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The hardest part of working out as a parent isn’t the workout. It’s finding the time, then getting there before that time disappears. A Peloton solves the second problem completely. It’s always there, it’s ready in a minute, and there’s a class for whatever time you have.
The short version
A Peloton is worth it if you’ll ride at least a few times a week and you’re the kind of person who does better with a coach and a schedule than on your own. It’s expensive, and the monthly membership adds up. If you’re already disciplined about working out on your own, a cheaper bike or a home gym may get you the same results.
What you’re paying for
There are two costs, and you need both:
- The bike. Peloton sells two main models. In its current Cross Training Series, they’re the Cross Training Bike and the more advanced Cross Training Bike+. Older original Bike and Bike+ models are also widely available refurbished or used.
- The All-Access Membership. This is required to use the classes on Peloton hardware, and it’s a monthly fee. One membership covers your whole household, so both parents can have their own profiles.
Check Peloton’s site for current prices, because promotions change often.
What we like
Classes fit any amount of time. There are rides as short as 5 minutes and as long as 90. On a hectic day, a 20-minute ride still counts.
No commute. The time you’d spend driving to a gym, parking, and driving home goes to the workout instead. For busy parents, that’s the biggest benefit.
It’s ready during nap time. You can be on the bike two minutes after the kids go down, and back in time if they wake up early.
The instructors keep you going. On days you have no motivation, a good instructor and a set class time get you through it.
It’s more than cycling. The membership includes strength, yoga, stretching, and more, so it can cover a full routine with a set of dumbbells.
What could be better
It’s expensive. Between the bike and the membership, it’s a real investment. Run the numbers against a gym membership before you buy.
You need the membership. Without it, the bike has very limited use. Budget for it as an ongoing cost.
You’ll need special shoes. Peloton pedals use clip-in cleats, so plan on cycling shoes for each rider.
It needs space. The bike takes up about 4 by 2 feet, plus room to get on and off. You’ll want it near an outlet and somewhere with decent airflow.
It doesn’t replace lifting. The strength classes are good, but if you’re serious about getting stronger, you’ll still want real weights. We use both.
Which Peloton to get
Cross Training Bike is the right choice for most people. You get the full class experience at a lower price.
Cross Training Bike+ adds more advanced features, including Peloton’s newer personalized training tools. It’s worth it if you’ll use the off-bike strength classes heavily.
A refurbished or used bike is the best value if you want to try Peloton without paying full price. The classes are the same; you still need the membership.
Who it’s for
A Peloton is a great fit if:
- Your best workout window is early morning, nap time, or after bedtime
- You do better with an instructor than working out on your own
- You’ll use it at least three times a week
It’s probably not for you if you prefer to work out outside, already have a gym routine you’re happy with, or don’t want another monthly bill.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Peloton worth it for busy parents?
If you’ll use it consistently, yes. The biggest benefit is time: no drive to the gym, and a class for whatever window you have.
Can two parents share one Peloton?
Yes. One All-Access Membership covers the household, and each person gets their own profile and history.
Do you need the Bike+?
No. The regular Bike gives you the same core classes. The Bike+ adds advanced features that matter most if you’ll do a lot of off-bike training.
Can you use a Peloton without the membership?
Only in a very limited way. To use the classes on Peloton hardware, you need the All-Access Membership.
The bottom line
A Peloton turns the time you have into a workout instead of a drive to the gym. For parents with short, unpredictable windows, that’s exactly what makes it worth the cost.