You may have heard of “hot girl walks” and “12-3-30 workouts” Have you heard of Peloton hiking classes? They have been growing in popularity for good reason. Are you wondering what hiking classes are all about? How to incorporate them into your training schedule? What benefit they might have for you? Let me give you all the deets and why you should “add to stack”.
Peloton Hiking Classes-Add to Stack
What are the Peloton hiking classes all about?
Peloton hiking classes are designed to mimic outdoor hiking workouts with the use of a treadmill. Classes are structured with intervals of quicker speeds and varying inclines. There are short warm ups and lower inclines and then you are off and running so to speak. The “work” section of classes are typically in the 8-12% incline range. Of course, you can always control your own speed and incline to achieve your workout goals.
Do you need a Peloton tread to do them?
No you do not need a Peloton treadmill to take a hiking class. Any tread that has incline is perfectly fine. You will need the Peloton App to take a class.
What benefit do hiking classes have?
Incline walking on a treadmill offers several benefits including: increased calorie burn, enhanced cardio fitness, strengthening of glutes, hamstrings and calves, and improved endurance. Incline walking or hiking offers a low impact way to build endurance or recover from a run day.
Why are hikes great for runners
Specifically, for runners, incline treadmill walks can help prevent over use injuries by providing low impact alternatives to running while still maintaining aerobic and cardio conditioning. In addition, hiking on a tread can help to simulate hill training, which can help to enhance overall running performance and speed.
“You get comparable results of running without the impact on your joints,” Rebecca Kennedy says “that walking on a 12% incline at a 3.5 is the equivalent of jogging on a flat road at a 5.4. “You can easily PR on these hikes because of massive output,” Rebecca says.
How can you incorporate them into your training schedule?
Hiking classes would be perfect to include on non running days as excellent low impact cross training. Remember to warm and stretch out your calves and glutes before beginning. “Anyone new to an incline treadmill should begin with a 1% to 4% incline. An incline of 1% – 2% is thought to mimic the natural changes in elevation of outdoor walking or running”. (Source)
Where to find hiking classes on the Peloton App
Hiking classes are found under the “walking” classes tab. Currently, there are over 300 classes taught by at least 10 different instructors. Classes range from 10 minutes to 60 minutes. The level of difficulty is also shown.
Final thoughts
Don’t sleep on these hiking classes! They can be great additions to your current workout schedule by proving low impact, high cardio benefits. These classes offer more variety than the 13-3-30 workout. Plus, they are lots of fun and add great variety to your workouts. Add to stack!
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
I don’t use Peloton, but I have a runner I coach who sometimes does hiking workouts. She likes to do them as cross-training or will sometimes replace a run with a hike.
they really are a great workout and can serve as fab cross training
It sounds like the hiking classes would be great for cross training. I don’t have a treadmill (or Peleton) but I do like the idea.
I saw you walking on a tread at your gym so you could simulate some hikes there
My husband did a hill climb workout almost every day as part of his marathon training. He thinks it really did help him! I’ll have to give it a try.
Oh that’s really great to hear that it helped him!
These sound great! Since I ditched Milly, I haven’t had time (or any immediate need) to search for a replacement, but that’s on my to-do roster before next winter. Glad you’re liking these hiking classes!
Yes I am and I think you will as well!
Very cool. Hiking is such a great workout, and I absolutely make use of them when I’m on the elliptical or stairmaster.
they really are great workouts and I am excited to do more of them
What a great idea for a treadmill workout! Anything to make it less boring, lol
amen to that!
I do the 13-3-30 treadmill workout for cross training, and it’s great. I don’t have the Peloton app anymore, but if I did I would totally do these classes. Walking at an incline like that is a great workout that doesn’t stress your body like running does.
Yes, I have seen you post about doing the workouts and I am glad you like them too. I am enjoying the variety of going up and down and varying the speeds as well. It’s a heck of a workout