The Peloton bike is an interesting concept for all those that are serious about getting fit and that want to take advantage of coaching and motivational tools. You can ride in the comfort of your own home but also feel as though you are in a commercial studio. This sense of getting the best of both worlds became even more important in 2020 as users sought ways to feel part of a community while stuck in self-isolation.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pandemic also means that more and more of us are reconsidering how and where to workout. Outdoor exercise equipment is an intriguing option is it lets us get out of the house to train, without having to venture beyond our backyard. We can cycle or run for miles without getting close to anyone else.
So can you use the peloton bike outdoors?
In short, you can use the Peloton bike outdoors if you are prepared to find the perfect space, consider the neighbors, and protect your bike against bad weather.
It will take some careful thought to find a stable spot with enough privacy and access to electricity and wi-fi. But, if you are determined enough to do so, you might end up with a great set-up. Those that are able to use the Peloton outside could soon find that their mood improves during their sessions, that they get additional benefits from the outside world, and that they appease the rest of the household.
Let’s take a look at this in more detail as we highlight the pros & cons of using the Peloton bike outdoors.
Using Your the Peloton bike outside
This interest in outside exercise and the popularity of the Peloton leads to this important question for users. Is it possible to take this high-end bike outside for an enjoyable and beneficial workout? There are definite incentives for working out outside, and there are also benefits in getting that machine out of the home. But, there are also some issues to overcome to create the best set-up.
The advantages of keeping your Peloton bike outside:
Using any exercise equipment outside can be a great way to gain additional health benefits. You may also find that it is a great way to improve the experience for you and those you live with.
Exercising outdoors is great for physical and mental health
A home gym has plenty of advantages when it comes to privacy and facilities, but you can end up stuck in the same corner of the room and a bit of a rut. Heading outdoors gives you a chance to get fitter while taking advantage of all the sensory influences of the natural world around you. That is why there are advantages to using outdoor stationary bikes. You can enjoy the sunshine, listen to the birds singing, and just take a little time to enjoy the sights around you. This is perfect if you have a well-maintained garden bursting with life to enjoy.
Exercising outdoors can have a great impact on mental health because we become more mindful as we workout and can enjoy a calmer session. This might not be as straightforward when dealing with any intense live coaching via Peloton. Still, a free-ride warm-up session could be quite relaxing.
This mental health boost outside is important during the winter months when we might struggle to exercise further afield or deal with seasonal conditions like SAD. Also, this outdoor ride is a great way to take advantage of whatever sunlight is available on those shorter days. Obviously, this all depends on how you can fit your workout around your schedule. But, a sunrise ride before work could get you motivated for the day ahead.
Your family or housemates might also appreciate you taking the bike outside
Peloton bikes take up a lot of space and we aren’t all fortunate enough to be able to keep them in the middle of large living rooms – unlike the models in the promotional photos. A small house with no room for a home gym may lead to arguments over the best place to house the bike. Those you live with might not appreciate it taking up valuable space that could be put to better use.
There is also the fact that Peloton riding isn’t the most laid-back affair either. Playback from online classes and other features could get noisy and frustrating for those in the neighboring room. This only increases if you are the sort of person to let out your frustration vocally. Another noise-related consideration is that these bikes can disturb those directly underneath, especially if they are on hard floors with no mat to deaden the vibrations.
The downsides of keeping your Peloton bike outside:
There are a few issues to contend with when deciding whether to keep your Peloton outside or not. Some of these could be deal-breakers where you find that working out outside isn’t a viable option. But, you may also be able to find some solutions or compromises.
The first issue is the power supply
This is something that new users often neglect when finding the perfect location – either indoors or outdoors. You need to be able to plug this high-tech bike into an appropriate electrical outlet to be able to take advantage of all the features on offer. The Peloton comes with a 10-foot power adaptor which should make it easier to fir the bike into most spaces. Therefore, you need to be able to run the cable 10 feet outside into a garden.
Then there is the risk of damage from the weather
Rain damage is a big concern because water in the electrics and mechanics could completely wreck the functionality of this bike. High humidity and fluctuating temperatures could also put pressure on the bike and cause rust in places. There is also the risk that the sun will damage the plastic components.
What will the neighbors say?
Another consideration here is that you are out in the open, potentially in view of your neighbors. Is this going to have a negative impact on the way that you work out?
Are you going to be more self-conscious out there, which could then result in a lower-energy workout? Being outside will also mean you will have to think about what you wear and how much you articulate your frustrations.
Finally, there is the issue of the internet connection
The only way to start a preloaded class on your bike is via your wifi connection. If you don’t set this up online, the class probably won’t count toward your profile and you won’t see the same progress through your courses.
Also, important metrics and leaderboard information aren’t available offline either.
You can get away with patchy internet during the class, however. Your current wi-fi set-up may be strong enough to handle this outdoors, but if it doesn’t have the range you could find that your bike lacks functionality.
What can you do to make it easier to use a Peleton bike outside?
The first thing to do if you do plan on keeping your bike outside is to invest in a good cover. A quality waterproof cover with strong supports and straps will stop all the moisture seeping in from any rainfall or snow. It will also stop the wind from blowing in too much dust and debris. However, if you live in a place where there are massive temperature fluctuations and risks of humidity damage, you might want to rethink this decision.
When it comes to the issue of the neighbors, try and consider how much you are shielded from view and put yourself in the position of others in the vicinity. There is nothing wrong with training outside as long as you aren’t loud and obnoxious about it and upset other people.
It also helps to consider whether the ground beneath the bike is suitable for intense workouts. Indoor workouts work best when you have a hard, flat floor, preferably with a mat to soften any noise or frustration. This means that it can be difficult to set up a Peloton on the grass as this can get quite uneven. You don’t want any restrictions on stability when pushing yourself on higher intensity levels. Therefore, you are better off setting up your bike on a wooden deck or concreted area.
A compromise could be to set up your Peloton in the garage
There are clearly pros and cons to using the Peloton bike outdoors. But, if you are keen to get away from the rest of the household and enjoy a better view during your ride, you might consider setting up in a garage or other outbuilding instead. Any outbuilding with a secure electrical outlet and weatherproofing could be the perfect place for your new bike.
You just need to be sure that you have enough space, a decent wifi connection, and are comfortable enough to work in there. Some cluttered, dark garage spaces aren’t that inviting for a daily workout. They can also get a bit cold in winter. But, this could be a good excuse for a makeover as you create somewhere more suited to your needs.
