Peloton currently offers 11 different "types" of cycling classes. The variety is helpful so that you don't get bored or burn out by always working too hard or doing the same thing. You can filter on these types when you are looking for an on demand class. Below are descriptions of each type.
Beginner/Advanced Beginner: These rides will be easier and shorter. The instructors will spend more time going over basics like hand position and form. Definitely good to do these first until you're comfortable.
Low Impact: Easier classes which are good for warming up, cooling down, or a day when you're wanting to break a sweat but not go all out (you should definitely mix in those days each week!). They can also be good for recovery and focusing on proper form. Typically there will be little or no standing and the instructor won't suggest a resistance over 50.
Theme: Fun workouts based around a certain decade of music, genre of music or artist. I did a Weezer ride the other day which was fun. These are great to mix it up and have fun to stay motivated.
Live DJ: Another fun/casual type of workout where there is a live DJ on stage with the instructor.
Groove: Fun rides that tend to ride on the beat of the music. There is also tends to be more rides with choreography/dancing on these rides. If you liked SoulCycle rides you may want to try these.
Climb: Simulates climbing on an outdoor bike so the resistance will be higher. Good for building strength.
Intervals: There are four different types - HIIT, Intervals, Speed and Tabata. The intervals mean that they go from rest to effort repeatedly. In general, Intervals are great for revving up your body to burn fat and improve conditioning. Tabata rides are the most difficult at a 2:1 ratio of effort to recovery.
Metrics: Focuses on just cadence, resistance and output (not power zones, heart rate zones, etc.)
Heart Rate Zone: Rides to build cardio based on your heart rate zones. Obviously you need to be wearing a heart rate monitor that's paired to the bike to do these. These are geared towards improving cardio. There are groups of classes that can be done as a program.
Power Zone: For riders who want to increase their power. This is a program which involves taking a FTP (Functional Threshold Power) test which is available on the bike to establish your FTP which you enter into your bike profile. Then Power Zone classes have you riding in power zones (1-7) which show up on the bike. There are programs which you can do improve your power which is reflected as the FTP. I'd suggest this especially for people who geek out on data as well as outdoor cyclists who want to improve performance.
Pro Cyclist: There are a small number of rides led by pro Christian Vande Velde. These are more for advanced riders looking for a challenging ride.
There are two other options which are not ride types. Scenic Rides which let you pick a time and casual ride through different places around the world and Just Ride which tracks your metrics and is good if you want to ride while you're watching TV.
Beginner/Advanced Beginner: These rides will be easier and shorter. The instructors will spend more time going over basics like hand position and form. Definitely good to do these first until you're comfortable.
Low Impact: Easier classes which are good for warming up, cooling down, or a day when you're wanting to break a sweat but not go all out (you should definitely mix in those days each week!). They can also be good for recovery and focusing on proper form. Typically there will be little or no standing and the instructor won't suggest a resistance over 50.
Theme: Fun workouts based around a certain decade of music, genre of music or artist. I did a Weezer ride the other day which was fun. These are great to mix it up and have fun to stay motivated.
Live DJ: Another fun/casual type of workout where there is a live DJ on stage with the instructor.
Groove: Fun rides that tend to ride on the beat of the music. There is also tends to be more rides with choreography/dancing on these rides. If you liked SoulCycle rides you may want to try these.
Climb: Simulates climbing on an outdoor bike so the resistance will be higher. Good for building strength.
Intervals: There are four different types - HIIT, Intervals, Speed and Tabata. The intervals mean that they go from rest to effort repeatedly. In general, Intervals are great for revving up your body to burn fat and improve conditioning. Tabata rides are the most difficult at a 2:1 ratio of effort to recovery.
Metrics: Focuses on just cadence, resistance and output (not power zones, heart rate zones, etc.)
Heart Rate Zone: Rides to build cardio based on your heart rate zones. Obviously you need to be wearing a heart rate monitor that's paired to the bike to do these. These are geared towards improving cardio. There are groups of classes that can be done as a program.
Power Zone: For riders who want to increase their power. This is a program which involves taking a FTP (Functional Threshold Power) test which is available on the bike to establish your FTP which you enter into your bike profile. Then Power Zone classes have you riding in power zones (1-7) which show up on the bike. There are programs which you can do improve your power which is reflected as the FTP. I'd suggest this especially for people who geek out on data as well as outdoor cyclists who want to improve performance.
Pro Cyclist: There are a small number of rides led by pro Christian Vande Velde. These are more for advanced riders looking for a challenging ride.
There are two other options which are not ride types. Scenic Rides which let you pick a time and casual ride through different places around the world and Just Ride which tracks your metrics and is good if you want to ride while you're watching TV.
