile name is JLJAY85!
Need a promo code? Use U7JTEY for $100 off any Peloton accessories!
