As CNET’s resident fitness expert, I’m familiar and well-versed in Peloton’s equipment. I was impressed by the fitness giant’s latest announcement because it’s the biggest news since the Peloton Bike was introduced in 2014. The newest addition is the Peloton Cross-Training series, paired with a refresh of its popular fitness equipment, which includes the Cross-Training Peloton Bike, Cross-Training Bike Plus, Cross-Training Tread, Cross-Training Tread Plus and Cross-Training Row Plus.
Some upgrades you’ll find across the machines are a 180-degree swivel screen (so you can do a floor workout on any side of the machine), a three-speed fan, a phone tray, improved audio, and an improved ergonomic seat on the Cross-Training Bike and Cross-Training Bike Plus.
The launch of Peloton IQ
A sneak peek at what the home screen looks like on the Cross-Training Rower Plus.
Along with the cross-training series, Peloton introduced Peloton IQ, an AI-programmed personal training feature built into Peloton’s Plus line hardware and software. Peloton IQ gives members a personalized cardio and strength training plan, tracks their progress and takes into consideration any workouts they do outside of Peloton that are recorded with an Apple Watch, Garmin and Fitbit.
The new Peloton swivel screen
An overview of the Cross-Training Peloton Bike Plus.
The movement-tracking camera on the new 180-degree swivel screen is designed to track you while you work out, correcting your form, making weight suggestions, counting reps and more. This is helpful when you want a reminder of the weights you used during your last class. A new hands-free option uses voice control to pause your workout or skip parts of it without having to touch the screen.
Focusing on different life stages and goals
Additionally, Peloton is taking into account the different life stages members go through, like menopause, and is teaming up with Respin Health to co-create an eight-week program (starting Oct. 6) designed to improve symptom relief for menopausal individuals. During this period, Respin will create a study focusing on this life stage, and Peloton members will also be able to connect with the menopause health team through the Teams feature on the app.
For members who are dealing with injuries, Peloton is collaborating with the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City to launch five collections (starting Oct. 20) that focus on new moms, tennis elbow, bone health and runners’ knee, to name a few. These classes will be designed with the help of medical professionals for prevention and recovery from common injuries.
Finally, if you’re planning to participate in a HYROX race in the upcoming year, Peloton is currently offering weekly classes that incorporate training elements to help members prepare for this popular competition. Classes like the HYROX Training Tread boot camp will be taught by Robin Arzon, HYROX athlete and Peloton’s head instructor and vice president of fitness programming.
How can current Peloton users upgrade their machines?
A look at the Cross-Training Peloton Tread Plus.
If you’re already a Peloton owner, you can expect to receive a discount to upgrade to one of the newer machines (discount is TBD), which you’ll have to do to get the full Peloton experience. The All-Access Membership is increasing to $50 per month from $44, App Plus Membership is going from $24 to $29, and App One Membership is increasing from $13 to $16 starting in October. If you’re interested in purchasing one of the new machines, the following is a rundown of the revamped prices.
- Cross-Training Peloton Bike: $1,695 + $50 per month All-Access Membership
- Cross-Training Peloton Bike Plus: $2,695 + $50 per month All-Access Membership
- Cross-Training Tread: $3,295 + $50 per month All-Access Membership
- Cross-Training Tread Plus: $6,695 + $50 per month All-Access Membership + $299 assembly fee
- Cross-Training Row Plus: $3,495 + $50 per month All-Access Membership
My thoughts on Peloton IQ
I’m personally excited for Peloton IQ because it reminds me of an improved version of what the Peloton Guide was trying to accomplish. I witnessed Peloton IQ firsthand during a demo at the NYC Peloton Studios and was impressed by how it can read your form and even suggest scaling back or increasing the weight based on this information.
I also like that Peloton IQ designs a healthy balance between strength and cardio workouts. This takes the guesswork out for members who are new to working out or want more of a structure to their workout routine. You also have the option to curate your own self-paced workouts based on various exercises through the strength training generator.
You can buy the new Peloton Cross-Training series at onepeloton.com and local retailers that sell Peloton equipment.
