[ReenaRides]

Hey everyone,

5’2’’ Female here

I’ve been riding on my Peloton Bike now for 3 months and am feeling really discouraged by my performance scores. I thought for sure by now I would be able to get a bit higher on the leaderboard but I’m always at the very bottom.

My husband who shares the bike with me, exercises a lot less but always manages to get a much higher score. (Ie. We both recently did Leanne’s 20 Minute Hip-Hop Ride. I got a 100, he finished with a 165?!) I ride 3-5 times a week, he usually just does 1-2.

I don’t understand what it is I’m doing wrong and am feeling really discouraged because I am a very competitive person, but every time I try to get to his score I just hurt myself— I get too nauseous and sick, I’ve also injured myself a few times pulling muscles.

Anyways I just honestly don’t get it it’s really frustrating and I feel discouraged to keep getting back on the bike.

 

[PedalStomper]

Hi Reena, one thing about stationary bikes is that it puts people with less body weight at a significant disadvantage. Extra weight helps push higher resistance (leading to higher output numbers), but .. unlike on a real bicycle ... the rider doesn't have to actually move that weight forward (which would take extra effort and lead to fatigue). Not sure if weight difference is a factor between you and your husband, but it is one possible explanation.
In terms of comparing your self to others on the leaderboard: Absolute numbers are not all that relevant on Peloton bikes, because of calibration variances, but relative numbers do matter. Aim for improving your own output (try to beat your previous personal best), and aim to improve the relative score on the leaderboard. If you are in the bottom 10% now, try to climb up where you are perhaps in the bottom 20%.
I enjoy the competitive aspect of riding the Peloton as much as you are, but because of the 'flaws' that come with stationary bikes and calibration variances, you'll have to find ways to compensate for those.

 

[Spoondiggity]

I was there as well, busting my butt and getting nowhere. Peloton was the first stationary bike I used and once I learned to pedal correctly my outputs increased. I am like you seem to be and get competitive on the leader board and was discouraged for a while. I focused on my own scores and beating myself and eventually it just clicked with me and I found myself advancing up the leaderboard. Keep at it and you’ll be climbing too!

 

[Rod219]

A couple of points from my (limited) experience...
Have you done the FTP test ?
What did you score on that ?

Secondly , if you're injuring yourself you need to warm up and stretch before and after your class, and have a look at your riding position, there's more to it than just putting the saddle up and down for yourself and your husband.
Don't get discouraged, it'll click soon enough.

 

[Janetkjkjtt]

Hey everyone,

5’2’’ Female here

I’ve been riding on my Peloton Bike now for 3 months and am feeling really discouraged by my performance scores. I thought for sure by now I would be able to get a bit higher on the leaderboard but I’m always at the very bottom.

My husband who shares the bike with me, exercises a lot less but always manages to get a much higher score. (Ie. We both recently did Leanne’s 20 Minute Hip-Hop Ride. I got a 100, he finished with a 165?!) I ride 3-5 times a week, he usually just does 1-2.

I don’t understand what it is I’m doing wrong and am feeling really discouraged because I am a very competitive person, but every time I try to get to his score I just hurt myself— I get too nauseous and sick, I’ve also injured myself a few times pulling muscles.

Anyways I just honestly don’t get it it’s really frustrating and I feel discouraged to keep getting back on the bike.

I understand being competitive. Start with you, be competitive with your last ride and improve your numbers. Make a goal for every 5 minutes, 25, then 27, then 30 and so on. Take days and ride for fun, enjoy the music. Do strength workouts on your legs. Take it slow and don’t beat yourself up. You are doing it for you. You may never have the same numbers on the leaderboard as your husband. That is ok. You do you.

 

[Stefon]

Hi Reena, one thing about stationary bikes is that it puts people with less body weight at a significant disadvantage. Extra weight helps push higher resistance (leading to higher output numbers), but .. unlike on a real bicycle ... the rider doesn't have to actually move that weight forward (which would take extra effort and lead to fatigue). Not sure if weight difference is a factor between you and your husband, but it is one possible explanation.
In terms of comparing your self to others on the leaderboard: Absolute numbers are not all that relevant on Peloton bikes, because of calibration variances, but relative numbers do matter. Aim for improving your own output (try to beat your previous personal best), and aim to improve the relative score on the leaderboard. If you are in the bottom 10% now, try to climb up where you are perhaps in the bottom 20%.
I enjoy the competitive aspect of riding the Peloton as much as you are, but because of the 'flaws' that come with stationary bikes and calibration variances, you'll have to find ways to compensate for those.

I agree with this 100%. As a 6' male I have a big advantage and can push more resistance and unlike riding outside, I'm not penalized for my size with wind resistance or for my weight by gravity. I would try not to let it bother you. You may also want to try to filter the leaderboard so show women and possibly your age group.

 

[blockdoc_uk]

Completely agree with this. There are 1000 reasons why the leaderboard is nothing more than a bit of fun, and it shouldn't be used for direct comparison.
Being able to filter leaderboard by weight would help, but clearly political correctness would never allow this.
Try power zone training and ignore the leaderboard - at least you'll be working relative to your ability/build.