Having the chance to take a Peloton class in the New York City studio is a bucket list item for any Peloton enthusiast. Sure, we have access to all the class content at home, but nothing beats taking a live class at the hub of all the activity. I am sharing a summary of my experience, mistakes I made, and tips for future visits to NYC.
Sweating it out at Peloton Studios NYC
Peloton definitely has a cult-like following and the most passionate followers will readily admit to their obsession. What fuels any fan’s love of the brand is a topic for a whole other post. However, it is the star quality of the top-tier instructors that draws users to visit the New York Studio for a live class. A chance to interact with, sweat with, and snap a photo with one of the instructors who have celebrity status to their fans, is the real draw.
Booking a class
The booking process is super frustrating! As it stands today (August 2023) you can log in on Thursdays at 12 pm to try to get a coveted slot for classes over the next 2 weeks. Upon logging on, I was #1532 in the cue. Obviously, once it was my turn, everything was full. I was able to snag one waitlist spot right away and later got onto 2 more waitlists…
The Waitlist
Getting onto the “waitlist” and what that means exactly is a little vague. If someone gives up their spot more than 12 hours before a class, you can get a confirmation that you are added to a class. If you do not receive a confirmation by the day of your class, you are able to go to the studio, check-in and wait “stand by” to see if you can snag a spot. Apparently, lucky members are chosen at random from this pool. Exactly 30 minutes prior to the class, you will receive a text telling you if you are in or not. You then have 3 minutes to go claim it! This was ultimately how I got into my class.
While you are waiting
I had about an hour and a half to wait to see if I made it into the class. I spent the time chatting with other Peloton members and stalking other instructors as they exited their classes. I caught Hannah, Logan, and Chelsea! If you are not selected from the waitlist, the class credit will be added back to your account for use within the next year.
What happens in a live class
Once you have a spot in the class, you are given a colored wristband that coordinates with your specific class. You are also given a card (similar to a hotel room key) that designates whether you are celebrating a milestone or if it is your first visit to the studio. You are directed to enter the studio based on that priority to claim your spot.
The Peloton studio classes work like a well-oiled machine. With multiple live classes being streamed at the same time, they have it all figured out. Entering the class, the production staff briefs you on all the rules, do’s, and don’ts for class. (Where to stand, when you can use your phone, etc)
I took the live 60-minute Total Strength with Andy Speer. He entered about 15 minutes before the start time and was very chatty and personable with us. Strength classes only have 7 spots. He ran through the format of our upcoming class and advised us on pacing and weights. The 60 minutes flew by and I had a sweaty blast!
Photo ops
After class, the production assistant will direct you to the photo op spot. Andy Speer likes to do a group photo and then will do individual photos. You are no longer allowed to use your own phone to take them. They take the photos for you and then email them to you within a few minutes. It is much more streamlined.
Mistakes I made
I initially did not understand how the waitlist process worked. Consequently, I made the mistake of not going to the studio to wait on standby for the cycle class I hoped to get into. Cycle classes have way more spots than strength or tread classes and I most likely would have gotten a spot. So, if you have the time to go wait stand by for a class, do it.
Tips for future visits to Peloton NYC
If you are lucky enough to secure a spot in a class, yay enjoy it. Come to the studio camera ready. Once the doors open for your class, you need to be there (and not in the locker room!) to grab a spot. Bring in only your water bottle and your phone for pre-class photos. If you can get on the waitlist for another class on the same day or weekend, do it. You can always remove yourself from the waitlist if your plans change.
Final Thoughts on Peloton NYC
It takes some time and perseverance to get a spot in the Peloton Studios NYC for a live class. If you are a Peloton addict, it’s totally worth it to spend some time sweating it out with your favorite instructors.
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Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Oh wow, this is epic!! I imagined that it would be well-structured, but I had no idea that these live classes were so hard to get into!! Congrats on getting a spot!
Seeing one of your favourite instructors so close must have been very cool.
It is a very fun experience and worth the hassle!
Yay!!!!! I’m so glad you got into a class. What a fun experience, and it was super interesting to read about it. Like everything in NYC, the Peloton studio seems glamorous – it’s fun to get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.
It does have a glamorous feel to it and was a very special experience
Glad you got in! Sounds super complicated. But fun!
If I had more time in NYC, I’d love to try a cycling class.
It is so much fun to go there for a live class!
That waitlist process sounds so confusing! I’m glad you were able to get in. I bet you really enjoyed this experience!
It was worth it!
It looks like a great experience. I have read with interest this post because here I don’t know anyone who follows this kind of training.
How cool!! I am hoping to make it one day!!! love your pics and will have to look for you in that class.
I hope you do get the chance to visit the studio sometime it’s quite the experience
I’m glad it worked out for you to hang (and workout!() with Andy! The odds of me ever being so fortunate are pretty slim, LOL.
You never know! NYC is a fun place to visit
How special! I have a feeling you will be doing this again! I wonder if there are people who are local who try to sign up for every day. That would be super cool!
I love how organized everything sounds.
There are some locals who go often but they limit how many you can do in a week!
At some point I hope that Peloton improves their process for getting a class because everyone says how horrible it is. So glad you were able to get off the waitlist to snag a spot in Andy’s 60 minute class. I have yet to take his total strength 60 class yet because I’m super intimidated. For some reason the Saturday60 seems less scary lol.
So, I had never taken a 60 min class either. Usually, I stack a few shorter ones. I was intimidated too but really no need to be. I have no doubt you can do them!
I didn’t realize how small the strength classes were! How fun to learn how the ID the milestones.
I just had breakfast with Amanda – the friend whose post I comment tagged you in. Fun to hear both of your takes simultaneously
You have to join me next time! It is worth the jumping through hoops!
Interesting! Slightly different than my London experience, but London is much easier, at least for tread. NYC is a bit wilder, apparently!
So glad you got in!
NY has a lot more going on on a day I think. It wold be fun to try the strength classes there too. I love JJ
I am super-excited for you that you to the chance to go to PSNY and got into a class. It’s awesome that you got a photo with Andy!
While I’d love to take a live class sometime, I am also wary of the whole “process” that is now involved… I am not a big fan of getting on waitlists, big crowds, standing in line for photos, and the whole celebrity hype. I feel a bit torn about all of that. Which doesn’t mean I wouldn’t go if I had the chance 😉
I get that but it’s worth it for me. I had so much fun!