I was like a kid on Christmas morning when I heard that Peloton was introducing Bike Boot Camps. Adding in Bike Boot camps sounded like the best of both worlds. Everything I have come to love about Peloton cycling coupled with strength training intervals. Want the sweaty scoop on how these classes play out? Are they right for you?
Peloton Bike Bootcamp Review
Peloton has offered boot camp classes using the treadmill but the bike boot camps are new as of mid-September. First, let’s start with the basics.
What is a bike boot camp class?
Boot camps are designed to give you the most bang for your workout buck. Classes are a combination of high-intensity cardio (on the bike) alternating with strength training on the floor. Full-body workouts that are designed to complement each other to offer a comprehensive time-effective workout. You will move back and forth from your bike to the floor with ample time to change shoes.
How are bike boot camps different than just doing a cycle class followed by strength training?
The Bootcamp format is designed to keep your heart rate up during the whole strength training portion as well as the cycle segments. Moving back and forth between cardio and strength offers a true interval workout. In my opinion, these workouts are a lot more challenging than doing a stand alone cycle class followed by a strength class.
What kind of equipment do I need?
You do need a bike. (In theory, you can use any stationary bike through Peloton digital.) Some of the bike boot camp classes use only bodyweight for the strength portion for those who do not have weights at home or who just prefer those workouts. Other classes use traditional dumbbells. It is usually helpful to have a medium and heavier set (whatever those weights are to you). A mat, towel, and gym shoes. Position your mat and weights before class starts so you can easily transition between both formats.
I have been using these Nike Metcon sneakers for all of my strength training and love them. Lightweight but super supportive and they come in a wide range of colors. I ordered 1/2 size from my normal shoe size.
Currently, Bike Boot camps are taught by 4 of the most popular instructors Cody, Jess, Robin and now Tunde. Classes range from beginner to advanced with 30 minute, 45 minute and now 60 minute classes on the schedule. Again, some classes require dumbbells others are body weight only. New classes are added weekly. Classes are offered on demand through the app under cycling at any time. Find more info here.
Bootcamps can be for every fitness level. It is easy to customize the intensity of your workout by increasing/decreasing weights and reps. With the ability to pause a class, you can add more rest or add in extra reps when you want more.
What I love about the Bike Boot Camp classes
I like to give myself a day off of running so I rarely did the regular boot camp classes. The bike boot camp classes allow me to obtain that same high-intensity interval workout format in a lower impact class. Lower impact does not mean easier. Classes are long enough that I feel like I am getting a kick-butt workout. They are short enough that I can add on a core class or another short cycle or strength class.
The strength training section is comprised of more basic compound moves (think squat with a bicep curl) that allow you to get the most bang for your fitness buck. There is little if any rest between sets. For me, it’s a boredom buster as well. I see myself doing these types of workouts at least 2x a week. Peloton does it again with another fantastic and innovative workout.
What is your experience with boot camps? Have you tried the Peloton Bike Boot Camp yet? Find me on the LB @DeborahB
I like workouts like this because its fun to change up what you’re doing! I haven’t been on my bike in months because just spinning alone has felt boring to me. Love that Peloton is coming up with such creative workouts!
I agree spinning on your own can get boring. If you have access to the app, you can try the class w any bike
As of November, I may have a access to a gym with bikes, weights and all, so Peloton really sounds like a great option for me. These bootcamp classes sound like something that would appeal to me and my husband.
Thanks for this introduction, Deborah!
I am really enjoying them and hope that you have a chance to give them a try sometime
Thanks for a review. These peleton classes are making me want a stationary bike (any kind) and maybe when it gets too cold to go outside, I will give in.
I really think you would enjoy having a stationary bike for non running days. It’s such a great low impact workout
I have never done a boot camp class, of any sort…I know, my bad. These sound really fun and challenging, and it’s nice that you can do them at your oun house (as opposed to needing to drive to an actual gym).
That is one of the best parts! I think you would really like the Peloton strength classes
I’ve never done a bootcamp workout but this seems like a great addition to the Peloton library. I may have to find someone with a Peloton to see what all the hype is about!
Yes you do! You can also get just the app for a very reasonable fee and do many of the classes. They also have running boot camps that you might like
While the boot camp sounds fun, I’m really interested in those Nike Metcon shoes! I need new shoes for CrossFit. I hate the ones I have. Can you run in them? I woud want to use them for the short runs we do in CrossFit.
Apparently all the cross fit folks wear these and love them! Check them out
I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a bike. I use the digital app almost daily and love it! I think these classes would be awesome.
I cannot say enough about how much I love it. LMK if you have any questions
It sounds like a great workout! I’m not on the Peloton train but sometimes I wish I was since it does seem like there’s so much you can do on the bike!
So much to do! Not too late to jump on
I actually thought there would be bike bootcamps when I first starting looking at what was available, so I’d do the bootcamps using my stationary bike (yes, it works just fine) instead of the treadmill. I think it makes total sense to have both bike and treadmill bootcamps! Not everyone runs.
Yes I agree! I need days off btwn runs so these classes work perfectly for me
The bike bootcamps are such a great idea! I’ve only done one so far (with Jess) and I really enjoyed it! I think I’ll still primarily stick to the regular bootcamps but it will be fun to add in a bike bootcamp once a week after the PZ training is over.
Yes they are a sweat fest and fun way to mix it up
I use the Peloton app all the time for the great classes but I still need to get a bike. Love the sounds of this workout!
It’s really the best of both worlds for me!
Love this!
I haven’t had the pleasure of doing any kind of Peloton workout yet, but they all seem so intense and fun and different! I used to love spin, and this seems like it would be such a cool upgrade from that. So glad you love it!
A very good update!
This looks like such a great option for classes! I actually love the idea of this even more than a straight ride!
I am loving them!
I haven’t tried the Peleton Bike Bootcamp yet but it sounds like a fantastic workout. Also, I’m loving those shoes! You always have such cute apparel!
Thanks so much!
This looks like such an amazing program! I’m hoping to get a peloton for Christmas!
Yay! You will love it! I have lots of tips for you. BTW there is currently a 3 month waiting list
I have so many friends who have been enjoying all the Peloton workouts over the last few months. With gyms closed they are a great option. I’ve thought about it but I don’t have a bike and I’m really not a “class” type exerciser. They do look fun though!
They are tons of fun!
Honestly, I had no idea about these classes. I mean, I knew they were the new thing but I did not know what they were about. Now thanks to you I do! :-). I like how these are set up. I have the bike and the weights. I can’t do the regular bootcamp classes because I don’t have a treadmill. I will have to check it out!
They are really fantastic check them out
Peloton has so many exciting workout options!
They sure do!
I have been thinking to join Bike Boot Camp classes since so long and reading your article is pushing me to get registered in one asap :)))
great hope you enjoy it