When people adopt a new fitness obsession or trend, they never do so quietly. It’s the reason why at brunch, you’ll struggle to steer the conversation away from your friend’s new keto diet or her sister’s pescatarian adventure, and why CrossFitters never seem to shut up about how much they love CrossFit. We get it, you’re active, you can do cool things on hanging rings, no need to rub it in our face. Such things paled in comparison to the craze that is Peloton, a fitness sensation that suddenly was everywhere during lockdown. If you follow Kate Hudson, Alicia Keys or Venus Williams on Instagram, you would have seen the bike streaming class in full force. But while we could only watch on and marvel at the fitness class, now we’re finally going to get our turn: Peloton is headed to Australia.
The spin class and streaming bike has created a cult-like following in those that have been brave enough to take it up. Already, Peloton has proved a hit in the US, UK and Germany, counting over four million subscribers to its platform which increased a staggering 113 per cent during the pandemic. The venture will make its first foray into the Asia-Pacific region, set to land in Australia in the second half of this year.
Kevin Cornils, managing director, international for Peloton, said of the announcement, “Health, fitness and sport is a central part of Australia’s DNA, which is why it was a natural decision to launch Peloton in Australia as our first foray into the Asia Pacific region.”
The Bike and Bike+ - which are essentially exercise bikes with big screens on the front where you can stream live and on-demand spin classes with different instructors - will be the first products to launch in Australia. After that time, the PelotonApp will launch, where you can also select different types of cardio, strength training, yoga and meditation.
It’s an exciting prospect, and given all that we’ve seen of those already hooked on the Peloton high, should you take it up it’s likely going to be a worthwhile investment. But be warned: it’s not cheap. The bikes alone set you back $2,895 or $3,695 for the Bike+. That said, when it comes to your health and finding a workout you actually enjoy, there are far worse things you could spend your money on.
