Fitness. Never before have there been so many ways to use technology to get fit. A friend's son is a Nintendo Switch owner, and when I visited recently for a few days, his son would plug the switch into their giant flat screen TV and run a fitness game that took you on an adventure while you were working out.
Nintendo did similar things with its Wii console in the 2000s, while Microsoft also had its Xbox use the Kinect sensor to guide you through a fitness routine, and looking at a Jazzercise video from 1982 is an exercise in hilarity, which gives you laugh muscles an extra good workout.
Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett still looks fantastic in her mid-70s, so she obviously knew and still knows what she is doing, and it goes to show that whoever's exercise program you choose - be it Peloton's, Apple's, Fitness First's, your local gym or whichever one you choose, there's obviously merit in keeping fit.
So, what is Peloton hoping to tempt users with?
Billing itself as "the leading interactive fitness platform that pioneered connected, technology-enabled fitness", the company says it is bringing "the energy and benefits of studio-style workouts to the comfort and convenience of home or wherever you like to work out - whether it’s yoga at the beach, a HIIT class at the park or running on a trail."
We're told the Peloton App features "thousands of classes across 10+ disciplines, including strength, meditation, cardio, barre, outdoor content and much more," with its 3 month (90 day) free trial to cost A$16.99 per month thereafter.
Apple's Fitness+ costs A$14.99 per month, but requires an Apple Watch Series 3 or better to work with the workouts you see on your Apple TV, iPhone or iPad, with either a one month free trial for new users, or a three month free trial for those who have purchased an Apple Watch.
Therefore, given that not everyone is in the Apple ecosystem, and even for those that are, you have choice available to you, and obviously, Peloton is hoping you'll consider their offerings.
Peloton explains its "immersive instructor-led workouts come with real time motivation and curated playlists from the world’s best artists and can be filtered by instructor, length, music genre or class type, offering a truly tailored workout experience.
"Australians can workout alongside Peloton’s global Member community with Here Now functionality in every class, which enables you to give virtual ‘High Fives’ to other class participants. You can also track your progress with workout metrics available in the app."
Peloton Australia Country Manager, Karen Lawson, said the app was an accessible way for Aussies to experience the global phenomenon that 5.4 million members are already a part of.
“We understand how passionate Australians are about health and fitness, which is why we’re excited to launch a completely new experience in the market that is unique to Peloton.
“Australians will get access to thousands of live and on-demand classes, from more than 30 global instructors, be it a barre class taken from home, a HIIT Cardio class by the beach or a guided meditation session in their backyard,” added Lawson.
Following the free trial, Peloton reminds us that "users can continue their digital subscription at a monthly cost of $16.99 AUD, which gives access to all Peloton content anytime, anywhere and requires no purchase of Peloton hardware. The app will be available via iOS, Android and web, as well as Amazon Fire tablet and TV, Apple Watch, Chromecast, Android TV and Apple TV."
You can begin a 90-day trial of the Peloton App at the OnePeloton website here.
The company reminds us that "Australians can also register their interest to receive further information on the Peloton Bike and Bike+, which will be available from July 14th, the OnePeloton site and await the physical launches of Peloton’s Australian showrooms to book a guided Bike or Bike+ trial."
