Century Club: 100+ Rides with Peloton

Back in November, I posted about getting my new Peloton bike. You can read about that here. I originally planned to ride it for a month and then do a review. That obviously didn't happen. Then I wrote a draft post at fifty and that didn't happen either. It doesn't matter. I've hit that first big mark - 100 rides, the Century Club. And I felt like that this was a great way to come back from my blogging hiatus.

The question I always get asked the most, sometimes with apology, is if I use my Peloton. Most home gym equipment gets bought with great expectations and then becomes a clothing rod. At least that's what happened in the house I grew up in! But I do actually use my Peloton. As of today, I'm at 188 total workouts since November 2018. That includes rides, stretching, strength and a couple yoga classes.

For me, what makes Peloton different than just having a piece of equipment is the community. Is it the same as being in a class with an instructor you've known for years that calls you out when you're slacking AND when you're killing it? No. But I love that I get high fives from people that are riding at the same time as me. I usually do on demand rides because of my schedule, but I really wanted to do a live ride for my 100th ride. I wanted that call out from Alex Toussaint! I did! But it just wasn't working out for my schedule and I didn't want to get behind, so I just went and did a fun ride with Cody. And I got SO. MANY. high fives from people that were riding with me.  These people didn't know me, but they knew that I had accomplished a big goal and were proud of me. People you don't know that are supporting you is awesome. And rare.

The next big question I get is schedule. When do I ride and how. Mostly, I ride before work. My leader board name is #5AMmamarides. Cause that's when I ride, between 5 and 5:30 AM. I mostly do on demand classes so I can stick with what I like. But I've done some live classes when I have a day off or a weekend and a more flexible schedule. I'm not going to lie, though, I love my on demand classes. I choose the class and instructor I want, I have a decent idea what's coming up during the class and I know the playlist.

Once you do Peloton, I think it's pretty natural to pick your favorite instructors. I've taken most of them at least once. But there are a few that I always come back to and it's all based on the type of ride that I want. If I want a good butt kicking, Jess King is my girl. She takes no crap from you and puts together some tough rides. If I need a good mood boost, I go with Cody Rigsby. He's from North Carolina, hilarious and always says, "It ain't that deep!" Sometimes I need to hear that. My other two faves are Emma Lovewell and Alex Toussaint. I love their music and their workouts. Alex has a Club Bangers series that is my FAVE and Emma just did a full Red Hot Chili Peppers ride. Honestly, I think all of the instructors are good. I have others that I like, but those are the four that I regularly rotate through.

My favorite thing about Peloton is that this is about me. I have no issue telling people that my biggest struggle in becoming a mom was the loss of identity. Before Carter, I was so independent. And then he came and my whole world got turned upside down. I had to figure out who Sarah is now, not the Sarah I was before.  Peloton let me pick up and continue the part of me that loves to work out and feel strong. I don't have to choose between doing something for me or spending time with my kid. I get to do both. It's helped me get off my baby weight and get my A1C and my cholesterol down. I get to watch my progress by beating my personal records and beating challenges. I also love that I get to target areas I'm working on. I'm doing the Crush Your Core series and I've been adding on arm segments after my rides to work on getting my arms toned up. It's not all about the bike and I love it.  I can honestly say that this is the best thing I've done for myself since having Carter. Cause you know what? We get to be important, too!

If you have any questions about Peloton, feel free to ask them! I'm happy to share the love! And if you're thinking about buying, use my code 4X8PUM to receive $100 in accessories (I get a credit,
too!)