[GabsterB]

I am new to Peloton. I am fit (though I was), yet I cannot reach the output that the trainer(s) say in the class. Either I cannot go the same resistance OR if, in that resistance, I cannot achieve the Cadence. Please tell me what I am doing wrong. I do not want to build - I want to tone down and lose weight (as recently, I have picked up the weight on my top leg/bum area). I like HIIT and the diversity.
But why can I not get near the output they suggest?

 

[NightRider]

Welcome! I had the same feeling when I started. Output is impacted by size and weight as well. As a smaller and lighter rider I put out much lower output than larger heavier riders including my husband and I am faster than him on the bike outdoors.

My advice is to try to keep in the cadence range the instructors are saying and modify the resistance to what you can do and add to it over time.

 

[GinaM]

If you are enjoying your rides and getting a good workout I wouldn't worry about your output being lower and I agree that you should match the cadence first and build up to the resistance. If you are a competitive person and/or are wanting to improve your outdoor cycling there is a Power Zone program on Peloton which will absolutely help you get your output up.

 

[GabsterB]

Hi thanks for that I will try that as I cannot get the resistance right and I really do not want to build muscle at all. Terrified of that

 

[GabsterB]

Thank you both

 

[Stefon]

Hi. Most Peloton riders find that they will build muscle and become firmer but I haven't heard much about getting thicker unless people are also doing weight workouts like squats. Here's an article on the topic Will Cycling Make Your Thighs Bigger? - Total Women's Cycling

I agree with the suggestion to try to keep the cadence within the range the instructor is calling out and modify the resistance. One thing you can try is to pick an amount to vary by and keep modifying the resistance by the same amount during the ride. For example, if you go with -10 and they start out at 30, you start at 20, when they say 40 you switch to 30 and so on. That way you are experiencing the ride as it's intended. As you get stronger you can try reducing the modification.

Welcome and have fun!

 

[GabsterB]

Hi Stefon - thank you for that information - very helpful. I tried that yesterday and I was able to keep in the cadence with the lower resistance. Still completely out of breath and feeling challenged so great. Thank you and great advice.

The link you suggested I read was also helpful. Thanks again

 

[Stefon]

Awesome - I'm so glad it's working well for you! Welcome to the cult

 

[GabsterB]

Why thank you! It is a great cult to be part of.

 

[GabsterB]

Hello all.
I am getting on better with the rides and loving it all. I am working at my maximum always and completely out of breathe so I know the workout is very challenging. In fact I have not found one cycle that is not pushing me to my limit.

Before Peloton - at the Virgin gym, when doing a RPM or cycle class - in a 45-60 min session I can achieve between approx. 500-650 with 500 being the minimum. I use a heart monitor that I have worn for many years so know the levels of what I do.

Yet on the Peloton cycles, using my same heart monitor, with a 45 -60min workout - I am not achieving that at all. I am getting approx 400. I work just as hard, actually harder I think as it is more disciplined. Why would it vary? Do the Peloton workouts with the resistance and cadence working hand in hand mean you get a different calorific burn/output?

The Peloton heart monitor and mine do vary - Peloton will give 414calories and the same exercise on mine is 564calories. is it normal for them to vary so much?

 

[PeloRider]

What kind of HRM is the one that you've been using for years and you have it paired with the Peloton? I'm not familiar with the Virgin cycling workouts but if I'm doing a challenging ride I'll burn as many or more calories than I would for a studio cycling ride like Soulcycle or Cycle Bar.

 

[Stefon]

Many people complain about the HRM that comes with the Peloton bike. The one that gets recommended the most is the Scosche which is what my wife and I use. It is an armband which is more comfortable than my old chest strap and it seems to be very accurate. It also matches my Apple Watch (which can't be paired to the bike) so I trust it.

They're on sale in the US for 30% off and there is also with free shipping (not sure if this is also available and similar deal in the UK). They have two main types - Rhythm24 Rhythm at $56 before tax. Use discount code HOMEBOUND in the shopping cart. Exercise Heart Rate Monitors | Heart Rate Smart Fitness Trackers If that code doesn't work I would Google for another one as they often have deals.

 

[GabsterB]

The one that I use is MyZone. It sadly cannot be paired to the Peloton. I use it for all my training and really is only for me to compare my sessions against my others. I use to to ensure that I can monitor my calories I burn in a session and also it tells me the output so that I can ensure that I am working to my best. It has the colour codes for the levels of the output and when I am in the red zone, I know that I cannot hold that for long .... seconds to be honest. I get to that in my cardio training with my PT guy but never on the Peloton.

I will look at the Scosche as I do feel the Peloton one is sadly a little plain in what info I can see on it.

 

[Adamjlopez783]

I am new to Peloton. I am fit (thought I was) yet I cannot reach the output that the trainer(s) say in the class. Either I cannot go the same resistance OR if in that resistance, I cannot achieve the Cadence. Please tell me what I am doing wrong? I do not want to build - I want to tone down and loose weight (as recently i have picked up weight on my top leg/bum area). I like the HIIT and the diversity. But why can I not get anywhere near the output that they are suggesting?

I have been riding hard for a year now and my bike is calibrated fine...my outputs are high bc I do work very hard (900 on 45)...i spend a good amount of time out of saddle at 85 and in saddle at 60 or so...and I’m 200 lbs...it’s not impossible to achieve this high out put but rest assured it’s a tough ride all the time...it’s all about your mentality...try to get to 100 in 5 mins to start...then try and do the same for 10 mins and then so on...you can do it I promise

 

[GabsterB]

Hi Adam, Thanks for the advice, especially as this is an old post!! 900 on 45! Wow - that is super impressive.... you're a machine!

I am still struggling I have to say and never achieve high outputs. I think during the ride - no mater what my resistance, I have never got into the 200 range. My max resistance - in the seat is 45-50 and out of the seat 50-55. So really not improving and I am no where near by PB that I managed to get once.... I am constantly 20-30 points behind PB, so I must be doing something wrong as within 10mins of a ride, I am so far behind PB (the figure it says you need to reach it again) that trying to catch that up becomes my challenge.... it's not working for me!

I looked at my exported stats and out of 196 cycle classes (excluding strength and running etc) - I have only had 24 that have an output of between 250 and 351 (only 3 in the 300 range) and they were 6 months ago.
Truly is depressing I have to say as I am very strong and very motivated and every day I get on the bike or run.... no matter what and if tired - I will still do 15-30 mins of something. It's crushing.

Your idea to try 100 in 5 mins is a good idea - I will try that. Thank you again for the advice and the confidence

 

[Stefon]

Hi Adam, Thanks for the advice, especially as this is an old post!! 900 on 45! Wow - that is super impressive.... you're a machine!

I am still struggling I have to say and never achieve high outputs. I think during the ride - no mater what my resistance, I have never got into the 200 range. My max resistance - in the seat is 45-50 and out of the seat 50-55. So really not improving and I am no where near by PB that I managed to get once.... I am constantly 20-30 points behind PB, so I must be doing something wrong as within 10mins of a ride, I am so far behind PB (the figure it says you need to reach it again) that trying to catch that up becomes my challenge.... it's not working for me!

I looked at my exported stats and out of 196 cycle classes (excluding strength and running etc) - I have only had 24 that have an output of between 250 and 351 (only 3 in the 300 range) and they were 6 months ago.
Truly is depressing I have to say as I am very strong and very motivated and every day I get on the bike or run.... no matter what and if tired - I will still do 15-30 mins of something. It's crushing.

Your idea to try 100 in 5 mins is a good idea - I will try that. Thank you again for the advice and the confidence

Gabster I would try not to get discouraged. There are professional athletes on Peloton and larger/heavier people have an advantage when it comes to output.

Here are some tips if you want to go for a PR. When I go for a PR I treat it like a race. FWIW, I've been riding consistently and it's been a while since I've PRd!

 

[GabsterB]

Thanks Stefon. I will keep going!

 

[BMXspeedqueen]

Thanks Stefon. I will keep going!

Have you looked into doing the FTP warmup and test?

 

[GabsterB]

yes, I did that again a few weeks ago and was just below what I was before - I could not get the same or better.
When I do the endurance rides, I find that the level 1 or 2 that is suggested is too low then but the level 4 is hard so I suppose that is a good thing.
do you think I should be doing more endurance rides?

 

[BMXspeedqueen]

yes, I did that again a few weeks ago and was just below what I was before - I could not get the same or better.
When I do the endurance rides, I find that the level 1 or 2 that is suggested is too low then but the level 4 is hard so I suppose that is a good thing.
do you think I should be doing more endurance rides?

It depends on your goals I think. Your understanding that 1 or 2 should be easier and 4 should be hard is good. For me I hate endurance and am a power rider. Im trying to get better at endurance so Im sprinkling in the endurance rides even tho I dont enjoy them. I try and make sure it's an instructor .and music that I enjoy to make it more hype for me. I'm not topping out on cadence or resistance on any of the rides so I know the push to the next level is in me not the ride itself. Im not an expert tho. Just giving my experience.